Custom lineypes with longer spacing between objects

[blessing86]

I've searched extensively for this and have played with the linetype values longer than I should have, SO I NEED YOUR HELP!

We use symbols to identify tubing line size. I'm rather new to the company so the method before I got here was to use a continuous line type and periodically place the "symbol" (triangle, slash, square, etc.) frequently throughout the line. I have 2 issues with the practice: 1) they place so many that it clutters up the P&ID, 2) anytime i have to make a change, I have to track down each symbol and adjust to make it look right in reference to either spacing or tubing size changes.

I'm able to create the linetype with the shape not problem. The problem I have is that I wan the symbol to appear on at .50" at a line that is 1" long, but I don't want to see the symbol again for another 3". I can get one OR the other scenario to work but not both together. 

*SINGLETRIANGLE,--\U+0394--
A,1,-.125,[TRIANGLE,Z:\Drafting\Templates\CUSTOM SHAPES AND LINETYPES\TRIANGLE,s=1.5,u=0],-.125,.25

the triangle in this case is 3/32 inscribed

On a 1" line, the first line comes in at .375" long. The triangle is placed at .4375" along the line. When the line is 1.5" the 2nd triangle appears at .75" from the first. When the line hits 3" the first triangle appears at .3125". The line has to be .75" for the first triangle to appear.

Without the -.125 gap, the triangle appears on a .625" line and once the line hits 1.25" long the 2nd triangle appears at .625".

I've tried putting a 3 at the end instead of the .25 and that gives me a longer gap, but it won't appear as early as I need it to.

I really don't understand these settings. I don't care if it's a continuous line or a broken line like the linetype above has. But I would really like to see less symbols on my P&ID. Any help would be appreciated.

[Moshe-A]

@blessing86  hi,

Cause you did not post the linetype shape file (triangle.shx) i couldn't see your linetype so here is general rules how autocad draw linetypes:

1. AutoCAD takes the total pattern distance and divide it by the line length (a segment in polyline) the quotient is rounded to integer (whole number) than multiplied by pattern distance and  subtract from line length.

2. the linetype always start and ends with a continues line segment with half distance of the balance.  so the segment length determine how many pattern will be inside.

by the way in .lin file you can skip the file path if you save the triangle.shx file under AutoCAD support files path.

moshe

[blessing86]

@Moshe-A, Thanks for your response.

attached is an image of the linetype I am trying to create. How do I specify the pattern distance? Is this the last number value?

I do plan on making this part of the support path, I was just placing it somewhere until I figured it out.

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

---

@blessing86 wrote:
.... I wan the symbol to appear on at .50" at a line that is 1" long, but I don't want to see the symbol again for another 3". ....

---

Unfortunately, I think you're out of luck.  AutoCAD non-continuous linetypes can work only in complete cycles  of the definition, and if something is not as long as that, it just uses a continuous line, just as it does for the extra length at ends of things beyond full definition cycles.  That means that if you want the symbol to appear in a 1"-long line, the overall length of the definition cycle [dashes and gaps] can't be longer than 1".  But if you want the symbols spaced 3" apart in longer linework, the overall length of the definition cycle must be at least 3".  Those are mutually contradictory requirements.

[blessing86]

@Kent1Cooper  ****

I was thinking about a dynamic block, but the problem I have there is that if the line is 3.5" I will get half of a triangle. Do I have any other options?

[Kent1Cooper]

I can suggest something that isn't a linetype, but would be able to place something in that kind of fashion, if you can live with the triangles not being "tied to" the linework [they wouldn't adjust if you Stretch/Lengthen/Trim/etc. the things they're placed along].

[blessing86]

@Kent1Cooper  I would like to hear your suggestion.

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

You can get DivideMeasurePlus.lsp >here<.

Define the triangle as a Block including a Wipeout behind its triangular perimeter to block out the piece of linework behind it.  Use the MEA+ command defined in that code, choosing the Blocks option and giving it your Block name, presumably a Scale of 1, Aligned-with-the-path, and Same-Layer-as-object options, your segment length between them [3 in your example], and [here's the part the regular MEASURE command can't do]  when it asks:

choose the Center-on-the-path option.

Pick "path" objects, and it will splatter your triangles along them, spaced at 3" [or whatever you specify] apart, and with the end-most ones inset from the path ends by equal amounts.  Any paths that are shorter than 3" will result in a notification to that effect, and you can use regular DIVIDE, or the DIV+ command in that same file, which has the advantage of remembering your choices that DIVIDE doesn't.

Both the DIV+ and MEA+ commands have loads of other enhancements compared to regular DIVIDE & MEASURE -- read all about them in the comments at the top of the file.