cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Section command for 3D objects

Section command for 3D objects

I'd like a command to section AS objects in the model based on UCS planes. As an extension, I'd like the option to keep generating sections based on the current settings (say xy plane for example) by simply selecting subsequent points.

 

Similar to the autocad section command for ACIS solids...

 

Thanks for considering.

6 Comments
haedicu
Alumni
Status changed to: Future Consideration

Hi,

 

I assume the requirement is different from the solution provided by the "cut at UCS" command. Does it mean, you want to create a view (2D drawing) or to slice the object into 2 pieces?

 

What ACAD command you are refering to?

 

live section

section plane

slice

 

Many thanks and

best regards

Udo

iwafb
Advisor

Hi Udo,

 

Sorry I was not clear in my request. What I'm after is an extension to _AstM4CommClipCrossSection, which shows a cross section through the member. However, I want to be able to generate the cross section in the current UCS plane (having the section generated along the member axis all the time is of little use). Ideally, with similar options to the section command (Specify first point on Section plane by [Object/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>:) so that I can see what shape any cutting plane makes as it intersects an Advance Steel object. The command should not modify the object in any way, just generate an ASTXCLIPCROSSSECTION (or plain polylines).

 

The Autocad command I'm referring to is called 'section'.

 

151105 - Section command preview.png

 

As a bonus, it would be handy if the sections could be generated in a loop (once section method is specified, say xy, then keep picking points to generate ASTXCLIPCROSSSECTION's, enter to exit...)

 

Hope this is clearer.

 

 

iwafb
Advisor

I thought I would try to revive this as it's something that comes up regularly (daily). This tool is available in pretty much all modelling packages, which makes me wonder why it has not been implemented in AS yet? Is there another solution to be able to construct elements based on how a plane intersects an object?? Macros don't always provide an option and sometimes elements have to be created manually based on geometry.

 

Section outline created in model, based on xy plane, of selected plates in ProSteel:

 

Section sample.png

lovecraft
Collaborator

Have you had any luck resolving this very important issue?  I'm new to Advance Steel but have been doing 3D modeling in AutoCAD for quite a few years now.  I haven't found any way to do what you are asking for either and this is a rather major stumbling block.  Another one is the inability (apparently) to use the copybase command in conjunction with a UCS that you align as required when copying, then align as required when pasting.  Thanks in advance for any comments you may have to offer and good luck.

LC Smiley Happy

iwafb
Advisor

Unfortunately, I don't think this is a priority. Not really sure why though. Could nearly understand the mindset that the macros are pretty good and aren't limited by geometry like our last detailing package. Having said that, I think this would still a very important tool, especially when doing a lot of plate work...

lovecraft
Collaborator

Actually, what I'm doing so far to deal with this is the following.  If I'm unsure of placement of an Advance Steel object, I'll simply use the standard AutoCAD "explode" command to convert it into an ACIS solid, then use "section" to determine exact placement and orientation.  It's an extra step, but an ok workaround for now.  What about the issue with using "copybase" in the manner I described in my previous post?  Anyone have any input on that?  Thanks in advance.

LC Man LOL

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the community or share your knowledge.

Submit Idea