Getting Started Page 1 of 27

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Getting Started
This 'Getting started' book is an introduction to working with the CADMATIC Hull application.

l About CADMATIC Hull describes the applications and modules which are part of the software
l Commands describes how the user controls the software
l User Interface explains the user interface and describes the components of the main screen

Navigation: Getting Started > About CADMATIC Hull

About CADMATIC Hull
This section describes the applications and modules which are involved in the CADMATIC Hull software.

CADMATIC Hull Applications

CADMATIC Hull Modules

CADMATIC Hull Server

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CADMATIC Hull Applications
The CADMATIC Hull system consists of several applications, these are:

2D-Contek

3D-Contek

Production Information

HiLTop

3D-Show

Plantek

Shell Application

System Management

2D-Contek

2D-Contek provides the basic 2D drafting functionality used throughout the system. It uses the internal 3D hull shape database to
interpolate and store lines of the ship's shape. Using this application, you are able to create 2D construction drawings with the help
of common drafting functions, layers and objects. Additionally, 3D views of the 3D Product Model can be accessed from within this
application.

3D-Contek

After using 3D-Show for the initial construction, the engineer is able to do all of the detailed engineering of the hull construction
with 3D-Contek. The details are engineered in separate views in 3D-Contek, in a way that the engineer is used to. The system
automatically takes care of storing data in the 3D Product Model and ensures that consequences of modifications in one view have
the proper effect on the other views. This approach minimizes the chance of mistakes and inconsistencies. This means that drawings,
the 3D Product Model and production information are all up to date.

3D-Contek uses the same topological functionality as the 3D-Show module. This offers the maximum flexibility during engineering
and processing alterations.

The project library used by the 3D Hull Engineering system consists of a collection of all necessary yard standards for cut-outs,

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profile end shapes, stiffener types, brackets, holes and other structural entities. Besides the yard related standards, software settings
and project specific parameters are also stored and maintained in the project library.

Production Information

Production Information includes a fully equipped set of work preparation tools.

This tool ensures that production receives all the required information such as: welding details, part lists, weight, centre of gravity,
profile lists, profile nesting, profile sketches, shell frame bending information and part geometry for nesting. The information is
directly derived from the 3D model with the built-in Report Generator. The user is able to define his own report layout and perform
queries on the 3D model for various production and logistic data.

When this application is used with the Hull Work Preparation Manager, 3D work breakdown sketches and 2D + 3D combination
sketches can be generated automatically for use on the workshop floor.

HiLTop

HiLTop is an add-on module for CADMATIC Hull and is an abbreviation of High Level Topology. Topology is a key component in
designing and modelling in CADMATIC Hull. Applying topology allows modifications with ease at a later time. An example of
topology is creating dependencies between construction items while modelling them.

The HiLTop module houses functions that add a new dimension to topology and bring greater flexibility to structural ship design.
The user can now set up special dependencies throughout the ship that can be controlled and maintained from a single location. This
allows the user to make massive changes to the ship without wasting hours doing so.

High level topology is especially convenient in the basic design phase of a project because it allows the user full control over the
basic structural layout of the ship.

3D-Show

With 3D-Show, you are able to begin the engineering of the hull structure in a 3-dimensional environment in the CADMATIC 3D
Product Model. 3D-Show provides you a fully equipped set of features to create the ship's main construction. The system guides you
with the maximum assistance possible while creating components such as: decks, bulkheads, stiffeners, knuckled constructions,
girders, flanges, holes, cut-outs and brackets.

Hull structures are stored topologically, which means that relations between different structural components or with the hull shape
are stored in the database. The effects of modifications on a topological structure are automatically carried through the related
components.

The 3D Product model allows for finding information, such as the ship's weight, centre of gravity and piece part lists, in the first
stage of engineering.

Plantek

Plantek offers specific and dedicated drafting functionality to create and maintain general drawings and plans such as: general
arrangement, main section, construction plan, safety plan, deck layout / outfitting, manholes, doors plan and 2D accommodation.

The Plantek application works from the Hull 2D Library module which is based upon 2D-Contek. With Plantek, you get a full
library driven interface for adding user defined symbols and automatically generated piece part lists. It offers a complete user
definable 2D library structure to create, store and retrieve 2D symbols. The library can be customized according to the end user's
definition of categories and sub-categories.

Plantek also offers an automated 'List Generator'. This feature enables the engineer to quickly generate an inventory list of the
Plantek symbols used on the drawing. An ideal feature for multilingual Safety Plans and Deck Layouts.

Shell Application

The Shell application allows the user to create and save shell views, as well as insert and modify both hull lines and shell plates.
With the Shell Plate Development module, the user can generate production information or generate production templates for shell
plates. With the Pin-Jigs module, the user is able to automatically extract pin-jigs from the 3D model.

System Management

With the System Management application, virtually every setting that had to be edited with a text editor in previous versions can be

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viewed and changed. Typical system management actions can also be performed, such as modification of the logistical layout.

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CADMATIC Hull Modules
The CADMATIC Hull system utilizes many different modules and offers many add-ons for various operations, these are:

2D eXchanger Hull

3D Export Manager

CoDesigner - Hdx

Hull 2D Library

Hull Drafting

Hull Interfaces

l Excel Report Generator

l Fairway Interface
l NAPA Steel Interface

Hull Structure

Hull Work Preparation Manager

Hullshape Import Manager

Integration

Plate Nesting

l Advanced Autonesting
l Bevel and Text Marking
l Post-processor (Category 1, 2 & 3)

Production Information

Shell Plate Development

l Pin-Jigs

Shell

2D eXchanger Hull

The 2D eXchanger module is used to import and export 2D data from, and into, other drafting systems using the DXF and DWG
format. This module is included in both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats.

3D Export Manager

Included in both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats, this module is used to export 3D hull geometry to other 3D
systems in the following formats: AutoCAD® DXF and DWG, IGES, SAT and Rhinoceros. For users who need to translate the 3D
hull model into native AutoCAD® format, the Hull ARX plug in module for AutoCAD® is available. This module converts the 3D
hull model into the AutoCAD® 3D workspace for further processing. Download the Hull ARX plug in from the CADMATIC
Website.

CoDesigner - Hdx

CoDesigner - Hdx makes it possible to add new design teams to a project with only a few clicks. All object data is accessed via a
check in / check out procedure that guarantees that only one designer can modify the same object at any given time. Adding a

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remote design team to a CADMATIC project is simple. The Create Project Site wizard is used to define the new project location at
the parent site. If the new designers are from the same company, default settings can be used. However, if the site is created for a
subcontractor, it may be necessary to define how the users can access the project and the database environment.

If the office has not taken part in CADMATIC projects before, the wizard guides the user to define a new replica server. The wizard
creates a seed file that is sent to the new design team. Creating the actual site is as simple as using the Install Satellite Site wizard.
No database knowledge or other special skills are required. If the design team has not used CADMATIC before, user accounts need
to be created. The easiest way to do this is by importing them from a Windows user group.

In a distributed project, data is updated between the remote design sites via an on-line network connection such as the Internet.
CoDesigner - Hdx is included free of charge.

Hull 2D Library

Hull 2D Library offers a specific and dedicated 2D drafting functionality to create and maintain general drawings and plans such as:
general arrangement, main section, construction plan, safety plan, manholes and doors plan as well as 2D accommodation drawings.
With Hull 2D Library, the user has access to a full library driven interface for adding user-defined symbols to the drawing and
automatically generating piece part lists on the drawing. It offers a complete user definable 2D library structure to create, store and
retrieve 2D symbols. The library can be created according to the end user's definition of categories and subcategories. Hull 2D
Library offers an automated 'List Generator', a smart feature that enables the engineer to generate an inventory list of the applied
Hull 2D Library symbols on the drawing automatically. Hull 2D Library is an ideal feature for generating output such as
multilingual safety plans and deck layout drawings.

Hull 2D Library is included in both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats.

Hull Drafting

With the Hull Drafting module, a wide range of structural drawings can be produced. These vary from classification drawings,
construction plans, section drawings up to workshop drawings. This module is included in both the hull structure basic and detailed
design seats.

The drawings are linked to the 3D model and update automatically according to any changes. This system offers the highest level of
consistency. The module offers flexible tools such as Snap, Insert, Select, Trim, Extend, Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo, Properties
and manipulate functions such as: shift, rotate, resize, mirror, duplicate and move. This enables full control over the drafting entities:
Line, Arc, Ellipse, Rectangle, Spline, Hatch, Dash, Symbols, Fonts, Dimension and Annotations. The drafting method is modern
and familiar, like AutoCAD®, and uses Dynamic Input, popup menus, keyboard shortcuts, function keys, function dependent
options and recently used functions.

Hull Interfaces

This section discusses several interfaces for different software packages which are available for CADMATIC Hull users:

Excel Report Generator

Fairway Interface
NAPA Steel Interface

Hull Structure

The Hull Structure module distinguishes itself from other CAD / CAE / CAM systems because it is extremely fast and easy to use.
The intuitive user interface guides the hull designer while creating structural components such as decks, bulkheads, stiffeners, shell
frames, girders, flanges and brackets.

Hull structures are stored topologically so that relations between structural components with each other or with the hull shape can be
modified quickly and easily. The effects of modifications on a topological structure are automatically carried through to the related
structural components allowing fast and easy re-use of information without doing rework.

Rule-based engineering is another strong feature that assists the engineer, for example, in picking the correct bracket size
automatically according to specific Class Rules.

The module also supports a hull library mechanism to retrieve and store any kind of structure, including its topological properties.
Piping and outfitting components can be made visible during the 3D modelling of the hull structure.

The Hull Structure module includes powerful copy functions, parametric definition of yard standards and many automatic
mechanisms such as part and panel numbering, marking lines, standard bracket selection and part coding, taking away many of the

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hull designer's daily worries and routine tasks.

The project library used by the Hull Structure module consists of a collection of all the necessary yard standards for cut outs, profile
end shapes, stiffener types, brackets, holes and other structural entities. In addition to the yard related standards, software settings
and project specific parameters are also stored and maintained in the project library.

Besides 3D modelling, the Hull Structure module contains full 2D drafting functionality to complete the views of the 3D model,
create details and perform any kind of sheet drawing.

Hull Work Preparation Manager

The Hull Work Preparation Manager (WPM) streamlines the information flow between engineering, planning, work preparation and
the workshop. WPM speeds up the process of work preparation significantly and shortens the time of several of the ship's assembly
stages.

WPM provides a set of unique tools for automatically detecting and assigning numbers to assemblies, sub assemblies, panels and
parts. Parts, such as: profiles, brackets and collar plates, are automatically assigned to the correct panel. With this functionality, the
complete work breakdown structure of a hull block can be determined automatically by the software. The depth of the work
breakdown structure can be freely defined up to sixteen levels.

Each part can automatically receive a workshop process code and job number, based on the part's properties and work processes,
such as: flanging, cutting, bending or bevelling. All of these features give the shipyard excellent flexibility for generating the desired
work breakdown structure automatically.

With WPM, the user is able to control the complete work breakdown structure of a hull block quickly and easily. The use of WPM
is very simple and straightforward. Once the work breakdown structure has been generated by the software, the user can easily
manipulate its structure by dragging and dropping items, assemblies, panels and parts or create new ones. WPM is operated
similarly to Windows Explorer and offers 3D assembly animation features.

WPM is available as an integrated part of the Hull Structure module and as a standalone module, called 'Hull Viewer Work
Preparation Manager'. The manipulation of the work breakdown structure with the integrated Hull Viewer is directly processed by
the 3D Hull database. The standalone version of the Hull WPM has the advantage that it does not require a full CADMATIC Hull
license. It is intended to be used between project partners, such as engineering offices and shipyards, or between the engineering and
work preparation departments at the shipyard.

A practical example of using the WPM is where the work preparation department determines the actual work breakdown structure
based on the 3D Hull model. The modified logistic information in the 3D model is returned to the engineering office and merged
into the Hull database, after which the engineering office delivers the production information in the desired format to the shipyard's
production group. This module is only included as part of the hull structure detailed design seat.

Hullshape Import Manager

With the Hullshape Import Manager, included as part of both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats, it is possible to
import surface based hull shape models directly into CADMATIC Hull using different independent file formats. Existing features,
such as instant access to a NAPA shape database or importing wire frame data, are also available. The module supports the import
of the following file formats: IGES (*.igs, *.iges), Rhino 3DM (*.3dm), NAPA (*.db), ACIS (*.sat) and AutoCAD® (polygons
only) (*.dxf). The imported surfaces and curves are divided into hull groups or layers, they have a one-to-one relationship.
Depending on the imported file format, the layer assignment is either semi or fully automatic. After the surfaces and curves are
assigned to the proper hull groups, the user defines the frame coordinate list.

The hull shape is stored in the default CADMATIC Hull DataBase format which has the *.hdb extension. Other supported formats
to store the shape data are: IGES (*.igs, *.iges), ACIS (*.sat), 3D Dump (*.3dd), eBrowser Model (*.ebm) and Hull Viewer Model
(*.hvm).

The hull database is related to the inner construction via topology. When a revision of the hull shape database is loaded and
activated, the modelled construction is recalculated according to the new hull shape. Merging additional surfaces and curves, in an
existing hull database, is possible from different file formats. This allows the shape of the hull and superstructure to be modelled
with different software.

Integration

Included with both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats, the Integration module loads the CADMATIC 3D hull structure
into the Plant Modeller and uses the original hull components inside the Plant Modeller module. Modifications made by the piping
designer in the Plant Modeller module, such as holes for penetrations, are updated automatically in real time for the CADMATIC

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hull designer’s acceptance. The holes will be marked and not cut until acceptance from the hull designer.

The Hull user is also able to see inside the hull structure with the 3D model created with Plant Modeller. They can also access the
piping and outfitting component library to position 3D models inside the hull structure.

Plate Nesting

CADMATIC Plate Nesting can be used in an interactive mode, in basic automatic nesting mode or in a combination of both. The
basic automatic nesting mode nests the parts fully automatically for one plate according to user defined settings. The nesting module
processes the CADMATIC Hull part geometries directly but also accepts part geometries from other systems in standard DXF file
format. The Plate Nesting module offers functionality for creating / modifying part geometries, remnant handling, automatic cutting
path creation and generating the NC code for cutting machines.

Features such as bridges, lead-in and lead-out, start holes, marking, text, contour optimization, net weights, cutting length, rapid
movement and time estimates are all included. The module outputs nesting sketches and nesting reports for the workshop.

The Plate Nesting module supports flame, plasma and laser cutting machines and is delivered with two standard post processors for
right angle cutting and line marking.

The basic plate nesting module's functionality can be enhanced with add-ons:

Advanced Autonesting
Bevel and Text Marking
Post-processor (Category 1, 2 & 3)

Production Information

For production engineering, a fully equipped set of work preparation tools is embedded in the Hull Structure Detailed Design seat.
This ensures that production receives all the required information such as welding details, part lists, weight and CoG, profile lists,
profile nesting, profile sketches, shell frame bending information, part geometry for nesting and more. The information is directly
derived from the 3D model with the built in Report Generator. The user is able to define their own report layout and to perform
"Action on Reports" to extract various production and logistical data from the 3D model.

When used together with the Hull Work Preparation Manager, 3D work breakdown sketches and 2D+3D combination sketches can
be generated automatically for use at the workshop floor.

Shell Plate Development

This module handles the development of the shell plates and allows the use of the production tools in the Shell application, such as
the 'Create Production Information' and 'Code One Part' functions. This module is suitable for both cold forming and line heating
processes. The module mathematically calculates double curved plates into a flat pattern, while considering the elongation / shrink
caused by the double curvature. Due to the accurate measurement computations, shell plates can be developed without green / extra
length. Marking lines, of inner structures including position numbers, and hull lines, such as frames and stringers, are projected on
the plate.

The longitudinal templates for bending are automatically generated by the system during the plate development process. The
bending information for each plate is also available in tabular form for use in the workshop. The elongation list, template coordinate
list, 2D sketches of shell plate and templates are examples of possible output formats for the bending information.

All logistical shell plate data is stored in the same 3D hull model as the inner hull structure and can be obtained in lists in the same
manner as the inner structure.

Shell plate geometry and bending template geometry are generated in the same format as other hull parts and can be processed in the
same way for nesting as inner structure parts.

The module includes a 3D shell plate viewer to visualize the curvature and position of the bending templates. The Shell Plate
Development module is an add-on to Hull Structure and requires the Shell module, which is included in both of the Hull Structure
design seats. The Pin-Jigs module is available as an add-on to increase the functionality of the Shell Plate Development module:

Pin-Jigs

Shell

With the Shell module, you can produce shell expansion drawings in four different views. The module draws the view according to

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the area of the part of the ship that you want to see. It includes all of the seams and butts together, as well as, the existing inner
construction of the hull which is connected with the ship's hull shape. The ship's hull shape includes details such as decks, girders
and frames. The views that can be made are aft, side, top and special views.

After the view is generated from the 3D Product Model and presented on the screen, you can determine various kinds of information
and add this information as attributes to the view. The module also offers several functions for dimensioning, positioning stiffener
information and adding 2D construction lines, in case not all information is available yet. The shell expansion view is stored and
treated in the same flexible way as when inserting views in a drawing by the other CADMATIC Hull modules. This module is
included as part of both the hull structure basic and detailed design seats.

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CADMATIC Hull Server
The Hull Server runs in the background and receives commands from CADMATIC Hull when the geometry of a construction part
has changed. The Hull Server then executes several processes to update the logistical data and to create models which can be used
outside of CADMATIC Hull. The Hull Server is designed to make optimal use of the time when the computer is not running other
programs.

When the Hull Server gets more commands than it can handle, these commands are queued and executed sequentially. When you
switch block or exit CADMATIC Hull, the Hull Server will close as soon as it has finished processing the commands for the current
item. The processing of the rest of the items in the queue will be resumed automatically when entering the corresponding block.

Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >

Commands
The CADMATIC Hull system uses many different types of commands to enhance the user experience, these are:

Aborting Operations

Command Keys

Context Specific Functions

Dynamic Input

Entering Data

Entering Values in Imperial Unit System Formats

Function Keys

Keyboard Shortcuts

My Functions

Recently Used Functions

Using the Mouse

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Aborting Operations
If you select a new command, the previously selected command will be aborted.

You can also abort the active function by clicking the close button on the function panel, by pressing the <Esc> button or by
selecting the Cancel [Function Name] option from the right mouse pop-up menu.

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Command Keys

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Start a function by typing a command in the Dynamic Command Line. The Dynamic Command Line is activated by pressing the
key-combination of <Ctrl+Enter>. The user can either press <Tab> then type in a predefined command or press <Shift> then
indicate a 2D item on the graphical screen to activate its corresponding creation function. If the <Shift> button is pressed when a 2D
item is indicated then the corresponding modification function of the indicated item will be started instead of the creation function.

Each application has its own list of command keys. The table below shows a part of the default command keys in 3D-Contek
application.

Key Function in 3D-Contek

ARC Draw -> Arcs -> 3 Points
CHAM Modify -> Lines -> Chamfer
CIR Draw -> Circles -> Centre, Radius
ELL Draw -> Ellipse -> Centre, Axes
EXP Edit -> Manipulate -> Expand
EXT Modify -> Extend
FIL Modify -> Fillet
HAT Draw -> Hatches
JOI Edit -> Manipulate -> Join
LIN Draw -> Lines -> Line Segments
MCIR Modify -> Arc/Circle -> Change Radius
MEAS Information -> Measure Distance

To modify these commands or define a new command key, use the function Tools -> Settings -> User Interface -> Keyboard
Shortcuts then select the Command Keys tab.

The command key TEL displays a list of available commands in the Message Window.
Note:
A key may be one character, one digit or a combination of characters and / or digits. The maximum length of a valid key is
20.
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Context Specific Functions
Left clicking a 3D construction component in the graphical window will open the contextual ribbon tab associated with that
component type. For example, left clicking a profile on a plate opens the Profiles tab.

Additionally, right clicking a 3D construction component will open a context menu containing all the available modifying functions
for that specific component type. For example, right clicking a hole will list the hole modification functions to choose from:

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Dynamic Input
Dynamic Input is a combination of one static text control and one or two input fields which appear next to the mouse pointer. The
Dynamic Input shows the function hint, displays mouse coordinates and can accept user input. By using Dynamic Input, instead of
function panels, there is more space for the graphical screen.

The biggest advantage of Dynamic Input is that it follows the mouse movements and doesn't obstruct your view on the drawing.
Another advantage is that you don't have to look away from the drawing to see the function hints.

If the Dynamic Input is activated, by using the <Tab> key you can set the input focus into the input fields. By pressing the <Enter>
key the current state and contents of the Dynamic Input is confirmed. The <Esc> key cancels this input mode.

The dynamic input can appear in four different modes:

1. Hint Mode

Only the function hint is shown in this mode.

More

2. Value Mode

The function hint and one or two input fields are shown in this mode.

More

3. Length Angle Mode

The function hint and both the input fields are shown in this mode.

More

4. Coordinate Mode

The function hint and both the input fields are shown in this mode.

More
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Entering Data
When entering data in entry boxes you should follow these rules:

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l You can use the arithmetical functions '+', '-', '/', '*', '(' and ')'. Calculations, like for example (500-100)/2, can be used because
of this function. The result of this calculation will then be used to execute the command.
l The direction may also be entered in some cases, for example E50 or e50. The arithmetical functions '+', '_', '/', '*', '(' and ')'
can be used here as well. The calculation E(500-100)*2 is interpreted as E800. The directions are indicated by the Wind Vane.
l When entering frame lengths, the value may be entered in frame distances: 70.5, 70+250, or 71-250. The value 70+250 means
250 mm beyond the position of frame 70.
l When entering length positions or distances, values between 0 and 50 will be considered to be frame numbers. Values larger
than 50 are considered to be in millimetres. To force values between 0 and 50 to be in millimetres, the value should either be
preceded by '0+' or followed by 'mm'. To force values larger than 50 to be in frame numbers, the values need to be preceded
by 'FR'.
l In general, a positive value refers to a starboard (SB) position and a negative value to a port side (PS) position.
l When a direction is used, by preceding the entered data with 'N', 'n', 'E', 'e', 'S', 's', 'W' or 'w' the value is always considered to
be a relative value. In all other cases, the value is considered to be an absolute value.
l All values are computed from the base line and the centre line.

If you wish to change a value, you can do this by clicking in the input field and deleting the characters inside with the <Backspace>
key. You can also select the entire contents of the input field by positioning the pointer inside and pressing the left mouse button
twice. When you begin typing the new value, the old value will immediately be overwritten.

In several panels, you can enter data quickly because they have input fields for step size and number of items. The below panel
offers an example: the panel for the creation of holes. If you enter the required values in the appropriate input fields and then enter
either the step size or the number of items, the program automatically computes the rest of the values. This calculation will be
executed after you have selected the Number of items input field and then a second input field by clicking in them or by jumping to
them with the <Tab> key.

If you enter conflicting values and try to continue (by selecting one of the hole symbols, for example), the panel will
remain on screen and new (non-conflicting) values will be computed. You can then select a hole symbol again, after
which the command will be executed.

Using the Current Control grid cells

The grid cells in the hint bar can be filled using the snap controls. The shortcut key combinations <Ctrl+Shift+1>, <Ctrl+Shift+2>
and <Ctrl+Shift+3> will copy the content of the first, second or third grid coordinate displayed in the hint bar to the active input
field.

Using Dimensions from a Hull Viewer Point

It is possible to use a length, breadth or height value from a 3D point specified in Hull Viewer as a value within input panels in 3D-
Contek.

To define a point in Hull Viewer, the user can press the hotkey <p> or <P> to define a dedicated 3D point in the Hull Viewer. This
point is placed at the first intersection between a line running directly into the drawing from the cursor, perpendicular to the screen,
and a part displayed in Hull Viewer. When this hotkey is used, the point is presented in the hull viewer. The presentation of this
point can be removed using the hotkey <Esc>.

Using the dimensions of the point specified in Hull Viewer in a 3D-Contek input panel requires the use of the key combination
corresponding to the desired dimension:

l <Ctrl + 1>: Insert the length value of the Hull Viewer point
l <Ctrl + 2>: Insert the breadth value of the Hull Viewer point
l <Ctrl + 3>: Insert the height value of the Hull Viewer point

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If the input field is a length value then the data entered will be shown as a frame number with an offset.

If the Hull Viewer point is not defined then an error message stating 'Hull Viewer point is not defined' will be displayed in the
message box.

Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >

Entering Values in Imperial Unit System Formats
Values can be entered in the imperial unit system, as well as in the metric unit system.

Note: in case millimetres need to be entered in the imperial unit system, the 'mm' suffix needs to be added to the desired value

Feet, inches and fractions of an inch can be separated from each other by a dash, a space, an underscore or nothing:

feet'-inches" or feet' inches" or feet'inches" or feet'_inches"

Example:

5' or 60"

5'-9" or 5' 9" or 5'9"

5'-1/2" or 5' 1/2" or 5'1/2"

5'-9-1/2" or 5' 9-1/2" or 5'9-1/2"

5'_9_1/2" or 5' 9_1/2" or 5'9_1/2"

5'-9 1/2" or 5' 9 1/2" or 5'9 1/2"

-5' -9 -1/2" of 5'--9--1/2" of 5'_-9_-1/2"

The quotation mark (“) is always optional. Instead of 5’9-1/2” it is possible to use 5’9-1/2.

To specify a subtraction, it is mandatory to put at least one space or underscore before or after the minus sign. By subtracting, for
example 5 feet minus 9 inch, enter 5' -9 " or 5'_-9". By entering 5'-9" it will not be considered a subtraction.

When the arithmetical functions '*' (multiply) and '/' (divide) are included in the entered value, the following rules apply:

1. Multiply and divide operators have precedence on the add and subtract operators
2. In the imperial unit system, the divide operator needs to be preceded by a blank or an underscore
3. In case the feet and inch indicators are omitted, the part in front of the multiply or divide operator is considered to be in inches
and the part after the operator to be a factor value

Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >

Function Keys
It is possible to link a function to a function key to simplify the use of common functions. These function links depend on the active
application. Linking these functions can be performed using the function Tools -> Settings -> User Interface -> Keyboard Shortcuts.
By default, the function keys for 2D-Contek and 3D-Contek are set as follows:

Key Function in 2D-Contek Function in 3D-Contek

1 Help -> Help Active Subject Help -> Help Active Subject
2 Application -> Plantek Application -> Plantek
3 File –> Screen Dump File –> Screen Dump
4 - -
5 - -
6 - -
7 - -

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8 Application –> 3D-Contek Application –> 2D-Contek

9 - -
10 - -
11 - -
12 - -
You can define your own function keys if the system administrator has enabled this with help of the function Extra ->
Note: User Interface -> Function Keys in the System Management application.
Navigation: Getting Started > Commands > Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts
Some functions can be activated with a keyboard shortcut. The available shortcuts are listed next to the function names in the system
menus.

You can only use a shortcut when the cross-hair cursor is in the graphical window.

Selecting Items

Key Action
Space Select one item (cross-hair selection)
H Highlight selected items

Manipulating Items in 2D Functions (Edit > Manipulate)

Key Action
B Resize
D Duplicate
L Properties
R Rotate
S Move
W Mirror
Z Interactive move
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+X Cut
Ctrl+V Paste

Cursor Manipulation (Pop-up Menu > Snaps)

When moving the cursor, the new position is shown in the hint bar.

Key Action
A Intersection function
C Centre point
E End point
F Force
G Grid point
I Intersection
J Tangent
M Middle point
N Node point
O Origin (0,0,0)
P Perpendicular
Q Point on line
T Temporary point
U Move cursor
V Polyline Intersection

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X Horizontal
Y Vertical

Undo / Redo

Key Action
Ctrl+Z Undo
Ctrl+Y Redo
K Remove last / Undo last action

General

Key Action
Esc Abort
Enter Activate recently used function (if available)
Tab Move focus
Del Remove selected 2D items

Ctrl+A Select all 2D items

Ctrl+F Find part
Ctrl+G Grid
Ctrl+N Blank drawing
Ctrl+O Open drawing
Ctrl+P Plot
Ctrl+S Save
Ctrl+Enter Activate dynamic command line

Ctrl+Shift+A Deselect all

Ctrl+Shift+C Construction mode on / off
Ctrl+Shift+G Grid on / off
Ctrl+Shift+H Highlighting on / off
Ctrl+Shift+I Insert drawing
Ctrl+Shift+L Latching on / off
Ctrl+Shift+N New block
Ctrl+Shift+O Open block
Ctrl+Shift+S Save as
Ctrl+Shift+U Temporarily hide or show construction items

Ctrl+mouse Pan
, Show coordinates of current position in the hint bar
? 3D item information
1 Zoom in 50%
2 Grid on / off
3 Zoom out 50%
4 Refresh
5 Full screen
6 First FDO
7 Second FDO
8 Third FDO
9 Fourth FDO
Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >
My Functions
The user can create links to easily access their custom made functions. These links will appear in the menu Application Button ->

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My Functions. Linking of these functions can be performed using the function Tools -> Settings -> User Interface -> My Functions.

Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >

Recently Used Functions
Holding the <Shift> key and pressing the right mouse button at an empty space in the graphical window opens a context menu
containing the recently used functions.

Navigation: Getting Started > Commands >

Using the Mouse
In CADMATIC Hull, the mouse functions the same way as in other Windows applications. This manual uses the following terms to
describe mouse actions:

l To select, you click on an item (such as a menu command or a line) using the left mouse button or by pointing to an item and
pressing the <Space> key.
l To drag, you click in the graphical window using the left mouse button, hold the button down while moving the mouse to
another position.
l By scrolling the mouse wheel you can zoom in or zoom out.
l By a single click on the mouse wheel, the presented model is fitted to the screen. By holding the mouse wheel down, the user
can move the view around manually.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

User Interface
The user interface of CADMATIC Hull makes use of the ribbon style interface for its logical organization of tools but there are
many more aspects to the interface. A description of the components of the user interface can be found below:

Application Title Bar

Buttons

CADMATIC Shell Window

Command Window

Context Sensitive Help

Dialogue Window

Graphical Window

Hint Bar

Input Boxes

Lists

Message Boxes

Panels

Pop-up Menu

Quick Access Toolbar

Ribbon Application Menu

Ribbon Tabs

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Ribbon Toolbars

Status Bar

Themes

Tooltips

Wind Vane

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Application Title Bar
The Application Title Bar shows the CADMATIC Hull version, the Eagle version and the Operating System version, as well as the
title of the active drawing. It also contains three system buttons which allow you to minimize, maximize or close the CADMATIC
Hull application.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Buttons
A panel may contain various buttons. This section contains an overview of all button types.

Most of the buttons immediately execute the command written on them:

If a list is visible within the button, clicking it will present you with a drop down list of options from which you can select one item:

There are also buttons which present you with a pop-up list after you have clicked on them:

Sometimes, you will see several buttons within a frame. Only one of these buttons can be selected at any given time (one is on, the
others are off). These are called radio buttons:

A toggle button is used to indicate whether something is on or off. If the button has been filled then it is on:

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Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

CADMATIC Shell Window
The CADMATIC Shell Window, also referred to as the NCG Shell, is a DOS window in which the communication between the
different program components is displayed. This window can be activated by selecting the NCG EXE icon in the Windows taskbar.

When clicking the NCG EXE icon with the right mouse button, you can open the following menu:

The Command prompt entry enables the user to type commands in the shell window in the same way as can be achieved by Help ->
Supporting Tools -> Interrupt followed by :cmd in the Command(I) Window.

With Debug info activated, the system will output extra information during the execution of the (sub-)programs.

The Always on top entry is for forcing the shell window to be on top of all other windows when it is not minimized.

In case there is more text than can fit on the screen, there are scroll bars to the right and / or bottom of the window, which you can
move by dragging them or by clicking the arrows.

In case these scroll bars are not present in the window, please click on the icon in the top left part of the window and select
Properties. By changing the Window Buffer Size, for example to Breadth 160 and Height 200, the scroll bars will appear.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Command Window
The Command Window can be used to enter and execute commands.

The output of these commands is shown in the Message Window. The Command Window is hidden by default and can be set as
visible by the user via Help -> Supporting Tools -> Command Window. This window is docked on the bottom side of the Message
Window. The Command Window also provides a command history list, which can be activated by clicking on the button in the far
right corner of the Command Window. This button is not immediately visible, but will appear by hovering the mouse arrow over it.

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Using the Help -> Supporting Tools -> Interrupt option will interrupt the main loop of the CADMATIC Hull program and control is
given to the Eagle program. Enter do in the Command Window to switch control back to the application loop.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Context Sensitive Help
CADMATIC Hull offers context sensitive help. Press the F1 key to access the help topic for the active function.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Dialogue Window
The Message Window displays relevant information during the execution of functions. The Message Window is located at the
bottom of the hint bar and it is moveable.

The message window also provides a pop-up menu which appears with a right mouse click:

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Graphical Window
The Graphical Window is the most important window in CADMATIC Hull application. In this window you can create and view
drawings.

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When the mouse pointer is positioned in the Graphical Window, the cross hair becomes visible. The Graphical Window supports
several mouse cursors.

The drawing area also supports right mouse clicks depending on the active function and the selection (see Pop-up Menu).

When the cross hair is moved across the Graphical Window it has an arrow-shaped pointer:

When commands are being executed, the pointer may change into either a wheel or an hourglass . This indicates that you
should wait until the command has been executed. No other commands can be executed at that time.

When the cross hair is moved across a drawing, the shape of the pointer switches to indicate the type of feature that the cursor will
snap to if clicked:

Indicates the endpoint of a line

Indicates an intersection of two lines

Indicates a point on a line

Indicates a point perpendicular to a line

The switching of the cross hair is called the latching. (See also Latching).

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Hint Bar
The hint bar sits at the top of the graphical window. The hint bar's main objective is to guide the user through the execution of
functions.

The hint bar shows from left to right the function hints, the function dependent options if applicable, or the last used function and
three input fields.

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Current Control Coordinates

The three input fields are for displaying or accepting the current control coordinates. The values displayed in these fields can be
copied into other input fields during 3D engineering. The shortcut keys for these are respectively: <Ctrl+Shift+1>, <Ctrl+Shift+2>
and <Ctrl+Shift+3>. Perform these shortcut keys while entering a value into a destination input field to grab the coordinate value of
the corresponding control position and insert it to the input field.

Function Dependent Options

The 2D drawing and modifying functions that do not have a function panel make use of the Function Dependent Options, also
referred to as FDO. An FDO is a combination of a keyboard shortcut (like 6,7,8 or 9) and a keyword. By using the FDO, you can
change the state of the function or execute a special function feature. You can activate an FDO by pressing on its keyboard shortcut
key or by clicking on its keyword. The FDOs are also accessible through the right mouse button pop-up menu.

Last Used Function

If no function is active, the hint bar shows the last function used. You can activate the last used function by pressing the <Enter>
key.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Input Boxes
The format of the text in a panel indicates whether a value must be entered, a question answered or an option to be selected. There
are three different types of text in a panel for an input field:

Text coloured Enter value / answer question

Bold Obligatory
Normal Optional

A panel can have obligatory and optional input fields. In some cases buttons or input fields may be greyed, which indicates that they
can not be used. There are various reasons for this to occur:

l They contain information only;

l They are currently not applicable;
l They first must be activated by means of other buttons.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Lists
There are various types of lists in CADMATIC Hull:

l They provide information that you have requested or selected. You cannot select anything from this type of list.
l They provide information from which you can select one time. When you have selected an item, a coloured box appears
around it.

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l They provide information from which you can select more than one item. The <Ctrl> button has to be held down while
selecting additional items. The colour of each of the items you select will change. If you select an item that has already been
selected, it will deselect and the colour will return to normal.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Message Boxes
When you are working with CADMATIC Hull, you may be presented with various messages. These can be questions, such as
whether or not you want to save a drawing, but they may also be error messages. This section describes several types of message
panels.

If a message panel only contains an OK button, the execution of the command will only continue after you have clicked on the OK
button or pressed the <Enter> key. If the panel contains an error message, the command is then aborted.

If the panel contains at least two buttons then you have a choice of actions before the command will be executed.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Panels
Certain commands will cause a panel to appear on the screen. Panels contain input fields for entering data and buttons for various
functions, such as executing the command for example.

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The buttons and input fields can be selected with the mouse, but you can also use the keyboard to get to them. By pressing the
<Tab> key, the input focus moves to the other buttons and input fields.

If the selected command modifies existing items then a selection panel will appear, such as when using the Deleting Construction
Parts option. Otherwise, an entry panel will appear to accept input from the user.

No entry panel will appear in some cases where you have to provide only a few pieces of information. Instead of in an entry panel,
the input fields are included in the selection panel.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Pop-up Menu
A pop-up menu is activated after a right mouse click in the graphical window. A pop-up menu item has a label name and it may also
use Keyboard Shortcuts.

The pop-up menu contains a collection of frequently used functions. It gives you direct access to some useful functions and it also
shows the keyboard shortcuts. The contents of the pop-up menu is different, depending on whether something is selected or a
function is active.

Click in the Graphical Window in order to abort the pop-up menu.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar consists of several small buttons to start basic functions and / or frequently accessed functions. The
Quick Access Toolbar is integrated into the Title Bar to save working space, but can also be placed directly below the Ribbon bar.
The buttons on the toolbar can be customized. Any customizations are saved for that CADMATIC Hull session but the buttons are
reset to the default settings when CADMATIC Hull is restarted.

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The Ribbon bar can also be hidden to increase working space. The ribbon bar will then only appear when clicking one of the tabs
and will disappear again after starting a function or clicking in the graphical window.

The rightmost button displaying an arrow pointing down opens the context menu which contains these options.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Ribbon Application Menu
The Ribbon Application Menu provides the ability to switch between applications. This menu is accessed by clicking the
Application button located to the left of the Home tab:

A menu item may have an icon and if the selected menu command contains a sub menu, this is indicated by an arrowhead pointing
to the right.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Ribbon Tabs
All the functions of the active application (such as 3D-Contek) can be accessed from the Ribbon Bar and the Ribbon Application
Menu. The Ribbon Bar contains the most used functions and the Application Menu contains the few that remain. The tabs on the
Ribbon can be brought to the foreground by clicking on the tab name or by using the mnemonics .

Ribbon Tabs

All commands that belong together have been sorted in groups and so they can be easily found within the same ribbon tab. For
example, the ribbon tab Draw contains all the 2D drawing functions, while the ribbon tab Construction contains all the 3D insertion
and modification functions and the Production tab contains all the functions related to creating production information.

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Each tab has a number of sections to further refine the grouping of functions that belong together. For example, the Home tab has
three sections:

l The first section is Drawing, which contains the most basic functions to handle a drawing
l The Create section contains all the various ways of creating a view
l The General section holds general functions that are most used during 3D engineering. For this reason, the General section
appears on every tab, except the Draw tab.

The buttons on the Construction tab open new sub tabs, which are also referred to as contextual tabs. These are tabs that appear only
when a certain type of item (either a structural element or a 2D item) is selected and they provide specific functions for construction
items. A contextual tab can be closed with use of the Close button located to the far right of each contextual tab.

Ribbon Tab Buttons

A ribbon tab button consists of the following elements:

Icon

The icon is an image that hints about what function that button will perform. There are large and small icons which depend on the
size of the button. Button sizes depend on the size of the CADMATIC Hull window; the buttons automatically adapt when the
window is enlarged or reduced.

Icon Description

The icon description, or button text, explains what the icon represents. Experienced users may not need this additional text so it
can be deactivated with use of the setting Show Ribbon button text in the Tools -> Settings -> User Interface Settings -> UI
Setting dialogue.

Icon Hint

Hovering the mouse over a button and holding it still for one second displays the icon hint with some additional information, if
applicable.

Button Context Menu

A button with an arrow pointing downward below the button text indicates a context menu with more related functions. Clicking
the arrow opens this context menu. The first function in the menu is always the same as the function that is triggered by the
button itself since this is the most used function. An example of a button with a context menu:

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Ribbon Toolbars
The CADMATIC Hull ribbon interface has two lockable toolbars that can be found on the View tab:

l Line Style toolbar

l Selection toolbar

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Activating them will present them as floating in the drawing space. The user can dock these at either the top or the bottom of the
screen by clicking the toolbar and then dragging it to the desired location.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Status Bar
The Status Bar provides some useful information about the loaded drawing and the current state of the application.

If no function is active then the number of selected 2D items is displayed.

The content of the Status Bar is application dependent.

The Status Bar also contains toggle buttons to activate or deactivate the XY-Grid, Construction Mode and, if available, Reference
Planes and Steel Design Mode in sectional view.

XY-Grid

The XY-Grid option shows or hides the XY-grid with the given X- and Y-step size. The XY-grid can be displayed with or without
text as crosses or as long infinite lines. You can set the parameters of this grid in the 'XY-Grid' section of the 'View' tab.

Construction Mode

Creating 2D representations of construction items can be useful in the early stage of the design process. With the activation of the
construction mode all shapes and lines the user draws with functions in the 'Draw' tab will be saved as construction item in the view.

Reference Planes

The user can activate and deactivate reference surfaces in the view with this toggle. Go to 'Working with Reference Planes' to read
more about reference surfaces.

Steel Design Mode (SDM)

The SDM mode has been designed to make the basic design process faster. When the SDM mode is activated in 2D-Contek and 3D-
Contek, the system will:

l update a drawing by default when it is opened

l create a new view automatically when using the ‘Open drawing’ function or right clicking with the mouse in the Hull Viewer.
In case there is no drawing available for the selected construction part the system uses the area of the block (extended with
area of the part).

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When checking the 'SDM' toggle on the status bar, 'SDM Options' dialog box appears. In the dialog box the user can set the default
properties that will be included in the automatically created new views when the 'Open drawing' function is used.

These options control the additional content that can be added to a view:

Show construction

Displays all construction items in the view.

Show profile flange

Presents profile end shapes as they are when checked. When unchecked end flags are presented instead.

Show shell plates

Displays shell plates or the projection of shell plates in cross section.

Show shape

Displays the hull shape in the view, if applicable.

Show outfitting

Presents the available outfitting components if present. A connection with a Hull Agent is required to use this option.

Centre line

Displays the center line in the view, if applicable.

Frame/ Base Line

Displays the base line in the view, if applicable.

Weld symbols

Adds weld symbols to the drawing at the position of the hull line where seams and/or knuckles cross the view. Applicable only for
frame views.

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Auto Dimension

All rule based dimensions applicable to side views are automatically added to the drawing when creating the view.

Show weld lines

Displays all weld lines in the view

Updates

The user is also able to indicate whether only the construction of the active block or of all blocks should be updated automatically
when opening a drawing.

Mouse Coordinates

The Status Bar also displays the current position of the mouse cursor in coordinate values.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Themes
The CADMATIC Hull skin determines the colour scheme, shapes and sizes of several components of the interface. These are pre-
set into several different themes, which can be selected in the Tools -> Settings -> User Interface Settings within the UI Setting tab.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

Tooltips
If the mouse pointer is held still on an icon then a tooltip will appear. This is a short line of text containing a brief description of the
function.

Navigation: Getting Started > User Interface >

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Wind Vane
The applications that work in a 3D environment, such as 3D-Show, have a wind vane in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
The wind vane, also known as an axes marker, indicates directions with arrows pointing along the x-, y- and z-axes.

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