Parametric design really shines when geometry has an infinite number of possible combinations.
For quite a few parts, it is easy to import pre-defined geometry as a STEP file. Most CAD systems have systems that allow easily importing libraries of parts in a variety of formats.
Some parts, though, cannot be pre-generated, because they can be customized.
AISC Structure steel shapes are in this category. The profiles are standard, but length is arbitrary, so it is not feasible to simply import a static, pre-defined 3D model.
For quite a few parts, it is easy to import pre-defined geometry as a STEP file. Most CAD systems have systems that allow easily importing libraries of parts in a variety of formats.
Some parts, though, cannot be pre-generated, because they can be customized.
AISC Structure steel shapes are in this category. The profiles are standard, but length is arbitrary, so it is not feasible to simply import a static, pre-defined 3D model.
Typically, you import a 2d shape, and then use that to create the 3D shape.
That's doable, but it is quite a few steps.
Using a parametric tool, you can do it all in one step.
Select the profile, supply a length ( or even an offset face in your existing project), and you're off and running:
That's doable, but it is quite a few steps.
Using a parametric tool, you can do it all in one step.
Select the profile, supply a length ( or even an offset face in your existing project), and you're off and running:
As it turns out, there are quite a few sets of parts like this. Another good example are aluminum extrusions from 8020 inc. The profiles are pre-defined, but the length is not. A bit of code makes it super easy to create all of the possible parts:
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We've created Onshape generators for these two geometries. You can download them here
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