Linear Stretch Parameter

[Kyle_Anthony]

Hello. I am adding a stretch parameter to this beam but for some reason the lines you can see in the attached photos which represents the flange, will not stay attached to the square (beam). When I made the parameter I selected all of the objects. Is there something I am missing? Thank you

[Libbya]

It's almost certainly an issue with the size/position of the stretch window or an issue with the selection set.  I could tell you exactly what the issue was if you attached the actual block file rather than image files (which are fairly useless without the block).

[Kyle_Anthony]

See attached

[h_s_walker]

Change the base location of your Distance1 parameter from Startpoint to MIDPOINT. See the ringed are in the image below

[Kyle_Anthony]

Any idea how to get the block properties table grip that I have to stay attached to one of the lines whenever I use the stretch action? 

[h_s_walker]

Not with a block table no.

You could have done the whole block with a lookup table and normal actions without the dimensional parameters at all. See the attached drawing for an example

[j.palmeL29YX]

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@Kyle_Anthony wrote:

 Is there something I am missing? 

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Even if I'd strongly suggest not to use dynamic parameters/actions and constraint parameters at the same time in a dynamic block definition (in all most cases this will fail) - in this very simple example you only need to add four coinzident constraints between the endpoints of the horizontal lines and the vertical lines (object).  

>>Click<< 

[Kyle_Anthony]

So I have made the lookup table. Unfortunately Murphy's Law is very real. In the attached you can see my top and bottom flange are the same dimension which is what they need to be for each different size beam. However when I test the block and use the table dropdown, the flange dimensions change but they don't change to be the same thing.   

[Libbya]

Each time you ask a question, post the current block file that demonstrates the issue!  The image files are then usually superfluous.

[Kyle_Anthony]

They might be superfluous to you. See attached. 

[Libbya]

This is the earlier posted block as I made the screencast before you posted an update.  I didn't take the time to read through all the responses in the thread so I may have missed some things, but short of that, I believe the following screencast shows how to fix the block.  The block properties grip moves with the stretch, and the overall stretch all works along with the flange thicknesses and beam depth.  The lines all stay connected, perpendicular, parallel, etc... as they should and all without any constraints.  The block works consistently and accurately.  Just fill out the appropriate values in the block properties table and Bob's your uncle.  

[Kyle_Anthony]

There is no screencast. 

[Libbya]

Yeah, the embedding of the screencast is somewhat inconsistent.  I'll try again.  This starts with the first version you posted of the block:

[Libbya · Accepted solution]

This is a screencast for the more recent version you just posted.  You have a couple issues going on.  Fairly easy to figure out if able to look at the block and nigh impossible without it.  The issue with the flanges being different sizes is mainly because you have the base (first point clicked when creating) of each of the flange parameters facing the same direction.  Because of this, one flange shrinks when the other gets larger as the parameter base does not move.  Flip the top flange parameter around and that issue will be fixed.  The second issue is a little more subtle.  I assume you have had the LUPREC sys variable set to 4 which causes very low displayed precision.  Because of this, the lookup table looks right, but many of the values are wrong.  Set LUPREC to 8 (IMO, it should always be 8 ) and you will see the issues on the table.  Fix those and keep luprec at 8 to avoid similar issues in the future.  I would also mention that you should have the block drawn near the origin in block editor.  If you do not, it can cause other issues and the current block will also leave a base point grip ~1200 units away from the block when the block is selected.

[Kyle_Anthony]

You have been a big help. Thank you!