To Create a 3D Model for a Block-Based MvPart

Use this procedure to create a 3D model for a block-based MvPart. To support automatic generation of view blocks by Content Builder, the model block must be created using AutoCAD® solids in the standard AutoCAD world coordinate system (WCS).

Note: To ensure correct hidden line display when placing the MvPart in a drawing, be sure to create a single body using AutoCAD solids for the model for the part.

1. Create the 3D model of the part size.
2. To add points on your model to help locate connectors, enter point, press Enter and, using object snaps, select the center of a connector on the 3D model.

   Add AutoCAD point objects in the location of the center of all connections. This lets you use Node object snaps to select the connection points when assigning connectors.

   

3. Click View tab Coordinates panel World to set the user coordinate system (UCS) to World before making a block.
4. Verify that the geometry is drawn on layer 0 and is assigned BYBLOCK for color and linetype, and BYLAYER for lineweight. This helps to ensure display control for the part size.
5. Click Insert tab Block panel Create Block .

   The Block Definition dialog box is displayed.

6. In the Block Definition dialog box, enter a name for the model block.

   Use a standard naming convention that represents the part family and part size as you save your model block. For example, a model block for a roof-mounted air handling unit for a commercial building, with an outlet size of 24 x 24 inches, could be named AHU Commercial Roof 24x24 model.

7. Under Objects, click the Select Objects option, and then select the geometry that will make up the model block.

   The dialog box closes temporarily while you select objects for the block. Press Enter when you finish selecting objects. The dialog box reopens.

8. Under Objects, select one of the following options:
   • Retain. Keeps selected objects in the current drawing in their original state.
   • Convert to Block. Replaces selected objects with an instance of the block.
   • Delete. Removes selected objects after the block is defined.
9. Under Base Point, click the Pick Point option and select the model block insertion point.

   The insertion point, or base point, is used as a reference for positioning the block. The location of the insertion point directly affects the placement of the part size when you add it to your drawing.

10. Under Description, enter text to help identify the view block for easy retrieval.
11. To attach a hyperlink to the part, click Hyperlink, select a file or web page, and click OK twice.

    The model block is saved in the current drawing.