You can bind objects automatically to the main and secondary parts of a connection or detail. The selected objects, or their handles, are bound to existing planes if the objects (or handles) are located exactly on the plane.

1. In the custom component editor, click the Automatically create distances for picked components' handle points button.
2. Select an object that has handles.

   

3. Click the middle mouse button to bind the object.

   Tekla Structures binds the object from a maximum of three directions to the existing planes.

   Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for each binding. Select the object to see the bindings.

   

   The corresponding distance variables are shown in the Variables dialog box:

   

Create the bindings manually if you want to bind a custom component from specific handles only. You can bind an object to a maximum of three planes.

1. Ensure that Direct modification is switched off.

   The selection of handles is easier when Direct modification is off.

2. Ensure that you are using a model view that shows object faces.

   On the View tab, click Rendering, and use one of the following options:

   • Parts grayscale (Ctrl+3)

   • Parts rendered (Ctrl+4)

3. In a custom component view, select the custom component to see its handles.

   

4. Select the handle that you want to bind to a plane.

   

5. In the custom component editor, click the Create distance button.

   You can also right-click and select Bind to plane.

6. Move the mouse pointer in a custom component view to highlight the plane that you want to bind with the handles.

   For example:

   

   Note:

   If you cannot highlight the correct plane, change the plane type on the Custom component editor toolbar. Boundary and component planes work for most profile types, so try to use them whenever you can.

7. Click the plane to create the binding.

   Tekla Structures displays a distance symbol for the binding.

   

   The corresponding distance variable is shown in the Variables dialog box:

   

Test all bindings to see that they work correctly.

1. Double-click the distance symbol in a custom component view.

   The Distance Properties dialog box opens.

   

2. In the Value box, enter a new value.
3. Click Modify.

   You should see the binding change in the model.

   Tip:

   Alternatively, you can test the binding in the Variables dialog box:

   1. Enter a new value in the Formula box.
   2. Press Enter.

      You should see the binding change in the model.

You can check what is bound to what by using the Inquire objects command.

1. On the ribbon, click Object.
2. Select a distance symbol in a custom component view.

   The Inquire object dialog box shows information about the binding.

   

Bindings cannot be modified, but you can delete the existing bindings and then create new ones to rebind the objects.

1. Select the binding in a custom component view.
2. Press Delete.

   You can also select the binding in the Variables dialog box and then click the Delete button.

This example shows how to bind the end plate top to the upper side of the beam.

1. Ensure that Direct modification is switched off.

   The selection of end plate handles is easier when Direct modification is off.

2. In a custom component view, select the end plate to see the end plate handles.

   

3. Select the top handle of the end plate.
4. Right-click the top handle and select Bind to plane.
5. Move the pointer over the upper side of the beam flange to highlight it.

   

   Here we are using the boundary plane type. If the part profile changes, the boundary plane is always found.

   Note:

   If you cannot highlight the desired plane, change the plane type on the Custom component editor toolbar.

6. Click the upper side of the beam flange.

   A distance symbol appears in the custom component views.

   

7. Give a descriptive name for the binding you created:
   1. In the custom component editor, click the Display variables button .

      The Variables dialog box opens.

   2. In the Label in dialog box box, enter Plate Top to Flange Top as the name of the new binding.