Dynamic Blocks

Hi All

 

With reference to dynamic blocks. When I insert the block it is no problem, but how do you constrain the block, so when you re-size it using the block table the center of the block stays on the insertion point and is symmetrically around that point!

 

Please see the attached drawing if required.

 

Thanks

Kevin

Asymmetric Beam Block.dwg

Are you actually using 2012 as your info states?

No 2012 and 2014, profile updated. But i wouldn't of thought that would be an issue!

Edited May 16, 2013 by KevUK

Well 91 views and no one can tell me if this can be achieved or not!

Lets try this way. If the block moves position when you change the size using the drop down arrow of the Block Table. Then the only other way of achieving this would be using the Visibility Parameter, is this correct!

It seems a bit odd that when you insert a block that has been designed using the Block table and geometric constraints, that when you change the block, you have to reposition it!

 

Kevin

I had a quick look at the block but I am not familiar with geometric constraints yet so did n't have time to look at it properly. I cannot remember what the variables are. From memory I would have done this with a visibilty parameter but assuminf I didn't see the whole picture I would consider making the verticals as 2 lines, one up one down and constrain them to be equal.

 

Again, I don't use constraints so there is probably a better solution to doing this. I'm not that I will have time to look on Monday but I'll try.

No 2012 and 2014, profile updated. But i wouldn't of thought that would be an issue!

Well, you see, it is if one does not have the ability to directly open the posted file. I'm using 2012, but could not open the file. The reason is now obvious--it was created by a later version with a different DWG format.

Well 91 views and no one can tell me if this can be achieved or not!

Well, yes, but the view doesn't really count if you can't open the file to see what might be going on. Sorry.

Hi dbroada

 

Thanks for looking at the file. I thought of using visibility parameters, but i thought it would be a lot easier to use block tables and parametric constraints. As the actual file has 10 different sections and for other sections for example USB sections there are 36 different sections etc. But I am open for idea's.

 

@ neophoible. Apologies for that another drawing attached.

Asymmetric Beam Block-1.dwg

I'm sure being a later format .dwg was mostly responsible for the many views and no replies. Also, you posted on the weekend. Only 9 views on the drawing.

 

I'll try to give it a look later, busy morning here for me.

Hi sorry I have no access to constraints (LT only) but would this be what you are after, I just set the base point to center, I don't know if you can do that with constraints

Asymmetric Beam Block-2007.dwg

Hi steven-g

 

Thanks for looking, that gets it a bit nearer. Its OK when you insert the block but when you change the block to 300 ASB it is still off center a bit!

I didn't spot that the first time round, Its your constraints, the bottom flange stretches up towards the centre and the top flange is constrained to be equal size but stretches up and away from the centre, I'm LT so I can't do a lot with them, I would achieve it by adding 2 stretch actions to the flanges directed towards the centre, but maybe you have the option in full autocad to change the direction that your constraints operate, otherwise add more constraints to keep the top and bottom lines the same distance from the centre line.

Hi steven-g

 

I have done a U Turn and gone back to using parameters and actions it is a lot easier to control the geometry then geometric constraints, well at least for me it is!

I thought it would have been a lot easier and quicker using geometric constraints!

That would have been my choice, but then that is my only option.

I have the option f using constraints. I followed the AutoDesk tutorial and thought I understood them. tried my own block and decided to do it the old way. I REALLY must try again. I am sure they will be worth it, one day.