Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Face-Based and Generic Choices
Generic families are sometimes called nonhosted families, but that's
untrue because they are actually hosted (or based) on the level into
which they are inserted. Some companies create generic and face-based
versions of the same families for use in different project scenarios.
When placing generic families in your projects, consider using the Place
On Work Plane option wherever possible to eliminate the need for
duplicate family versions. Generic families are the better choice for
anything that is connected to pipes, ducts, conduit, and cable tray. And
face-based families are the better choice for objects that do not have
hard connections—light fixtures, receptacles, switches, and so on.
Generally, mechanical and plumbing designers should consider using
mainly generic families and electrical designers should consider using
mainly face-based families, but there will always be exceptions to the
rules.
Detail Level
When you are modeling your equipment families, consider the amount of
detail required to represent the equipment. Mechanical components can be
complicated structures that include many intricate parts. It is not necessary
to model your equipment families to a high level of detail for them to
function properly in your projects. If you need to show equipment with a
lot of detail, you can use model lines or symbolic lines to represent the
equipment in views where the high level of detail is needed while keeping
the family geometry simple.
Mostequipmentfamiliescanbemodeledusingsimplegeometricformssuch
as cubes and cylinders. If the equipment family you are creating requires
more complex geometry, you will need to use the other modeling tools
available in the Family Editor, such as the Sweep, Blend, and Revolve tools.
For instances where you need to show only the amount of space required for
equipment, you can model it as a box that is visible in Coarse detail views.
More-detailed geometry can be modeled to show in views with a finer level
of detail. The important thing to remember when using this technique is
that the connection points for ductwork or pipe should be located on the
