I'm a relatively new SW user but I've been using Solid Modeling for about 16 years. Before this I was using Inventor for years and before that Solid Edge. So a lot of my questions will be trying to find the way that SW does something that Inventor does.
In Inventor I can start a part and then make a global parameter. Let's say I name it "SHROUD_LENGTH" and I give it a value of 31.75 in. In SW that is just as easy.
Later when I'm making a feature and it requires a sketch I can reference that parameter for a dimension. And SW lets me do that as well. What I'm having an issue with is using that global parameter in a sheet metal feature. I want to be able to change the parameter and have that sheet metal piece grow or shrink accordingly. As I stated, I can do this in Inventor. So I'm SURE this is possible in SW.
I make a Base Flange and the sketch uses that global parameter. No problem there.
But if I want the Hem to use that same Global Parameter for the length it will not allow it. I can enter the number in manually, under Type and Size in the Length dialog box. If I try to enter the parameter name like =SHROUD_LENGTH" it says that I need to enter a number.
What is the proper way to reference a Global Variable in a case like this? This is sort of a double edged question because I want to be able to use Global Parameters like this in other situations like assembly constraints
Hi Dominic,
With most features you are able to apply the global variable to a feature in its feature manager. However, this is not the case with some features such as hem. You will also find this the case when you come to use it in some assembly features.
To apply the global variable in this case:
1. Create the hem (or other feature) with any dimension
2. Once created highlight the dimension in the feature tree to show the feature dimensions in the graphics area (see image)
3. Double click the dimension you wish to define using the global variable to activate the modify window and assign the global variable as you do when sketching.
I hope this helps.