Tuesday

Dynamic Blocks 3

10 Comments Apr-03-2007 | Posted by Erhan Toker | Printable Version | Level |

AutoCAD 2006 and higher versions

Hello Daily AutoCAD readers,

Here we are together again with the last article about dynamic blocks. Actually, subject of dynamic blocks in so large that it cannot fit into 3 articles only. However, in order to leave space for other topics and not to bore advanced users, I am going to finish the subject with this week’s examples.

Example 3.1 : ARRAY Action

ARRAY action can be associated with LINEAR, POLAR, and XY parameters. We have to select one of these parameters according to the drawing that we are about to do. In this example, we are going to draw a simple bolt and see how the thread numbers increase depending upon its length.

Fig. 1

First of all, make the drawing as shown in Fig. 1. Thread spaces must be 1mm. Drawings example shown in figure is kept as simple as possible to be completed though out this example. In this example, both STRETCH and ARRAY actions will be assigned to LINEAR parameter. First, let’s add the LINEAR parameter as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Enter properties of LINEAR parameter and change accordingly so that ‘Distance label=Length‘, ‘Number Of Grips=1’. After editing, your parameter should look like as shown in Fig. 2. Next step is to add STRETCH action. Let’s add this action as described in my previous article.

Fig. 3

Select the area that will be stretched, parameter point and entities as shown in figure. After adding this action, then it is time to add the ARRAY action. ARRAY action is no different than the usual ARRAY command that we are familiar with. As your array is LINEAR, then ARRAY action will be done in one direction only.

Fig. 4

After you assign ARRAY action with your LINEAR parameter, then AutoCAD will ask you about which entities you will select. Let’s select the single thread that we have drawn. Then, AutoCAD will ask it classical question ‘Enter the distance between columns (|||): 1’. As we selected out thread spacing as 1mm, then answer this question with 1. Now, it is time to explain why we have drawn only 1 thread at the beginning. 

Fig. 5

ARRAY action assumes that the length of LINEAR parameter to which it is assigned, as length. This distance is divided equally by the value entered for ‘Distance between columns’ and places the selected object at these intervals. So, when you insert this dynamic block for the first time, it will already have 30 numbers of threads. Later on, thread number will increase or decrease depending up on the length of the parameter (Fig. 5).

Example 3.2 : FLIP Parameter and FLIP action

In this example, I will explain how to solve a general problem that is faced by all of the architects by using dynamic blocks. For door drawings, if you change the hinge point, then you have to mirror the sweeping arc and its direction. This is a laborious and time consuming job to do. However, by the help of dynamic blocks you can easily do this with one touch. First, let’s enter block editor and draw a door as shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 6

This is a classical 90×90 door. Now, let’s add a FLIP action. But, first we have to position the FLIP parameter.

Fig. 7

This parameter is positioned by selecting two points just like a MIRROR LINE. After positioning the parameters, then let’s change its properties as ‘Flip label=Left_Right’, ‘Base state label=Left‘ and ‘Flipped state label=Right’.

Fig. 8

Finally, we have to associate FLIP action with the FLIP parameter. To do this, select FLIP action. Then, first select the parameter and then the entities that will be mirrored, which are door wing and the sweep arc. As you exit the block editor and insert the block into the drawing, then you will see that direction of the block changes with a single action.

Fig.  9

In Fig. 9, you can see how the block changes its direction. So, this is the end of series of articles about dynamic blocks. After this fundamental information about dynamic blocks, now you are ready to create your own dynamic blocks easily. For more advanced information, you can refer to the following resources.

Resources: AutoCAD 2006 Dynamic Bloks White Papers.

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Related articles: Dynamic Blocks 1, Dynamic Blocks 2

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