Create Parametric Family of Variable Length Linear Components

[arkelec]

Hi, looking for some advice on the best way to create parametric families.

Initially, I want to build a library of Support (drop/hanger) Rods - M6, M8, M10, M12.  In my mind, I see these being mainly referenced to the ceiling & having 2 variable parameters: diameter & length. Material might be a later option.

I've spent a fair bit of time researching the subject but I can't really find anything that gives me satisfactory answers to my questions.  So, in the hope that those who have a working knowledge of creating families might help me out.......

1. Is there any mileage in constructing the geometry in Inventor?

    I haven't though about how to address the variable parameters (if that is even possible to add in Revit).

2. Assuming keeping it all Revit - what would be the best rft file to base the family on?

I've got the ESooSoft add-in loaded for evaluation but it doesn't really do what I want it to (I have created a family of products in Inventor which when in Revit needs drop rods without any other fixings).

I also hope to use this exercise (if successful) to move onto a bespoke cable containment family.

Please feel free to post any links to articles or tutorials you think I might find useful.

Thanks in advance.

[L.Maas]

First thing to consider is what you want/need to do. Normally you put things into to Revit to get something out of it (e.g. schedules, clash detection, drawings, renders). So what do you want/need as an end-result. This will start to determine what you need to do.

For example your hangers M6, M8, M10 & M12. Is it something you need to model or will a simple line with a parameter mentioning the size be enough.

Than you have to decide how you are going to use it in your project. Is this something you going to use for a single project or for 'many' future projects.

If you have to use it in more projects you might consider more options/flexibility in your family to be ready for other projects.

You say you consider your hangers to be ceiling based. This could be done with a ceiling based family. However you might run into issues with this. For example if you link the building in your project the linked file does not expose the ceiling for ceiling based families. In those cases only face based families will work. What if you do not have a ceiling but has to hang it from the floor of the next level? or if you do not have a ceiling but a roof?

To solve this you could use a non-hosted family or a face based family. If you are not sure abiout the situation yet you can follow the next procedure.

Start with a generic model (i.e non hosted). You can place those on a level and the use offset to place it at the right elevation.

If it does not work according to your needs you can chnge the family to a hosted family (e.g. ceiling or face based). You then nest your generic family in a new hosted family (e.g generic face based). You pass through the required parameters and you are done without the need of remodelling your hangers.

In my library I have some families created as non-hosted (generic) and then loaded in face, floor and/or roof based families, so that i can choose what works best for a certain project.

With regards to inventor. If you can model it natively in Revit that would be better. Importing/Converting thngs from other programs usually generates overhead wihich only negatively impacts Revit

To summarize

-Determine what you want/need and keep it simple.

-Try to work natively in Revit.

-Start of with a generic family and if needed nest this family in a hosted template.

HERE on ths Autodesk site you can find some documents with regards to family creation (Revit family guide).