Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Modeling Device Geometry
Creatingsolidgeometryfordevicefamiliesissimilartomodelingequipment
families, only on a smaller scale. The level of detail for devices can be kept
very simple to represent the components. In most cases, the geometry does
not need to be parametrically controlled, but in some families, parametric
geometry is useful. Junction boxes are a good example. You can create one
junction box family with parametric geometry so that multiple types can be
created by editing the dimensions of the geometry. This eliminates the need
for separate families for each junction box size.
Category and Parameters
As with any family you are about to create, you should first decide how the
familywillbeusedinyourprojects.Forthemostpart,devicefamiliesshould
be face-hosted families because they will likely be placed in walls, floors,
and ceiling surfaces. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as junction
boxes,whichyoumaywanttoputintothemodelwithoutahost.Thehosting
option you choose determines the family template that will be used. The
generic family templates can be used because you can categorize the family
after you have started.
Although face-hosted families are preferred, using them has some
drawbacks. When the host of a device is deleted in the model, the device
becomes orphaned. This means that the device maintains its location but is
no longer associated with the model. This can be frustrating when hosts are
deleted and redrawn instead of the original host being moved. This scenario
will require you to pick a new host for the devices in order to maintain
coordination with the model.
If you choose to create device families that do not require a host, keep
in mind that you will have to manually coordinate their locations in the
model with the walls, floors, and ceilings that they are associated with when
changes are made.
Once you decide whether your family will be hosted or not hosted, you
should select the family template you start with. You start creating a new
family by choosing Application Menu New Family. This opens the New
Family - Select Template File dialog box. For the creation of devices, you
need just a few templates: Generic Model.rft , Generic Model face
based.rft , Generic Annotation.rft , and Detail Item.rft .
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