Define custom components

You can define customized components that have all the details you need.

Start by defining a simple custom component which you can modify later. Defining a simple custom component typically takes only few minutes. You can invest more time in defining your custom components if you are planning to use them in future projects.

By further editing custom components, you can define self-adjusting, parametric custom components that automatically adjust to changes in the model. This is more time-consuming but can be beneficial later when you have a group of parametric custom components which you can use across multiple models or projects.

To create your own components:

Start by applying a similar system component in the model and then explode it.
Once the objects are detached, use the objects to define the desired custom component in the Custom component wizard.
Use the newly created custom component in a suitable situation in the model.

See below for detailed instructions.

Explode an existing component

When you start defining a custom component, we recommend that you first apply a similar system component in the model and then explode it. Exploding means that you ungroup the objects of an existing component. Once the objects are detached, you can modify, remove or add objects to suit your needs, and then create new custom components using these objects. Exploding a component and using the detached objects as a basis for a new custom component can be useful when you want to create custom components more quickly.

Alternatively, you can individually create the component objects that are needed in a custom component, such as parts, cuts, fittings, and bolts.

In a Tekla Structures model, select the component you want to explode.
Right-click and select Explode component.

Tekla Structures separates the component objects. You can modify the objects and use them when you define new custom components.

Define a custom component in the Custom component wizard

The following example shows how to define a simple custom connection.

Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
Click the Access advanced features button and select Define custom component....

The Custom component wizard dialog opens.
In the Type list, select the component type: connection, detail, seam, or part.
In the Name box, enter a unique name for the component.
Modify the other properties on the Type/Notes tab, Position tab, and Advanced tab, and then click Next >.
In the model, select the objects you want to include in the custom component.
You can use area selection to select multiple objects simultaneously. The main parts, secondary parts and grids are ignored when you select objects for the custom component.
Note:
If you cannot select desired objects in the model, check the selection switches and the selection filter settings.

If you want to include rebar set modifiers in the custom component:
- Ensure that Direct modification is switched off when you select the modifiers.
- Hold down Shift and select the modifiers one by one. Area selection does not select modifiers.
Click Next >.
Select the main part for the component.
Click Next >.
Select the secondary parts for the component.

To select multiple secondary parts, hold down Shift when you select them. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is 30.

Note:
Pay attention to the order in which you select secondary parts. Tekla Structures will use the same picking order when you use the custom component in a model.
Define any other properties required for this custom component, such as detail or seam position.

The properties depend on the component type that you selected in step 3.
If you want to adjust any of the settings at this stage, click < Back to return to the previous page of the Custom component wizard.
When you are happy with the settings, click Finish to create the custom component.

The custom component is added in the model and in the Applications & components catalog.
If needed, add a thumbnail image for the custom component.

The thumbnail image is displayed in the Applications & components catalog. In the thumbnail image you can show a typical situation where the component can be used.
1. Take a screenshot of the custom component.
2. Add a thumbnail image of the custom component in the Applications & components catalog.
  
  Tekla Structures shows the thumbnail image in the Applications & components catalog:
If you want to modify custom component settings afterwards:
1. On the Custom component editor toolbar, click the Custom component settings button.
2. Change the settings.
3. Click OK.

The defined custom component does not automatically adjust dimensions to reflect the changes in the model. To have the component adapt to changes in the model, edit the component in the custom component editor, where you can build dependencies between component objects and model objects.

Add a custom component to a model

Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.

To search for a component, browse the catalog or enter a search term in the search box.

Custom components have the following symbols in the catalog:


Type	Symbol
Custom part
Custom connection or seam
Custom detail

Select the custom component you want to add.
Follow the instructions on the status bar to add the custom component in the model.
To modify the properties, double-click the custom component in the model.

Properties in the Custom component wizard

Use these properties when you define new custom components in the Custom component wizard. You can change some of these properties when you modify an existing custom component.

Type/Notes tab


Option	Description
Type	Select the type of the custom component. Type affects how you insert the custom component in the model. Type also defines if the custom component connects to existing parts.
Name	Enter a unique name for the custom component.
Description	Enter a short description for the custom component. Tekla Structures shows the description in the Applications & components catalog.
Component identifier	Enter an additional name or reference for the component, for example a design code reference. This can be shown in general arrangement and assembly drawings, and in lists. To show this in drawings, include Code in the connection mark.

Position tab


Option	Description	Note
Up direction	Sets the default up direction.	Not available for parts.
Position type	The position (or origin) of the component, relative to the main part.	Not available for details and parts.

You can define the position type for custom connections and seams. Position type determines the location of the objects that the custom component creates, relative to the main part. Position type affects which type of main parts you can use the custom component with, and defines the main part component plane used in bindings.


Position type	Description	Example
Middle	Where the center lines of the main and secondary parts intersect.
Box plane	Where the main part bounding box and the center line of the secondary part intersect.
Collision plane	Where the main part and the center line of the secondary part intersect.
Endend plane	Where the center line of the secondary part hits the end of the main part.
Gusset plane	Where the center lines of the main part and the first secondary part intersect. The x direction is perpendicular to the center line of the main part.

Advanced tab


Option	Description	Note
Detail type	Determines on which side of the main part the component is located. The options are: Intermediate detail Tekla Structures creates all components on the same side of the main part End detail Tekla Structures creates all components on the side of the main part closest to the details Only affects asymmetric components.	Only available for details and seams
Definition point position in relation to primary part	Determines the position you pick to create the detail, relative to the main part.	Only available for details
Definition point position in relation to secondary part	Determines where the component is created, relative to the secondary part.	Only available for seams
Allow multiple instances of connection between same parts	Select this option to create many components to the same main part, in different locations.	Only available for connections and seams
Exact positions	Select this option to position the seam based on the positions that you pick in the model. Clear the checkbox to let Tekla Structures use automatic seam recognition to position the seam. This is useful especially with warped seams.	Only available for seams
Use the center of the bounding box in positioning	Select this option to position the custom part based on the center of its bounding box (the box that surrounds the actual part profile).	Only available for parts

Typical examples of custom components

Here are some typical examples of the different types of custom components that you can create.

Examples of custom connections


Steel	Built-up plate seat
Steel	Shear plate
Precast concrete	Base detail
	Double tee to L profile
	Column cut-out
	Wall panel connections

Examples of custom details


Steel	Backing plates
	Cast base
	Timber base
Precast concrete	Door and window
	Hollow core end details
	Lifting details
	Mock joint/reveal

Examples of custom seams


Steel	Steel stair step
	Turnbuckles
	Handrail
Precast concrete	Double tee connection
Precast concrete	Panel to panel grout tube connection

Examples of custom parts


Steel	Company standard bracing plates
	Castellated beam and cell beam
	Built-up beams/columns
	Standard glazing fixings
Precast concrete	Sandwich panel
	Lifters
	Standard embeds/inserts
	Standard beams