V8i Dimension driven design of cellsI have just begun to scratch the surface of the DDD capability and a question comes to mind.
First I will say that I have created numerous dimension driven parts (cell, blocks, etc.) in other 3D CAD applications. In that scenario, a table operating in the background associated with the part allows a user to choose a specific part instance from the table and the part is then generated from values in the table. Those who use structural steel sections or others who use bolts of various sizes will understand the process.Upon reading the provided V8i help docs, I perceive that the only way to set parameters in a DDD cell is that an algebraic expression must drive the dimensional relationships defined in the geometry. In the case of socket head cap screws (those requiring a hex wrench to turn) the measurements across the flats of the hexagonal hole will not necessarily be described by a fixed algebraic formula but by a stock wrench size set by the governing machine screw standard.So my question comes down to this: Does V8i have a way to seed the measurements of a parametrically designed cell with values which are not based strictly on algebraic expressions? I understand that an MDL module could possibly read a text file, display a dialog box and then proceed to build the cell from user selected input, but I am not expecting to make a career of developing MDL apps any time soon.
I am open to additional reading on the subject and request a source for the documentation.