Use this command at the part level to create or edit a variable that is local to the target object (i.e., the active part or component).  The variable name is logged in the history, so that each time the operation is replayed, the variable value is updated.  If the variable doesn't exist when the operation is executed, a variable with the specified name and definition (i.e., expression) is created.

 

If the variable already exists, a new value is derived and logged.  The names of original variable and derived values are appended to the history with a ".1, .2, .3 ..." (e.g., "VarName.2" is derived from the original "VarName.1").

 

The original "VarName.1" is not modified.  Use the Redefine Feature command to modify the original value of the variable.  Only "VarName" will appear in the Variable Browser.  When selected (or entered directly), the latest derived value of "VarName" will be used.

 

This command can be used to insert a single variable in the history without having to create an equation set.  It also allows the variable to take on different values during the course of history execution, which gives you more opportunity to "program" the history with the Skip to Feature command.  Refer to the Notes section at the end of the Equation Set Editor topic for more about variable conventions.

 

1. Use the Create/Edit Variable Form (see below) and enter the variable name (e.g., var1) or pick the Get Variable button to select a variable from the Variable Browser.  The variable's value or expression will be displayed in the Expression field.

2. Enter the expression to assign to the variable (e.g., 10 or var2-10).  You can use the Get Dimension and Get Variable buttons to reference existing dimensions and variables in the expression.  See below for more options.

3. Pick OK to create or update the variable.

 

 

Create/Edit Variable Form

 

Name

Enter the variable name or pick Get Variable and select a variable from the Variable Browser.  The variable's value or expression will be displayed in the Expression field.

 

Expression

Build the expression for the variable in the field provided (e.g., eq1-10 or (v1+2)/v2).  You can use existing dimensions and variables within the expression. Pick Get Dimension and select a dimension or pick Get Variable and select a variable from the Variable Browser.  See also Using If, Then, Else Operators in Expressions.

 

Get Dimension

Select a dimension from the active part (or component) or press and hold the F7 key to select a dimension from another component in the assembly.  The component has to be visible and reside within the assembly (not just in the active file).  The dimension name will be appended to the Expression field if it is currently active.

 

The name of the root object the dimension belongs to is automatically appended to the dimension name.  See Variable Naming Conventions for more information.

 

Get Variable

Select a variable from the Variable Browser.  The variable name will be appended to either the Name or the Expression field whichever is active.  In the Expression field, the name of the root object that the variable belongs to is automatically appended along with the variable name.  See Variable Naming Conventions for more information.

 

Distance

Check this box if the variable is a distance.  If the expression only contains numeric constants (e.g. 5*5*5), it is assumed to define a distance in the active units.  Otherwise, no assumptions are made about the units of a number unless the units are explicitly declared (e.g., 5.in). See Using Units within Expressions for more information.

 

 

 

Use this command at the Drawing Sheet Level to set the value of a variable that is local to the target object (i.e., the active drawing sheet).  You are prompted for the name and expression of a new variable.  If the expression is arithmetic, the variable will evaluate to a number.  If the expression is enclosed in quotes, the variable will evaluate as a string.  If the specified variable already exists, its' expression will be changed to the input expression.

 

Text strings in drawing sheets allow you to enter a variable in text.  When the text is displayed, the value of the variable (numeric or string) will be substituted for the variable.  Refer to the Notes section of the Equation Set Editor for more about variable conventions.  If the variable does not exist, the text string is unchanged so that the variable name is displayed.

 

 

1. Enter the variable name (e.g., var1) or pick the Browse option to select a variable from the Variable Browser.

2. Enter the expression to assign to the variable (e.g., 10 or var2-10).
    

 

 

• Variable names can begin with numeric characters if the entire variable name is enclosed in brackets (e.g., [22base_3]).