Untitled Document

Are You Parametric? Part Two

by sunithbabu on January 25, 2009

In the previous post on Are you Parametric? Part One, we have learned how to alter the height width and length of a simple cube. The same concept can be applied to any given model, simple or complex. In this issue we will explore how to control the same model (cube) using an Excel file. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Create an Excel file with the following data and save it as Parametric2007.xls.

parametric-figure-001

Figure 1

Note: L1 = length, L2 = width, L3 = height

Step 2: Open Autodesk Inventor® 11.0, select part modeling, and create a square of arbitrary values as shown below in millimeters.

parametric-figure-002

Figure 2

Step 3: Right-click and select Finish Sketch.

parametric-figure-003r

Figure 3

Step 4: Now orient the view in Isometric or press F6

parametric-figure-004

Figure 4

Step 5: Now let’s link the Excel file Parametric2007 with the Part Model by selecting the Tools->Parameters option.

parametric-figure-005

Figure 5

Step 6: Now select the link option from the Parameters, as shown in Figure 6.

parametric-figure-006

Figure 6

Step 7: Now Select the Parametric2007 file (Excel file) from the location where you have saved it earlier, as shown below.

parametric-figure-007

Figure 7

Step 8: Now you will notice that all the values appear in the parameters dialog box as shown below.

parametric-figure-008

Figure 8

Step 9: Once you have linked the Excel file with the Inventor model, you can edit the Excel file to alter the 3D Part Model or 2D Sketch. Now in the Browser bar, you will notice additional information, which reads as Third Party. Once you click on it you will find the Excel file attached to it—Parametric2007.xls, as shown in Figure 9. If you right-click on it and select edit, you can alter the values of L1 L2 and L3 in the Excel file directly.

parametric-figure-009

Figure 9

Step 10: Now let’s edit the values of Length and Width, which were created with arbitrary values of 10 mm and 10 mm respectively by double-clicking on the dimensions as shown in Figure 10.

parametric-figure-010

Figure 10

Step 11: Now select the List parameters to select the values of L1 and L2 as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

parametric-figure-011-resized

Figure 11

parametric-figure-012-resized

Figure 12

Step 12: Once you change the dimension to L1 and L2 you will notice that both values are a Function fx: 10

parametric-figure013

Figure 13

Step 13: Now select the Extrude Command and link to the parameter file with L3 option (height).

parametric-figure-014

Figure 14

Step 14: The final component (cube) is now parametric and can be altered based on the values of the Excel file.

parametric-figure-015

Figure 15

Step 15: Open the Excel file and change the values of L1, L2, and L3 as 100, 150, and 225. Save the file. Now select the update icon in the Inventor tool bar as shown in Figure 16. Notice the changes.

parametric-figure-016

Figure 16

In this way you can create any complex 3D models by linking an Excel file. Some part models such as bolts, nuts, and so on, can be created and modified easily with this technique.

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Tagged as: Parametric Modeling

  • Krishnadev

    Hi Sunithbabu,

    Thank you very much for the tutorial. Now, I am using this methodology and able to increase my productivity.
    Krishandev

  • Krishnadev

    Hi Sunithbabu,

    Thank you very much for the tutorial. Now, I am using this methodology and able to increase my productivity.
    Krishandev

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in/ sunithbabu

    Hi Krishnadev,

    Thanks for your feedback., I appreciate your time spent on this site and do spread the message about this website / blog.,

    Pls pass on your comments and critis to sunithbabu@cadprofessor.in

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in sunithbabu

    Hi Krishnadev,

    Thanks for your feedback., I appreciate your time spent on this site and do spread the message about this website / blog.,

    Pls pass on your comments and critis to sunithbabu@cadprofessor.in

  • Tim Kraynak

    Hi Sunith:
     
    I read your article “Are you parametric Part 2 ” and found it very informative.  I have a related question if you don’t mind:
     
    I would like to include other model parameters (aside from sketch dimensions and extrusion lengths  to name a few) , such as material density, and part volume in a spreadsheet which I have linked to the parameter table.  The problem is, I don’t  know where to find the part density or volume variables or what their names are so I can use them.
     
    Example:  This part will be immersed in oil and I need to calculate the wet weight (i.e. dry weight minus buoyant force)  of this part realtime in the embedded spreadsheet as I alter the geometry.  To do that I need to include the material density and volume (and or weight).  I could program the spreadsheet to calculate volume, but why do that when it’s already done somewhere inside of Inventor and besides can get complicated quickly for some parts ? 
     
    I hope my question is clear enough.
     
    Any guidance or suggestions would be most appreciated.
     
    Thank you very much,
     
    Tim
     
    Tim Kraynak
    Mechanical Engineer
    Tinius Olsen
    1065 Easton Rd.
    P.O. Box 1009
    Horsham, Pa 19044
    Ph 215-675-7100   x312
    tkraynak@tiniusolsen.co
     

     
     

  • Tim Kraynak

    Hi Sunith:
     
    I read your article “Are you parametric Part 2 ” and found it very informative.  I have a related question if you don’t mind:
     
    I would like to include other model parameters (aside from sketch dimensions and extrusion lengths  to name a few) , such as material density, and part volume in a spreadsheet which I have linked to the parameter table.  The problem is, I don’t  know where to find the part density or volume variables or what their names are so I can use them.
     
    Example:  This part will be immersed in oil and I need to calculate the wet weight (i.e. dry weight minus buoyant force)  of this part realtime in the embedded spreadsheet as I alter the geometry.  To do that I need to include the material density and volume (and or weight).  I could program the spreadsheet to calculate volume, but why do that when it’s already done somewhere inside of Inventor and besides can get complicated quickly for some parts ? 
     
    I hope my question is clear enough.
     
    Any guidance or suggestions would be most appreciated.
     
    Thank you very much,
     
    Tim
     
    Tim Kraynak
    Mechanical Engineer
    Tinius Olsen
    1065 Easton Rd.
    P.O. Box 1009
    Horsham, Pa 19044
    Ph 215-675-7100   x312
    tkraynak@tiniusolsen.co
     

     
     

  • Harsha

    This tutorial is well written,

    I have increased my productivity by using this technique for creating custom parts with common data vaules

  • Harsha

    This tutorial is well written,

    I have increased my productivity by using this technique for creating custom parts with common data vaules

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in sunithbabu

    Dear Mr Tim Kray,

    You can use Auto Limits and or Inventor Ilogic, however iLogic needs you to be a subscription member at Subscription Center from Autodesk,
    ——————————–
    However to add value for your question, I have a reply from one Autodesk Employee (India)
    ——————————–

    There are two ways for approaching this problem.

    Autolimits: Here you can set Dimensional property limits as well as Physical property limits (Volume,mass).

    Eg: I can set some conditions in Autolimits so that my volume or mass should be within some limits.I can then alter the dimensions in real time so that Autolimits can tell me whether my volume is exceeded or within limits.

    Ilogic: Here also you can set physical properties and and find out real time changes .

    From Autodesk MSD Employee (India)

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in/ sunithbabu

    Dear Mr Tim Kray,

    You can use Auto Limits and or Inventor Ilogic, however iLogic needs you to be a subscription member at Subscription Center from Autodesk,
    ——————————–
    However to add value for your question, I have a reply from one Autodesk Employee (India)
    ——————————–

    There are two ways for approaching this problem.
    Autolimits: Here you can set Dimensional property limits as well as Physical property limits (Volume,mass).
    Eg: I can set some conditions in Autolimits so that my volume or mass should be within some limits.I can then alter the dimensions in real time so that Autolimits can tell me whether my volume is exceeded or within limits.

    Ilogic: Here also you can set physical properties and and find out real time changes .
    From Autodesk MSD Employee (India)

  • Tim Kraynak

    Dear Sunith and MSD employee:  Thank you very much for your replies, I will experiment with AutoLimits. 

    However, I need to use mass and other physical property variables directly in the linked spreadsheet calculations.  For example, in the spreadsheet, I would like to calculate the wet weight of a part or assembly:

    Wet Weight = Dry weight (i.e. weight) – part volume x fluid density.   

    To do this, I need to place the weight and volume values in the spreadsheet.  How do I do this ?  One way is to use the clipboard feature in the iproperties / physical tab and paste these values into the spreadsheet, but this requires a manual copy and paste operation and I am trying to automate all calculations.   I guess what I am asking is what are the variable names for physical properties ?  Dimensions have names, such as d3 or L1 and can be used and/or controlled by a spreadsheet, so what is the analog for physical properties ?

    Thank you all again for your replies,

    Tim

  • Tim Kraynak

    Dear Sunith and MSD employee:  Thank you very much for your replies, I will experiment with AutoLimits. 

    However, I need to use mass and other physical property variables directly in the linked spreadsheet calculations.  For example, in the spreadsheet, I would like to calculate the wet weight of a part or assembly:

    Wet Weight = Dry weight (i.e. weight) – part volume x fluid density.   

    To do this, I need to place the weight and volume values in the spreadsheet.  How do I do this ?  One way is to use the clipboard feature in the iproperties / physical tab and paste these values into the spreadsheet, but this requires a manual copy and paste operation and I am trying to automate all calculations.   I guess what I am asking is what are the variable names for physical properties ?  Dimensions have names, such as d3 or L1 and can be used and/or controlled by a spreadsheet, so what is the analog for physical properties ?

    Thank you all again for your replies,

    Tim

  • http://www.s-technology.net/ bryan james lorejo

    i just want to ask if where or do you have any command lists for parameter formulas  (ex. max, min, round, etc).. i need to know each commands (like from excel) because i have been using formulas for parameter changes like max(d20,5mm/1deg*d15) and etc and also for animation/constraints.

    i hope you can reply soon..

    bryan

  • http://www.s-technology.net bryan james lorejo

    i just want to ask if where or do you have any command lists for parameter formulas  (ex. max, min, round, etc).. i need to know each commands (like from excel) because i have been using formulas for parameter changes like max(d20,5mm/1deg*d15) and etc and also for animation/constraints.

    i hope you can reply soon..

    bryan

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in/ sunithbabu

    Hi Try to download the iLogic for Inventor, this will help you solve all the problems associated with the Parametric . . .

  • http://www.CADProfessor.in sunithbabu

    Hi Try to download the iLogic for Inventor, this will help you solve all the problems associated with the Parametric . . .


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