Prevent specific parametric parameters from scaling

[epiphatech]

Hello all,

Does anyone know how to prevent specific parametric parameters from changing when scaling a model? I have a product that I want to create different sizes for (S, M, L, XL) and have been using the scale function to do so. The problem is the tolerances I have specified between the different parts also get scaled. I end up with parts that don't fit together properly after 3D printing (too tight or too loose). 

The only option I have found thus far is to project or intersect a new drawing and start modifying the new scale's tolerances manually and then again revolve or extrude the part. This, however, is not ideal as it takes considerable time for each model and the power of Parametrics is lost. Surly there is a better way.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[jeff_strater]

I suspect that what you need is configurations:  Fusion Configurations .  This capability is only available for commercial or education entitlements, however.

[davebYYPCU]

After scaling, change the tolerance / wall parameters, back to normal.

Or make the model as surface and thicken after size changes.

Might help....

[epiphatech]

Since I have purchased a license and am not seeing configurations in the ribbon, I assume this is an extra extension that must be purchased. Do you recall what extension includes configurations?

[epiphatech]

So here is the weird thing...

• I have a parameter named "tolerance" set to 0.005 (I want to this to remain constant even after scaling)
• I double the scale of my model (x2)
• The tolerance parameter still reads 0.005...???
• However, inspecting the model reveals the actual tolerance was indeed doubled to 0.010

I can force the software to do what I want by initially changing the tolerance parameter to 0.0025, so after I double the scale of my model I get the desired 0.005 tolerance, but there has to be a better way.

[jeff_strater · Accepted solution]

Scale is a feature in the timeline.  It just applies the scale to the results of the previous features (Body, etc).  You can roll the end of design marker before this feature, and scale is removed.  Roll it back forward, scale is applied.  This is why, after the scale feature has been executed, the gap will be twice as big. It does not (and is not intended to) scale parameters.  The more parametric way to model this, (though more work), is to have a User Parameter called "scale", and factor that into each dimension, extrusion depth, etc, that you want to scale, but not to your tolerances.  Then, you can scale the model by changing that scale parameter.

[davebYYPCU]

Configurations are supplied with Commercial and Education Licenses.

That's a pitfall of the Scale Tool, it does not honor any Parameter listed values, and will override all by the scale factor, (bonus to some) and an alternate workflow would have to be found.

Might help...