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Equation editor and external reference

Question asked by Pet Peever on Aug 21, 2012
Latest reply on Aug 21, 2012 by Pet Peever

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Hi,

I am trying to define a dimension of a part2 with the geometry of the part1.

I found this thread on the forum, which gives some clues,

https://forum.solidworks.com/thread/21920

but how and where I can define the equation "D1@Sketch1@Part5<1>.Part" = "D2@Sketch1@Part4<1>.Part" - 1

In the part5 ? in the asm1 ?

I guess that it is in the asm1, but how can I get any D1@Sketch1@Part5<1>.Part, without entering this beautiful name by hand ?

or for SW conceptors, to memorize parameters full of wise and to type them is the doom for SW users ?

Alin Vargatu Aug 21, 2012 4:24 PM

Correct Answer

1. Open the assembly that has both parts

2. Edit the component where you want to declare the equation

3. Edit a dimension value and type "="

4. Double-click on the face of the component that you want to reference a dimension from.

5. Click on the dimension of your choice.

You can also declare Global variables to make your life easier. Also, give your dimensions names that make sense.

Another thing you can do is to use external files for sharing values between multiple components or parts, without the need of having an assembly:

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/English/solidworks/sldworks/c_sharing_equations_among_models.htm

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Alin Vargatu Aug 21, 2012 4:24 PM

1. Open the assembly that has both parts

2. Edit the component where you want to declare the equation

3. Edit a dimension value and type "="

4. Double-click on the face of the component that you want to reference a dimension from.

5. Click on the dimension of your choice.

You can also declare Global variables to make your life easier. Also, give your dimensions names that make sense.

Another thing you can do is to use external files for sharing values between multiple components or parts, without the need of having an assembly:

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/English/solidworks/sldworks/c_sharing_equations_among_models.htm

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Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 5:45 PM

Hi,

I got some difficulties to grab dimensions of a given sketch of the part1, but that works perfectly.

A dbl-click on the sketch, after an highlighting of the part1 in the FM, and it's OK

Tx a lot, your help is really appreciated.

Now, the equation features of SW are really nice, and very powerful.

Actions

Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 6:16 PM

A problem is still remaining, yet : to define the number of teeth for a gear having a given pitch, I need a center angle of this pitch.

If I want to parameter the part with the number of instances, a global variable, using this number, and injected into the sketch defining the tooth will give an absurd result, (as expected by me)

Btw, SW don't detect the circular references ( the last straw, about a circular pattern).

I can define a prototype of the number, with a fake object, a first circular pattern, driving the teeth construction, but it's a bit freaky, imo.

Is there something smarter, for this classical dish ?

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Alin Vargatu @ Pet Peever on Aug 21, 2012 6:38 PM

Please post your part.

On the other hand, if you have SW Pro or Premium, you might be able to use the Toolbox Gears:

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Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 10:33 PM

Tx for your info, but the Summer Edition seems to have not this toolBox.

In fact, using equations, a folder appears in the feature manager, so I have just to declare a relation in the other direction : number of instances = global variable, and voilà.

Actions

5 Replies

Alin Vargatu Aug 21, 2012 4:24 PM
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Correct Answer
1. Open the assembly that has both parts
2. Edit the component where you want to declare the equation
3. Edit a dimension value and type "="
4. Double-click on the face of the component that you want to reference a dimension from.
5. Click on the dimension of your choice.

You can also declare Global variables to make your life easier. Also, give your dimensions names that make sense.

Another thing you can do is to use external files for sharing values between multiple components or parts, without the need of having an assembly:

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/English/solidworks/sldworks/c_sharing_equations_among_models.htm
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- Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 5:45 PM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Hi,
  I got some difficulties to grab dimensions of a given sketch of the part1, but that works perfectly.
  A dbl-click on the sketch, after an highlighting of the part1 in the FM, and it's OK
  
  Tx a lot, your help is really appreciated.
  
  Now, the equation features of SW are really nice, and very powerful.
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
- Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 6:16 PM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  A problem is still remaining, yet : to define the number of teeth for a gear having a given pitch, I need a center angle of this pitch.
  
  If I want to parameter the part with the number of instances, a global variable, using this number, and injected into the sketch defining the tooth will give an absurd result, (as expected by me)
  
  Btw, SW don't detect the circular references ( the last straw, about a circular pattern).
  
  I can define a prototype of the number, with a fake object, a first circular pattern, driving the teeth construction, but it's a bit freaky, imo.
  
  Is there something smarter, for this classical dish ?
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
  - Alin Vargatu @ Pet Peever on Aug 21, 2012 6:38 PM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Please post your part.
    
    On the other hand, if you have SW Pro or Premium, you might be able to use the Toolbox Gears:
    Like • Show 0 Likes0
    Actions
    - Pet Peever @ Alin Vargatu on Aug 21, 2012 10:33 PM
      Mark Correct
      Correct Answer
      Tx for your info, but the Summer Edition seems to have not this toolBox.
      
      In fact, using equations, a folder appears in the feature manager, so I have just to declare a relation in the other direction : number of instances = global variable, and voilà.
      Like • Show 0 Likes0
      Actions

Equation editor and external reference

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