Control number of holes in a sheet based on sheet size but keep holes cc??

[et.teljemo]

Hi, 

I have used parameters sometimes and actually got it to work great but most often something messes with it and making the whole design shape-shift when trying to change a value.

So I am asking for assistance this time 😀

I am making a welding table design and I want to be able to change its size easily.

The table is going to be made of sheet metal that I laser cut and the weld together.

I could make it solid in one size but I really think I will have requests from the welders in the shop to change the size to fit the table in some small corner.. 😋

Main parts are: The table top with hole pattern, side panels with hole patterns and supports inside.

Here is a example of a table made this way.

https://www.texasmetalworks.com/product/fully-fabricated-welding-table/

Here is how far I am right now. I made the parameters for the table top and at the moment im stuck at my hole pattern (pCnt). I want to always have a certain c-c measurement between the holes (50 or 100 mm), so I guess I need a couple of fixed sizes depending on that. Or if its possible to lock that parameter to only make these holes when there is room for it.

I started measuring out my first hole in the origo corner of my sheet and really making sure that first hole has correct dimensions and this locks it in to place I guess.

In the image below (that dont have correct c-c between the holes) I focused on getting both end holes at the same distance from the edges. (-wdt + dia * 3)

I could use "Spacing" instead and set it to 100 mm to instead adjust the quantity to the width and depths of the table?.. In the other image below I have set pCnt to the value of 1 and then just multiplied it 5 times. Here I guess I need a formula based on table top size to determent number of holes..

And this is just the top. I need the sides in this equation as well. And the holes is not the only feuture that needs to be a pattern that adjusts. I need the tabs and "dog bone holes" for manufacturing also. 🙄

Anyone who feels this is a walk in the park?. Feel free to hand out some "this is how you should do it!" 😎

thx 

parametersspacing

EDIT*

I made the width and height "400 mm + dia * 3" and this fits the 5 holes in both directions (pCnt * 5).

How can I make the pattern count (pCnt) change the number of holes if I want to make the table 2000 mm wide and 1000 deep for example?

400 mm + dia * 3 

[engineguy]

@et.teljemo 

I found this very interesting so I hope you don`t mind me joining in with my meagre attempt at doing what I think you want/need, it is I suppose a bit of a "workaround" but maybe it will help you out for now until one of the real "brainiacs" can come up with a fully automatic version. You have probably already tried this but here goes anyway 🙂

Well, my slightly different approach was to start with the "control" hole in the centre of the plate and used the "symmetric" function instead of the "One Direction" (Never did like them anyway 🙂🙂)

I created a Sketch with the hole in the centre and then when I wanted to have a larger plate it was easy to just change the dimensions of the sketch, the plate model changes accordingly, then I just go to my "Pattern" and edit the number of holes in each section to best fit the plate but without changing the hole centres, to get the holes exactly aligned with the edges and each other then the distance between holes would need to be changed but for a simple example I didn`t do that.

After any change in size etc the program can easily be saved out with a new name 🙂

Anyway, have a look at the Screencast below.

Regards

Rob

 

[engineguy]

@et.teljemo 

I will try again to Post, previous Post was removed by someone as "Spam" 😞 😞 😞

See Screencast below, I am not going to type my Post out again 😞 😞

Regards

Rob

 

[et.teljemo]

Hi

I see both of your posts..

That is one way of doing patterns but what I really need is a way to control the my whole assembly with parameters so I can change the size of the table and that will result in the hole pattern on the table top and sides updating accordingly. 

Also, the thickness of the sheet metal would need to be linked to the width of the tap holes...

Maybe fusion 360 isn't made for that kind of designs where parameters control a whole lot...? Still.. I know parameters work really good when I follow a guide. I made some stairs the other day for a build project at home and found a parametric stairs guide that worked great.. I could have done that by my self however.. not that comfortable in parametric control yet.. 

[etfrench]

In order for the number of holes to change when changing sizes,  you need to use formulas for all of the settings in the Rectangular pattern.  These formulas should make the settings relative to the length and width of the table.

For example: count = floor(TableWidth/HoleOffsets) 

p.s. Link to math functions.

[et.teljemo]

@etfrench 

Is it better to start rectangles and patterns from a corner or from center in this case?

[etfrench]

That would depend on which is more important, a fixed distance from the edge for all different tables or an even amount of space around the table.

[carl.j.barker]

I had to do something similar for some grating. The holes are patterned from a corner.

These are the equations I used.  (Can't remember why I used abs()  in there but it won't hurt).