• Enter short, logical names for custom components.

  Use the description field to describe the component and to explain what it does.

• Create simple components for specific situations.

  Simple components are easier and faster to model, and also much easier to use. Avoid creating a single, complex component which you will use for every possible purpose.

• Consider creating a separate component model.

  Use that model when you create and test custom components.

• Use the simplest part you can with as few handles as possible.

  For example, if all you need is a rectangular shape, use a rectangular plate, not a contour plate. Rectangular plates only have two handles, so you only need to create a few bindings to manipulate them. Contour plates require more bindings because they have four handles.

  Excessive bindings can cause a slower, less responsive model.

  

  1. Rectangular plate
  2. Contour plate
• Model parts only as accurately as you need.

  If the only part information required is a part mark in a general arrangement drawing, plus a quantity on a materials list, create a simple bar or plate. If you need to include the part in a detailed view later on, simply re-model the part more accurately at that point.

• Model embeds as custom parts and include them in components.
• You can use custom connections in AutoConnections
• You can use custom components in AutoDefaults

  Custom components are listed in the Other components group. Newly created custom components are not listed in the Other components group until you have reopened the model. Custom connections, details and seams work in AutoDefaults.

• Use Tekla Warehouse to share and store custom components.
• Provide essential information.

  If you distribute your component to other users, remember to list the profiles it works with.

• Use fixed profiles whenever possible.
• If your custom component contains user-defined profile cross sections, remember to include them when you copy the custom component to a new location.

When you start using a new version of Tekla Structures , always check that custom components created in older versions work correctly in the new version.

When you edit custom components created with an older version of Tekla Structures , and the new version contains improvements that require an update, Tekla Structures asks whether you want to update the component. If you do not update the component, it works in the same manner as in the version where it was originally created, but you do not gain the benefits of the new improvements.

If you choose to update the component, you need to check and sometimes recreate dimensions depending on the improvements. When you delete a dimension and create a new one (even with the same name), the equations that contain the dimension also need to be modified, because the dependency created by the equation is lost when a dimension is deleted. You can recreate dimensions and modify equations in the custom component editor.