Define an adjustable part
Step 1.

In a part or sheet metal document, choose Tools tab→Assistants group→Adjustable Part to display the Adjustable Part dialog box.
Step 2.

Do one of the following:

  • To add a driving dimension to the Part Variable list; in the graphics window, select a part feature to display its dimensions, then click the driving dimension you want to add.

  • To add a variable to the Part Variable list; on the Adjustable Part dialog box, click the Variable Table button to display the variable table, and then click the variable you want to add.
Step 3.

On the Adjustable Part dialog box, click OK.
Step 4.

Save and close the document.
Step 5.

In the Assembly environment, drag and drop the adjustable part into the assembly.
Step 6.

On the Place Adjustable Part dialog box, set the Adjustable Part option. The Adjustable Part dialog box is automatically displayed so you define the adjustable parameters in the assembly.
Step 7.

Do one of the following:

  • To add an assembly relationship variable to the Assembly Variable list; on the Adjustable Part dialog box, click the Variable Table button to display the variable table, then click the assembly relationship variable you want to add.

  • To define a measurement variable, click a measurement variable button, then define the measurement variable.

Step 8.

Do one of the following:

  • The place like a spring option will use the variable created by measuring a distance to adjust the length of the corresponding variable in the part or sheet metal document. The position of the parts attached to the adjustable part determines the length of the variable defining the distance.

  • The adjust to fit and allow assembly relationships option will use the variable created by the measurement to change the length of the adjustable part, and reposition parts within the assembly that are not constrained. The length of the variable defining the adjustable part length is used to position the unconstrained parts connected to the adjustable part.
Step 9.

When you have completed defining the assembly parameters for the adjustable part, on the Adjustable Part dialog box, click OK.
Step 10.

Position the part in the assembly using assembly relationships.

Tip:

  • You can add comments to the Notes column in the Adjustable Part dialog box to make it easier to work with the adjustable part later.

  • Before adding an adjustable part to an assembly, you should place and position the parts which interact with the adjustable part first.

  • If you set the Rigid option when placing an adjustable part into an assembly, you can specify that it is adjustable later using the Adjustable Part command on the shortcut menu when a part is selected in PathFinder or the graphics window.

  • When you specify that a part is adjustable, you cannot in-place activate the part using the Edit command. You can use the Open command to open the part.

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