How can we tag Extrusions and Voids created in a family (generic model)?

[ro78]

Is this even possible?

I need to tag a tube which is created with the extrusion tool in a generic model family (the tube is not a family itself).

I chose not to make a family of this tube because it seems not possible to CUT the tube in the main family to make it fit.

[CoreyDaun]

No, one cannot Tag an Extrusion; it would have to be a Shared Nested Family. However, perhaps you can use a "proxy" Nested Family in addition to the Extrusion so that you have something to Tag.

The image below depicts a sample Family which contains a central "tube" extrusion which is cut by a Void. What I did was create another Family which consisted of a nothing more than a Model Line circle, marked the Family as "Shared", and loaded it into the main Family. I aligned it with the top of the Tube and used parametric constraints so the size always matches the Extrusion. Once loaded into a Project, It will appear that I am tagging the cylindrical Extrusion. The overlaid Nested Family is completely indiscernible from the rest of the Family's geometry.

[ro78]

Thanks, that is a very good idea!! I might try that.
Is it true that a we can't cut a family inside the main family?

[CoreyDaun · Accepted solution]

I believe that is true - I've tried to cut Families within other Families, but it seems that the "Cut With Voids When Loaded" only applies when loaded into a Project.

Regarding your Family, is it not possible for you to create the "tube" as a separate Family along with the Void(s) that are cutting it?

[ro78]

I think that can be one option too.

To be more specific: The tube is prestressed reinforcement from one beam end to the other end. The "hard" thing about it is that the beam ends are inclined.

At least I have two options now. The 2nd option is better because I would have more flexibility in visibility settings

[allerd.hobers]

Just needed this for 2023. It now seems to be enough when you add lines in the void family and put that family as shared. Thanx for the tip

Allerd