I've been trying to work out a solution to make a parametric wire mesh part that will give me the square feet in the BOM, given a number of other inputs. A visual representation of the squares themselves would be nice. It doesn’t even have to be actual modeled geometry, but something that reflects the wire spacing when used in drawing views is my goal.
So far, sheet metal has worked the best, and I have gotten most of the parameters I need to change set up, and the part *generally* updates ok.
But, the amount of time it takes to build is variable and unacceptable. Last night I left work while it was updating the part, and it was done when I got back… it doesn’t take all night, but is over 5 minutes. Refold also seems to fail sometimes.
There are some bits and pieces of ilogic floating around, and an unfinished form. These are parts of a puzzle I have yet to finish.
I’m well aware that it’s my extrusion to represent the wire size and spacing that’s making the part slow, but I don’t know why that kills it. I have an acceptable workstation computer, and it’s really not that complicated of geometry. ipart for the changes does not improve the situation.
Do you guys have any other ideas to make this part work better? It doesn’t really even have to be accurate at all, it could be a 2 dimensional sheet with lines drawn on it as long as it shows up in drawings.
Part attached. Thanks for your time.
