Configurable Dimension

[kinahawi]

In building models for FIRST Robotics, there are many times when we use purchased parts and cut them to length (e.g., 2x1 aluminum tube, rounded 1/2" hex shafts, etc.). Rather than repeatedly modeling these parts, or using paste new to create a modifiable copy of a modeled part, I'd like to create configurable versions where I am able to fill in a dimension and have the part size to that dimension. I was hoping configurations would do that for me, but it looks like I can only set up a fixed number of discrete configurations leading to a new configuration for every unique use of the part with a different dimension. Can anyone recommend a way to accomplish this?

[TrippyLighting]

Your message already describes the two ways to do this.

Copy/Paste-New and the fixed (but unlimited?) number of configurations. 

[jeff_strater]

I believe that "custom configurations" (indicating that a configured parameter does not have a limited set of values, but the user will be prompted at reference time to enter a value) is on the roadmap for configurations, but is not currently part of this feature.  In the meantime, you will have to add configurations for each length that you will use.

[kinahawi]

That will be nice. Right now, I watch other robotics teams who use On Shape do this (and more) with no problem.

[Drewpan]

Hi,

Something to think about with your designing. There is a reason that Standards exist - it makes designing

easier and standard off the shelf parts make manufacture cheaper. I am not trying to suggest that you DON'T

modify OTS parts. What I am suggesting is that if you use them wherever possible then the design will be faster

and cheaper to fabricate. Your design will also be less complex because you have less configuration parts.

Andrew Tannenbaum said "The problem with Standards is that there are so many to choose from."

This is an issue but I think you can see what I am getting at.

Cheers

Andrew

[kinahawi]

I'm sorry, but you have to think of this as something like a 2x4. Would it be a bad thing for someone to cut a 2x4 to length for the project they are creating? We're essentially purchasing long lengths (e.g., 36" to 48") and cutting them down to the length we need.

[Drewpan]

Hi,

I get what you are saying. It works the same way if you buy the standard size whatever and cut it down because

it is cheaper. Maybe what I am saying is you can buy a 2x4 that is 12' long standard length. If you have a chance

to cut it into 4 x 3' lengths, that will be cheaper and more efficient than cutting it into 4 x 2'6" pieces and having

wastage. There are also times that a standard 2x4 may be 4' standard length. If you modify your design to the

standard length it may also end up being cheaper as the material may cost slightly more, but you do not have

to pay someone to cut your 12' long one into smaller pieces. In engineering and design it is always a case of

trade offs, whatever you can do to make something cheaper and better. Avoiding non-standard parts will always

be cheaper than having to fabricate custom parts. It doesn't mean you will never fabricate custom parts, just that

you try to avoid it where you can.

Cheers

Andrew