Add Element Location Parameter

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to create a family which contains two extrusion elements ( one void, other solid). The elements are joined. I would like that those two elements could be separately moved. This way we will obtain a different form everytime that we change the coordinates (X,Y or Z) of one of the extrusions. Is it possible to add parameters to constraint the location of the extrusions? Could you show me how? Thanks in advance.

Regards,

[Sahay_R]

I would create both extrusions as separate families, and then next them into a third family. Controlling location will be so much easier. 

Can you share a screenshot or an example of what you are trying to accomplish?

[Anonymous]

Hi Rina,

Thanks for the quick reply. Find attached a screenshot with 3 possible results of changing the y and z coordinates of the void element. I would not like to move the elements using move tool, I would like to set the values as I do for the radius of those extrusions. In that case I use dimensions and parameters.

Anyway the example that I attached is a easy example.

[chrisplyler]

You don't do this with X, Y, and Z absolutes. You do this by parameterizing the "off center" values. I've made a screencast video for you and will post it as soon as it has uploaded/processed...

[Sahay_R]

I revise my first opinion - a simpler approach would be to create the geometry in the same generic model family, add in invisible lines to serve as references, and make groups. Please take a look at the attached family to make better sense of what I am attempting to say.

[chrisplyler]

Rina,

I don't get how that's simpler. What is the purpose of the lines and of grouping the two forms?

[Sahay_R]

Makes them obey my parameters. Just another way to skin a cat!

[chrisplyler]

Sure, but it's like I've skinned the cat with the cat skinning knife, and you've skinned it with the cork screw.

[Sahay_R]

It gets the job done - which is what is required.

[chrisplyler]

Yeah I know. No complaints. Just struck me weird because I wouldn't have thought of it.

[Sahay_R]

Just disregard the amounts of blood.

[ToanDN]

If OP wants to use grips to move and/or stretch then I would add the reference planes like @chrisplyler did.  If he solely wants to enter the value in the properties to locate and size the void then he could label the dimensions directly when sketching the void (see attached), or change the reference planes to "not a reference".

I personally prefer to use reference planes, it's nice to have grips to control and align things in project.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot Chris, Rina, Toan,

It is possible that the location of my elements contains negative coordinates, so I think I will try Chris approach. One question, so Chris, what about the Z coordinate? As Toan  has done in his rfa file, I can use the "Extrusion Start" property, to control the third coordinate. But how to control the third coordinate of elements such as the revolutions, they don't have that kind of property, do they?

Regards,

Jero

[chrisplyler]

For Z values, you just look at the extrusions in an Elevation view, and align/lock the appropriate faces to dimensioned/parameterized reference lines there.

If you use a Revolve instead of an Extrusion, you do the same thing, but you do it while you're editing the Path. While the Path line is pink and editable on your screen, align/lock the ends of it to the controlling reference planes.

[Anonymous]

Hi Chris,

I couldn't find out how to do it. I get some constraint exceptions (Constraints are not satisfied) when I try to set a parameter to a dimension. Could you attach a video to show how to parameterize Z coordinate of a revolve element or any other element that is not extrusion? Could it be in the same family?

Thanks in advance,

[ToanDN]

Maybe you should share you progress file.

[Anonymous]

Hi Toan,

I think I figured out how to do it.I just needed to change the work plane of the element and assigned it to another reference plane. Then, I created a dimension between original ref plane and the selected one. So, I think I can apply that solution to every kind of element.

I attached the results, what do you think about the solution?

Thanks a lot

[ToanDN]

It sounds you are doing it correctly.