MM and INCH CONTENT CENTER FAMILY

[wavypringles]

Hi friends, 

I have a panel family that I would like to a add a 9mm member to, but the family was set up for 1/2", 3/8" fractional inch values, etc. How could I get around this to have mm and inches assigned to the same parameter? Since this is a one off, I could just write over and make values static for this particular member, but I would like my custom property to read 9mm when placed.

I thought there might be potential in using "Multi Value List," but anyone know how? Better ideas?

[SharkDesign]

Edit the family and just type the dimension as 9mm, it will convert to inch when you place it because it's using an inch template. Your description will still say 9mm though if you set it up that way.

[jp_adminFBSU6]

It does convert and that is exactly what I don't want. I'm curious if anyone has a workaround for having the custom property call out as 9mm on an inch template. I can change the precision, but wondering if there is a way to make it read out in MM vs IN.

"I could just write over and make values static for this particular member, but I would like my custom property to read 9mm when placed."

[wavypringles]

It does convert and that is exactly what I don't want. I'm curious if anyone has a workaround for having the custom property call out as 9mm on an inch template. I can change the precision, but wondering if there is a way to make it read out in MM vs IN.

"I could just write over and make values static for this particular member, but I would like my custom property to read 9mm when placed."

[jnowel]

Initially, you have THICKNESS_FRAC as a Numeric Parameter in "inch"
Now, THICKNESS_FRAC as a Text Parameter now. 
With it as a text, I think you should be able to do that now.

My idea was you'll have to use 2 columns for a Numeric and Text Parameter
The Numeric will just be the value in inches (for the part model features), while the Text is what you want to show as custom property.
I'm just unsure if there is way to custom sort the Text Parameter showing in the 'right' order
9mm is just way down in the selection dialog box

But is in the 'right' spot in the family table
Here 'Nominal Diameter' the String/Text Parameter
While the 'Outside Diameter' is the Numeric in 'inch'

You can also use the corresponding Text column to export it directly to an iProperty

[SharkDesign]

Just create a custom column in the family table called 'Standard'
Type inch or metric in each row

Set the column as key column 1. 

Should be able to filter by metric in the place dialogue then and it'll just show mm or in. 

[navya_gelli]

Hello, @wavypringles ,

Just checking in—did the responses shared by @SharkDesign and @jnowel  help clarify your question?

If so, please consider clicking the "Accept Solution" button on the post(s) that solved your problem. Doing so helps others in the community easily find useful answers.

If your question still needs more attention, feel free to reply here with an update. This way, other members can jump in with further suggestions or guidance to help you move forward.

All the best,

Navya | Community Manager

[Roman_Vesely]

Hi wavyprngles,

Looking at your setup, you're on the right track with the two-column approach — but there's one more step that may be missing.

The key is what iProperty type your template part uses for that custom property:

- If the iProperty is type Length (common for thickness), Inventor will interpret any value you put there as a measurement and convert it to the document's unit — including values from a Text column. That's likely what you're seeing.

- If the iProperty is a Text/String type (or a custom text property), it will store the string exactly as entered and no conversion happens.

What to check:
1. In your CC template part, open iProperties and look at the custom property you're mapping to. Is it defined as Text or as a unit-based type like Length?
2. If it's Length — create a new custom iProperty of type Text instead, and map your "9mm" Text column to that one.

 The numeric thickness column (for model geometry) will always convert to the family's base unit — that's unavoidable. But a Text column mapped to a String/Text iProperty will always display exactly what you typed, regardless of the template unit system.

 Best regards,
  Roman