Session02 More Family Tools and Concepts

Reference Planes – the basics of all elements that make up families

Based on the Cartesian coordinate system

Naming Reference Planes is important

All geometry is attached to reference planes

Center (Left/Right) + Center (Front/Back) = Insertion Point

Dimensions – control how those Reference Planes move

Dimension Widths, Lengths, Heights

Equalized Dimensions - Center (Left/Right) + Center (Front/Back)

Don’t Over Dimension (over constrain the model)

Labeling – connects the Dimension to the Parameter

Select the Dimension

Apply the Label

IF no operate Parameter, create one on the fly

Applying Parameters – what connects it all

Found in the Family Types Dialog Box

Some Parameters are not Modifiable (Template based)

Some Parameters are Modifiable (all the ones you create)

Naming Parameters is important

Core concepts

This is all that makes up families. There is nothing but this.

These concepts have to be understood before we even begin the process of creating families.

The Cha-Cha-Cha – the basic step for all things family

Draw Reference planes

Dimension Reference Planes

Label the dimension with the appropriate parameter

Flexing – testing that the Parameters work

Make sure that it does what it is suppose to

From the Family Types Dialog – Larger and Smaller Values

If you ADDED then you need to Flex = constantly Flexing the model

Test Project – testing that the Family works

Never load and untested family into a live project

Checking that the family works as a whole

Checking for Type Names and Family Names

Core Concept

Masses – what is a mass, how we use them and why we use them

Solid + Void Forms = any shape possible

Five kinds of Forms

Geometry Tools: Join/Cut

Sketch Mode + Mass Properties

Masses are built off a base sketch (footprint)

Rule = Closed Loop – Multiple loops are ok.

Mass properties control the Extrusion Depth, Material and Visibility

Align and Lock

Sketch Lines and Extrusions are Aligned and Locked to Reference Planes

Dimensions can be used as well (constrained )

Always Flex everything

Core concepts

Close

Summary

Although this Table family is simple; the concepts presented and process demonstrated during its creation are the core of all things Family. We must learn to walk before we can run, we must crawl before we can walk. This was the first of 16 hours of training; we have a long way to go to fully understanding the power of families.

Q and A what did we learn

Basic tools and Best practices to use in the Family Editor

How to build a family from scratch and test that it works correctly

A Family is a collect of Family Types, Types hold Parameters, Parameters control Reference Planes

Session02 ADA symbol Family

Thank You and Final Thought