creating similar instances/types of casework

[Anonymous]

I'm modeling some casework. There are a lot of semi-complex sweeps, extrusions, blended sweeps, etc. present in the model. I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me how to make similar types of the same style of casework. Do I have to copy and paste all the sweeps and extrusions to the new type and start modeling from scratch or is there a way that I can do this more efficiently??

[Ilic.Andrej]

I assume that "same style + different types" means : looks the same but the dimensions vary. If this is the case, use reference planes and then constrain their position with the labeled dimensions (parameters). After that, you need to lock the geometry to those reference planes. 

[cbcarch]

If they are fairly complex as you say, then I would Save-as and make new families.

Trying to make "one-size-fits-all" families can get a bit complicated and really doesn't add any value.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

Are you familiar with nesting families? 

...I mean, you don't need to "start over from scratch" each time. You can build interchangeable components (e.g. doors and drawers) that can be nested into other families.  

...Another suggestion, which follows along with the point @cbcarch was making; simplify the ornamentation (the LOD), to a sketch profile family and then use that profile family in other families to create sweeps. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you. I kind of wondered if that would be the solution. I'm kind of new to Revit so please bare with me. Since I didn't start out making a profile family, and need multiple sweeps to create the same kind of handle, is there still a way to save the model components as an individual profile family?

[cbcarch]

Can you post an example family, with more specific questions about what you need to achieve?

[barthbradley]

"Models" are 3D elements. "Profiles" are 2D elements. So the answer to your question is no. But you can create Model elements from Profiles. In other words, you can build a library of 2D Profiles that could be used over and over again to make Model shapes, such as the drawer ornamentation (or whole drawer) shown in your picture.  But you need to simplify the cross-sectional cut profile down to a single, closed-loop sketch line.  Seriously, the level of detail shown in your picture will not translate as soon as Thin Lines is turned off. 

[Anonymous]

Hi guys, sorry it took me so long to write back. Thank you for all the great advice! I'm just learning about families and instances etc. so what I ended up doing was copying and pasting the sweeps using different views, and just changed the size and door swings for each cabinet based on the original, then saved each new model under a different file name. I'm definitely going to try some of your ideas really soon though. Thanks again!