Use variable formulas to add more adaptivity to your custom components.
Variable formulas always begin with the equal sign
(=).
At its simplest, a formula can be a simple dependency between two variables, stating that P2 equals half of P1 (P2=P1/2), for example.
To create more complex calculations, you can use functions and operators inside the
formula. For example, you can add mathematical expressions, if
statements, references to object properties, and so on.
When you create formulas, note that multiplication is faster than division, for example, P1*0.5 is faster than P1/2.
Example: Create a variable formula to set the weld size based on flange thickness
The following example shows how to create a formula that sets the weld size to half the thickness of the secondary part flange. When the component is used in a model, Tekla Structures will use the thickness of the secondary part flange to calculate the size of the weld.
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On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Display variables
button.
The Variables dialog opens.
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Copy the flange thickness
reference in the Custom component browser.
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Right-click Flange thickness 1 and select Copy reference.
Tekla Structures copies the reference to flange thickness to the clipboard.
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Right-click Flange thickness 1 and select Copy reference.
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To set the formula in the
Variables dialog, modify the parametric variable as follows:
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In the Visibility list, select Hide.
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In the Visibility list, select Hide.
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Link the parametric variable
to the Size above line property.
- In the Custom component browser, browse for Size above line in .
- Right-click Size above line and select Add equation.
- Enter w after the equal sign, and then press Enter.
