3D Profiler Manual

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3D Profiler 12

© 2007 – Cadimage Solutions Ltd. Page: 1

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3D Profiler Tools 12

Page: 2 3D Profiler Tools ©2007 – Cadimage Tools Ltd.Printed: 2008-07-09

Introduction The 3D Profiler Tool uses Cadimage profiles , and extrudes them along a path to form solid objects. Profiles may becreated parametrically, or from drawn fill polygons via Cadimage’s Profile Manager tool. Drawn profiles can be usedto model anything from standard steel sections to ornate stonework to timber mouldings. Parametric profiles includea range of common steel sections, interior trims and some generic shapes.

The Profiler library includes some generic extrusions that sweep a profile along a dynamically editable path in space. The library also includes a set of steel structures (beams, portal frames, etc.) When modelling a structure, use theobject that is best suited to the task.

The Cadimage Tools profiles should not be mistaken for the new profiles introduced with ArchiCAD 10.

New Features in ArchiCAD 12In ArchiCAD 12, the 3D profiler technology has been made available to other tools including Cadimage’s RapidDetails tool. As a result, two items will appear in the Cadimage menu.




SetupBefore you can use the 3D Profiler tool, you must install the tool and update your ArchiCAD Work Environment.

Installation

Follow the instructions on the Cadimage Tools web site to download and run the installer.

The installer will insert add-ons, data files, libraries and presetfiles into your ArchiCAD 12 folder.

©2007 – Cadimage Tools Ltd. 3D Profiler Tools Page: 3Printed: 2008-07-09

You can download and install documentation separately. This will be added to the Documentation folder, and can beaccessed from the ArchiCAD Help menu.

Language

Start ArchiCAD, and select the most appropriate language from the File > Set

Cadimage Tools Language menu. This language will apply to all Cadimage Tools youhave installed. You will have to re-start ArchiCAD for the language to come into effect.

Note that a particular tool may not have atranslation for the selected language, in

which case the tool will display in English.

http://www.cadimagetools.com/

http://www.cadimagetools.com/




Create an Edit Mode Palette

Open the Work Environment Settings on the Toolbars page.


w tool bar

Click on Toolbar Options > New Toolbar to create a ne

Select the items to add inthe Current Menu

Structure underCadimage 3D Profi ler .




Activate the toolbar via the Window – Toolbars menu.


You can make this into a floating palette by dragging it out

of the toolbar:




Create a Profile

Create a Custom Profi leUse the 3D Profiler Tool to create custom profiles. Separate documentation is available for download on theCadimage Tools web site.

Create a Parametric Profile

Objects that use Cadimage profiles allow you to parametrically define common profiles. Having defined a profileparametrically, you can then save the profile for future use.

To see how this works, select the Profiler – Extruded Steelobject from the Profiler 12 library, and open its SettingsDialog.

Click on the Profile Type menu button, and a list of profiletypes will appear. All but the Generic option are parametricprofiles. Choose the Channel option.

Click on the Profile tab. A sub-menu will open, giving you aset of editing options for the parametric profile.

The Basic Settings, Model and Cut Surfaces tabs, provide thesame control as outlined in the section on Creating a CustomProfile.

Parametric profiles have an extra tab labeled Extra Settings.Click on the Extra Settings tab to set special dimensionscontrolling the parametric profile shape.

Each parametric profile may have a different set of parameters under the Extra Settings tab. Edit the parameter

values to model the exact profile you require.

The final step is to save the profile you have created. Click on the Save button at the top right of the settings dialog. ASave dialog will appear.


Type a File Name for the new profile, then click Save.




Edit a Profile You can choose to edit a profile after it has been created. You might want to add or remove Anchor Points, or tochange the profile shape.

Edit a Custom ProfileRefer to the Profile Manager documentation for instructions on editing custom profiles.

Edit a Parametric ProfileParametric profiles can be edited through the object settings dialog.

1. Browse to select an existing profile(Click the ‘…’ Button).

2. Edit the Basic Settings, Extra Settings,Model and Cut Surfaces settings.

3. Click on the Save button, and over-writethe existing profile.


Tip: Turning a Parametric Profile intoa Generic Profi le

You can use the Edit a Profile tool tocustomize a parametric profile. If theparameter settings do not allow enoughflexibility, set the parameters to get a fillpolygon that is close to what you need, and

save it. Then use the Edit a Profile tool toadjust the shape and anchor points, and saveit as a Generic Profile.




Sharing Profiles

Every profile you create is stored as a .txt file. By default the profiles are stored in your CadimageToolsExtras\Defaults\Profiles folder. By default, this folder is installed in your ArchiCAD 11 folder. If you use Vista,however, you will find the folder in the Public\Documents folder.

To send a profile to a colleague, email a copy of the .txt file.

To receive and use a profile, copy the .txt file into your CadimageTools Extras\Defaults\Profiles folder. Make sureyou place it in the correct sub-folder.

Profiles Used in Objects

Profile > Basic Settings

All the objects that use Profiler technology contain Profile tabs. In the Basic Settings tab, you can select a Profile foruse by the object. The layout of the Basic Settings tab pageis consistent for each Profiler object.

Select a Profile


dialog.

ile.

Clicking the first button you can select a Category from a dropdown list. The second button allows you to choose a Profile fromthe last 10 used presets within that Category. Clicking the ‘…’ buttonopens the file dialog where you can search for an already saved presetprofile. The 4th button you can be used to save the changes you have made to a profile in this

Profile Preview

A Preview Image of the profile is displayed below the drop down lists.

Preview Image

The image displays the profile shape and orientation,and the RGB colour of the section fill pen. Thenumbered points indicate the positions of anchorpoints for the profile.

The background grid provides a rough indication of the size of the prof

Navigator

You can zoom in to view the profile at a larger scale. This can be useful if two or more anchor pointslie close together.

To zoom in and navigate about the preview image, use the Navigator .




The buttons under the Navigator infield provide control to Fit in Window , Zoom In and Zoom Out.

When zoomed in, the Navigator infield will highlight the area displayed inthe Preview Image.

Click in the Navigator infield to display a different area inthe Preview Image.

Profile Width & Depth

The top two fields are the overall width and depth of the profile. By clicking the checkbox beside the chain icon you can keep the proportionsof the original fill polygon even when setting just one of the parameters.

Profile Anchor Point

The preview image displays a set of available Anchor Points. Choose an

Anchor Point from the list.

Profile Orientation

Choose the Mirror Status and aRotation Angle for the profile. TheRotation Angle rotates the profilearound the chosen Anchor Point.

Profile > Extra Parameters

Most parametric profiles, such as the Steel sections shipped with the Profiler tool, have extra parameters. For example, asteel I-beam might have parameters that control the flange

width and thickness, the web thickness and the inside radius.





Profile > Model

Choose Model from the menu on the left to set the materialsfor the currently selected profile. On this tab page you canchoose a material for the profile, set the size of the applied

texture, and select an Outline Pen for 3D view, Section andElevation and a Background Pen for the plan view.


ForProfiles with more than one part, you can select a differentcolour for each part. The 3D preview will indicate whichpart is currently selected.

Keep the Preview and Positioning tab open. Thishighlights which piece you are currently editing.

Profile > Cut Surfaces

On this tab page you can set the Section Pen for the contourof the profile, the Section Fill, Fill Pen and Background

Pen.

If there is more than one piece then these parameters can beset individually for each piece. The currently selected piece

will be highlighted in the Preview and Positioning tab.

Plan View

Set options and line types for the Floor Plansymbol, and pens for both floor plan and3D.




Extruded Profiles The Extruded Profiles are objects that sweep a profile around a path in space. The result is a solid tube that has theselected Profile as its cross-section.

Define a Path There are several ways that you can define the path for the Profiler object. Note that once the path has been defined,it can later be edited dynamically ( see Extruded Profiles\Editing the Path).

Extrude along a User Defined Path

The Extrude along a User Defined Path tool can be explained using the following example. We will use theProfiler to extrude a 3D handrail around a staircase.

1. Select Create 3D Path from the Cadimage>3D

Profiler menu.

The Profiler Object’s settings dialog will appear.Select the profile type to extrude.

In the Page Selector field, choose Path,and use the Closed checkbox to select aclosed or open path. (Open in this case).





In


the Page Selector field, choose Profile,nd select the profile you want to use for theew path, then click OK ( see Profiles Used inbjects\Selecting a Profile).

2. an view window to define the path’s start point. A pop-up

d the Radius to 0mm.

3. Click in the plan view window to define the next point on the path, and set the height and radius atinside of the stairs indicates the path.

anO

ear.Click in the pldialog will app

The dialog allows you to set the Height of eachpoint on the path, and the Radius at that point, as it is defined. In this

example we will set the Height to 1000mm, an

that point. The solid line along the

Continue defining points, an Anchor Line and outline of th

To finish the path, click the Fin

4. d specifying the height and radius of each point. As you add points thee profile are shown.

5. ish button.

6. Having defined the path, you can now select the placed object and edit the settings including the

Profile shape, size and colour. The end result should look something like this.




Tip

When sweeping a path that changes plane, it is recommended that smooth transitions are used to

avoid twisting of the profile.

If two neighbouring segments of the path can not fit into a single plane, some distortion of theextrusion may occur. You can highlight such segments with the help of the Unresolved Path pen. Seefurther details about the Unresolved Path parameter later in this document.Inserting an extra point in order to have the neighbouring plans in one plane solves the problem.

Extrude along Selected Elements

This method produces a Profile whose path follows a

Polyline in Floor Plan, or Section, or Elevation, orInterior Elevation window.

Here is a typical situation where it would be nice tocreate a path in a Section or Elevation window.

We need a custom path for a beam under a curved roof. To achieve this:

1. Using the Poly-Line Tool, trace the requiredbeam contour.





2. Select the Polyline, and choose Extrude along

Selected Elements from the 3D Profi ler menu.

3. In the Profiler Object Settings dialog,choose the Profile you want to use, select anappropriate Anchor Point, and set theparameters.

4. The Profiler object you created is positionedon the Section Line in Floor Plan. You canmove the object or replicate it to suit your

model.

The placed object can be edited using theObject Settings dialog and/or dynamichotspots in the section window.

Tip

The Extrude along Selected Elements can also extrude a path around a selected Mesh.

You can extrude a profile along multiple selected polyline paths simultaneously.





Edit the PathHaving defined a path, you can now edit it. Path editing can be done in Floor Plan, Section, Elevation, InteriorElevation 3D and Object Settings Dialog windows. Different editing options are available depending on the context.

Profiler Object Settings To edit the path, choose Path tab in the menu on the left.

Preview Options

C


Choose a Preview Option mode to view the path in plan view, front elevation, or side elevation.

:

Preview Picture

The Preview Picture displays a line diagram of the path. To select a rangeof Path Nodes for editing, type the range into the ? field. You can select

• a single node (type the corresponding number eg. 3 – orselect the node from the drop down list).

• a range of nodes (type the range eg. 1-3).

• a set of single nodes and/or ranges separated by commas (eg.1, 3, 5-9, 12, 15-19).

• All nodes (select ‘All’ from the dropdown list).

Preview Navigator

To distinguish between nodes that are close together on the path, you may need to zoom in to display the path at a larger scale. Buttons are provided to Fit in Window , Zoom In and Zoom Out.

When zoomed in, the Navigator field will indicate the current area displayed in the Preview

Picture.

To navigate to a different part of the path, click on that areain the Navigator field.




Closed Path

The path can be Closed or Open. If set to Closed, it will form acontinuous unbroken path. If Closed is disabled, it will form anopen path between two end points.


If the path is currently open, click on the Closed checkboxto close it.

If the path is currently closed, select a Node Point and click on the Closed checkbox to break the path at the currently selected Path Node.

Note that you can break the path at any Path Node.

Unresolved Path

Areas of the path where twisting occurs can be marked with a different pen, to identify potential problems. In the example, the rightmost path node was elevated, causing twisting to occur.

To remove the integrity checking, set the Unresolved Path pen to zero.




Tilt Angle

The Extruded Profiles path can be tilted by a Tilt Angle.


You can set the Tilt angle to any value. This illustration shows a path tilted at 3different angles.

Z-Height & Fillet Radius

Use the Z-Height field to set the path’s Z-Height for allselected nodes. Note that the Z-Height value actually refersto a vertical offset from the path’s local plane. If the path is

tilted, the Z-Height will be measured in a direction at right-angles to the tilted path.

If you chose the Path Shape to be Straight Edges, you can fillet the path at the vertices. At each Path Node (except the ends of open paths) you can set a Fillet Radius.

If the Fillet Radius is set to Zero, the path will have a sharp vertex at that Path Node.

If the Fillet Radius is set to a positive value, the path will be filleted all selected Path Nodes.




Dynamic Editing


.

You can use Dynamic Hotspots in any view to edit the positionsand number of path nodes.

The way the positions of the path nodes and the path line react tothe editing gestures can be controlled through menu commandsin the Cadimage > 3D Profiler menu

No Editing

In No Editing Mode the selected Plan View mode is displayed.

In all other edit modes a simple centreline plan view is displayedto speed up the editing.

All edit modes are available in Floor Plan and 3D except the Z Edit Mode which is only available in 3D.

Tip

You can create you own palette of edit modes using the Options > Work Environment, See Set-up atthe beginning of this document.

X-Y Edit Mode

The dynamic hotspot at each Path Node allows you to move the PathNode.

To add a new path node, break any edge into two segments by moving its midpoint hotspot.

Move one Path Node on top of another to truncate the Path.




Z Edit Mode

Use the dynamic hotspots to adjust the Z co-ordinate (perpendicular tothe Path Plane).

This Edit Mode can be used only in the 3D window.

Offset Edit Mode

Offset an edge by moving one of the dynamic hotspots.

Helical Arc Edit Mode

The Helical Arc will maintain a true arc in plan regardless of Z height changes. Create a Helical Arc Edge by offsetting the centre point of the edge, with the arc being created between the two endpoints and the adjusted point.

Planar Arc Edit Mode

The Planar Arc maintains a true arc in the plane of the edge which canbe rotated about the line of the edge in 3D. Creating a planar arc is thesame as creating a helical one.

The plane of the arc can be rotated in 3D.





Spline Edit Mode

The Spline Edit Mode creates a Quadratic Bezier Spline between the two endpoints and the adjustable hotspot.

End Cuts

If the Path is not closed, you can apply end cuts to the free ends. By default all endcuts are square.

lan.

ndow parallel with the base edge of the Profiler object.

End Cut angles are dynamically editable,and are available in all edit modes.

For a vertical cut the cut angle can be adjusted using a dynamic hotspot in FloorP

Define angle measured from the horizontal by editing a dynamic hotspot in the 3D, Section,Elevation or Interior Elevation wi





Profiler Beam The Profiler Beam allows you to create a customised beam from one of the profiles in your library.

Beam Layout

Set either the Beam Length or Horizontal Span. Whicheveryou set, the other will be adjusted automatically.


Set the Pitch angle – this is the angle at which the beam willrise.

To curve the beam along an arc, choose a Curved Beam

Radius or set the curve Height at Midspan.

Tip

To place a set of beams into your project, usethe Edit > Move > Multip ly… command in ArchiCAD.

Beam SectionChoose from a regular Simple Beam, a Tapered

Beam or Multi-Section Beam.

Simple Beam

Set the beam Length, Width and Depth.

Tapered Beam

Set the beam Length and Width. Set the Beam Depth independently foreach end.




Multi-Section Beam

Set the beam Length and Width. Set the Beam Depth at the start.


ion data intact.

For each section of the beam, set the section length L and depth D.

To duplicate a section, choose the corresponding number in the Section #

field, and click on the Duplicate button.

To delete a section, choose the corresponding number in the Section # field,and click on the Delete button.

The Total Length of All Sections is displayed at the bottom of theinterface page. This may or may not match the beam length. If the totallength is longer than the beam length, the sections will be cut short at the

beam length. If the total length is shorter than the beam length, the last section will extend to the end of the beam. This allows you to stretch the multi-section beam while leaving the sect

ProfileFor instructions on editing the beam profile, see Profiles\Profiles Used

in Objects.

Plan ViewChoose to show a Center Line in the plan view, and select a

Pen & Line Type.

Where beams extend through multiple stories, you can set thecolour and visibility of the beam above and below the currentstory. Choose to show the story penetrations by enabling Show Storey Levels. If Show Storey Levels is disabled, the

whole beam will be displayed in floor plan.

Detailed Plan shows true shape of beam segments

Tip

The end cuts of the Beam object can be defined the way described in the Profiles\End Cuts section of this document.




Profiler Portal Frame This object uses a Profile from your library to create a simple Portal Frame. Multiple portals can be created as asingle object.

PortalChoose a Portal Setout and Spacing similar to theProfiler Beam object ( see Profiler Beam\Beam


Shape).

Choose a Portal Shape, and set the knee height ( H1,

se Roof Pitch & Height at Knee r Use Lengths.

) ateach end.

ffset of the apex ( L1 or L2 ) from one of theends and the apex height ( H3 ).

the portal by activating the Include Base

each side. Set theThickness and Material of the Base Plates.

lease refer to Profiles\Profiles Used inbjects in this document .

H2 ) at each end.

Choose to define the apex height using one of twomethods - either U

o

Use Roof Pitch & Hight at Kneeif you know the roof pitch (

A1, A2

Use Lengths if you know the o

Base Plates Add base plates toPlates checkbox.

The base plate size will match the dimensions of the selectedprofile, with an added margin ( A, B, C ) on

Profile The Profile for the Portal Frame Object can be set the same way (tab pages Basic Settings, Extra Settings, Model and CutSurfaces) as for the other Profiler Objects. For further details on editing the portal profile, pO




Plan ViewSet options and line types for the Floor Plansymbol, and pens for the Floor Planrepresentation of the object.

Profiler Purlins The Profiler Purlins object models a rectangular region of purlins. The purlins can have custom cut shapes on eachend.

Purlin Setout

Choose a Purlin Setout method – either Single

Purlin, Fixed Spacing or Equal Spacing.


Used in Objects.

Set the Purlin or Roof Length.

Set the Roof Span, or set the Horizontal Span of the rafters.

Set the Pitch and Curve parameters as for theProfiler Beam object.

End CutsSelect an end cut method for each end of the Purlins. The endcut can be a simple Ang le, or a customizable Parametric shape. Set the Purlin overhang O and the dimensions ( A, B, C,D, E ) of the end cuts.

To avoid having to repeat the settings for the other end, usethe Copy and Paste buttons to transfer settings from one endto the other. The settings can also be copied and pasted toother Profiler - Rafter & Purlins and Profiler - Purlins objects.

Profile The profiles for Purlins can be set the same way (tab pagesBasic Settings, Extra Settings, Model and Cut Surfaces) as forthe other Profiler Objects.

For details on editing the rafter and purlin profiles, see Profiles\Profiles




Plan ViewSet options and line types for the Floor Plansymbol, and pens for the Floor Planrepresentation of the object.

Profiler Rafters and Purlins The Profiler Rafters and Purlins object models a rectangular region of rafters and purlins. The rafters and purlins canhave custom cut shapes on each end. You can use a different Profile for the Rafters and the Purlins.

Rafters & Purlins

Choose a Rafter Setout method – either Fixed

Spacing or Equal Spacing.


Set the Purlin or Roof Length.

Set the Rafter Length by Roof Span, or theHorizontal Span parameters.

Set the Pitch and Curve parameters as for theProfiler Beam object.

Rafter Ends

Select an end cut method for each end of the Rafters. The endcut can be a simple Ang le, or a customizable Parametric shape. Set the rafter overhang O and the dimensions ( A, B, C,D, E ) of the end cuts.

To avoid having to repeat the settings for the other end, usethe Copy and Paste buttons to transfer settings from one endto the other. The settings can also be copied and pasted toother Profiler - Rafter & Purlins and Profiler - Purlins objects.

Purlin Ends

The Purlin End Cuts settings are similar to the Rafter End

Cuts settings.




Profile The profiles for Rafters and Purlins are set independently thesame way (tab pages Basic Settings, Extra Settings, Model andCut Surfaces) as for the other Profiler Objects.

Used in Objects.For details on editing the rafter and purlin profiles, see Profiles\Profiles

Plan View

Set options and line types for the Floor Plan symbol, and pensfor the Floor Plan representation of the object.

Examples The Profiler objects can be used to model a wide range of components. Here are a few examples.

A

B

D

F

C

E

Profile A: Custom building components

Profile B: Shaped trims and Scotia

Profile C: Furniture mouldings

Profile D: Cabling and piping

Profile E: Hardware and fittingsProfile F: Foundations

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