Layering & Coloring Logic: The Visual Language
In complex assemblies exceeding thousands of components, visual clarity is a functional requirement, not a preference. Edelweis employs a strict Chromatic Hierarchy and Layering Protocol to ensure that every stakeholder can immediately identify material types, functional zones, and manufacturing requirements.
1. 3D Coloring Strategy (Functional Shading)
We move away from default grey textures. Our coloring logic is mapped to the Material Library and component criticality.
Reserved for load-bearing frames and chassis elements. High-contrast colors for FEA mesh clarity.
All components with degrees of freedom (gears, linkages, actuators) are colored in high-visibility orange to assist in motion study reviews.
Critical mating faces, bearing seats, and precision-ground surfaces are highlighted to indicate where tolerances are tightest.
Off-the-shelf components (fasteners, sensors, motors) are distinct from custom-fabricated parts to streamline procurement audits.
Non-physical volumes, such as keep-out zones, swing clearances, or ergonomic reach envelopes.
2. Layering Protocol (2D Documentation)
Our drawings utilize a Layer State Manager to maintain the "Digital Thread" between the 3D model and the 2D blueprint.
| Layer Name | Color | Line Weight | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
EDL_GEOM_HEAVY |
Black | 0.50mm | Primary visible outlines and critical profiles. |
EDL_GEOM_THIN |
Grey | 0.25mm | Secondary features, fillets, and non-critical edges. |
EDL_DIM_PRECISION |
Blue | 0.35mm | Critical dimensions and GD&T tolerance frames. |
EDL_HIDDEN |
Dash-Dot | 0.18mm | Internal cavities and occluded structural ribs. |
EDL_ANNOT_TECH |
Dark Green | 0.25mm | Manufacturing notes, welding symbols, and torque specs. |
EDL_PHANTOM |
Red | 0.18mm | Adjacent assemblies and future-state reference geometry. |
3. Simulation-Ready Aesthetics
To support our CAE & Validation workflow, colors are optimized for high-fidelity visualization:
- Z-Axis Orientation: Global coordinate arrows are color-coded (R, G, B) to prevent orientation errors during multi-physics setup.
- Transparency States: Pre-configured "Glass States" for outer housings, allowing engineers to inspect internal interference without suppressing parts.
- Heat Map Alignment: Default component colors are selected to avoid clashing with FEA/CFD "Rainbow" plots (e.g., avoiding red components that could be mistaken for "hot spots" in a thermal simulation).
Implementation Guide
- Selection: In SolidWorks, apply appearances at the Part Level, never the face level, to maintain PDM metadata integrity.
- Display States: Use the
EDL_Review_Stateto toggle between photorealistic rendering and functional engineering colors. - Hatch Patterns: Standardized cross-hatching for section views is tied to the material density (e.g., Steel vs. Polymer).