Work points placed in model and used as snap points in large assembly dwgs

[acbsdesign]

There should be an option for a work point to be placed in the model for large trusses and frames - these work points to be used by the dwg styles for placing dimensions.

Let's say work point will be a fake model part, and this part will reqest dimensioning when placed on dwgs.

Also-work points can be main and secondary.

When creating a beam - part of a truss, it will be helpfull if we can assign system ends to be work points for later dimensioning.

Or one end to be main work point, other end-secondary work point.

Currently the snap points ' used for manual dimensions' are not enough.

Drawings get very messy when large and complex assemblies are updated.

[haedicu]

Hi ACBSDesign,

what comes first to my mind is using a punch mark for that and define a drawig style, where punch marks are used as dimension points.

What limitation do you see in using the punch mark for that?

Beside that I agree, that the smart dimension points could be improved and we work on that.

best regards

Udo

[haedicu]

There is also a new dedicated drawing style for trusses with 2016R2 version.

[acbsdesign]

Hi Udo,

Punch marks will show in nc files.

There should be something new and independent from showing in nc.

The end points of the diagonal bracing members system lines for example.

The way now the diemensions behave during update is frustrating, same for labels-once default dimension requests are deleted and new dimensions placed, and lables put in order-everything should stay this way after dwg update.

On a complex assembly, if we do not explode the new dimensions first, and delete the default dimensions after an update, it can take 0.5+ hours of cleaning and placing the dimensions again.

Today's design dwgs are getting less and less complete, and the need for detailers to make changes fast and cost effective is more and more important.

There are a few items that a screaming for improvement in Advance:

1. MOST NEEDED: Improve the way dimensions and labels behave, stop updating them unless they need an update, and do not erase manually placed dimensions, snap points ' preferred for manual dimensions' are not enough. Stop labels from moving after dwg update

2. Improve anchor bolts -make them a macro with a x-amount of nuts, washers on top and bottom, length, PROJECTION, EMBEDMENT, plate washers etc handy

3. Make bolts explodable, nut or bolt to be able to be shop welded, and rest field. Also - beveled washers.

[haedicu]

OK, fair point. We work on the update issues for future releases.

We also will take your idea about the dimension point definition in model into consideration for future releases.

Thanks for the input!

best regards

Udo

[acbsdesign]

Hi Udo,

Are the anchor bolts and exploded bolts also considered?

Especially the anchor bolts, I build them using round bar and place nuts and washers, beveled wahsers, and plate washers manually as special parts.

Currently as built by advance-the anchors do not work, no projection as a parameter too.

[acbsdesign]

Hi Udo,

Just an idea-in the detail edit window:

1. added option-show / hide default dimensions,

2. added option-convert selected automatic dimensions to manual

3. added option-show/ hide manual dimensions.

Best Regards,

Ilko 

[daniel.tarnowski]

After a search on the ideas forum, I see Ilko already beat me to it,

To add a little to the above mentioned idea, for the model, I like to use a sphere in AutoCAD, something similar in AS would be ideal with the caveat that it not be use in numbering, parts lists, or clash detection.  The only grip should be geometric center, so that automatic and manual dimensions can be attached to it.  And obviously work points must be registered and shown in a design drawing from the model.

Ductwork and piping are two more disciplines that are often detailed from work points that do not lie on preferred dimension snaps.  (I.E. apparent intersection)