Variable types

There are two types of variables:

• Distance variable: The distance between two planes, or between a point and a plane. A distance variable binds parts together, or works as a reference distance.

• Parametric variable: Controls all the other properties in a custom component, such as name, material grade, and bolt size. Parametric variables are also used in calculations.

Distance variables

Use distance variables to bind custom component objects to a plane, so that the component objects stay at a fixed distance even if the surrounding objects change. You can create distance variables manually or automatically.

You can bind the following objects to a plane:

• construction planes

• reference points of parts (only custom component objects)

• reference points of bolt groups

• chamfers

• part and polygon cut handles

• line cuts

• reference points of reinforcing bars

• reference points of reinforcement meshes and strands

• fittings

You can decide which distance variables are shown in the custom component's dialog box. Show the variables if you want to edit their values in the dialog box. Hide the variables if you only use them to bind objects to a plane.

Parametric variables

Use parametric variables to set properties for any object the custom component creates. After creating the variable, you will be able to change the value directly in the custom component's dialog box.

You can also create formulas to calculate values. For example, you can calculate the position of a stiffener relative to the beam length.

You can decide which parametric variables are shown in the custom component's dialog box. Show the variables if you want to edit their values in the dialog box. Hide the variables if you only use them in calculations.