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Automatic activation of features

Automatic activation of features

Automatic activation of features

(OP)
Hi!

I have a problem with a parametric model containing an extruded cut. The thing is that I only want the extruded cut to be performed if there is another object overlapping it. Otherwise I would like to keep the extruded cut suppressed.

The reason for this is that the model crashes if there is nothing to cut. And I'm running an optimization on my model which means in some simulations the extruded cut is overlapped and needs to be done and in other simulations there is nothing to cut, which causes a rebuild error.

Is it possible to do something like:

If measure 1 > 55 then Activate ( Unsupress ) extruded cut 1 else deactivate (supress) extruded cut 1?

RE: Automatic activation of features

An equation cannot control feature states, but you should be able to do this in a Design Table. Create a Feature State column, and use the IF function with S and U as the statements.

e.g. =IF(Length>=55,"U","S")

cheers

RE: Automatic activation of features

(OP)
Thanks for the help. I looked up the If function in the Solid Works help and found something about it. But I've tried both in the equation editor (even though you said it did not work) and in the design table but it does not work.

I created the feature state column but it I get an error message that tells me that the only thing I can put in the feature state column is either suppressed "S" or unsuppressed "U".

Is it possible to input the if function somewhere else in Solid Works or do I need to use a macro?
 

RE: Automatic activation of features

Look up "If" in Excel help.  Don't forget the leading "=".

batHonesty may be the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.bat
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help

RE: Automatic activation of features

(OP)
Ok back at work!

Thank you for the file Limey it works perfectly. I have one last question to sum this up. Is this the only way to solve this problem?

I'm running Solid Works from an external software which cant access the design table, is it possible to implement this IF function through a macro or similar in Solid Works?
 

RE: Automatic activation of features

I don't know of another way ... but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

What "external software" are you using to run SolidWorks?

Maybe DriveWorks or DriveWorks Express would work for you.

cheers

RE: Automatic activation of features

Rytter,

If you are successful using the DT per CBL's suggestion then your only limitation appears to be that you cannot open the DT to change it.  If your logic inside the DT spreadsheet is sound all you should have to do is change the dimension that is controlling the cut and then force a rebuild.

Like CBL, I'm curious too what software/method you could be using to run SWX "externally".

- - -Updraft

RE: Automatic activation of features

(OP)
Hi!

I'm running the optimization software modeFRONTIER which has a connection to Solid Works and can drive the Solid Works parameters. The problem though is that modeFRONTIER is not working with the design table, but directly with the parameter dimensions in the model tree.

But what I could do is to connect the model to an excel file and change the parameters in excel and, then, close the excel document in order to update my cad part!  

RE: Automatic activation of features

Updraft:
Forced rebuild of the model does not cause a design table update.  Logic and any other formula in the design table is not updated unless the design table is opened to allow Excel to evaluate formulas.  This comes as a surprise to most people.

The macro in the FAQ I referenced will update the design table when run.  If your modeFRONTIER software can trigger a macro in SolidWorks then it should work for you.

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

RE: Automatic activation of features

(OP)
Ah perfect, thanks!

modeFRONTIER can start macros in Solid Works so I think that would be the solution to the problem!

 

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