Parameters and variables
In Component Modeller, you can manage the parameters and variables of the component model you are editing in the Parameters pane.
Use variables to store reusable expressions, such as R = 1.5 * NS, where R is the variable and NS is a parameter within that variable.
Use parameters to define a point, direction, or a set of dimensions. Parameters can be used, for example, in the following:
- Create a component model with a single component size, reserving the option to add more sizes later.
- Create a parametric component model for all required sizes of a base GDL model.
- Create a dimension table for Standard Components.
Variables get their value from the model object—the expression is evaluated when the variable value is requested from the model. Parameter values, however, are retrieved from outside the model object:
- Standard components get parameter values from Dimension Tables.
- Equipment and structural components get parameter values from Parametric models.
Parameterize
The Parameterize dialog opens when you are defining parameters for a point, direction, dimension, or a set of dimensions.
By parameterizing points and dimensions, you can use a single model to generate a whole family of components. When creating a new primitive, you can parameterize the location of a point or the value of a geometric dimension, such as radius or distance. The parameterized point is named, its coordinates can be defined using parameters and variables, and the named point can then also be reused with other primitives.
Each parameterized dimension resolves to an expression that may include parameters, variables, and numbers. The expression is evaluated when the associated parameterized object is evaluated.
When you have an expression that can be used to parameterize several dimensions, store it in a variable. Then, in each parameterized instance, refer to the expression by using the variable name. This way, you can easily see how changes to the expression affect the component model.
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Setting |
Description |
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Name |
The name field is shown when parameterizing a point or direction via coordinates. It is not shown when parameterizing a distance, radius, angle, or a 2D point on a curve. |
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[parameter] |
Enter the parameter value. The expression can include numeric values, variables, and other parameters. |
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Var?= |
When the expression for a parameter is reusable, select Var?= to store that expression in a new variable. You are prompted to enter a name for the variable. Accepting the name replaces the expression with the variable name.
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Pick |
The pick button is shown when parameterizing dimensions that can be picked from the active view, such as the dimensions of a Box primitive.
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About |
Select a parameter, variable, or function from the drop-down lists to display its details. You can, for example, see the evaluated value or copy the expression from the information panel.
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