Ex Machina
Alibre Super User
This workflow is the answer to a question in the forums. I think it work well even though it takes a bit of setting up!
Let me know what you think!
Let me know what you think!
How to create a Parametric Alphanumeric Serial Number
- Thread starter Ex Machina
- Start date
gwbruce
Senior Member
@Ex Machina great video. More information that I need right now but I'll keep it in the tool kit for the future. Thanks.
Ex Machina
Alibre Super User
Thx for the comment Gary. It's just a great use-case for the Boolean- Global Parameters combo. Even if someone does not need this particular application of it, it's good to know about how they work together and what can be achieved with them.
And it's a clever little example, too!
And it's a clever little example, too!
HaroldL
Alibre Super User
@Ex Machina, that's amazing. Now, just thinking about how to use this "tool". Seeing that there is a lot of setup to create the number series, do you set up a series of alpha-numeric characters for the number/label in a block, as you show? Then Boolean that block into your final part to stamp the completed number/label? And how would you handle sequential numbers? A new stamp block for each one?
Ex Machina
Alibre Super User
First of all, thank you for the kind comment. Now, as for the use of it.
You could Boolean in the characters straight onto the part. Now handling sequential numbers would be done by changing the values in the Global Parameters file. But, there is the issue of why you would do it.
If it is a serial number then the 3D model is the same by definition. So, the only way to meaningfully get a serial number would be to have a "Generator" 3D model, change the serials, and export to step files. Another use-case I could think about would be to have date-stamped molds.
I guess you could have the text denote the model of a part. In which case you would have multiple configurations of it, and each configuration could have its own text series. In that case, you could potentially drive it with parameters completely and as the configurations are generated the text would adapt (i.e. a bolt plate with the text being Width x Height x Bolt Spacing).
As I say in the video, if you want a different or "independent" text series, you need to create a new series of digits (by saving as, you only do the initial design once) and a new GLP file. The latter could also be saved as.
HaroldL
Alibre Super User
I was thinking of how I used to add part numbers, as .010" deep extrude cuts, to parts (latch rods) we used in the assembly of enclosures. The sketch text was linked to the file part number for the first part in the series. We then did a SaveAs and the sketch text updated to the new number. Even when creating a custom part and issuing a non-series number it would update to the new number. The number showed on the drawings and the supplier would stamp them into the parts as a step in their mfg process.
With your procedure, as I understand it, there is one Global Parameters File for each part/serial number. Would all the files need to be Saved As a new part number and the GLP updated to the new number to place the new number on the part?
This would be sooo much easier if Alibre Dev would add property linking to sketch text. Or maybe I'm wrong about that.
With your procedure, as I understand it, there is one Global Parameters File for each part/serial number. Would all the files need to be Saved As a new part number and the GLP updated to the new number to place the new number on the part?
This would be sooo much easier if Alibre Dev would add property linking to sketch text. Or maybe I'm wrong about that.
Cator
Senior Member
While I appreciate the idea, the @NateLiquidGravity script has infinitely more possibilities than your solution.
1-Could be projected onto non-flat surfaces using the sketch in a wrap function
2 -Can use alphanumeric sequences
3-You can use all the fonts made available with Alibre.
Beyond the ease of use of the script, the video you made could be used for other uses that perhaps use symbols or logos... but even in that case the matter would need to be evaluated.
However, congratulations for your imagination and commitment in trying to explain what you do.
NateLiquidGravity
Alibre Super User
Certainly a novel approach to the problem and likely the only approach that is parametric without scripting. Ideally Alibre could have fields that could be inserted into the text figure like you can in a drawing. Also they should update their API to include creating text figures.
Watching this is leads me to a very interesting idea for an in Alibre game like a combination lock or a Da Vinci Code cryptex.
Watching this is leads me to a very interesting idea for an in Alibre game like a combination lock or a Da Vinci Code cryptex.
Ex Machina
Alibre Super User
Hahahaha... You got the idea. Yeah, it's a bit like that!Certainly a novel approach to the problem and likely the only approach that is parametric without scripting. Ideally Alibre could have fields that could be inserted into the text figure like you can in a drawing. Also they should update their API to include creating text figures.
Watching this is leads me to a very interesting idea for an in Alibre game like a combination lock or a Da Vinci Code cryptex.
So, if you want to create a part number that remains unchanged and follows one model using this method, then Yes, one set of digits and one GLP file per part. But in this case I would just extrude the letters. One edit sketch per part.
The idea here is to have an alphanumeric series that changes through the GLP file.
To be honest, I didn't really study Nate's script. But my video is a great showcase of how to use Global Parameters with Booleans. For any use-case. Really powerful stuff. Like in my original Global Parameters video where I make the threads with the boolean tap and then pattern them through Global Parameters.
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