Is there a way to link values that are driven by something else? For example, if I have a right angle triangle with two sides that are defined can I link the length of the third side (which is obviously driven) with a line in a different sketch on a different plane? So, when I change the value of one of the dimensions the driven line changes accordingly and so I want a driven line in another sketch to change as well.
Look at equation driven geometry and for something super cool, look at DriveWorks.
You can also control geometry using a spreadsheet and link to the spreadsheet.
Chris,
Yes you can do that, as each dimension has a name either driver or driven see the attached sample part, just simple L-Shape pc with the diagonal dimension is the driven dim
I'm sorry, i don't know if this has answered my question or not. I don't want to have to include a design table with defined parameters. All i need to do is link values that are driven by something else. If I create a new sketch can I make a line that is equal to the diagonal line in your L-shaped bracket even if the new sketch is on a different plane? Sorry if i'm completely missing the point.
Thanks!
I think that what John was trying to say is that every dimension has a name and you can make a new dimension equal to an existing dimension using that name.
In the image above, I created the sketch of the 3, 4, 5 triangle with the legs driving and the hypotenuse driven. Next I extruded it to make the solid. After that, I made a sketch on the bottom plane with a line in it and started to dimension it (the 4.718 dimension is the one in question). Instead of giving it a numeric value, I put in an "=" sign, expanded the feature tree, clicked on the boss-extrude I made first and finally clicked the dimension I wanted to assign to it (in this case the hypotenuse). Now, if I change the length of one of the legs, it will also update the sketch that references the linked dimension. You can see any linked dimensions you have in the equation editor. You can also create the links from within the equation editor if you want.
Note that I think you need the "Instant 3d" option on the feature tab turned on in order to display the dimensions when you click on the item in the feature tree.
I have also attached the part file from the example I made above to help make a little better sense of what I wrote.
Hope this helps.
Thank you, Matthew! That is exactly what I needed - so simple. Never did much with linked dimensions or equations so thanks so much for all the other answers as well!
if the 2 planes are parallel, the sketch relation will work as you intend. if they are not, you will need to use an equation. and you will usually need to rebuild the model twice because SW solves equations BEFORE updating the geometry.
I think that what John was trying to say is that every dimension has a name and you can make a new dimension equal to an existing dimension using that name.
In the image above, I created the sketch of the 3, 4, 5 triangle with the legs driving and the hypotenuse driven. Next I extruded it to make the solid. After that, I made a sketch on the bottom plane with a line in it and started to dimension it (the 4.718 dimension is the one in question). Instead of giving it a numeric value, I put in an "=" sign, expanded the feature tree, clicked on the boss-extrude I made first and finally clicked the dimension I wanted to assign to it (in this case the hypotenuse). Now, if I change the length of one of the legs, it will also update the sketch that references the linked dimension. You can see any linked dimensions you have in the equation editor. You can also create the links from within the equation editor if you want.
Note that I think you need the "Instant 3d" option on the feature tab turned on in order to display the dimensions when you click on the item in the feature tree.
I have also attached the part file from the example I made above to help make a little better sense of what I wrote.
Hope this helps.