Creating a dynamic block that changes the properties?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

First time posting here, searched for hours and please forgive my poor researching skills as I can't seem to find my answer.

I am trying to make a dynamic block that is able to change the properties of a helix.

For example, I have created a helix in my block that has 1 turn at 100mm turn height in the properties of the helix. I would like to set my block so that I am able to change to 2 turns at 200mm turn height and so on. Is this possible?

Thanks.

[Libbya]

Dynamic blocks operate on X and Y only.  A helix would intrinsically include 3 dimensions so I do not believe it will be possible.  Some people have created 3D dynamic blocks using faces but they can only ever operate on 2 dimensions.  

[ArchD]

It's very crude, but would simple visibility states do? See attached. There is nothing that changes diameter, but if you use the same dimensions each time and the only thing changing is the height and turns, this should work. If you have 100 heights though, this could be an issue. 

I've updated the block to one visibility state. You can stretch the height and the turns will update automatically. You can also adjust the radius globally, but I cannot get it to control the base and top separately so if you just need the same radius throughout, this should do. 

Keep in mind though that dynamic blocks aren't really made for 3D entities, so this had to be made laid on it's side in the block editor then rotated in the model view. The best would be to drop it in, switch your view to front then make adjustments. If you just drop it in and rotate your view, you might have difficulties stretching the height.

[Anonymous]

Hi Arch,

Thank you for going through the hassle of making that block and explanation.

Unfortunately I am unable to open it, should have mentioned that I am on AutoCAD 2015.

[ArchD · Accepted solution]

Give this one a shot.

[rapidcad]

Arch, sorry for not taking the time to check out the block, but I might have a tip that could be useful regarding the 3D in the block editor. I found that I could use a second drawing tab and create all kinds of 3D content there, using UCS's and planes and then copy my objects to the clipboard and paste them into the block editor. The only thing limiting me was the ability to use parameters to manipulate in the Z axis. However, I could develop various entities of differing sizes and display them using visibility states whenever needed. Anyway, hope this helps (see attached).

[Anonymous]

Wonderful, managed to use your method for my application.

Thanks!

[rapidcad]

Awesome! glad to help.

[rapidcad]

BTW, Arch, I did check out the block and yeah, that seems about as far as you can take it. Nicely done!