Bracket types
To create brackets in CADMATIC Hull, several files must be included in the project's norms folder %ncgnorms%\bracket.
The following three files determine the shape and the dimensions of the bracket:
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The type file, named as bracket<type> (no file name extension)
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The type macro, named as bracket<type>.cmd
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The inp file, named as bracket<type>.inp (optional)
In the file names, <type> is a numeral in the range of 700–799. It is possible that several type files must be defined for a particular bracket type. The additional type files must be given an extra character after the type designation, for example bracket750 and bracket750a. However, only one type macro can be defined for each bracket type.
All additional files which are needed to create a bracket of a certain type are derived from these three files.
When the type file and the type macro exist, the icon for the bracket type can be created in the System Management application using the Presentation > Tools > Modify Icons function.
The shape of the bracket is defined in the type file. The contour points of the bracket are defined relative to the coordinate systems for the construction parts to which the bracket is related. For this, a coordinate system is defined in the type file for each related part by using axis variables. Because a bracket is always related to at least two and at most four parts, 2-4 coordinate systems must be defined. The axis variables are then used in the shape definition. See Axis variables for details.
Also the description of the bracket is defined in the type file.
See Bracket type file and Coordinate systems for more information.
The type macros define the interaction with the user and, among other things, the selection criteria, the questions to be asked for determining the dimensions, the default values, the conditions for creating the bracket, and the dimension texts. For these purposes, the macro has been divided into several sections called labels, each of which represents a specific task, see Bracket type macro for details.
The bracket<type>.inp file defines the standard dimensions of the bracket. The user can select from the standard dimensions when creating the bracket. This file is optional, as standard dimensions do not have to be defined for brackets. The file contains the standard reference, the part number, and the standard identification.
See Bracket dimensions and standards for details.
Additional files
The first time the user creates a bracket, the system creates a bracket<type>.tab file for it.
If a bracket<type>.inp file exists, the system also creates a bracket<type>.lst file. Finally, if necessary, the system creates a bracket<type>.fre file.
The icons that are shown in the Hull GUI for the brackets are stored as bracket<type>.bmp files. When the type file and the type macro are ready, the icon for this bracket type can be created in System Management > Tools > Modify Icons.