Another Parametric Question in ABS2007

[bbambu]

How do I extend a plane? I know I can draw outside of a plane, but when trying to insert a reference point it has to be within the square. Why is that?
I've only messed with parametric parts a couple times, and I'm hoping I can find an expert out there who can give me some pointers.

[bbambu]

I'm guessing most people just stick with blockbased MVParts.

[stelthorst]

I'm guessing most people just stick with blockbased MVParts.
Hi bbambu, (Sorry I don't know your name)

You're probably right. Like you, I messed with it a little when it first came out but the user interface isn't very user friendly (IMHO) and I ended up scraping the idea and going back to what I know (ie MvParts and blocks).

I would like to learn more about them though and I'm sure a lot of other people would too. Maybe we should request an ATP on parametric parts.

Sorry I couldn't be any help.

[ameador]

Has anyone found the answer to this?

I have been attempting to figure out parametric parts recently and had asked myself the same question. I haven't found any way to extend or move the plane.

Also once those Cole lines are placed, you can't move them. I'm sure there is a programing reason why this is, but it makes it very very challenging to deal with.

[Stadtler]

How do I extend a plane? I know I can draw outside of a plane, but when trying to insert a reference point it has to be within the square. Why is that?
I've only messed with parametric parts a couple times, and I'm hoping I can find an expert out there who can give me some pointers.

bbambu

by definition, the reference plane is a plane on the face of the extents of a modifier - not an infinite plane as one might wish, rather a face on the invisible boundary box which encloses the entire modifier. What are you trying to accomplish? i have done some parametric fitting and parts in the past - i typically use offset planes.

[kchenault]

bbambu,

If you have components outside of a plane then you should be able to place a point inside the geometry. A reference plane is bound by the elements being referenced.

ameador,

What you are probably dealing with in the COLE objects are the constraints placed on them by the program so they will function correctly. If the constraints aren't correct, your part will act in some improper ways and will look rather strange.

Everyone might try looking into some Inventor tutorials on building parts as the part builder is a pared down version of that program. Have fun!;)

[ameador]

Unfortunately Inventor is not an option here at work.

RE: cole lines...
It just makes it difficult once you start your part inside that plane and then you discover that you are going to extend outside of that plane...you can't move the Cole lines back in to stay inside of the plane boundary.

Thanks for the info folks! :)