About Model Parameters in Part Builder

Configuring model parameters enables you to control the model’s shape and size by establishing relationships between defined parameters.

As you add dimensions and constraints to the model, parameters appear under the Model Parameters folder in the part browser. The Model Parameters dialog box provides a central location where you can view, create, and edit the dimensional parameters of the model. You can define parameters to create additional model relationships later.

It is often more efficient to assign numeric values to dimensions and other feature parameters as you build the model. When you finalize the geometry, you can edit the model parameters to add calculated values. An equation assistant is available in the Model Parameters dialog box to ensure that the equation you create is valid and can produce a result. Each parameter in the Model Parameters dialog box includes the following:

Name

A unique identifier for the model parameter. Model parameters are assigned default names, such as LenB1, (Length Body 1), WTh (Wall Thickness), PID (Pipe Inner Diameter), and BdyD1 (Body DImension 1), that can be changed. Model Parameter names are typically short acronyms because they can be used in equations. User-defined parameters must have unique names.

Value

The result of evaluating the equation.

Equation

The mathematical expression that defines the value of the parameter. Constants, other model and user-defined parameters, and mathematical operators can be used in an equation. You can use the Equation Assistant to define the equation.

Description

A narrative, user-defined description of the parameter.

Note: When using a constant value in an equation, be sure to define the constant as a model parameter. You should verify that the result of the equation is non-zero to avoid undesirable results in your model.