Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 13, No. 16)
27 Apr, 2008This Week's Software Tips Toolbar Button: Draw Extruded Pipe
How to use it:
NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: This tip is slick! It's almost a tutorial on customization and solid modeling. We're sure it will find many uses by those who do a lot of this type of extruding. Copy Details from Library "My company recently created its own construction company, and we are going through the process of modifying the whole detail package. We have several similar buildings that are in design, permitting, and under construction. The challenge that we face with our timeline is we need the detail package to be upgraded with each project, while at the same time not affecting jobs under construction. "Through this process, I was asked how difficult it would be to keep everything current until we received our permit, and then cut the tie to the master detail library. I explained the process and the benefit of leaving details as xrefs (such as having everything drawn to scale). The conclusion was not to bind, but to create a detail directory and have a local copy. The problem was in looking through the library, grabbing each file one-by-one, copying them to the Details folder, and changing the path. I came up with this AutoLISP routine that takes about 30 minutes of work (per sheet) and does 95% of the work in about three seconds. "You will need a local Details folder below your current drawing location. This routine will check for the directory, will copy all resolved xrefs to that folder, change the path to a local reference (so you can move the files to another drive), and let you know about any files that were not completed." NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: The program runs just as Shawn described. It works fine in AutoCAD 2002 and ADT 2006, and it can be tweaked to work in other versions of AutoCAD as well. For a company that uses such a file structure, this routine is a good way to isolate certain project files without disturbing other projects already in process. However, your organization should have an updated procedure that wouldn't include reproduction of already valid drawing files. Problems could occur with identical files located on different places on the company server. As always, we encourage reader input. Note: These follow-up tips have not been tested by the Cadalyst Tip Patrol. Follow-Up: Speedy Script Files MicroStation Tip: Backup and Undo Today's MicroStation tip courtesy of The Envision Group.
Submit Your Tip for your favorite CAD software. If we publish your tip, we'll send you a Cadalyst T-shirt, and each month Cadalyst editors will randomly select one published tip and send a $100 gift card to its author. Please submit only code and other tips that are your original work (or provide the original source so we can include proper credit) and tell us which software version you use. By submitting code, you grant Cadalyst the right to print and distribute your code in print, digitally, and by other means. Cadalyst and individual authors retain all rights to the code; published code is not to be used for commercial purposes. Tips & Tools Weekly software tips for AutoCAD are reviewed by Cadalyst staff and the Tip Patrol before publication. Use all tips at your own discretion, please, and watch later editions of this newsletter for updates and corrections. We're sorry, but editors and Tip Patrol members cannot provide assistance with technical problems; please refer to Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry-Help discussion forum. Sincere thanks to our volunteer Tip Patrol members: Brian Benton, Don Boyer, Mitchell Hirschklau, R.K. McSwain, Kevin Sawyer, and Billy Wooten.Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resources Product-Configuration Tools Report Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deals & Freebies Inch Version of O-Ring Calculator Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opportunities & Honors Three Student Teams Win Annual FIRST Championship Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Week's New CAD and Related Products General Software: PhotoModeler Scanner Visualization: 3DpaintBrush MCAD: Automation Studio v5.6 CAE: FLUENT v4 CAM: Edgecam Probing CAM: Edgecam v12.5 Facilities Management: OrthoGraph Survey Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Your Calendar Autodesk 2009 Technology for Building Design and Engineering Autodesk 2009 Technology for Civil Professionals Field to Finish Workshop AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition Webcast: Design + Construction of Hospital Renovations + Additions LMS Test & Simulation Conference For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Back to Top |