Parametric 3D modeling 1

[sammy3534]

Imagine a cube, fabricated from 1 1/2 inch square tubing. The outside cube dimensions are 42"W X 55-1/2" L X 85" H. Perhaps I have 100 different size cubes; I don't want to go into the parts and change every part length. Is there a way to change any one of the dimensions and have the overall model change without going into the individual parts drawings and changing the dimensions there?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Create a 3d sketch (or a set of 2D sketches) at the top level assy, and reference the tube lengths to those sketches. A DT or equation can then be used to control the sketch dimensions.

Have you also explored the possibility of using the Weldment function?

 

[Eltron]

I'd definitely look into Weldments.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[NL8]

weldments is the way to go for what you want to do, it will handle all the miter angles and terminations as necessary. Otherwise you're into an in-context assembly situation where things are extruded up to vertex. We used to do structural base plates like that, it got ugly.

Joe Hasik, CSWP/SMTL
SW 09 x64, SP 3.0
Dell T3400
Intel Core2 Quad
Q6700 2.66 GHz
3.93 GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 4600

 

[dgowans]

Moving from parametric to pedantic...

How can you have a cube that's 42"W X 55-1/2" L X 85" H?

 

[MechEng2005]

I suppose it's technically a right cuboid, rectangular box, rectangular hexahedron, right rectangular prism, or rectangular parallelepiped. However, I would have called it a "cube" and likely more people will understand with this (incorrect) terminalogy than the above terms...

-- MechEng2005

 

[sammy3534]

Good point on the definition of the "cube". Consider it a frame or box with the overall specified dimensions. I may want to change the overall dimensions in a hundred different sizes over the course on one month. And I need to make it as simple as possible.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Then use the Weldment function.

 

[sammy3534]

FYI for everyone...further exploration looks like DriveWorks in SolidWorks may be the way to proceed. I am presently working through the tutorial and it looks promising.