Design Tables vs New Configurations

[CadAndy]

Has any found any advantages of using a design table
vs adding configurations or the other way around.

It seems the design table needs to be updated when
needed which seems like an extra step. On the other
hand you can say the same with configurations.

Both seem to work efficiently but, checking on any
advantages or disadvantages.

 

[ShaggyPE]

I'm not sure if I totally follow. You are referring to design tables in part and assembly models right. Not simply adding some excel table into a drawing?

As far as design tables are concerned, they are the only way to go. All variations in configurations should be controlled by design tables. With design tables you can quickly change lots of dims and create new configurations. You can also control all of your custom properties from within the design table. You can use excel functions in your design table to fill other cells, like grabbing the length dimension from its cell and putting it into the description. Example: 3in X 3in X 24in Square Tubing. The numbers in this description can be linked to their respective controlling cells.

Design Tables are awesome!!!

 

[TheTick]

I have found that design tables make configurations more stable (less prone to unexpected changes). This is especially true for models with equations that are suppressed on a configuration-specific basis.

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

 

[ctopher]

I only use design tables for showing min/nom/max dims of a part. I don't use it for different parts since each part is config controlled and checked in to PDMWorks. If one part changes, I would change the design table and it would change the others (which would change the respective assys) that I don't want to change. This would be a headache. I hope I'm clear. Is there something I'm missing? Is anyone using design tables a different way?
thanks

 

[SBaugh]

When I use DT's I use them to not only control my part Dims (plus other stuff) but too also make it more understanding. For example to cell above the dims names I give very descriptive information up there. I also use lots of cell formulas for automation purposes. The advantage I like about DT's is that you can use VBA and multiple sheets to automate and customize your DT's and then that is sent down to the part. I have some of this as an example at my site.

http://www.scottjbaugh.com/Design_Portfolio/SW Models DT.htm

Excel Example
Solid Solutions - My article on VBA in DT's in SW.

The only problem with using and customizing a DT, is the fact that the larger and more complicated the DT becomes you may suffer a performance hit. But that varies between how complicated the file is and the DT.

For automation:
I make DT to control my parts and configurations. Then I make assemblies that control the assembly quite extensively. (I mate everything using planes) I control those planes at the assembly level using a DT. I also control the Configurations of the parts with the same assembly DT. Now I have full control over every aspect of my assembly.

I HTH
Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[JNR]

I am probably reading something different into your question than everyone else. But by now y'all know I'm have a different cut on life sometimes!!!

OK, here's my 2 cents worth.

If you have multiple configurations that are for similar parts with different parameters, then DT's are the way to go, no question for lots of reasons.

If you have different configurations for other purposes such as for exploded views in drawings, design specific configurations (like hiding a lot of stuff so you don't have to deal withit all the time) then manual would be the wat to go. Of course I suppose you could have combinations while child configurations these days.

I don't recommend the automatic DT creation method. you only need the parameter you are going to vary, and they are real easy to pull in. The automatic way gives you everthing under the sun (and moon) and is very large and cumbersome.

Be naughty - save Santa a trip.