Parametric Design and Automation Flashcards

What is an iPart factory?

Answer: A part file containing a table that defines multiple member configurations

The iPart factory is the authoring part whose table generates the family of members.

When authoring a custom iPart, what is the purpose of a custom parameter column?

Answer: It lets the user type any value for that parameter when placing the member

Custom columns accept user-entered values at placement instead of fixed table values.

In the iPart Author, how do you make a feature exist in some members but not others?

Answer: Add the feature to the table on the Suppression tab and set Compute or Suppress per row

The Suppression tab adds a column where each row controls whether the feature is computed or suppressed.

What does the Generate Files command do for an iPart factory?

Answer: Creates the member part files on disk

Generate Files writes the member files so they exist before being placed in assemblies.

What does an iAssembly table allow you to control that an iPart table cannot?

Answer: Which components are included or excluded and which iPart members are used in each configuration

iAssemblies drive component inclusion and member substitution across assembly configurations.

You place a standard iPart member in an assembly and need a different size. What is the most efficient method?

Answer: Use Change Component in the browser to choose another member from the table

Change Component swaps the occurrence to another table member and keeps constraints where possible.

What is the effect of setting a column as a key in the iPart Author?

Answer: It organizes members into a selection tree at placement

Keys define the hierarchy users pick from when placing members, such as diameter and then length.