Profile sketch

The following data is needed to generate a profile sketch with the Production > Create Production Information function in the 3D-Contek and Shell applications.

Profile sketch layout

Use the Production > Profile Sketch > Sketch Layout function to define a sketch layout based on the %ncgnorms%\prfschets.mod template model.

The sketch layout information is stored in the %ncgnorms%\prfschetssetup.cmd and prfschetssetup.var files.

The sketch layouts are stored in the %ncgnorms%\sketch folder as .mod files.

You can edit sketch layouts in the System Management application, System Management > Production > Profile Sketch > Sketch Layout.

The layout that the system uses when generating profile sketches is defined in the ncgrobot.ind file in the project norms. See below for more information.

Robot layout file ncgrobot.ind

In the ncgrobot.ind file you define the file name format used for profile sketches, and which profile sketch layout the system uses when generating the profile sketches. You can copy the file from the default norms into the norms folder(s) of the project (%ncgnorms%), and use a text editor to make changes where necessary.

Profile sketch name

The profile sketch file name is specified in the first line of the file using the ROBOTFILENAME keyword. The name can consist of logistical data field names like Block, Panel and Part, and segments of free text between " characters. The default ncgrobot.ind (in the default norms) has the following definition, which is based on the work breakdown level:

ROBOTFILENAME Block "-" Panel "-" Part ".prn"

The last item is a file name extension for the robot input file and depends on the default robot.

Important: Derived data fields* cannot be used, only logistical data fields. Also, character / cannot be used in free text. If the block is name based, logistical field Block cannot be used.

*Derived data fields are keywords that return a value derived from various data records in the system, like the construction database. Blockgroup, Profilename and Profiletype are derived data fields, for example.

Profiles sketch layout

The system determines which profile sketch layout to use based on the value of the $ProfileSketch parameter given for the PROFSKETCH_WITH_STRAIGHT_PROFILES keyword on the second line of the file.

  • If the parameter is set to 1, the system uses the small layout (sketchsmall.mod). This is suitable for simple profiles.

    PROFSKETCH_WITH_STRAIGHT_PROFILES, 1

  • If the parameter is set to a user-definable value [mysketchlayoutfile], the system uses mysketchlayoutfile.mod as the sketch layout. This way, a layout suitable for more complex profiles can be used. The defined sketch layout must be available in the %ncgnorms%\sketch folder.

    PROFSKETCH_WITH_STRAIGHT_PROFILES, mysketchlayoutfile

You can also set the sketch layout to be used in the logistical database layout. For this, an additional field in the logistical database layout must be defined, as follows:

  • Description – user-definable
  • Data Type – Integer
  • Length – 4
  • Field Type – Process_sketch
  • Accept the default values for the rest of the fields.

The value in Description will be used as the PROFSKETCH_WITH_STRAIGHT_PROFILES parameter. For example, if ProfileSketch is used as the value, ProfileSketch will show up in the ncgrobot.ind file:

PROFSKETCH_WITH_STRAIGHT_PROFILES, $ProfileSketch

Note: If a composite profile has a face plate as a flange, the system will generate separate sketches for the body and face plate. The sketch layout file for composite profiles, sketchcomp.mod, must be present in the %ncgnorms%\sketch folder for the sketch generation to work.

Robot layout selection list

Go to the Production > Robot Files > Settings function in the System Management application, Robot Layout List setting.

Add ncgrobot.ind as the Layout filename. Add a suitable Description, Profile Sketch, for example.

Endtype detail models

The detail models to be presented in the Profile List Sketch should be placed in the %ncgnorms%\details folder. Usually for each endtype there is a LDT<detailno.>.mod file (endtype is at the left-hand side of the profile) and a RDT<detailno.>.mod file (endtype is at the right-hand side of the profile).

These models can be modified by opening them using the File > Open Model function, then using the standard 2D drafting functions, and finally saving the model with the File > Save Model or Save Model As function, either with the same name or a new name.

Detail indication in the endtype typefiles

Use the R Line in the endtype typefile to indicate which <detailno.> should be used for the endtype. See Definition of the endtype detail in the R line.

Erection plane markings

Marking lines for erection planes can be included in profile sketches, and via the sketches to robot files and DXF output. These markings are placed on the part close to the block boundary, and their purpose is to let production know where to stop welding. For information on how to add erection plane markings in profile sketches, robot files and DXF output, see Erection plane markings.

Block boundaries are the values set in the building block overview. The offset is distance defined with these values. Fixed values can also be used to place an erection line instead of offset.