Flat Layout dimension in BOM 2005

[MagnetsDA]

Does anyone have a good way of linking the flat layout length dimension into a BOM.

I am using configuration specific custom properties to link to my BOM. The problem is that in the assembly the bent up config is used. Thus, the custom properties for the bent up config are loaded into the BOM.

If I put a dimension in the flat config it is changed in the bent up config.

One more thing I just noticed-you cannot use cut and past when working with the custom properties. (SW2005 SP3.0)

Thanks for the help

Dan Allore

 

[CADGemini]

Just an idea. But did you try creating a seperate property linking the flat dimension.

Also you can cut and paste within the custom properties. I use the basic windows commands of Ctrl+C to copy and Crtl+V to paste or Ctrl+X to cut. I am running the same version as you and this works fine.

Best Regards,
Jon

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Solidworks 2005 SP3.0

 

[MagnetsDA]

jksolid,

Thanks for the cut/past help. I did not think of the obvious.

I do not understand you idea for linking a separate property for the flat dimension. Please explain.

Thanks

Dan Allore
(sorry no clever quote)

 

[Regg]

I have an idea or two of how this might be done but I require some additional info. 1) How are you creating the flat view in the flat config? 2) How did you create the flat length dimension?

Regards,

Regg

 

[MagnetsDA]

Regg,

We have made a config for the flat layout and then just used the flatten button in that congfig. We then tried to get that dimension name, copy it to the folded config. This does not work, the dimension changes when we go back to the folded config.

We have also put a flat layout view on a drawing and let the software create the config. Then go back to put a length dimension on that view. However I just cannot get that dimension to stay the length of flat view.

Let me know if you need more info.

Thanks for the help.

Dan

 

[Regg]

Dan,

Sorry it has taken so long for my reply. I still do not understand how you created the flat length dimension? Please let me know.

Until then, one other method you could try is to "flatten" the part in the folded view by using the unfold feature. After that you create a sketch, put in the flattened length dimension, then use the Fold feature to re-fold the part. You do this just above the Flat-Pattern feature. Now you have a dimension you can use and one that will also update immediately if any other feature dimensions change. Also you do not have to worry about checking "all configurations" when changing a dimensions.

Regg

 

[MagnetsDA]

Regg,

I am sorry I can't explain the dimension thing very well. All I am doing is flattening the part and then putting a dimension from one end to the other. Then I copy that dimension into the custom properties.

More importantly, your sketch idea sounds like it might be just what I need. I will try this out and let you know how it works.

Thanks

Dan