Selecting different types of bars

[Anonymous]

Dear all,

I just started using AutoCAD & Dynamic Blocks.

I need to draw a bar in AutoCAD which is available in different sizes (2 different diameters, 120 different lengths, 3 different suppliers, so 420 options). The first thing I thought of was using visibility state for choosing between diameter and supplier. And using a stretch for the lengths. But apparently I can't stretch 3D models, and the bar has to be in 3D. I can try drawing al the 420 options, but I was hoping someone has a better solution.

Kind Regards,

Hilde

[jarredmonday · Accepted solution]

You are unable to stretch 3d solids. Although you can stretch planar surfaces. The only issue with this is you'll have to pick each surfaces frame individualy in you action selection. I like to think of it like an associative hatch. The frame that each hatch is associated with, is whats being stretched, not the hatch. 

This may not help but it's an idea.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for answering. But I can't get it done with round bars, otherwise it would be a perfect solution.

[Anonymous]

I have made a block of the bar in 3D. Then I used a Scale Action. It stretches the 3D bar, but it also makes it thicker. If someone knows a way to just scale it in x, and not in y, please let me know.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for my late reply. You were actually right (of course ;)). After a few days I found out I did something wrong making planar surfaces. Making it a planar surface did do the job. However, the block had to be filled up with some more parts. In the end the block was so full of constraints and parameters, AutoCAD couldn't really handle it. I talked to my mentor who gave me the assignment, and we decided not to use 3D solids anymore. Thanks for your help anyways, learnt a lot about AutoCAD doing this ;).