topic Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

jk1173 — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:07:01 GMT

I have made several dynamic metal roof panel profiles that will array along a length. Due to making the panels start/stop at the centerline of a rib, the panels are usually too short or too long for the detail. The current fix is to explode the block, join all the piece together as a polyline (to keep it all together) and trim off the excess. How can I mimic how ACAD makes its metal roof panel end section from the detail components, where it only draws the panel to your endpoint, not to the next rib?

Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

Libbya — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:25:12 GMT

Post a drawing with enough examples to show exactly what you are looking to do.

Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

jk1173 — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:38:37 GMT

Here are some profiles. The bottom 3 are mine, the top is AutoCAD's. I picked 3 different types, 1 is a single line, 1 is a little more complex, and the other has visibility states. I know their's is created differently through coding and not blocks. I found the xml for AutoCAD's and it mentions creating boundaries. Is there a way to mimic this with dynamic blocks?

Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

Libbya — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:01:07 GMT

How accurate does the profile need to match your drawn versions? If there is some leeway, then in my opinion the easiest way to accomplish that would be to use the free hatchmaker lisp to make a custom hatch pattern that matches the profile you want to display. Then make an associative boundary and add the hatch. Use dynamic parameters/actions to manipulate the hatch boundary.

Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

jk1173 — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:21:13 GMT

I would prefer to stick with lines and polylines. I will look into that lisp and see how well it would work.

Re: Dynamic Block - Array but hide partial end

Libbya — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:32:49 GMT

You need to draw the hatch within a 1x1 grid snapped to 0.01 spacing. When your profiles are shrunk to a 1 unit repeating pattern, the endpoints do not land on those required snap points. Some adjustment would be necessary to use that approach. It is the most easily implemented way to do what you are asking for though, if you can tolerate the difference in profile needed to match the grid points of the hatch maker.

Another option would be to use a wipeout to cover the part that extends beyond the desired length. That method has its own limitations, though.