Example: Create a symmetric C-shaped profile by sketching

This example shows how to create a sketched profile using variables.

After completing the tasks, you will have a symmetric C-shaped profile with the dimensions b1 = b2 and h2 = h3. When you use the profile in the model, you can change the following dimensions:

Width (b1)
Total height (h1)
Height (h2)
Thickness (P1)
Chamfers (P2)

Example: Sketch a C-shaped profile

Start by sketching the outline of the profile.

Open the sketch editor.
Use the Sketch polyline command to create a rough C-shaped profile.

At this stage, the profile does not have to be symmetric or have the right dimensions.
Straighten the lines using the Add horizontal constraint and Add vertical constraint commands.
Save the profile and name it CSHAPE.

Example: Add dimensions to the sketched profile

After sketching the outline of the profile, you can continue by adding dimensions.

Use the Sketch horizontal dimension command to create the distances b1 and b2.
Use the Sketch vertical dimension command to create the distances h1, h2, and h3.

In the Variables dialog, enter the following values for the distances:


Name	Formula	Value	Value type	Variable type	Visibility	Label in dialog box
b1	150.00	150.00	Length	Distance	Show	Width
b2	=b1	150.00	Length	Distance	Hide	Width
h1	300.00	300.00	Length	Distance	Show	Height
h2	70.00	70.00	Length	Distance	Show	Height
h3	=h2	70.00	Length	Distance	Hide	Height

Ensure that Visibility is set to Show for the distances b1, h1, and h2.
Save the sketched profile.

Example: Set the sketch thickness

After adding dimensions to the sketched profile, you can continue by defining the thickness of the sketch.

In the Variables dialog, do the following:
1. Click Add to add a parameter variable P1.
2. In the Formula column, enter 20.00.
3. In the Visibility column, select Show.
4. In the Label in dialog box column, enter Thickness.
In the Sketch Browser, set the thickness using the parameter variable P1.
1. Right-click Thickness, select Add equation, and then enter =P1.
2. Right-click ExtrusionType, select Add equation, and then enter =2 to get the sketch extruded to the inside of the polyline.
Save the sketched profile.

Example: Modify the chamfers of the sketched profile

After setting the thickness of the sketch, you can continue by modifying the chamfers of the sketched profile.

In the sketch editor, do the following:
1. Double-click a chamfer symbol .
2. In the Chamfer properties dialog, change the chamfer type to Line , and then click Modify.
3. Repeat steps 1a–b for all the chamfers.
In the Variables dialog, do the following:
1. Click Add to add a parameter variable P2.
2. In the Formula box, enter 10.00.
3. In the Visibility box, select Show.
4. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Chamfer.
In the Sketch Browser, do the following:
1. Double-click Chamfer constraint to open the chamfer properties.
2. Right-click Chamfer X, select Add equation, and then enter =P2.
3. Enter the same value for Chamfer Y.
4. Repeat steps 4a–c for all the chamfers.
Save the sketched profile.

Example: Use the sketched profile in a model

Your sketched profile is now completed and you can use it in a model.

Double-click a part to open the part properties in the property pane.
Click the ... button next to the Profile box.

The Select Profile dialog appears.
Open the Others branch at the end of the profile tree, and select the CSHAPE profile.
If needed, modify the dimensions of the profile on the General tab.
Click OK to apply the changes.
Pick points to place the part in the model.