Problem with block reference layer color using SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK command

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I made two simple 3D piping lines in different layers and colors. Each pipeline is made up of block reference elbows and cylinders. When I starting produce orthographic section I using SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK command with section settings ( Background Lines > Color ByLayer > Layer "LayerByObject" ).

After section generation elbows block reference contours still in "0" layer and white color. Although in 3D elbows block reference layer is green color.

Why autocad take layer information from elements which are inside the block? I have no idea.

Any ideas how to bypass or solve this problem?

Maybe this was solved in 2018 version of AutoCAD

[neaton]

Can you post the elbow and cylinder blocks so we can look at them? I tried duplicating what you have and I get both the elbow and cylinder blocks to change color.

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi,

I made two simple 3D piping lines in different layers and colors. Each pipeline is made up of block reference elbows and cylinders. When I starting produce orthographic section I using SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK command with section settings ( Background Lines > Color ByLayer > Layer "LayerByObject" ).

After section generation elbows block reference contours still in "0" layer and white color. Although in 3D elbows block reference layer is green color.

Why autocad take layer information from elements which are inside the block? I have no idea.

Any ideas how to bypass or solve this problem?

Maybe this was solved in 2018 version of AutoCAD

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[beyoungjr]

Hi,

I believe that "sectiontoblock" will create blocks within a block is the original geometry includes blocks.  Best practice would be to use by layer for all geometry in all blocks and make sure all geometry in initial blocks is set to the "0" layer.  If all foundational blocks are given a "0" layer and color/linetypes of "bylayer" then they will behave very well when inserted or located to other layers.  if you dictate specific properties in your foundational blocks you will eventually run into issues such as what you describe.

I'm not sure that the "sectiontoblock" creations will update if you change properties of initial blocks but if you wish to try to update block usages you might try the Lisp that was previously create din another post ( https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/update-inserted-blocks/td-p/2814098 )

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Hi Neaton,

I attaching DWG of the example. Could you look closer.

[Anonymous]

Hi blyoung,

Those elbows blocks elements inside are in "0" layer and set in color ByLayer. I think problem is that sectionblock command taking information about layer from elements inside block. I can't change each the same elbow inside layer, because I want to dublicate this block in different layer pipelines.

[neaton]

When the SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK creates 2D elements of the blocks they are being put on layer 0_Flat within the new block per the settings which has a color of 0. The cylinders are 3D objects, not blocks, so they are maintaining their layer color. If you explode the elbow blocks and rerun the SECTIONPLANETOBLOCK command all lines will change colors.

Nancy

[Anonymous]

Yes, this idea to explode necessary blocks and match properties from colored cylinders is good when you have several pipelines. But when you have hundreds of block components it becomes a real challenge 🙂 

[neaton]

It is a problem and I hope you find a good solution. We use FLATSHOT to create 2D blocks but it would require even more manipulation on your part because all linework is created at a 0.0 lineweight on layer 0 so requires opening the block and setting everything to ByLayer. I have a Tool Palette button to do that but we are in the block anyway to add dynamic parameters and actions.

Nancy

[beyoungjr]

Hi again,

Pardon me if I missed it but what is your end goal?  What is it you need with the 2D flat sections of the pipelines?  You appear to be using 3D solids so there may be some other very useful techniques depending on your end goal.

Again, sorry if I missed the final objective.

Blaine

[Anonymous]

Hi Blaine,

Unfortunately I didn't find better method yet. I'm doing the same frustrating method to explode all 3D piping blocks and match properties from solid pipes to exploded elements which become required layers and colors.

I hope some day someone create a LISP with indicating blocks inherited layers (not information in block elements keep) to flatten in 2D sections required layer.

Thanks a lot that you interested in my problem 🙂

[beyoungjr]

Hi again,

I was asking what is the final outcome desired???  Do you simply want a good looking print looking like 2D elements or is there a true necessity to have 2D objects in your file.

The 3D pipe layouts could be represented very well in Paper Space layouts in any view style you would like using ViewBase commands in lieu of Viewports.  Viewbase has only been around for a few years and many folks are not aware of how to take full advantage of it.  Since you are using 3D solids I think this might be an option for you??

Cheers,

Blaine

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I want to prepare  2D piping drawings in different layers with different colors  in model space.

Sometimes I'm using Paperspace ViewBase commands for smaller 3D models, but there are no option to separate objects in different colors.

[neaton]

I know you don't want to explode the blocks but if you decide you have to try using the SELECTSIMILAR command to select all the blocks in the drawing that are on layer 1. Explode them then immediately use the CHANGE command and type P to select the previous exploded blocks, Properties, LAyer, enter the layer name and enter again to finish the command. Not an ideal solution but may it speed things along if you have to explode them.

Nancy