The HowickConnection tool creates the connection between wall panel members. The Howick Frame machines uses the standard machine tools which produce the standard connections for use with panels and trusses. The HowickConnection applies cuts, notches, swages and dimples.
 

User Input

HowickConnection Creation:

1. In the Applications & Components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and click on it.
2. In the model select the main part you want to connect to.
3. Select the secondary member you want to connect.
4. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

HowickConnection Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the component symbol of the connection using
   Image

   
   Select objects in components switch button.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window opens.
3. In the HowickConnection dialog window set the connection properties.
4. To apply the HowickConnection settings click Modify.

Parameters tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	CutBack Type - Allows you to choose the cut back type. Options are: - Std Cutback - This option cuts the secondary member back to the inside of the primary member’s web. You can use this option for connecting studs to tracks. - No Cutback - This option does not cut the secondary member. If the secondary member passes through the back of the primary member it will notch the primary member. You can use this option for notching and swaging. - User Cutback - This option allows you to define a gap distance between the web of the primary part and the end of the secondary part. Type the desired gap value in the CutBack Distance box.	Std Cutback
(2)	CutBack Distance - Defines the gap distance between the web of the primary part and the end of the secondary part.	Disabled
(3)	Dimple Backmark - Controls the distance from the back of the primary member’s web to the dimple on the primary member’s flanges. Keeping the Dimple Backmark box empty the dimples will be located in the middle of the primary’s flanges.	-
(4)	Add Dimples - Allows you to add or remove the connection dimples. Options are: - Yes - Creates dimples to the connection. This option creates an assembly that contains the primary and secondary parts. - No - Creates no dimples to the connection.	Yes
(5)	Add Notch - Allows you to add or remove the notch to the primary part. This option is available for No Cutback option only. Options are: - Yes - Creates the notch. - No - Doesn't create any notch.	Yes
(6)	Use Truss Tool - Allows you to cut the corners off from the end of the member that sits inside the other member. This option allows sloping connections to work in more situations. Obviously this should only be used if your machine has this tool. Options are: - Yes - Cuts off the corners from the end of the member. - No - No corner cuts at the end of the member.	No
(7)	Truss cut size - defines the truss cut length. For example: The truss cut is a 45° cut and the length set in the Truss cut size box value: Image	-

ToolSizes tab

Options to control the size of notch, lip cut, swage and dimple. The connection has default sizes already coded in, however these may not be appropriate to your profile size or machine settings. It is important to ensure these settings are correct. Please discuss this with your local Howick office if you are unsure of your machine’s properties.

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Notch size - Defines the notch size.	-
(2)	LipCut Size - Defines the lip cut size.	-
(3)	Swage Size - Defines the swage size.	-
(4)	Dimple Size - Defines the dimple size.	-

Example 1 - END STUD TO HORIZONTAL BRACE (NOGGING)

In this case the main part is the stud (blue member). Standard Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option should be used for this connection. The connection includes the lip cut to the stud and swages to the brace as well as creating the dimples.
To complete this follow these steps:
 

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and double-click on it.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window will open.
3. On the Parameters tab set the CutBack type list on Std Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option. These connection settings include the lip cut to the stud and swages to the horizontal brace as well as creating the dimples.
4. In the model select the stud as the main part (blue member).
5. Select the horizontal brace as the secondary part (red member).
6. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

 

Example 2 - STUD TO TRACK

In this case the main part is the bottom track (green member). Standard Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option should be used for this connection. The connection creates the lip cut to the track, the swage to the stud and the dimples as well.
To complete this follow these steps:
 

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and double-click on it.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window will open.
3. On the Parameters tab set the CutBack type list on Std Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option. These connection settings include the lip cut to the stud and swages to the track as well as creating the dimples.
4. In the model select the track as the main part (green member).
5. Select the stud as the secondary part (blue member).
6. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

For multiple studs select the track as the main part and then select the studs as secondary parts.
 

Example 3 - STUD TO HORIZONTAL BRACE (NOGGING)

In this case the main part is the stud (blue member). Set the CutBack type list on No cutback option. This will notch the back of the stud and will add the swage and dimples.
To complete this follow these steps:
 

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and double-click on it.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window will open.
3. On the Parameters tab set the CutBack type list on No Cutback option. These connection settings will notch the back of the stud and add in the swage and dimples.
4. In the model select the stud as the main part (blue member).
5. Select the horizontal brace as the secondary part (red member).
6. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

Example 4 - STUD TO BRACE

In this case the main part is the stud (blue member). Standard Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) options should be used for this connection. The connection may need to be adjusted to make the swage longer. This is carried out in the connection ToolSizes tab page. The export will take this as a multiple swage and lip cut.
To complete this follow these steps:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and double-click on it.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window will open.
3. On the Parameters tab set the CutBack type list on Std Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option. The connection may need to be adjusted to make the swage longer. On the ToolSizes tab boxes you can control the swage. The HowickExport tool will take this as a multiple swage and lip cut.
4. In the model select the stud as the main part (blue member).
5. Select the brace as the secondary part (red member).
6. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

Example 5 - END STUD TO BOTTOM TRACK

In this case the main part is the bottom track (green member). Standard Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) options should be used for this connection. The connection creates the lip cut to the track, the swage to the stud and the dimples as well.
To complete this follow these steps:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickConnection and double-click on it.
2. The HowickConnection dialog window will open.
3. On the Parameters tab set the CutBack type list on Std Cutback or User Cutback (if non standard gap) option. The connection settings include the lip cut to the stud and swages to the bottom track as well as creating the dimples.
4. In the model select the bottom track as the main part (green member).
5. Select the end stud as the secondary part (blue member).
6. Click the middle mouse button to finish the HowickConnection creation.

The HowickDetail plugin applies the Howick Tools to a single member at the specified location.
Use the HowickDetail plugin to add dimples, notch, lip cut or swage to an element.

User Input

HowickDetail Creation:

1. In the Applications & Components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickDetail and click on it.
2. In the model select the part.
3. Pick the position on the part to finish the HowickDetail creation.

HowickDetail Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the component symbol of the detail using
   Image

   
   Select objects in components switch button.
2. The HowickDetail dialog window opens.
3. In the HowickDetail dialog window set the detail properties.
4. To apply the HowickDetail settings click Modify.

Parameters tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Add Dimples - Allows you to add or remove dimples to the part. Options are: - yes - Creates the dimples. - no - Creates no dimples.	yes
(2)	Add Notch - Allows you to create the notch to the part. Options are: - yes - Creates the notch. - no - Creates no notch.	yes
(3)	Add Lipcut - Allows you to add or remove the lip cut to the part. Options are: - yes - Creates the lip cut. - no - Creates no lip cut.	yes
(4)	Add Swage - Allows you to add or remove the swage to the part. Options are: - yes - Creates the swage. - no - Creates no swage.	yes

ToolSizes tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Notch size - Defines the notch size.	-
(2)	LipCut Size - Defines the lip cut size.	-
(3)	Swage Size - Defines the swage size.	-
(4)	Dimple Size - Defines the dimple size.	-
(5)	Dimple Backmark - Defines the distance from the back of the member’s web to the dimple.	-

The HowickExport macro exports the panel objects to a .csv format that can be uploaded to the Howick Frame machine. You can find the exported file in the output folder created automatically.

User Input & Settings

1. In the Applications & Components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickExport and double-click on it.
2. The HowickExport dialog window opens where you can set the desired export settings.
3. Select in the model the panel objects you want to export using
   Image

   
   Select objects in components switch button.
4. To create the .csv files click the Export button.

Note:

• Numbering needs to be up to date before the export will creating the .csv files.
• The exported files don't state the gauge of the material. Usually a project uses a single profile section so the exported .csv files don't state the gauge of the material. For a project that uses multiple gauge materials, you can select the filter the profile sections from the model and then export them by section to specific folders.
• On the Tools tab adjust the settings to suit your Howick Frame machine setup.

Export tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Output folder - Defines the location for the exported files	Model folder\Howick Files
(2)	Export type - Allows you to set the export type. Options are: - Selected - Exports the selected panel objects only. Note: To export the selected panel objects only, use the Image Select objects in components switch button. - All - Export all the panels objects from the model.	Selected
(3)	File type - Allows you to set the type of the exported file. Options are: - CSV1 - CSV2	CSV2
(4)	Max number of Sticks per file - Allows you to set the maximum number of panel objects the .csv file will contain. To use this option select the checkbox and input the desired maximum number in the box.	Cleared
(5)	One member per line - Select the check box to have one panel object per line in the exported file.	Cleared

Tools tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Lip Cut Size - Allows you to define the size of the lipcut to suit the Howick Frame machine.	46.00
(2)	Notch Cut Size - Allows you to define the size of the notch to suit the Howick Frame machine.	46.00
(3)	Swage Size - Allows you to define the size of the swage to suit the Howick Frame machine.	46.00
(4)	Dimple tool - Allows you to define the Dimple tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	DIMPLE
(5)	Flange tool - Allows you to define the Flange tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	FLANGE1
(6)	Lip cut tool - Allows you to define the Lip cut tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	LIP_CUT
(7)	Swage tool - Allows you to define the Swage tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	SWAGE
(8)	Tab tool - Allows you to define the Tab tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	TAB
(9)	Tab A tool - Allows you to define the Tab A tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	TABA
(10)	Notch tool - Allows you to define the Notch tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	NOTCH
(11)	Dimple slot tool - Allows you to define the Dimple slot tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	DIMPLE_SLOT
(12)	Bolt tool - Allows you to define the Bolt tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	BOLT
(13)	Bolt A tool - Allows you to define the Bolt A tool name to suit the Howick Frame machine.	BOLTA

The HowickExtraTool allows you to define special tool names to the bolt holes and cuts for some of the Howick machines.

User Input

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickExtraTool and double-click on it.
2. After the dialog window opens type the name in the Tool Name box.
3. In the model select the required bolt holes.
4. After you select the bolt holes click Modify.

To punch a member using a non standard tool follow the next steps:

1. In the model create a standard bolt hole at a specific location.
2. Open the
   Image

   
   HowickExtraTool and input the tool name to use for the bolt hole. The centre point of the bolt hole is the location written into the .csv export file.
3. In the model select the bolt holes you want the tool name to apply to.
4. Click Modify to assign the tool name to the selected bolt holes.

Note: You will need to know the name the control software uses for the tool so it can be written to the export file. If you do not know the required name you will need to contact your local Howick office for more information.

The HowickFloorBeamConnection tool creates the connection between two floor beams.

User Input

HowickFloorBeamConnection Creation:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickFloorBeamConnection and click on it.
2. In the model select the first beam.
3. Pick the second beam to finish the HowickFloorBeamConnection creation.

HowickFloorBeamConnection Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the connection symbol using
   Image

   
   Select objects in components switch button.
2. The HowickFloorBeamConnection dialog window opens.
3. In the HowickFloorBeamConnection dialog window set the connection properties.
4. To apply the HowickFloorBeamConnection settings click Modify.

Parameters

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Cut Back Distance - Defines the gap distance between the web of the primary part and the end of the secondary part.	20.00
(2)	Add Dimples - Allows you to add or remove the connection dimples.	yes
(3)	Dimple size - Allows you to define the dimple size.	10.00
(4)	Flange punch tool - List to select the UDAs to be assigned for bolt holes. Options are: - Default - Assign UDA value depending on the part profile:​                  - DIMPLE value for flange width profile equal or less than 64 mm.                  - FLANGE1 value for other profiles. - Dimple tool -  Applies DIMPLE value to the UDA of the bolt holes, if any. - Flange tool - Applies FLANGE1 value to the UDA of the bolt holes, if any.	Default
(5)	Add Tabs - Option to add or remove the fixing tabs.	yes
(6)	Lip cut size - Allows you to define the lip cut size.	-
(7)	Add slotted dimples - Allows you to add slotted dimples.	yes

The HowickFloorCassetteCreator tool creates a rectangular truss using Howick members and connections.

User Input

HowickFloorCassetteCreator Creation:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickFloorCassetteCreator and click on it.
2. In the model pick the start point of the truss.
3. Pick the end point to create the truss.

HowickFloorCassetteCreator Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the truss using
   Image

   
   Select components switch button.
2. The HowickFloorCassetteCreator dialog window opens.
3. In the HowickFloorCassetteCreator dialog window set the truss properties.
4. To apply the HowickFloorCassetteCreator settings click Modify.

Parts tab

Options to set the Profile, Prefix, Start No, Material and Name for truss elements.

Parameters tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Frame Height - Defines the height of the truss.	300.00
(2)	Max Web Spacing - Defines the panels length of the truss.	-
(3)	Start Gap - Defines the horizontal distance between the edge of the truss and the first/last diagonal start/end point.	47.00
(4)	Brace Gap - Defines the gap between the diagonals.	56.00
(5)	Dimple Backmark - Defines the distance from the back of the web truss to the dimple.	20.65
(6)	Inverse - Allows you to connect the first/last diagonals to the top or bottom track of the truss.	no
(7)	Use Truss Tool - Allows you to cut off the corners of the diagonals.	yes
(8)	Truss Cut Size - Defines the truss tool cut length.	10.00

The HowickFloorCreator tool creates a rectangular floor panel by picking 3 points. Connection between the main beams and joists uses the HowickFloorBeamConnection tool.

User Input

HowickFloorCreator Creation:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickFloorCreator and click on it.
2. In the model pick the first edge of the panel.
3. Pick the second point to define the panel width.
4. Pick the third point to define the panel length.

HowickFloorCreator Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the panel using
   Image

   
   Select components switch button.
2. The HowickFloorCreator dialog window opens where you can set the panel properties.

Parts tab

Options to set the Profile, Prefix, Start No, Material and Name for panel elements.

Parameters tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Lip cut size - Defines the lip cut size.	-
(2)	Number of beams - Defines the joists number, except the first and the last.	6
(3)	Beam Spacing - Defines the joists spacing distance.	-
(4)	Use Dimples - Option to add or remove the dimples from the connection between the main beams and joists.	Yes
(5)	Dimple Size - Defines the dimple size.	10.00
(6)	Use Tabs - Option to add or remove the fixing tabs.	Yes
(7)	Use slotted dimples - Option to add or remove the slotted dimples.	Yes
(8)	Flange punch tool - List to select the UDAs to be assigned for bolt holes. Options are: - Default - Assign UDA value depending on the part profile:​                  - DIMPLE value for flange width profile equal or less than 64 mm.                  - FLANGE1 value for other profiles. - Dimple tool -  Applies DIMPLE value to the UDA of the bolt holes, if any. - Flange tool - Applies FLANGE1 value to the UDA of the bolt holes, if any.	Default
(9)	CutBack Distance - Defines the gap distance between the outside web edge of the primary part and the end of the secondary part.	-

The HowickFrameChecker tool checks the frame connections status and displays information about the connection tools: notches, swages, dimples, lipcuts and tabs.

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Hide Good Connections - Option to hide the good connections.	Unselected
(2)	Check Selected Frame - Check button for selected assemblies only.	-
(3)	Check all Frames - Check button for all assemblies from the model.	-

User Input

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickFrameChecker and double-click on it.
2. After the dialog window opens select in the model the frame you want to check by using the
   Image

   
   Select assemblies switch button.
3. Select one of the two check buttons to display the connections information and status.

The HowickServiceHole plugin places a hole through the selected parts, between two picked points. The hole can be any size that you have a frame machine tool for. Note the size will not be written to the export file, only a command for the machine to use whatever service hole tool it has installed. To ensure the model is correct for clash prevention the hole diameter from the model should match the machine hole size.

User Input

HowickServiceHole Creation:

1. In the Applications & components catalog search for
   Image

   
   HowickServiceHole and click on it.
2. In the model select the members the service hole will pass through using
   Image

   
   Select objects in components switch button.
3. Click the middle mouse button to finish the members selection.
4. Pick the start point and then the end point to define the path of the hole.

HowickServiceHole Settings:

1. In the model double-click on the plugin using
   Image

   
   Select components switch button.
2. The HowickServiceHole dialog window opens where you can set the hole properties.

Parameters tab

 

Field	Description	Default
(1)	Hole Size - Defines the hole size.	70.00
(2)	Hole Tool Code - Defines the hole code.	-