4.1 Commands

PiCri Module – Overview of Screw Length Calculation Commands

The PiCri module offers specialized tools for the automated calculation and management of screw lengths in your CAD drawings. Through the integration of configuration data from Excel and precise calculation algorithms, consistent data maintenance for your fasteners is ensured.

Step 1: Update Screw Data (Standard)

This command calculates the screw set lengths for all fasteners in the selected drawings and updates the corresponding properties automatically. The results are rounded to the next standard screw length defined in the configuration data.

  1. Execute function: Select the path Screw Length > Update in the ribbon or use the command PiCriUpdateBoltData.
  2. Automatic calculation: The system analyzes the components and calculates the required length, taking into account the stored standards.
  3. Data update: The rounded standard dimensions are written directly into the properties of the fasteners within the drawing.

Step 2: Calculate Exact Screw Lengths (Check Mode)

The Update (exact) function performs the same calculation as the standard update, but writes the exact calculated length into the properties without rounding. This primarily serves to validate your project data.

The exact calculation is particularly valuable for checking the stored formulas and input values, such as flange thicknesses, gasket thicknesses, or additional washer and nut heights.

  1. Start check mode: Click on Screw Length > Update Exactly or enter PiCriUpdateExactBoltData in the command line.
  2. Check values: Check the exactly calculated values to ensure the plausibility of the input data.
  3. Finalization: After a successful check, execute the Update command (from Step 1) to round the results to the next standard length.

Step 3: Load Configuration Data

With this command, you import the calculation bases into the system. This allows users to conveniently maintain complex screw data sets in a familiar spreadsheet environment such as Microsoft Excel.

  1. Start import: Select the ribbon button Screw Length > Load Data or use the command PiCriLoadBoltData.
  2. Select file: A file dialog opens to select an Excel file (.xlsx) containing the specific configuration data.
  3. Wait for conversion: The selected file is automatically converted into the required .json format and made available for further calculations in the system.