Punch tools to match tooling

[kjones]

I want to add a list of punch tools to constrain the user to use only hole sizes we have tooling for. My problem is, for many diameters, the tool depends on the thickness of material. My first idea was to include also the depth so that it would be clear when a tool could not be used on certain thicknesses, but I find that the dialogue only lets me select by parameters separately, instead of letting me choose an entire row of the table. Is there a solution for this I am not seeing? Why can’t I have the table itself on the dialogue the same as when I place an upset for example?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! If I understood your request correctly, you are talking about the table-driven Punchtool/iFeature, right. Indeed, the Insert dialog does not show the whole table (like iPart or iAssembly). Instead, it shows individual parameters. Showing the table like in iPart would be very helpful.

I am wondering if this is partially due to the fact there isn't a member column in Punchtool/iFeature like in iPart/iAssembly. Member column helps identify a row easily. You can actually add a member column manually on the table. Edit the Punchtool and go to Other tab. Create a new column called "MemberName." Make this column a key column. Give each member a more descriptive name so it can be easily picked without the need to remember the combination of each parameter. Could you try and see if it works for you?

Many thanks!

[kjones]

Sorry, I am only now getting back to this. I will try what you suggested and get back. It seems to me it would be so simple to have the enter table like an Ipart. In so many ways they function in exactly the same way.

[mcgyvr]

@johnsonshiue

I was going to suggest that the user use the "Placement Help" attachment function for ifeatures/punches

https://inthemachine-autodesk.typepad.com/blog/2006/01/attach-a-help-document-to-ifeatures.html

intended to provide the information/function that @kjones was asking about but in my attempts so far (I can attach a docx or txt file and select it as a "placement help" 3d party file per the instructions and the blue i appears during placement but if I click on that i nothing opens up..  Is it broken for you too? (Inv 2019.3)