Fabrication Intent Modeling (There are so many padlocks)

[Yucel_Kaya]

Dear participants, I need your advise about workflow for Fabrication Intent Modeling.

The subject is modular framing.

The frame can be a family. In this case:

1. Type quantity is huge and impossible to organize types,

2. Modifying instances on the model is difficult and not practical due to so many parameters and no graphical aid,

3. I could not find a practical way to list (schedule) parts for each instances separetely,

The frame can be assembly (attached model). In this case:

1. Everything is fine:

  a. Each parts of frame can be modified on model, just select and change type of part,

  b. Frame geometry can be changed on model, just drag horizontal or vertical members (or pipe clamps) to desired location,

  c. Create assembly view and schedule of parts is simple,

2. Everything is fine except PADLOCKS. There are so many padlocks. To hold a member for dragging without toggle a padlock is difficult.

Any advice will be wellcome.

I am dreaming about two things:

First, Autodesk will add hide/reveal padlocks button.

Second, Autodesk will develop parametric assembly.

[RobDraw]

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@Yucel_Kaya wrote:

There are so many padlocks. To hold a member for dragging without toggle a padlock is difficult.

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Something or someone is creating those alignment locks. It's not something that happens automatically.

Also, the model is not an assembly. Was it an assembly that has been disassembled? I work with assemblies that are created by an add-in and have not seen this happen when disassembling. Please describe the steps you've taken to get to this alignment nightmare.

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@Yucel_Kaya wrote:

I am dreaming about two things:

First, Autodesk will add hide/reveal padlocks button.

Second, Autodesk will develop parametric assembly.

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First: No button necessary when all you have to do is select the object(s).

Second: Parametric assembly kind of describes a family, doesn't it?

[Yucel_Kaya]

Rob, if you can watch attached screen record, you will see what I mean. Could you count how many padlock I unlock unintentionally?

Model is not assembly but this is not the issue. It is just one click operation. Just I do not want to see padlock icons while modifiying the set. I put the constraints in order to make model flexible and constarained. Horizontal bar and vertical rods are line-based families. All other familes are work plane-based, but not associated any work plane. They have been constrained either allignment or dimensionally.

First: I need to hide padlock icons when I select an item. When I need to modify contraints, I should reveal these icons.

Second: Exactly. But I could not find a way to modify family instance by grab and drag items on it.

[RobDraw]

What you want is not possible. Try the IDEAS forum.

I suggest that you do not lock alignments unless they are to remain aligned. You are over constrained for your workflow.

[Yucel_Kaya]

I know that logic of constraints and showing padlock icons. I am not asking how to hide these icons or make parametric assemblies (or groups). My question is related to workflow of frame modeling. As you know there are profile bars and fittings to connect them. We make frames putting profiles and fittings together. On project environment there will be several independent frames. Some of them are exacly the same, some not. It will be good to modify frames on project environment just select sub-components and change type; and grab and drag sub-components to change geometry, but schedule of sub-components of each frame seperety is essential. I wondering about what would be your aproach to such a job.

[RobDraw]

You should probably narrow down the scope of your questions. Your original post seems to say "everything is fine" except the padlocks. I know you stated other things but they get lost with your synopsis. 

Have you looked at add-ins to see how they are doing what you want?

[Yucel_Kaya]

I tried third party applications and some add-ins/ad-ons but I could not find fluent workflow. Can you advise me?

[RobDraw]

I’m barely following you with the limited and contrary information that you’ve provided.  I prefer to wait for more detailed and separated questions.

[Yucel_Kaya]

Dear Rob, thanks for your efforts. I decided to continue with models as they are, a sample I have shared. We will be carefull not to touch padlocks.

[borakin1]

Hello @Yucel_Kaya , wouldn't using face-based instead of work-plane-based at least eliminate some of the pad locks? What is it exactly that you are trying to achieve with this product? Is it to quickly configure the pipe elements it will carry using Dynamo, or to do it manually?

I apologize for my limited English proficiency.

[Yucel_Kaya]

Hi @borakin1,

1. I tried. Face-based parts did not work when their host type is changed or host of the host is changed.

2. Our expectations from this product as pipe or duct hanger:

     a. manually change parts of the product (select the instance and change its type), as shown last part of the attached video,

     b. modify its geometry by grab and drag parts (rod, channel),

     c. schedule parts.

3. Manually.