Parametric Constraints and 3D?

[JD Mather]

... if you choose the wrong type undesirable results occur. ... I like to be free ...

 

Sounds like a training issue to me.

But I'm just a fool in education who doesn't know anything about the real world.

[nestly]

I have always found that those who do the best quality work are also generally the fastest

 

My experience is that one has nothing to do with the other.

 

OK whatever, keep using constraints and I will keep using point filters and I would be finished way before you. Productivity is king..

 

I use Point Filters far more frequently than I use constraints, and that makes no sense to me. They're totally different tools used for different purposes. There are certainly areas of overlap where either could be used, but Point Filters are manual and temporary, existing only until a singular operation is completed, and then they're gone. Constraints are permanent and persist during all operations until/unless they are removed.

[JD Mather]

Originally Posted by JD MatherI have always found that those who do the best quality work are also generally the fastest.

 

My experience is that one has nothing to do with the other.

 

Interesting that our experiences are so different.

[tzframpton]

i understand when they are required fully. Just useless junk and not needed.

Parametric constraints are not needed. But then again, neither is AutoCAD altogether. Ink and Paper is all you technically need.

 

And I'm with nestly, point filters are not even in the same category as parametric constraints. If they are useless junk and not needed, then you basically take away Inventor, Solid Works, Revit, etc. They are all modeling programs that use parametric constraints.

[khama]

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong!!!

 

Accuracy and properly done drawings that are legible and easily interpreted and used by others is KING.

 

They are DEADLY accurate and still fast. I don't get my work back to be redone. So that is YOUR opinion.

[khama]

My experience is that one has nothing to do with the other.

 

 

 

I use Point Filters far more frequently than I use constraints, and that makes no sense to me. They're totally different tools used for different purposes. There are certainly areas of overlap where either could be used, but Point Filters are manual and temporary, existing only until a singular operation is completed, and then they're gone. Constraints are permanent and persist during all operations until/unless they are removed.

 

The only difference to me is the relationship of the move. Who needs the relationships anyway, just block them into position after using point filters.

[Dadgad]

Sounds like a training issue to me.

But I'm just a fool in education who doesn't know anything about the real world.

 

Garbage in, garbage out comes to mind.

[tzframpton]

The only difference to me is the relationship of the move. Who needs the relationships anyway, just block them into position after using point filters.

I still think you're missing the point. The "relationship" is what I'm after. Here's a for instance....

 

Lets say I have a mechanical equipment drawn up. It's a fan powered box for ductwork. So I model a box that is two foot wide by four foot long, and three foot tall. I then have another box that is much smaller, say ten inches cubed, which represents the electrical control box. Well the electrical control box should always be 1/4th of the overall dimension on the side of the fan powered box. I could set that using parametric constraints, so no matter how long or short I adjust my fan powered box, the electrical control box will always self-adjust because of the "relationship" in the parametric constraints. I never have to touch it, nor do I even have to worry about it.

 

This is how it's done in Revit. So again, I'm simply not understanding how point filters come into play here. If I can simply type a number to adjust the length of a 3D solid in AutoCAD, instead of using grips to move it, then having to move the associated box that represents the electrical control box, etc... then that is far superior in accuracy and efficiency, especially over point filters.

 

Again, I'm with nestly. I do not see how point filters have anything to do with parametric constraints.

[Jack_O'neill]

It really doesn't matter which method you are using, if you don't enter the distances or formulas or whatever correctly, none of them are going to be accurate. On the other hand, if you do, you'll have good results with either or both methods. If the object is supposed to be 2.456 x 6.234, and it's not...doesn't matter how you got there, it's wrong.

 

Is one way better than the other? Depends on what you are doing or need to do. Use the right tool for the job. All the tools exist because they were needed at some point in time. The way that is right for you might not be right for someone else.

[khama]

I see your point Stykface. I for one don't need them. So horses for courses. and Thanks Jack I could not have said it better myself. It does depend on what you set out to achieve both will work and I don't have to worry about anything other than the right placement from the get go. If Parametric software requires Constraints to move then so be it. Autocad does not. I grew up using Solidworks and it frustrated me no end. Finding autocad and having the freedom to design at will was a god send. I seldom use Solidworks or Inventor for that matter anymore, because I am much quicker at getting an end result using Autocad and Prosteel. The guys at my workplace spin out how I can do things that take them days in 8 hours or less. My employer loves me for it.

[tzframpton]

Finding autocad and having the freedom to design at will was a god send.

I beg to differ. With parametric modeling in Revit, I find myself feeling free for the first time in a long time when compared to AutoCAD. Once I get all my parameters in place, I no longer have to worry about that particular object. Literally, my mind does not have to remember to do anything. The fact that parametric Families in Revit are so intuitive, that's what got me thinking about parametric constraints in AutoCAD. If I could have a 3D dynamic block where I set the basic foundation with parameters, there would be zero error. Literally, zero.

 

I can never be totally free in AutoCAD because I always have to make sure that things are in order in my mind. I can't just "design" freely without my brain constantly being aware of the steps I'm taking so I can go back and do other tweaks. As good as I've become through the years I still find things out of order. It's basically inevitable. But with parametric modeling like in Revit, I can set all the constraints that I need and just "go". Agree to disagree with me all you want but it's really the cold hard truth and there's plenty of logic that backs my opinion up. And I'm on both sides of the tracks.

 

[khama]

Cool it seems to work for you, and that's great.. I came from parametric environment and will NEVER go back. So yes agree to disagree. I digress.

 

PS. I will not answer to this Thread anymore. Please don't ask me any more questions as they will go unanswered from this point on. Thanks

[tzframpton]

Cool it seems to work for you, and that's great..

It doesn't just work for me, it works for everyone in the industry.

 

I came from parametric environment and will NEVER go back.

Digging your own grave with that mentality.

[JWhelp]

(so anyway... each to there own eh?)

 

I really liked the parametric modeling presentation on the Autodesk University website which explains 3D parametric constraints using a user defined expression value to define the length of extruded mesh.

http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2011/autocad/scare-your-colleagues-parametric-surface-modeling-blocks-and-arrays-with-autocad-2012 - (Thanks JD Mather for point me in the right direction!)

 

(Within Autocad) Is there a way to drive the parametric geometry using excel? I've got as far as using a block table within a block, but that only gives me a drop-down selection set using specific datasette.

 

I want MORE power!

 

Anyone made progress in the last 2 years? Thanks!