Automatic extra length definition for profiles

It is possible to make the system automatically make profiles smaller of bigger based on the profile end type. This is similar to adding positive or negative extra length. It can be applied in the drawing, 3D presentation, DXF or sketch generation, and icon generation (any or all of these).

Automatic extra length can be enabled by defining in the end type files the profile and end type properties that work as conditions for adding the extra length, that is, defining in which situations extra length should be applied to a profile. Extra length is then automatically applied to profiles which match the profile and end type properties defined in the end type file.

For example, this way certain type of profiles within a certain size limit can be made bigger or smaller in the production information (profile sketch and DXF) but not in the drawing.

The following profile properties must be defined in the end type files:

  • profile construction code

  • profile type

  • base length of the profile

  • current end type usage

  • end types used on the body and flange

  • process type for which the automatic extra length is applied.

Tip: It is also possible to make the system automatically shorten profiles with straight flange end shapes in situations where the profile has a slanted orientation to related construction, and production does not want to cut the profile flange to the designed angle, but use a straight endcut instead. See Automatic shortening of profiles for more information.

Defining automatic extra length

The following variables in the end type files can be used to trigger the automatic extra length for profiles. The values can be given either as a constant or an integer form.

  • CC – Construction code. Specifies the type of part.

    Constant Integer Meaning
    C_CODE_SHELLFRAME 2 shell frame
    C_CODE_PROFILE 400 profile
    C_CODE_PILLAR -400 pillar
    C_CODE_BENT_FACEPLATE 452 bent faceplate
    C_CODE_FACEPLATE 453 straight faceplate
    C_CODE_SHFTD_BENT_FACEPLATE 454 non-centered bent faceplate
    C_CODE_SHFTD_FACEPLATE 455 non-centered straight faceplate
    C_CODE_BENT_PROFILE 456 bent profile
    C_CODE_BENT_PILLAR -456 bent pillar

  • CT – Construction type. For profiles this is the profile type number. For example, 400 for flatbars, and 401 for bulb profiles.

  • CE – Position of the endcut (either body or flange).

    Constant Integer Meaning
    EC_BODY 0 body
    EC_BODY_1 0 1st body
    EC_BODY_2 1 2nd body
    EC_FLANGE 2 flange
    EC_FL_TOP 2 1st flange
    EC_FL_BOT 3 2nd flange

  • ECB – Type number of the endcut used in the profile body.

  • ECU – Type number of the top first (top) flange.

  • ECL – Type number of the 2nd (bottom) endcut.

  • XL – The amount of extra length (same as variable 01).

  • BL – Base length of the profile as stored in the logistical database. In case this value is not available (yet), it is the distance between start point and end point of the profile.

  • PT – Process type. For use with conditional expressions. Specifies the process in which the condition is to be applied. The values define the process. For example, when defining automatic extra length for profiles, this variable can be used to define that the extra length is only applied in a specific process.
    Constant Integer Meaning
    PT_UNKNOWN 0 unknown process
    PT_DRAWING 1 drawing generation
    PT_3DMODEL 2 3D model generation
    PT_DXF 3 DXF generation (coding)
    PT_SKETCH 4 Sketch generation
    PT_ICON 5 Icon generation

Example

This example line defines that extra length is shown for the profile body in the coded plate (DXF file), but not in the drawing or the 3D model of the profile. The value of variable V4 is set to be the amount of the extra length.

IF PT=PT_DXF & CE=EC_BODY: V4=XL