Are You Parametric? Part Two

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.

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.

Figure 2

Step 3: Right-click and select Finish Sketch.

Figure 3

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

Figure 4

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

Figure 5

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

Figure 6

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

Figure 7

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

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.

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.

Figure 10

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

Figure 11

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

Figure 13

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

Figure 14

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

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.

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