topic Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT in Fabrication CADmep Forum

Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

grahamP6L9M — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:48:16 GMT

Afternoon All

Annoyingly, I've been asked to model up a load of electrical conduit on a large project I'm coordinating, but as you're probably aware there isn't any electrical conduit in Fabrication. In the past, I've simply used a 3D block for the Besa Boxes (round junction boxes) and a mechanical pipe to join them together. This way is a pain and a faff so I thought I'd try and create my own conduit content so it can be used time and again on future works.

I've never created my own content before except by using CONVERT3DMODEL but I need it to be more flexible than that as a Besa Box typically has anywhere between 1 and 4 connections around the perimeter and one on the bottom face. Plus, the 3D solids I convert always look crap when printed as it shows the facets of the model. So I figured I'd see if I could find a CID that would do the job and have a crack at making my own.

I came across CID 148 which I was able to adjust to accurately reflect a 4 way Besa Box and then save it in the database. However, I fear I've gown wrong somewhere because if I stretch any of the connection grips out, the bottom one always stretches itself! Weird to say the least as I've also locked down the height of the box to 30mm. Needless to say, I don't want this component to be changed at all with the exception of the number of connectors it has (between 1 and 4 in varying configurations (see image)), the diameter of the branches (20, 25 & 32mm), the OD of the box (65mm for 20 & 25's and 80mm for the 32 dia branches) and the height (30mm for 20 and 25's and 35mm for 32dia branches). I haven't created the tubes and bends yet, but like to think they will be easy enough to do.

If someone on here could check the attached DWG containing my first attempt I would be most grateful! I've got bloody miles of this stuff to model up over 5 floors, including up and down stairwells!

Thanks very much for any assistance.

Graham

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

MOatman — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:47:31 GMT

I'm not an electrician nor do I use the metric system. Part looks fine to me.

You could product list it to toggle connection options.

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

grahamP6L9M — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:52:55 GMT

Thanks for the feedback. I love what you've done there with the product list.

The issue with the stretching (as I tried to detail above) is that I would like to grab one of the grips on the branches and 'drag out' a new length of conduit pipe, just as we do with any stock fab parts (elbows etc).

Are you able to advise on how to do that?

Thanks very much

Graham

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

MOatman — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:53:47 GMT

I assume conduit is not drawing because the new part does not have a service associated to it.

If you add that new part to a service that includes conduit and your connectors are valid it should do that.

You could also associate that part in the drawing to a service that includes conduit.

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

grahamP6L9M — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:53:37 GMT

Electrical Conduit is set up as a Service Type (#81) and I've added that into the Lighting & Power and Fire Alarm services in the Services Database.

The parts are happy as far as that is concerned, and appear on the correct layers etc. But I can't work out how to be able to stretch one of the grips and have the new conduit tube I've set up extend out from the part. Grabbing any of the grips just stretches the actual part in a singular direction.

I was advised on a different forum to use CID 1110 instead of the one I've used, but although this helps with the stretching of a grip a bit, it isn't flexible enough to accomodate all the various Besa box types.

I've attached the ITM's I've set up in case anyone fancies having a play.

Cheers

Graham

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

MOatman — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:09:21 GMT

The part works for me. How are your stretch settings set?

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

grahamP6L9M — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:26:51 GMT

Just checked and my settings are the same as those you highlighted.

Here's an example of what happens when I stretch any of the (5 in this instance) grips.

Cheers!

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

MOatman — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:42:38 GMT

It does that for me too but if you complete the stretch off the branch the middle does not actually change. The conduit is added off the branch as expected.

Re: Creating a custom part - First time using MAKEPAT

grahamP6L9M — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:54:25 GMT

You're not wrong! Well that's very strange. I think the first time I was messing around with these, I hadn't yet created the conduit tube part and the besa box would stay stretched.

Don't suppose you know how to fix the 'take off as cut in' option do you? It defaults to C1 and C2 which are the top and bottom connection points, so it doesn't recognise the size of the selected conduit or cut in correctly etc.

Thanks very much for the help so far!

Graham