LISP ROUTINES / PROGRAMS TO HELP SPEED JOB PROCESS UP

carter.nicholas.p · ‎03-26-2023

Hi all,

I am looking for some input / direction on how I can speed my current work process up. Before I start I want to mention that I have been using autocad for 10 years but I am an engineer NOT a programmer. I have also done my research and have not found exact solutions to my work (if any).

The current process:

First step: I have 100+ air handling units that I import into autocad after I use a software to convert them into individual .dwg files. I have to individually drag and drop each file (100 + times) into the same autocade file, specify basepoint and hit enter twice to place the block. Is there a lisp routine or program that can take my 100+ files and place them in model space evenly spaced out and scaled the same?

Second step: Once all the air handlers are in the dwg I then have to line them up on a line I pull along the bottom of them, which takes forever... Is there a list routine that will allow me to align these blocks easily by setting certain parameters up?

Third step: I have set up a sheet set manager where I can go in and edit multiple sheets at a time because I need to identify what is on each of the air handlers. Then I have to copy my title block with attributes I have set up for the sheet set manager to recognize to a new layout for each air handler. After that I then have to go into each sheet and double click into the viewport to scroll over to the unit I am on and size it appropriately. Is there a lisp routine / program that will make 100+ layouts for me with my title block based on where my blocks are in model space and place the viewport based on block lining?

I have to apply a lot of info into the revision blocks of each sheet. Is there a way I can just make an excel sheet with all the units and changes made to them and import that into sheet set manager?

The third step is the biggest thing I am looking for input on but open to all suggestions on improving my process!

I have attached pics of examples of what I am talking about but let me know if you need something else from me.

Thanks in advance!

ВeekeeCZ · ‎03-27-2023

Well, for the first one see attached routine. The second one... probably could be added to the first routine.

The third one... (probably both of the previous ones too) I think THIS guy have a solution/s.

carter.nicholas.p · ‎03-27-2023

Thanks for the response. How do run the .lsp file you sent? Is there somewhere I can read about it? I have actually downloaded and tried the program (Autoviewport) off that site and could not get it to work. I wish the tutorial video he/she had on it had sound.... lol

ВeekeeCZ · ‎03-27-2023

See THIS

pbejse · ‎03-27-2023

@carter.nicholas.p wrote:

First step:...

Second step: ...

Third step: I have set up a sheet set manager where I can go in and edit multiple sheets at a time because I need to identify what is on each of the air handlers.

The third step is the biggest thing I am looking for input on but open to all suggestions on improving my process!

The first two is straightforward. the third one will require .NET as sheet API is not exposed to Lisp/Vlisp. You can purchase specialty tools from this site -> JTB World ,

Particularly these two

HTH

Sea-Haven · ‎03-27-2023

Each block can be made into an individual layout for plotting and then do sheetsets, only looking at the image it looks like you have same size for each block that makes life much easier. I have make layouts they are for more like CIVIL plans where you want layouts following roads etc. Tested making multiples at a time no real limit in terms of speed will see screen flash, it could be converted to just read blocks. Like the others importing and laying out the blocks can be done based on some rules.

What is needed is a sample dwg something like a block that is a rectang representing your blocks. So inserted multiple times representing the required layouts just need say 1 layout so can see viewport scale etc.

Part 1 insert images like others can look at some form of front end to select blocks. May be easier to insert to many then delete unwanted, note can erase all layouts and redo the create very fast so layouts are in sequential order.

Have you thought about make layouts only don't insert in Model ?

An extra have a make index table of lots of layouts, using certain attributes.

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Kent1Cooper · ‎03-28-2023

Another way to do the first step is your choice of BlockChart routines [presumably the Rows version], >here<. Set an excessively large X value into the drawing Limits upper-right corner. It will line them up along their bottom edges, I think accomplishing your second step, since it works with their individual bounding boxes, not their insertion points.

Kent Cooper, AIA

Sea-Haven · ‎03-28-2023

Have a look at message 22 Solved: ARRANGE BLOCKS BY SELECTION ORDER - Page 2 - Autodesk Community - AutoCAD

a pattern like that ? And my post near end. Would arrange by list of blocks order.