Examples of parametric variables and variable formulas in custom components

Here you will find some examples that demonstrate how to use parametric variables and variable formulas to create intelligent custom components that adapt to changes in the model.

Note:

There are some limitations concerning the variable names.

In some of the examples below, we reference variables by name. To be able to correctly reference a variable in your formula, variable name must be 19 characters or shorter. Variables with longer names will not work correctly when referenced.
Variable names cannot contain mathematical operators (+,-,*,/).
You cannot use a mathematical constant, such as PI or e, as a variable name.

The examples are independent from each other.

Example of a variable formula: Set the end plate material
This example shows how to link a parametric variable to the end plate material of a component object.

Example of a variable formula: Create new component objects
This example shows how to create a parametric variable that adds bolts to the custom component.

Example of a variable formula: Replace sub-components
This example shows how to create a parametric variable that replaces sub-components with other sub-components.

Example of a variable formula: Modify a sub-component by using a component attribute file
This example shows how to create a parametric variable that modifies a sub-component on the basis of a component attribute file.

Example of a variable formula: Define the stiffener position using construction planes
This example shows how to use construction planes for determining the position of the stiffeners. You will position the stiffeners so that they divide the beam into three equally long sections.

Example of a variable formula: Determine the bolt size and bolt standard
This example shows how to create two parametric variables that determine the bolt size and bolt standard.

Example of a variable formula: Calculate the bolt group distance
This example shows how to create a variable formula that calculates the bolt group distance from the beam flange.

Example of a variable formula: Calculate the number of bolt rows
This example shows how to create a variable formula that calculates the number of bolt rows based on the beam height. You will use if statements in the calculations.

Example of a variable formula: Link variables to user-defined attributes
This example shows how to link parametric variables to the user-defined attributes of panels. You can then use the user-defined attributes in view filters to show or hide the panels.

Example of a variable formula: Calculate the number of handrail posts using a template attribute
This example shows how to create a variable formula that calculates the number of handrail posts based on the length template attribute of the beam. The handrail posts are created at both ends of the beam and one of them is copied with the Array of objects (29) component.

Example of a variable formula: Link an Excel spreadsheet to a custom component
This example shows how to link a parametric variable to an Excel spreadsheet. For example, you can use Excel spreadsheets to check connections.

Examples of a variable formula: Rebar set modifiers in custom components
These examples show you how to use rebar set modifiers for defining the properties and hooks of rebar set bars in custom components.