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model : FAMILY_TBL_INST_EXISTS

Overview​

This video demonstrates the FAMILY_TBL_INST_EXISTS command in Nitro-CELL, which checks whether a specific family table instance exists within a Creo Parametric model. Family tables allow a single generic model to define multiple variations (instances) with different dimension values, parameters, or features. This command takes the instance name as an argument and returns a boolean indicating whether that instance is defined in the model's family table. It is useful for validation before attempting to open or manipulate a specific instance, preventing errors when an instance name is misspelled or has been removed. The video walks through entering the command, specifying the instance name, and interpreting the result.

Key Steps​

  1. Open or ensure the generic model with a family table is in session
  2. Enter the FAMILY_TBL_INST_EXISTS command with the target instance name
  3. Execute the command to check if the instance exists in the family table
  4. Read the boolean result from the output cell
  5. Use the result to conditionally open or process the instance

Tips​

  • Verify instance names match exactly, including case sensitivity
  • Use this check before FAMILY_TBL_OPEN_INST to avoid errors on missing instances
  • Works on parts and assemblies that contain family tables