Parameters and variables example

In this example, a rectangular plate with a round hole is created using two parameters (A, T) and four variables (B, D, Ad, Bd) to define the plate and hole dimensions. The plate curve is sketched starting from the section origin.

Do the following:

  1. In the Parameters section of the Parameters pane, create two parameters:

    Name

    Type

    Default value

    Comment
    A

    Number

    200

    Plate length
    T

    Number

    20

    Plate thickness

  2. In the Variables section of the Parameters pane, create four variables:

    Name

    Expression

    Comment
    B

    A*0.7

    Plate width
    D

    B*0.4

    Hole diameter

    Ad

    A*0.75

    Hole center point

    Bd

    B*0.75

    Hole center point

  3. Select Insert tab > Primitive group > Plate.

  4. Define the location of the plate origin.

  5. Use the Z axis (Alt+Z) command to set the direction of thickness toward the positive z-axis.

  6. Use the Define (O) command to open the Parameterize dialog, and define the thickness of the plate using the T parameter.

  7. In the Select Plate Shape dialog, set Shape to Define manually, and click OK.

  8. Create the rectangle by defining four corner points relative to the plate origin:

    1. Use the Parametric point (P) command to set the start point (bottom-left corner) to (U=0, V=0).

    2. Move the cursor and use Parametric point to set the top-left corner to (U=0, V=B).

    3. Move the cursor and use Parametric point to set the top-right corner to (U=A, V=B).

    4. Move the cursor and use Parametric point to set the bottom-right corner to (U=A, V=0).

    5. Press Enter to complete the rectangle.

    Note: Using the Rectangle standard shape (template curve) instead would set the plate origin at the center of the rectangle.

  9. Select Edit Shape (Shift+O) and then New hole (N) from the context menus.

  10. In the Select Hole Shape dialog, define the hole:

    • Shape: Standard

    • Type: Circle

    • Diameter: D

    Then click OK.

  11. Use the Set hole origin (Shift+M) command to define the hole origin using variables:

    • U: Ad

    • V: Bd

    Then click OK.

  12. Press Enter to complete the creation of the hole.

  13. Press Enter to complete the creation of the plate primitive.

  14. You can now resize the plate by setting the A parameter (plate length) to 400, for example.