Global variables and equations are a great way to capture design intent and add intelligence to SOLIDWORKS models.
Define dimensions using global variables and mathematical functions, and create mathematical relationships between two or more dimensions in parts and assemblies
Global variables: Global variables are independent variables that can be set to any value. It can be used to drive equations and dimensions
Equations: are used to create mathematical relationships between dimensions.it can be used to drive both sketch geometry and model geometry. For both cases, they work in a similar manner. Let’s take a look at how to drive sketch geometry with equations.
Equations, Global Variables and Dimensions
When right click equations and click manage equations it will be popup this window.
Everything in SOLIDWORKS begins with a sketch.First create a rectangle with dimensions length 100 and width 100.
We need to define these dimensions with the Smart Dimension tool .
Let’s start to add the Global Variables. Open up the Equations, Global Variables and Dimensions panel again, and in the Global Variables section, add Global Variables named “Length” and type the value of 100 mm and “Width”=100mm.
Now they are fully defined and named with the Smart Dimension tool.
Now these Global Variables are added, we can use these for creating equations.
Equations
Entering equations in SOLIDWORKS is easy. There’s no need for any deep programming knowledge.
Enter “=” and assign global variables to the dimensions.
These both length and width are defined with mathematical relations.
Now adding height to the sketch.
When you are change the value of global variable length. It will be effecting to the height factor. Total model also updated.
BENEFITS
- Easily configure your design
- Control your design with equations.
- Update your model with in minutes.it saves lot of time to the designers.