Maintaining Object Proportion When Scaled Via Constraints

[timothy_crouse]

Can someone provide guidance or help on how to maintain object proportions when an object is scaled in lieu of being offset?

I have a dynamic sheet metal stud that I am attempting to update to allow the thickness of the stud to be selected.  I am not having much success at getting the object lines to scale properly and maintain object proportions.

I have tried various combinations of parameter constraints but have been unsuccessful.

Could someone more familiar with constraints take a look at it?

Thanks in advance

Tim 

[john.vellek]

Hi @timothy_crouse,

I have tried flexing your block and it appears to be working. the width and depth change to the dimensions in your lookup table (unless I missed something).

Let me know where I should be looking such as a specific size or dimension.  I like to actually use simple visibility states on items as simple as this but that is a personal preference.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Libbya]

I don't understand what you are asking.  The file you posted contains a dynamic block that does not have any constraints in it.  In model space there is some linework with constraints added to it, but that isn't a block.  Are you trying to replicate the dynamic block using constraints instead of the dynamic parameters/actions that are used in it?  Also, the posted dynamic block has stretch actions.  I see nothing that scales anywhere.  Please elaborate. 

[timothy_crouse]

The dynamic block is on the right with no parameters inside it.

The line work on the left is the start of the block were I was trying to use parameters in different configurations as I was trying to scale it.

Currently there is no constraints.  I can add them if needed, but I have not been able to get any to perform the functionality I was looking for.

The goal was to be able to change the thickness of the steel stud using parameters and change the stud width using the lookup table in the dynamic block, which uses linear stretch parameters.

Thanks

Tim

[Libbya]

This can all be done easily without any constraints and mixing constraints with dynamic parameters/actions often causes problems.  Is there some reason you feel the need to use any constraints?  Your terminology is a bit confusing.  For clarity, it might be good to use the terms 'constraints', 'parameters', and 'actions' to refer to the objects found on the relative tabs of the Authoring Palettes.  

You would like to add the ability to change the thickness of the metal, cool.  What thicknesses would you like to have?  What happens to the arc radii when the thickness changes?  Examples of the various thicknesses drawn within your file and reposted would help others help you.  

[timothy_crouse]

Outside of a dynamic block one could use the offset command from the inside line outward.

But I cannot figure out how to get that functionality from a dynamic block.

The reason I want the dynamic is to allow different studs to be selected on the fly.

The thickness that will typically be used are:

0.33, 0.43, 0.54

[Libbya]

This shows how to add your described thickness change using dynamic parameters and actions, no constraints necessary.

[timothy_crouse]

I reviewed the video.

I have then general ideal now.

I will have to review it a few times.

Thanks for taking the time to show that.

Tim

[john.vellek]

Hi @timothy_crouse,

That does look really slick and will be great if you have a lot of different configurations to make. My method works well however if you just use a handful of different ones.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.