topic Re: 3D dynamic block Z axis in Dynamic Blocks Forum

3D dynamic block Z axis

nicolas_courtel — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 08:47:46 GMT

Is it possible on Autocad to create dynamic 3D blocks in two parts. Consider, for example, the case of a rectangular parallelepiped.

The first part is in a layer called "2D" in top view, in which the lower and upper level would be specified via attributes and the length the width in the form of stretchable parameters that deform a rectangle.

A second part in a layer named "3D" in 3D view, the volume or 3D mesh directly inherits the parameters that were entered in the "2D" view. The relationships between the two elements located in the same block would then be :
• [Stretchable Parameter]: 2D Rectangle Length -> Rectangle Parallelepiped Length
• [Stretchable Parameter]: 2D Rectangle Width ->Rectangle Parallelepiped Width
• [Attribute]: Upper Level -> Upper Rectangular Parallelepiped Level
• [Attribute]: Height
• [Attribute]: Lower Level = Upper Level – Height -> Lower Rectangular Parallelepiped Level

The goal is to be able to create a fairly simple "BIM" model on Autocad because unfortunately REVIT still represents a challenge to use for many people. And REVIT requires a lot of preliminary work to set up the template which is never the same from one case to another anyway.
For the 2D part, my first experiments are rather conclusive. But as far as 3D is concerned, things are more complicated, I have the impression that I already have to resolve to use [MESH] instead of [SOLID], but despite that I can't manage to drive the [MESH] as much as I would like on the Z axis ! Many answers to now explain that Z axis is over what autocad knows to manage... but perhaps someone has a tips ?

With the following solution :

Re: Autocad Dynamic block 3D extrude - Autodesk Community - AutoCAD (Message 5 of 5) from @j.palmeL29YX, all that's missing is being able to manage the lower level of the mesh ! And I really need "2D" to stay at the Z=0 level...

Re: 3D dynamic block Z axis

Ed__Jobe — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 21:19:16 GMT

If you're working with Revit and need 3D models, I would use Inventor. It integrates with Revit nicely. With it you can create parametric models and use different model states, e.g open/closed, different widths, etc.

Re: 3D dynamic block Z axis

nicolas_courtel — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:50:51 GMT

REVIT is just too complicated and closed to be used simply by my colleagues.

So to do this, I am in the process of creating AUTOCAD with some dynamic blocks, while respecting the philosophy specific to BIM (a database that translates on the screen by a 3D model but above all a database from which you can easily extract and manipulate the numbers). For exemple This BIM database will allow to check wich element a crane on building site can rise or not and help to choose right model o crane with the right rising performance. This same BIM Database will allow to check how many walls are precast or not, what is the total of rebar in a level of building, etc...

INVENTOR (as PARAMETRIC soft) is more intended for the mechanical world, and is not as widely used as AUTOCAD in the building industry (at least in France).

I know that with AUTOCAD I can easily transmit the files in native format and that my colleagues, our partner companies, our customers, our subcontractors will all be able to open the file easily. Hence my question about the 3D dynamic blocks on this forum.

Re: 3D dynamic block Z axis

j.palmeL29YX — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:22:05 GMT

@nicolas_courtel wrote:

Is it possible on Autocad to create dynamic 3D blocks

No!

(Dynamic blocks are designed for use in 2D only)

Re: 3D dynamic block Z axis

nicolas_courtel — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:01:32 GMT

After a few tests I achieved this result (clip in attachement).

To solve my need, I created a first extrusion which represents the void below, on his top I created a second extrusion which reprensents the expected beam.

By hiding the fist extrusion in a masked layer, i get a quite good view.

Unsurprisingly AutoCAD "lags" a little / a lot as soon as you display the 3D but with hidden layers you can achieve a flittle more fluid working mode.

But a better way could be to not directly link 3D to 2Ddyn block and use a LISP to update 3D on demand in each block (unfornately I don't manage LSIP language :-/)

Another way, could to be able to Update 3D only on regen command, perhaps some of us have any tips to share in this sense ?