Structural Shape Authoring reference

Layout

Defines the category and geometry of the part to publish.

Category

Use the pull-down menu to view the list of available publishing categories. When you select a category, the graphics and selection prompts adjust appropriately to guide authoring.

Geometry Mapping

In the geometry mapping group box, define the structural shape. Two geometry types are listed.

• Base Extrusion

  Select Geometry Parts authored for Frame Generator require a base extrusion feature. If there is only one extrusion feature in the part, it is automatically selected. If there is more than one feature, select the base feature manually.

• Default Base point

  This row becomes available after the first selection row is satisfied. The Selection column contains two selection filters.

  Predefined Point is the default, and is selected automatically once a base extrusion is selected. The default insertion point is the geometric center of the profile.

  Select Geometry defines a base point based on your selection of a point in the highlighted sketch of the selected extrusion feature. The selected sketch point is highlighted in red in the graphics window, and is shown in the Selection Preview.

• Notch Profile (optional)

  Optional Selection This row becomes available when Base Extrusion is selected. After you select this option, select a closed profile on the same sketch of Base Extrusion, and then select another row. The Notch Profile row status changes to satisfied.

Selection Preview

A preview provides dynamic visual feedback from the sketch of the extrusion feature you select. The preview is available after you select a category for authoring and the extrusion feature. If you repeat the selection process, the preview updates dynamically.

When you select a closed profile for the notch profile selection, it displays in red in the Selection Preview area. If you switch the selection status to base extrusion or base point selection, the profile display turns to black.

Parameter Mapping

Enables mapping between category parameters, family columns, and template parameters. Required parameters have a light yellow background, and optional parameters have a white background. The only required parameter for Frame Generator authoring is the base length.

Category Parameters and Table Columns

Lists the parameters for the selected category. Enables mapping of table columns to category parameters.

All steel shape categories provide the same parameters to map to the appropriate part table column names. Mapping is required for parameters displayed with a light yellow background.

Publish Now

Available when all geometries are selected and required parameters are mapped. Completes the authoring of the part and starts the Publish part command.