Question 1

Are there "best methods" how to create custom components?

Not really. However, multiplication is faster than division. For example, P1*0.5 is faster than P1/2.

Question 2

Can I change the settings of the custom component views?

Yes. Double-click anywhere on the model background to open the View properties dialog and change the settings as required. Then save the settings with the name that corresponds with the custom component editor view that you want to modify:

• custom_object_editor_front_view

• custom_object_editor_end_view

• custom_object_editor_top_view

• custom_object_editor_perspective_view

Question 3

I am unable to create two components between the same parts. I have selected the Allow multiple instances of connection between same parts checkbox in the custom component settings. Why does this not work with my custom component?

You also need to change Position in relation to secondary part in the custom component dialog to be different from the center option. Then you can create two components between the same parts.

Question 1

Is there any way to know what is bound to what?

On the ribbon, click Object and select a distance symbol in a custom component view to see information on the binding.

Question 2

Is it possible to change an existing binding?

No, you must delete the binding and create a new one.

Question 3

Is there any difference between outline and boundary planes?

Yes. Outline planes follow the outline of the part and boundary planes form the outer shape of the part.

Question 4

How do I bind to construction planes?

You can bind to construction planes like to any other planes:

1. Select the handles and right-click.

2. Select Bind to plane.

3. Select the construction plane.

Question 5

What does the Create distance command do on the custom component editor toolbar?

With the command you select the plane first and then the handle or chamfer to bind.

Question 6

What does the Automatically create distances for picked components' handle points command do on the custom component editor toolbar?

The command automatically binds the selected part to their handles’ contact planes. Tekla Structures selects planes in the following order:

1. construction planes

2. planes of main and secondary parts

Question 1

Are there any reserved variable names?

Yes, the following parametric variables must have the same prefix:

• Bolt size and Bolt standard

• Stud size, Stud standard and Stud length

• Rebar size, Rebar grade and Rebar bending radius

• Component name and Component attribute file

The suffixes are automatically added when you change Value type in the Variables dialog box:

You need to change the prefix to suit the related variable:

If the prefixes do not match, the variables do not work correctly.

Question 2

Is it possible to round a value to the nearest ten, for example?

Use the round() function to round the values.

For example, round(17.5, 20) rounds 17.5 up to 20.

round(17.1, 15) rounds 17.1 down to 15.

Question 3

Is there a limit to the length of the Label in dialog box?

Yes, the limit is 30 characters. You can add more characters in an input file, if required.

Question 4

I want to have two separate values for the plate width and plate thickness. How can I use these values to make a profile name, for example PLT200*100 ? How do I stop the values from having decimals?

Use the int() function to convert decimal numbers to integers.

In the example below, P2 is the plate width and P3 is the plate thickness. Use the following formula to make the profile:

="PLT"+int(P2)+"*"+int(P3)"

Question 5

Is it possible to use formulas in a distance list?

Yes, below is as an example of using a formula in a distance list.

Distance lists are treated as text in Tekla Structures so you must use quotation marks. For example, P1 + " " + P5

Question 1

Why is the Custom component browser not updated when I add or delete parts in the custom component editor?

You need to update the Custom component browser by clicking Refresh.

Question 2

Is there any way to show user-defined attributes in the custom component browser?

Yes, you need to change the required value from the default setting. The default values are not shown in the Custom component browser.

To show the required attribute in the custom component browser:

1. Go to the property pane and open the open the dialog for user-defined attributes.

2. Change the value of the required user-define attribute.

3. Click Refresh in the Custom component browser to show the attribute.

   

Question 1

I added an image to a custom component dialog by editing an input (*.inp) file. If I make changes in the custom component editor, is the input file overwritten?

Yes, but Tekla Structures automatically creates a backup of the input file.

Question 2

Why can I not use Tab 4 when I edit an input file?

Tab 4 is reserved for the General tab.