Jump to content

Dynamic Blocks and Data Extraction


SuperCAD

Recommended Posts

I've made a dynamic block in AutoCAD 2008 where the only Parameter that has it's properties displayed is the length. There are 158 of these blocks that make up a complex wall frame, and there are multiple blocks that are the exact same length. When I go to create a cut list for all of the parts by using Data Extraction, the "Combine Identical Rows" option doesn't seem to be working as expected.

 

For instance, some of the framing members are 2'-4 1/2" long and there are 15 of these blocks with the exact same length (or distance). When the data is extracted it gives me multiple lines with count values of either 1, 2 or 3 blocks per line like this:

 

2 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

1 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

3 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

1 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

2 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

2 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

3 - 2x8 Stud - 2'-4 1/2"

 

Anyone have a clue as to why this is happening?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is possible that they aren't exactly the same length. Change your units to check and measure. In the past i have incrememted the lengths of dynamic blocks so they always round up to the nearest mm or inch in your case. They should then all be combined when you do a data extraction.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I figured out what the problem was.

 

I had Ortho turned on, and I would stretch the block to a point that was in line with the length that I wanted the block to be at. Depending on how far the block was away from the point that I stretched it to, it caused a very small difference in the lengths. So small that they would show up exactly the same length in the properties and you wouldn't notice a difference if you laid them on top of each other and zoomed all the way in.

 

Turns out the fix was a lot easier that I originally thought. I all I had to was set the increments of my stretch to 1/4" since each of the lengths were in multiples of 1/4". I tested it out at home this morning and it worked perfectly, so now I'm heading back into work (ON A FREAKIN' SUNDAY!!!!!) to try and get this job done before Monday morning.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...