Pulling dimensions from a part into another?

[kmgrose]

Hello gurus,

Over the past year I have been working on simplifying my job here at dci. There is a lot of repetitive information that has to be entered for every part its time consuming and generally results in a lot of user error. I have created a plethora content center parts that can be reused just by filling in custom fields for ID, knuckle radius, material thickness, etc. which all populates to its iProperties.

Now the question I have is: is there a way that I can pull information from a part that is already in the assembly. IE When I insert the leg for this tank into the model, is it possible for me to somehow select the head that it attaches to and have it draw the pertinent information from the model? This will reduce repetitive data entry.

Thank you for any/all help

Kevin

[Mark.Lancaster]

Are you asking if you can automatically draw a part?  Show model dimensions?  iProperties?   Need more information of what you are trying to accomplish

[kmgrose]

Can a part that is already made (via the content center, you just have to input a few dimensions currently; see picture #2) run code to pull information (tank ID, knuckle radius, etc.) when placed in an assembly from another part that is in the assembly already. This would effectively update the iProperties of the new part (IE the leg from my previoius example) as well as changing the KR, DR, ID etc (see pic 2).

Hopefully this clears it up a little bit.

[PaulMunford]

Hi kmgrose,

I can't test this for you right now, but I would explore the following:

1. Add the data you need to the content centre definition.

2. Copy and paste values in the BOM manager.

3. Use iLogic or Data standards to prompt the user for the additional data on save.

Let us know how you get on!

[kmgrose]

Paul,

This is what I am trying to get away from - re-entering data/dimentions that already exist (somewhere) in the model. The parts that I have created in the content center upon placement into the model prompt for data (and I've tried to make these parts as simple as possible requiring the least amount of information to be entered).

I would like to know if information can be pulled from an existing part just by clicking on it, or running code that looks for specific dimentions (the ID, KR, or SF). If not, no big deal, I am just looking for ways to make my job less error prone and a little bit easier.

[PaulMunford]

Hi Kevin,

Please could you clarify? Why can't you include the iProperties you want in the Design Centre part? Why do you need to copy and paste values from another part?

Please describe the whole workflow - thanks,

Paul

[kmgrose]

Hi Paul,

I am not asking about how to copy/paste dimensions from another part. The dimensions (currently) need to be entered in a dialog box which can cause user error (see "leg to caster frame" pic). What I want is for the part itself to automatically pull the dimensions from the assembly, instead of manually entering them every time.

Workflow:

To make a angled leg for a portable vessel there are several constraints and dimensions that need to be entered (most dimensions currently exist in other parts that are already in the assembly). I currently have it set up so its fairly easy to make this leg with very few dimensions to enter (see "leg to caster frame" pic). The sketch for the leg adjusts with the values that are put in to make the correct coping and mitered ends. What I want (see "leg to caster frame" pic again) is for the HD_THK, KR, DR, ID, and SF to all pull its information automatically (no copying and pasting, no inputing numbers in a fill in blank) from the part (torispherical head) which is already placed in the assembly (see previous pictures in post for leg to head view).

Is the way I have things set up right now laborous to enter data, no. But I want a part that will always be correct, even if I update the ID of the torispherical head. As it stands right now there are several places for the user to 'fat-finger' dimensions and make an incorrect part. Its not such a pain except when you change the ID or material thickness of other parts.

As for the iProperties, those already populate with the information that is entered in the dialog box. That is not the issue I am having.

[Mark.Lancaster · Accepted solution]

No that is not possible with a content center part.  However you could change your prompts (create your own columns) to be based on the information you want and the user selects from the list.  From there, the content center part would be generated for it.

Another solution is to make an iLogic part and the user could select the existing head or ask for the information.

Edit:  In addition try not make everything idot proof because no matter what you do someone will still find a way to mess it up.   That's what a design review process is for. 

[kmgrose]

Mark,

That is kind of what I was thinking is the answer. I will look into the iPart route. But I will likely just continue using the system I have in place for now.

[PaulMunford]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the clarification.

This is tricky to do. You could use an iAssembly to create a product configurator.

You may find iMates helpful.

I have had some sucess in the past with creating iLogic that 'pushes' a parameter value down from the assembly level to the part level - based on the parameter name.

I hope that you find a soloution. Let us know how you get on.

Paul

[kmgrose]

Paul,

Its good to know that something like this CAN be done. I will look more into iLogic/iParts/iAssemblies. Thank you for your patience.