Product(s):	MicroStation
	Version(s):	10.03.00.30
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	Parametrics
	Subarea:	General

 

The following workflow is an example to illustrate the steps required to create a Parametric Cell using Constraints, Variables, Variations and its placement.

In this example we will create a simple 3D door leaf with an opening as a Parametric Cell, such that when a designer places the Parametric Cell they are able to choose between different types (Variations) as well as modify sizes (Variable values) as required.

Background

This example is not intended to provide the full steps or a detailed design and it is expected a general knowledge of MicroStation and the design intent/detail is known by the designer. Further information on the tools can be found in the help and learn material.

Steps to Accomplish

Step 1  Place Graphics used to create the door profile

1. Place a couple of shapes in the design to represent the door outline and its window opening. (Note the size is not important as Dimensional Constraints will be used to control these later)
2. Use the Group Hole tool to create the window opening in the door
   
   

Step 2  Create Variables used to control the door and window sizes

1. Open the Variables dialog (Drawing > Constraints > Variables)
2. Create Variables for the door width, height and thickness and assign some values
3. Create Variables for the window opening width and height and assign some values
4. Create Variables to position the window opening in the door from the bottom and the side to be hinged and assign some values
   
   

1. Apply a Fixed constraint to the hinged edge of door
2. Apply a Perpendicular constraint from the hinged edge to base of door
3. Apply Parallel constraints from the hinged edge to other vertical edges
4. Apply Parallel constraints from the door base to other horizontal edges
5. Apply Dimensional constraints using the Variables created in Step 2

   
   

1. Select the Extrude tool (Modeling > Solids > Create Solids > Extrude)
2. In the Tool Settings dialog enable Parametric and select the Variable created in Step 2 for the door thickness
3. Select the door profile graphics and extrude to form a 3D solid
   
   

1. Open the Variables dialog (Modeling > Constraints > Variables)
2. Review and change the Variables and verify the graphics modify as expected
3. Create Variations ( Different door types ) and verify the graphics modify as expected
   
   

1. Open the Models and Properties dialog
2. Select the model created in the Models dialog
3. In the Properties dialog under the heading 'Cell' check 'Can be placed as cell' is set to 'True' and the 'Cell Type' is set to 'Parametric'
   
   

1. Open the Cell Library Dialog (Drawing > Annotate > Cells )
2. Attach the Cell Library containing the parametric door model created earlier
3. Double click on the Parametric door cell to make it active and ready for placement
4. In the Tool Settings dialog select the required Variation
5. Place the Parametric cell into the design

   
   

See Also

 

 

Original Author:

Carl Myhill

 

http://communities.bentley.com/products/microstation/w/microstation__wiki/30263.how-can-i-edit-the-variables-in-parametric-cells