5 Replies Latest reply on Aug 21, 2012 10:33 PM by Pet Peever

Equation editor and external reference

Pet Peever Aug 21, 2012 4:18 PM

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 ?

Re: Equation editor and external reference

Alin Vargatu Aug 21, 2012 4:24 PM (in response to Pet Peever)

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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- Re: Equation editor and external reference
  
  Pet Peever Aug 21, 2012 5:45 PM (in response to Alin Vargatu)
  
  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.
  
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- Re: Equation editor and external reference
  
  Pet Peever Aug 21, 2012 6:16 PM (in response to Alin Vargatu)
  
  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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  - Re: Equation editor and external reference
    
    Alin Vargatu Aug 21, 2012 6:38 PM (in response to Pet Peever)
    
    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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    - Re: Equation editor and external reference
      
      Pet Peever Aug 21, 2012 10:33 PM (in response to Alin Vargatu)
      
      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.
      
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