I've created a parametric frame utilizing Dovetail Key Corners that can all be milled on the cnc router. I've created a screencast of the process of designing the assembly however when I change the parameter of the width or length of the frame, the corner components shift. I've tried a circular pattern using both the central axis (I used a center point rectangle for the first sketch) and the outer corner with moving/capturing the position of each corner. Any ideas? I've captured a screencast and will add it below as soon as it's available.
Array components around a parametric model
I use a component to store the CAM models. Just use Copy command with the CAM component active. I usually do one offs, but I expect you could use parameters to control the spacing of the models.
ETFrench
I remember once facing such a problem, and I guess the key to solving this is to constraint the sketches of the corners with the main body
But if you could attach the model it would be very helpful
Regards
Saeed Hamza
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When moving components, it is irrelevant which move tool you chose and how far you move them. You have three position capture icons in your timeline that store the location of the components in the design. You should actually die able to delete the first 2 without any negative effects.
When you increase the size of the frame, the 1st corner piece remains in place, because I believe it was designed in place.
The other remain in the location their position and orientation was stored in and the is the position and oerientation of the origin in the component.
Depending on what center you selects when crating the circular pattern you need to use either use a joint for each of the patterned instances, or you might be able to use a rigid group on the entire assembly.
If you share your design I can tell you more precisely.
Accepted solution
The move tool is parametric for bodies but not for components. The "usual" way to keep components in place is to use joints.
If they are designed in place such as in your design you can simply use a rigid group joint.
Of course that still begs the question how to get the patterned pieces into place. For that I came up with a 2 pattern solution that does not require you to move the pieces into place but patterns them directly into the correct location. Then I'd use a rigid croup including the top level to lock everything in position.
At the end, instead of braking your nicely assembled pieces apart to lay them out on you sheet stock I create a new component (group) and copy-paste all existing components into that component.
That will allow you to keep your design nicely assembled and parametric but at the same time allow you to lay out your pieces on sheet stock without loosing the parametric nature of the design. If you change your assembly the laid out out pieces will update accordingly. For more complex design that makes more sense than for this frame.
