User-Defined Properties

Jim_Anders

Is there a way (or a way planned) to create user-defined properties that are extractable?   I am thinking about things like...

Assigning components unique ID numbers/names that correspond to reference designators in a P&ID diagram.  Also, it would be useful in addition to having the option (which we have in OS currently) to have these data static (like a vendor part number that never changes regardless of how many instances are created) but also dynamic.

Dynamic would be having the ability to change the data for an instance but not having it change all instances.  Example...

I've added 10 valves to my assembly.  These valves are all the same and share the same static data like part number, vendor, etc.  But then I can go in and add/change/edit a field like "Device Address" and enter a unique identifier (i.e. A-102, A-104, A-123...) for each of the 10 valves.

SolidWorks and most 3D CAD systems can't do this.  AutoCAD can.

lougallo

@Jim_Anders I am assuming you found the properties in Documents, Parts and Assemblies..  With that said, BOM management and other needed metadata related functions are also on the radar.  I have see this in Autocad with Blocks but most parametric CAD tools are single point references and many would use configurations to address this for assemblies in SolidWorks.  Configurations/Varients are also on the radar and being thought about for OS in the future.

stevehess

Hi @Jim_Anders‌ ,  we will definitely be adding more data management capability moving forward.  And yes, we will also be adding custom (user defined) properties as well.  The idea of "instance based"  properties is an interesting one.

I  have used "instance based (or instance specific)" properties in the past for board level (PCB) design but don't often see it in mechanical design, perhaps because mech instances don't (generally) vary too much in application.

It sounds like you are using the existing Onshape capabilities for setting part#, descr, etc.  Can you tell us a little about how that is working, what you like or don't like?  Are you saving versions"?

Jim_Anders

Steve - it's been my experience that more and more electro-mechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic mechanical components have unique identifiers that can be extracted. Whether it's for connectivity/routing info or controls integration.  I will have more to add shortly.

Here's a little write-up I did on an early attempt of using Component Reference IDs in SolidWorks.  Kinda worked but were limited to only one ID number.

pete_yodis

@SteveHess and @Jim_Anders I would advocate Onshape having the ability to fully support reference identifiers (instance based or instance specific properties is what I think you speak of) so that full compliance with PCB assemblies could have the hooks in place.  I have been advocating that Onshape seriously look at becoming a one stop shop for Electrical and Mechanical Design.  Merging the tools together would truly provide something really collaborative for multi-disciplined products.  This would be no small task indeed, but it would place Onshape firmly ahead of any tool out there - and would garner a lot of interest from Electrical designers.

stevehess

@Jim_Anders‌ @PDY‌ Thanks guys, I wrote an improvement for reference designator (ref-des) level properties/metadata and created issues so you both will be notified on future activity.

pete_yodis

@SteveHess Thanks for putting in the improvement for this.  It would be nice to have the hooks in place - keeping my dream alive.  One tool, one location for data, easy setup and collaboration....awesome.