About Size Parameters in Part Builder

Part sizes are controlled by size parameters that set the dimensions of the part size.

Model parameters define the default part size of the model, and act as placeholders for new values that can be specified later. There is a direct connection between the model parameters and size parameters in that each model parameter is added to the size parameters in the part browser. Size parameters enable you to create different sizes for the model to represent multiple part sizes and to add non-graphical parameters to the part family.

You work with size parameters in the Edit Part Sizes dialog box. This dialog box lets you view and edit parameter values and configuration attributes in a table. Each parameter is viewed or modified independently of the others, so you can modify a single parameter at a time without scrolling through a large table.

The Edit Part Sizes dialog box has three working modes: Calculations, Parameter Configuration, and Values.

• The Calculations mode provides access to the calculation formula of the parameter.
• The Parameter Configuration mode provides access to attributes of the parameters, and includes description, data storage, data type, units, visibility, context, and index.
  Note: When parameters are added to the model, the name, data storage, context, and type attributes are assigned, and they cannot be changed.
• The Values mode provides access to defined values of the parameter when they are stored as constants, lists, and tables.
  Note: Any calculations set in the model are fixed and can be changed only in the model.

The parameter configuration allows you to configure data storage. The type of data storage lets you define the parameter as a list or table of values, in addition to a constant or calculated value. You can also revise the parameter description and control parameter visibility. For more information, see To Add Individual Part Sizes in Part Builder. You can define constant values, and copy and paste lists of values from other parts to define multiple part sizes. Calculated values can only be viewed. Use the Model Parameters dialog box to modify formulas for calculated values.

By creating a new parameter, you can define values that store additional information about the part. You can add custom parameters in which you define all parameter attributes, such as data storage type. You can also add parameters by selecting from a list of optional parameters that have been defined for you. The list of predefined parameters is determined by the part type and existing parameters found in the part family. These parameters provide additional part information that can help to identify parts in your drawing during the design process or when you produce a set of construction documents.