How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
(OP)
We make assemblies that use different lengths of copper tubing. I'm not sure how to handle the part model of the copper tubing. As I see it, my options are either:
Any suggestions?
- Have a single model file for the tubing and create a new configuration for each new length
- Create a new model file for each new length.
Any suggestions?






RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
If this is the case, you might consider creating a seed file. Perhaps a macro that takes are of description, name, number, etc. would be in order.
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RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
Changes at the assy level would simply be changing the length of the part (meaning select an existing config or create a new one).
I've managed to come up with a way that works for me (though the PDM issue might blow me out of the water):
Created a new Toolbox standard, renamed the Aluminum structural shapes to Copper, and then edited some of the existing shapes to yield what I need. In the model file I've added a reference dimension to the extrusion length and this is referenced on the assy BOM as the cut length.
Now, if I could find the Access table holding all those values so that I could delete the ones that are meaningless, I'd be one happy camper.
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
RE: How to Handle Model Files for Different Stock Lengths
We had to do the same thing for our items that only changed in length. We did not want to create a separate model for each part, because if something changed in one model we would have to change them all.
What we ended up doing was to create configurations for each length and within that configuration we added a sketch with the length on it. That dimension would be placed in our Excel based BOM under the QTY with the unit of measure. It was complicated to setup, but once done it was easy for a drafter to put a different length wire in a BOM, because it is all automatically done.
Bradley