Dimensions in Assemblies

geoff_josey

I have been using Onshape for a few years and usually get the results I need with advice from this forum and trial and error.
However, I sometimes know an experienced Onshape user would get there with a quicker more elegant route !
This model is very simple and I am just trying to space the cross pieces in the frame with equal spacing. The short spacers have been added just to allow me to achieve the spacing using the fasten facility. i thought it would be so simple !!
What route would an "expert" use"

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/57a3fc54ce6a228c665301fe/w/f56cc41a3f453264e51fa1e3/e/d5f526bfcd6c1effb724db3b

Thanks

dirk_van_der_vaart

This is much easier in a part studio, copy the file and have a look
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/c2e36ac15130983180cfcc76/w/1e11ada086ae4eb0e43462f9/e/1849de1dc008b0af06e2afee

GregBrown

There are many ways you could do this - the "correct" way can only be evaluated when you factor in your design intent...

One way I would use involves
1. a Variable studio (e.g. put the length, width, number of cross members in as variables)
2. in a Part studio use these variables to drive a sketch... then use Frame features to build the outer frame and a single cross member and single intermediate support
3. in an assembly bring these frame elements in, and pattern the necessary ones, using a simple expression based on the variables from the Variable studio to provide the correct pattern distance and number of instances

Now it can be driven fully parametrically from the Variable studio! 

Again, this is only one way... there are many other ways.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/6b428d2ee682eccc67911358/w/cd561f4a89080c149f7f1ced/e/1ad5ccf13b3ec658507f57f4

geoff_josey

Thanks for your very helpful comments. The Part Studio route suits me and I will use  this route.
I was not familiar with the Variable Studio route and will spend some time looking at this option.
It does surprise me though that you cannot add a simple dimension in an assembly, which would be simply and quick.
Many thanks

dirk_van_der_vaart

I think you will like this one.
https://learn.onshape.com/learning-paths/onshape-configurations

geoff_josey

Thanks for the link. It looks very interesting. A lot more sophisticated than I expected !