Creating Relationships

[Joest]

Coming from the ProE world, I was hoping SW had the capability to create mathematical relationship between dimensions. ProE sets up a unique dimension tag number that can be inserted into equations relation dimensions. This tag number can even be used to drive dimensions in other parts or assemblies. What is available in SW to do this? Or is this sort of activity reserved for high-end CAD packages and I'm out of luck? Any info in this area would be great. Thanks.

-Joest

 

[Mandrake22]

Look at "Equations" in help, that should get you going.
One thing to keep in mind, the help in Solidworks is extremely complete and usually will get you out of the woods. Sometimes it is hard knowing what to ask for, however!

 

[alexsasdad]

joest,

You will find that sw relations exist but they don't have all of the functionality. There won't be a one to one capability.

 

[SBaugh]

Equations are the first way to look at this as Mandrake22 has pointed out. The other way is to look at a Design Table. Which is an Excel sheet built inside of the part file. If you know anything about Excel you will know that you can use the VBA and formula side of Excel to help with contorl of the dimensions.

Just another way to look at SW.

Check the help on these subjects.

If you haven't done so yet, also check out the online tutorial.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[Joest]

Thank you all! Equations should take care of most situations and the excel spreadsheet approach sounds like a great way to get significant power and ease of use out of SW. I will give it a go.

-Joest

 

[TheTick]

Along with equations, look into "link values". Link values allows a user to assign a single value to multiple dimensions.

"Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings."--C. D. Jackson

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

 

[Dennyd]

Joerst,

SolidWorks uses "Design Tables" (spreadsheets) as one of the ways to handle multiple configurations in a part file while Pro/E uses "Family Tables". However, I think Family Tables are the only way in Pro/E to handle multiple configs. There are times when the manual, i.e., non-Design Table method is the most appropriate method for creating multipe configs and other times when the spreadsheet method is the better choice.

Similarly, there are times when the relationships between values are best controlled by Equations, other times when it is best to use Linked Values and still other times when the Design Table is best. Many of these situations could use one or more of these methods. The beauty is that you have options to use whichever is the most appropriate.

- - -Dennyd

 

[JNR]

Looks like all three methods can be best in different circumstances. For example. linking would be easier and more efficient than going to the lengths of making a equations for D1=D3, D3=D6, etc. Best to make some cheap play parts and experiment until you are familiar enough to decide.

John Richards Sr. Mech. Engr.
Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics

A hobbit's lifestyle sounds rather pleasant...... it's the hairy feet that turn me off.