Example of a variable formula: Define the bolt size and bolt standard

This example shows how to create two parametric variables that define the bolt size and bolt standard.

In this example you will use the value types Bolt size and Bolt standard, which work together, and are linked to the bolt catalog. They have a fixed naming format: Px_diameter and Px_screwdin. Do not change the fixed name.

To show values for these in the custom component’s dialog, x must be the same for both, for example, P1_diameter and P1_screwdin.

In the model, select the custom component, right-click, and then select Edit custom component.
On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Display variables button.

The Variables dialog opens.
To create two new parametric variables, click Add twice.
Modify the first parametric variable as follows:
1. From the Value type list, select Bolt size.
  
  Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _diameter to the name of the variables. Do not delete the suffix.
2. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Bolt size.
Modify the second parametric variable as follows:
1. From the Value type list, select Bolt standard.
  
  Tekla Structures automatically adds the suffix _screwdin to the name of the variable. Do not delete the suffix.
2. In the Name box, change the prefix of the second variable so that the prefixes for the two variables are the same.
  
  In this example, the prefix is P1.
  
  Note:
  The bolt size and bolt standard variables must always have the same prefix, otherwise they do not work.
3. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Bolt standard.
Link the parametric variables to the Size and Bolt standard properties of the bolt group:
1. In the Custom component browser, browse for the Size and Bolt standard properties of the bolt group.
2. Right-click Size and select Add equation.
3. Enter P1_diameter after the equals sign, and then press Enter.
4. Right-click Bolt standard and select Add equation.
5. Enter P1_screwdin after the equals sign, and then press Enter.
Save the custom component.
Close the custom component editor.
Select the custom component in the model, and open the custom component dialog.

The option to define the bolt size and bolt standard is visible in the custom component's dialog.