Macro to copy with link a parameter

[rmarson]

Hi guys,
I'm developing a macro to make a BOM, but I have problem when in the product there are some symmetry.
In that case I have to import a parameter from the original part to the symmetry.
Now the macro create a new parameter and assign the value of the same parameter of original part
but if the original change I don't have nothing to update the value in the symmetry
Anyone know hot to copy with link a parameter?

ps. when we export sometings all the files are renamed so after the rename I don't have partnumber like "ciccio" and "symmetry of ciccio" no more

 

[GELFS]

Hi RMarson,
what is the problem you face concerning symmetrical components and BoM of the Product?

-GEL
Impossible is nothing.

 

[rmarson]

Hi GELFS
in my macro I search the Symmetry to apply the parameters of their father (PN, Source, Nomenclature, ecc),
but with the selection occupated by the symmetry I can't copy and paste a parameter with link.
I think I had to rewrite the macro and put all the symmetry in an array, but first I want to know if it's possible to copy and paste a parameter with link without the selection use

 

[GELFS]

Hi RMarson,

My actual question was why you need to copy parameters between the the "Component" and the "Symmetry of Component". Is it because the quantity in BoM is not the proper one?

-GEL
Impossible is nothing.

 

[rmarson]

I can't use the CATIA BoM because we work for many clients and each of they want something different.
We had develop a series of tool to help developer, one of this is the gestion of BoM,
for this client the bought elements have an additional parameter with their internal code and every piece with this code have to be renamed with this code in the part number,
i got problem when an element change configuration, if the symmetry is alredy renamed it change dimensions but not part number
if i count the element by their part number i find that the symmetry have the old code

 

[GELFS]

Hi RMarson,

Let's Define the root problem first.
What I understood from your last post is that the definition of the root problem is the following.

1. In an Assembly(i.e. CATProduct file) you have component(s)with Part Number(PNr) "ComponentXXX" and component(s)with PNr "Symmetry of ComponentXXX" which have been created with the aid of the Symmetry-Mirror command of Product Design workbench.
2. In your BoM you need the PNr "ComponentXXX" with quantity calculated as follows:

Quantity = (number of components with PNr "ComponentXXX") + (number of components with PNr "Symmetry of ComponentXXX")

Is this the definition of the problem?



-GEL
Impossible is nothing.

 

[rmarson]

Hi GELFS
the situation is not so simple, because I had to rename also the symmetry files,
so my case is:
Quantity = number of components with PNr "ComponentXXX_counter"
I search for the left part of PNr and here is the BoM
but for example:
Product1

Product2​

Component001_1​

Component002_1​

Product3​

Component001_2​

Symmetry of Product2​

Component001_3​

Component002_2​

BoM:
Component001 = 3 pieces
Component002 = 2 pieces

From this situation the Component001_1 in Product2 change. He become Component003_1, he take the name from a parameter connected to a table with the client codes
It is renamed automatically by a macro that allign the PNr with that parameter, but the symmetry don't have that parameter so his PNr don't change

Product1

Product2​

Component003_1​

Component002_1​

Product3​

Component001_2​

Symmetry of Product2​

Component001_3​

Component002_2​

wrong BoM:
Component001 = 2 pieces
Component002 = 2 pieces
Component003 = 1 pieces

right BoM:
Component001 = 1 pieces
Component002 = 2 pieces
Component003 = 2 pieces

Because

Symmetry of Product2​

Component003_2​

Component002_2​

 

[GELFS]

Hi RMarson,

Are Component001_1, Component001_2, Component001_2,etc Part-Numbers or Instance-Numbers?

-GEL
Impossible is nothing.

 

[rmarson]

Component001_1, Component001_2, Component001_2,etc are Part-Numbers

 

[GELFS]

I really do not understand why you do what you do.
I fully understand the requirement of your client(s) to have their own PNr in the design / BoMs, and so, I fully understand that you change the PNrs in the product iaw a rule or something like that.
What I do not understand is, why you add up the quantities of Component001_1, Component001_2,Component001_3. These are different components, as having different PNr!
Also, what you do impose the risk of error because two symmetrical pieces or products, produced by the Mirror option, are not generally geometrically identical (think about the LHS and the RHS front door of a car and so this two doors must have two different PNrs). In many cases are geometrically very different. So if you add their quantities in many cases you get wrong BoM.
In case the a.m. components are geometrically identical but for some reason(s) have different PNr (I used to call them 'Double Components'), and because of this the [Analyze]>[Bill of Material...] menu option of CATIA gives you incorrect results, then you have to face the problem in the root of it. This means that you have to eliminate all Double Components in your product before asking the BoM of your product. This is a time consuming process especially for large products and always involves the risk of mistake for components with very small or hidden differences, if you do it manually.
An application that automates the elimination of Double Components with no risk of mistakes you may find on GFreiman channel on YouTube or here.

-GEL
Impossible is nothing.

 

[rmarson]

I don't insert the quantity in the PNr, I have to add a progressive counter because I can't use the same PNr for different files,
also my problem occur when I change bought elements like screws that can be change for many reason and who change it can't check every single symmetry part specially in big assembly
the made elements are counted in a different mode to manage LHS and RHS elements