Dimensional values, but not on model?

Hello,

Just wondering if there is a way to select certain dimensions (say on an
assembly), and have SW identify and display them in something like a
dedicated window in table form as opposed to just having to open up the
model and reading the dimension off the assembly/sketch etc itself?

This is useful when you are playing around with various configurations
trying to determine which configuration(s) give you the best "quality"
dimension.

Cheers

Bullman

 

This is something I've so wanted to see for assemblies.

Design Tables/Configurations don't cut it because you can't include
subassembly or component dimensions in an assembly design table (or can
you with SW newer than 2001Plus?).

Perhaps a special folder in the Feature Manager for containing
"shortcuts" to frequently accessed or important dimensions (even if they
belong to a part buried six levels deep).

Maybe this is possible with an add-in? Any takers?

Joel Moore

 

I am aware of Design Tables but I am not sure if they do what I am asking.
The idea is to have key DRIVEN dimensional data easily inspected by changing
DRIVING dimesnions without having to look for the driven dimensions in the
model/sketches.

Are you suggesting that I include the DRIVEN dimensions in a Design Table
and continually open it up to view what the new values are when I make
dimensional changes to DRIVING dimensions within the assembly?

 

Sounds like You're looking for equations, instead of design tables

Krister

Bullman <> skrev i
diskussionsgruppsmeddelandet:3f6a1d77$0$14956$.
...

 

Yes Wayne!! This is exactly what I am talking about.
I am working on an rather complex linked assembly where clearances are
important but hard to "predict". As I make dimensional changes to various
features/sketches, I want to instantly see what the effect is on the DRIVEN
dimensions of interest, hence a little window that is always open and
updates automatically.

Good idea about the text note, however, depending on the orientation of the
assembly the text note(s) is/are not always in view. If a dedicated window
stayed open showing the DRIVEN dimensions of interest, then it would be much
easier.

Bullman

 

That is what I do now. But, as I have tried to explain, when you go to edit
your assembly, you often rotate the view so you can edit one of the parts.
This invariably means you lose view /sightof the reference dimension as it
is now off screen. You then have to go and hunt for it again
I have found that in some orientations, it is impossible to view/read any
refernce dimensions becasue you are looking along the axis of the dimension
line.

 

Here's the best I can figure out right now.

1. Create a drawing based on the assembly you are working with.
2. In that drawing put in views with dimensions that show what you want to
watch.
3. Set Auto View Update on.
4. Tile the assy & drawing so you can see both.
5. Move the part(s) in the assy.
6. Click on the drawing. This will cause the views to update and display
the new value for the dimensions.
7. Look at the dimensions.

WT

 

Set up different configurations of your subassemblies, and the use the
Design Table in the main assembly to switch the subassemblies around.
Ken

 

(kema) wrote in @posting.google.com:

That's still not as good.

1) If your part or subassy is buried several layers deep you wind up with a
messy "cascade" of configurations.

2) You have a limited set of configurations. Sure you can have
configurations for a linear actuator at the extremes of travel but what if
you want to be able to position it anywhere in the travel envelope? You
now have to go diggiing for that dimension.

There's gotta be a better way.

Joel Moore

 

1) If your part or subassy is buried several layers deep you wind up with
a

You know what I am talking about.
Absolutely there has to be a better way.
ie. A "Key Dimensions" window

Bullman

 

If I find the time I'm going to see if this is possible with an add-in.
(But don't hold your breath--I'm always "planning" on working on this or
that project.)

 

There was a program/macro that I downloaded from the SW model library years
ago (I think it was called 'Family Table') that would allow you to put an
Excel spreadsheet into a drawing and have it populated by dimensions in the
model - these would then update as you changed the model.

HTH

Merry