Rename Features

[slorandy]

There are a couple Features we use to create shapes unique to our product, primarily Swept Cut. We use this to create a feature we call a "Flexure". Can I rename the Swept Cut Button to "Flexure" such that the name "Flexure" shows up in the Feature Tree?

 

[MElam]

You can not rename the button, but you can rename the feature.

Try a slow, double-click on the feature name. Or you can go to the feature properties and change it there.

If you go to System Options, Feature Manager and chack the box next to "Name feature on creation", you will get an edit box every time the feature is created.

 

[slorandy]

Thanks, I've figured out those options. I was just looking for ways to get consistant naming of features as done by multiple users, and to speed up the process by not having to name on creation.

 

[MElam]

I was kind of afraid of that. Maybe one of the API/Macro experts will be able to help.

Sorry

 

[APPENG]

Here's an idea,

You can create a macro that performs a cut extrude and assign it to a button. You can create your own bitmap for the button.

When you create the macro button you will be prompted to point to the macro file that you created. Then you can point to the bitmap image you created (if you choose to do so). Also you can create custom tooltips that says "Flexure" when you mouse over the toolbutton.

In the macro you can call the extrude cut feature, and as you know after feature creation the last feature is always selected, so after that, all you need to do is change the popertied of the already selected feature.

the code would look like this...

Part.FeatureManager.FeatureCut True, False, False, 1, 0, 0.027432, 0.027432, False, False, False, False, 0.01745329251994, 0.01745329251994, False, False, False, False, 0, 1, 1
Part.SelectionManager.EnableContourSelection = 0
boolstatus = Part.Extension.SelectByID("Cut-Extrude1", "BODYFEATURE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing)
Part.SelectedFeatureProperties 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, "Flexure1"
Part.ClearSelection2 True

The problem here is this, You cannot have the same name for features in the tree. so you will have to generate some logic that will scan the tree and keep track of the already used names and make a incremental change each time you create a new one.

Flexure1
Flexure2
etc.

hope that helps.



Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

 

[APPENG]

BTW if that sounds like too much for you at the moment I can probably write something for you when i get a free moment..



Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

 

[slorandy]

Thanks for the offer APPENG. For now I'm going to investigate some other options. The features I'm working with is a Swept Cut which appears to be rather complex for SW. It takes about 5-6 steps to create. I've tried making it a Library Feature, but it won't accept it. I've tried using the Macro Record to automate the steps but it crashes shortly after it runs.

We may just be limited to either having this shape in start parts and modifying whenever possible, or going through the rather cumbersome steps each time a new Swept Cut is created.

 

[APPENG]

Slorandy

I was just using the extrude as an example but you can use a macro for a sweep.. I have done this.. perhaps you can send me a sample of what you are trying to do and I can give you a recommendation..



Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com