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1-Visitor
March 13, 2014
Solved

Displaying parameters as fractions

  • March 13, 2014
  • 20 replies
  • 13980 views

Is there any way to display a parameter in fractional form without using half a page of relations? Not dimensions, parameters. I know the functionality exists, because it's so easy to change dimensions back and forth, but I can't seem to find something like that for parameters

Thanks,

Brian


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Best answer by TomD.inPDX

A fraction in its simplest form is an equation (division). You could make the parameter "numerator" and "denominator" and do the math on the decimal value. Use [.n] to control the number of digits. From there, you can make it a string if you like.

Yes, it should be simpler, but this is Creo

20 replies

1-Visitor
March 13, 2014

Hi Brian !

You need to open the dimensions properties and change the format from decimal to fractional, as showed in the image below.

Best regards

17-Peridot
March 13, 2014

A fraction in its simplest form is an equation (division). You could make the parameter "numerator" and "denominator" and do the math on the decimal value. Use [.n] to control the number of digits. From there, you can make it a string if you like.

Yes, it should be simpler, but this is Creo

1-Visitor
March 13, 2014

I'm just curious about the rise in interest in using fractions.

It's probably easier to create parameters that are parts of the fraction to begin with - whole part, denominator, numerator and use a single relation to convert to a decimal value. The accuracy is better in that direction as well.

10-Marble
November 8, 2014

Did this ever get fully answered? I've used another workaround that I didn't see mentioned.

I add datum curves to parts, and I set their dimensions equal to my parameters using relations. When done, I hide the datum curve layer(s) so they don't print or otherwise bother me. Then, on the drawing, I display the datum curve dimensions instead of the parameters. That way, the results can be shown in either fractional or decimal format, as desired.

True, this isn't as simple as we'd want it to be. But I can plop down a dozen or so datum curves pretty quickly, note their dimension IDs, and then use them up as needed on my drawing without doing any lengthy programming.

17-Peridot
November 8, 2014

Welcome to the forum, Steve.

Can you explain with a little better detail? I am not sure how you are displaying a different dimension type using the datum curve. We like pictures

10-Marble
November 11, 2014

A datum curve's dimensions can be shown decimal or fractional like any other dimension. So, by equating the length of the datum curve to a parameter, I can effectively show the parameter's value in either decimal or fractional format. Here's a simple example of what I do:

1. Start with a part or assembly.

junk_dc-02.jpg

2. Establish key parameters via inputs, relations, or whatever. Some relations for the example:

  • D0=2.5
  • D1=5.125
  • D2=7.75

and

  • AREA_TOP=D1*D2
  • AREA_RIGHT=D0*D2
  • AREA_FRONT=D0*D1

3. Add datum curves (lines, rectangles, or whatever) with enough dimensions to represent the key parameters.

junk_dc-03.jpg

4. Equate the datum curve lengths to the parameter values. Some more relations:

  • D10=AREA_TOP
  • D11=AREA_RIGHT
  • D12=AREA_FRONT

5. Hide the layer containing the datum curves so they don't make a mess of the drawing.

6. Display the values on your drawing in a note or table.

junk_dc-04.jpg

7. Select the resultant values in the note, right-click, and select Properties to change between decimal & fractional.

7. Regenerate. Done.

A little tedious having to include Steps 3 - 5 in the usual drawing-making routine. But that's why it's a workaround, not a solution.

Steve