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Formulaic Dimensions

Formulaic Dimensions

Formulaic Dimensions

(OP)
I'm evaluating Pro/E Wildfire 2.0 and searched through the help system but can't find anything on creating formulaic dimensions or table driven parts.

In Inventor, for example, you can enter a value for a dimension or a formula, e.g. d1+d2. I can change the value in Pro/E, how do you set up the formula? How do you find the names of the dimensions?

Also, how do you set up a part to accept dimensions from an Excel spreadsheet. I get the feeling that the terminology used in Pro/E is completely different to anything I'm used to and that is why I can't find anything in the help system.

I've looked at the quick tutorials and they don't go anywhere near these issues so they aren't any help.

Any pointers would be greatfully received.

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

Fawkes,

Search for Family Tables, this should give you the information needed to create an excel driven part.

Best Regards,

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SW2005 SP 2.0 & Pro/E 2001
Dell Precision 370
P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
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NIVIDA Quadro FX 1400
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"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea"  Bernard-Paul Heroux
 

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

Hi,

You can create a relation and then use the dimenions you wish in your formula.

Tofflemire

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

If you are learning Pro/E without some help this can be a bit confusing.  Actually I'm still confused, just not to the extent I once was.  8~)

"... how do you set up the formula..."

Simply input the values as already stated.  

Be aware also that there are sketcher (or section) dimensions [sd...] and feature dimensions [d...] controlling the same geometry.  The relations can be created either way, but you need to keep in mind how they were created (during section creation or, after the fact, as feature relations [most peoples' preference?]) and where to look (section or feature) to edit them.

Also you should note that sketcher reference dimensions are calculated, updated at the end of the section calculation so may not behave as expected if used in relations within the section (subsequently calc'd features should be ok).

"... How do you find the names..."

Depends on what mode you are in.  If in sketcher; there's a value / name toggle toolbutton.  Use Info, Feature to access objects not local to section or Tools, Relations to access named part level parameters.  If in part (or assy) mode, use Tools, Relations, or Edit and Info, Feature.

-----

One thing you'll find more restrictive than IV, once a relation is created it cannot be edited except by using Tools, Relations; e.g. you can't dblclk on a dimension and change the equation.

HTH more than hinders and good luck with it.
=====

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

The quickest way to find the names of your dimensions is to select the feature (or, while in sketcher) and select Info-->Switch Dimensions.

The realtions editor has a button in it that lets you switch them as well. Even easier, in the relations editor, if you select on the dimension itself, it inserts its symbolic value (i.e. d22) wherever the cursor is in the editor.

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

You can also add that toggle dims to names icon to your toolbars, it's under info in r2001... customize screen
not sure about WF

text_height_factor 30   in config.pro makes them a whole lot easier to read

RE: Formulaic Dimensions

Here are some FAQ links for relations and Excel:

Mathematical Operators used in Pro/E Relations (FAQ554-970)
Using Microsoft Excel with Pro/ENGINEER (FAQ554-905)

Best regards,

Matthew Ian Loew


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