T-FLEX Parametric CAD. Fundamentals. 2D Design

Fundamentals. Two-Dimensional Design
VARIABLES
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This chapter describes the uses of variables in T-FLEX CAD, the ways of defining parametric relations
between the drawing elements and the idea of parameterization without programming. The variables allow
extending the concept of parameterization on a deeper level. This chapter describes how to perform complex
mathematical calculations within a drawing, how to define relations between construction entities, and other
very useful capabilities of the system.
Main Concepts
The T-FLEX CAD variables – are auxiliary elements of the system which enable to specify different types of
non-geometrical interconnections between the elements of a drawing.
For example, the variables can serve as parameters of construction lines. In this case, the value of the
construction line parameter will be determined by the value of the variable. If the value of the variable
changes, then the value of the construction line parameter connected to it will be automatically modified (for
example, radius of a circle or line location). With the help of variables, it is possible to assign color or
visibility of the elements of a drawing, parameters of hatches, the text content, various parameters, etc. The
variables can be also used upon creating a 3D model.
By assigning interconnections between the values of the variables, which determine parameters of the
drawing's construction elements and drawing's image elements, it is possible to achieve automatic
modification of the entire drawing when changes in the values of one or several basic variables are made.
Creating Variables
T-FLEX CAD system provides various ways of creating variables:
− using variable editor;
− while creating and editing construction line parameters and also other elements of the drawing or 3D
model;
− using text editor;
− while defining textual strings for parameters of certain elements;
− while defining practically any of the numerical parameters of the system elements (levels, priorities,
etc.)
The main tool for handling variables is the variable editor. It allows a user to perform any manipulations over
the variables. Thus, we will commence describing the work with the variables exactly with the description of
the variables editor. All other methods for creating variables will be described later, in the section “Using
variables in the T-FLEX CAD”.
Variables Characteristics
Before getting to description of the variables editor itself and how to work in it, let's consider the main
characteristics of any variable of the T-FLEX CAD.