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Dimension variable question

13 REPLIES 13
Reply
Message 1 of 14
Anonymous
207 Views, 13 Replies

Dimension variable question

I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file. but
in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody know
whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
13 REPLIES 13
Message 2 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the part
you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.

HTH
Neil

"Jimmy J" wrote in message
news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file.
but
> in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody
know
> whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
>
>
Message 3 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

The only gotcha in this is you can't have some dims in one part1 drive
part2, and have some in part2 drive part1. Probably not as big of a deal in
parameters, but with skeleton modeling sometimes you find yourself wishing
you could do something like that.

--
Kent Keller
Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program

http://www.MyMcad.com/KWiK/Mcad.htm

"Neil Munro" wrote in message
news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
part
> you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
> can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
> click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
>
> HTH
> Neil
Message 4 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Is this for IV6 Only?


"Neil Munro" wrote in message
news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
part
> you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
> can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
> click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
>
> HTH
> Neil
>
> "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file.
> but
> > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody
> know
> > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> >
> >
>
>
Message 5 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

No. I think it came in 5.0

- drew
--


Drew Fulford, B.A.Sc. Systems Engineer
Solid Caddgroup Inc, Burlington, Ontario
Phone: (905) 331-9670 Fax: (905) 331-7280

Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program
Check out my MDT & Inventor FAQ @ http://www.mymcad.com/

"Jimmy J" wrote in message
news:430C5DCDE56D01183B4EA792FBD5CA91@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Is this for IV6 Only?
>
>
> "Neil Munro" wrote in message
> news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> > dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> > check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
> part
> > you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> > Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part.
You
> > can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit
box,
> > click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> > parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
> >
> > HTH
> > Neil
> >
> > "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> > news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> > > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part
file.
> > but
> > > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does
anybody
> > know
> > > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Message 6 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

I have been meaning to add this to the embedded and linked parameters
tutorial but keep forgetting...

--
Sean Dotson, PE
http://www.sdotson.com
Check the Inventor FAQ for most common questions
www.sdotson.com/faq.html
"Neil Munro" wrote in message
news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
part
> you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
> can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
> click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
>
> HTH
> Neil
>
> "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file.
> but
> > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody
> know
> > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> >
> >
>
>
Message 7 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Can somebody tell me :
1) what are logical names (is it like d1, d2 d3...)
2) where is the "check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these
parameters?"
3) where is the "click the arrow and select List Parameters...?"

there are bunch more but basically like how I would find these
commands/buttons/and checkboxes

Thanks.

And Sean, since you've got some time over the Christmas, maybe you should
add detail instructioned tutorial on this matter. That'll really be great.


"Neil Munro" wrote in message
news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
part
> you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
> can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
> click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
>
> HTH
> Neil
>
> "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file.
> but
> > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody
> know
> > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> >
> >
>
>
Message 8 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Although embedded in a larger tutorial, here is a link to exporting and
deriving parameters: This tutorial was written for R5, so the UI is slightly
different than R6.

http://makeashorterlink.com/?H3AE223B2

Neil


"Jimmy J" wrote in message
news:3059FF6E38888793E7B6EDE85EA0D721@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Can somebody tell me :
> 1) what are logical names (is it like d1, d2 d3...)
> 2) where is the "check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these
> parameters?"
> 3) where is the "click the arrow and select List Parameters...?"
>
> there are bunch more but basically like how I would find these
> commands/buttons/and checkboxes
>
> Thanks.
>
> And Sean, since you've got some time over the Christmas, maybe you should
> add detail instructioned tutorial on this matter. That'll really be
great.
>
>
> "Neil Munro" wrote in message
> news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> > dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
> > check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
> part
> > you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> > Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part.
You
> > can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit
box,
> > click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
> > parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
> >
> > HTH
> > Neil
> >
> > "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> > news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
> > > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part
file.
> > but
> > > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does
anybody
> > know
> > > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Message 9 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Thanks Neil!
I figured it out!!!


"Neil Munro" wrote in message
news:10E56724AF4F7EE0E53DDD901EEC3CA6@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Although embedded in a larger tutorial, here is a link to exporting and
> deriving parameters: This tutorial was written for R5, so the UI is
slightly
> different than R6.
>
> http://makeashorterlink.com/?H3AE223B2
>
> Neil
>
>
> "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> news:3059FF6E38888793E7B6EDE85EA0D721@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > Can somebody tell me :
> > 1) what are logical names (is it like d1, d2 d3...)
> > 2) where is the "check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these
> > parameters?"
> > 3) where is the "click the arrow and select List Parameters...?"
> >
> > there are bunch more but basically like how I would find these
> > commands/buttons/and checkboxes
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > And Sean, since you've got some time over the Christmas, maybe you
should
> > add detail instructioned tutorial on this matter. That'll really be
> great.
> >
> >
> > "Neil Munro" wrote in message
> > news:496E01531000E44E719B6B86CA8BF4B0@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > > Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
> > > dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names.
Then
> > > check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the
> > part
> > > you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
> > > Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part.
> You
> > > can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit
> box,
> > > click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all
renamed
> > > parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
> > >
> > > HTH
> > > Neil
> > >
> > > "Jimmy J" wrote in message
> > > news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> > > > I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
> > > > When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the
tutorial.
> > > > Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
> > > > example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part
> file.
> > > but
> > > > in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
> > > > refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
> > > > And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does
> anybody
> > > know
> > > > whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Message 10 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

But how do I reference part parameters into an assembly. Simple
example, I have a ladder. The rails have a length. Based on this
length, I want to set the number of rungs in a pattern. How do I get
the length of the Rail into the assembly so I can calculate the rung
count?

I don't see a way of deriving into an assembly such that it will see the
exported parameters. Excel is not the correct answer.

I have already solved the problem with VBA but I am wondering if I have
overlooked something obvious.

Neil Munro wrote:

>Yes. In the part you want to reference dimensions from, rename the
>dimension(s) you want to use in the other part with logical names. Then
>check the Export Parameter checkbox next to these parameter(s). In the part
>you want to use the dimensions from the other part, use the Derived
>Component tool to derive the Exported Parameters from the first part. You
>can elect to derive only the exported parameters. In a dimension edit box,
>click the arrrow and select List Parameters to get a list of all renamed
>parameters, including the parameters derived from the first part.
>
>HTH
>Neil
>
>"Jimmy J" wrote in message
>news:B2CD5C336FBEC59C1CE1801AC69659CB@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
>
>
>>I know I asked this already but I wnt to ask again.
>>When I asked about global variables, Sean directed me to the tutorial.
>>Great. But I want to know this (yes/no):
>>example, in sketch mode, you can say d1=d3 and so on for that part file.
>>
>>
>but
>
>
>>in sketch, can you say d1_in_part2 = d8_in_part6 and so on? can you
>>refernece dimensions across different parts in sketch mode?
>>And obviously, these parts would be put into an assembly. Does anybody
>>
>>
>know
>
>
>>whether this can be done? (yes.no?)
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
Message 11 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

Can't say as I have actually done it, and I am sure your ladder example
isn't as complicated as what you are really trying to do, but what if in
your side rails the rung holes were a array, and in the assembly the rungs
were arrayed using the feature pattern?

Personally I think I would just do it as a Master Sketch 8^)

--
Kent Keller
Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program

http://www.MyMcad.com/KWiK/Mcad.htm

"Charles Bliss" wrote in message
news:3DF435CC.7030200@cbliss.com...
> But how do I reference part parameters into an assembly. Simple
> example, I have a ladder. The rails have a length. Based on this
> length, I want to set the number of rungs in a pattern. How do I get
> the length of the Rail into the assembly so I can calculate the rung
> count?
>
> I don't see a way of deriving into an assembly such that it will see the
> exported parameters. Excel is not the correct answer.
>
> I have already solved the problem with VBA but I am wondering if I have
> overlooked something obvious.
Message 12 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

The rungs are welded, no holes. I could have an array of points but
that still wouldn't get the number of rungs required at the assembly
level for a pattern.

I presented a simple question so the problem could be understood. It is
more like the quantity of rungs is based on the overall length of the
ladder but with an OSHA minimum and maximum between the rungs.

If you were doing this as a master sketch, how would you control the
amount of rungs without having a part file which contained all the rungs
in one part? The goal is to have one driving dimension for the ladder
height, one for width and end up with an assembly with the correct
amount of steps. The resulting assembly would then be brought into a
weldment and welded together. The resulting BOM would show the correct
quantity of rungs as well.

Kent Keller wrote:

>Can't say as I have actually done it, and I am sure your ladder example
>isn't as complicated as what you are really trying to do, but what if in
>your side rails the rung holes were a array, and in the assembly the rungs
>were arrayed using the feature pattern?
>
>Personally I think I would just do it as a Master Sketch 8^)
>
>--
>Kent Keller
>Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program
>
>http://www.MyMcad.com/KWiK/Mcad.htm
>
>"Charles Bliss" wrote in message
>news:3DF435CC.7030200@cbliss.com...
>
>
>>But how do I reference part parameters into an assembly. Simple
>>example, I have a ladder. The rails have a length. Based on this
>>length, I want to set the number of rungs in a pattern. How do I get
>>the length of the Rail into the assembly so I can calculate the rung
>>count?
>>
>>I don't see a way of deriving into an assembly such that it will see the
>>exported parameters. Excel is not the correct answer.
>>
>> I have already solved the problem with VBA but I am wondering if I have
>>overlooked something obvious.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
Message 13 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

There is one way (sorta): I was just reading Kevin Schneider's post on
"Pattern of a Pattern" and tried putting a feature on my "rail" then
patterning the "rungs" on that feature pattern. That worked but still
has a couple of drawbacks. First, it requires me to put features on my
rail that I don't want and second, I couldn't do a feature pattern of
workpoints which would have been my preference (they wouldn't add geometry).

It sure would be nice if Inventor just allowed us to import parameters
into assemblies just like it does from part to part.

Charles Bliss wrote:

> The rungs are welded, no holes. I could have an array of points but
> that still wouldn't get the number of rungs required at the assembly
> level for a pattern.
> I presented a simple question so the problem could be understood. It
> is more like the quantity of rungs is based on the overall length of
> the ladder but with an OSHA minimum and maximum between the rungs.
>
> If you were doing this as a master sketch, how would you control the
> amount of rungs without having a part file which contained all the
> rungs in one part? The goal is to have one driving dimension for the
> ladder height, one for width and end up with an assembly with the
> correct amount of steps. The resulting assembly would then be brought
> into a weldment and welded together. The resulting BOM would show the
> correct quantity of rungs as well.
>
> Kent Keller wrote:
>
>> Can't say as I have actually done it, and I am sure your ladder example
>> isn't as complicated as what you are really trying to do, but what if in
>> your side rails the rung holes were a array, and in the assembly the
>> rungs
>> were arrayed using the feature pattern?
>>
>> Personally I think I would just do it as a Master Sketch 8^)
>>
>> --
>> Kent Keller
>> Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program
>>
>> http://www.MyMcad.com/KWiK/Mcad.htm
>>
>> "Charles Bliss" wrote in message
>> news:3DF435CC.7030200@cbliss.com...
>>
>>
>>> But how do I reference part parameters into an assembly. Simple
>>> example, I have a ladder. The rails have a length. Based on this
>>> length, I want to set the number of rungs in a pattern. How do I get
>>> the length of the Rail into the assembly so I can calculate the rung
>>> count?
>>>
>>> I don't see a way of deriving into an assembly such that it will see
>>> the
>>> exported parameters. Excel is not the correct answer.
>>>
>>> I have already solved the problem with VBA but I am wondering if I have
>>> overlooked something obvious.
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
Message 14 of 14
Anonymous
in reply to: Anonymous

I agree completely with your statement below. Doesn't seem like it should be
that hard, and it is a needed tool. Maybe as the Assembly features mature,
they will also add the ability to derive into a assembly. And you are right
about the master sketch, it would end up with one part file containing all
the rungs.

--
Kent Keller
Member of the Autodesk Discussion Forum Moderator Program

http://www.MyMcad.com/KWiK/Mcad.htm

"Charles Bliss" wrote in message
news:3DF44A81.1040400@cbliss.com...

> It sure would be nice if Inventor just allowed us to import parameters
> into assemblies just like it does from part to part.

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