Component structure in WOODEXPERT

In this article we will take a closer look at component structure in WOODEXPERT. What happens “under the hood”  when you insert a component into your project?

When working in WOODEXPERT, we use dedicated templates.

Assembly template

When working in WOODEXPERT, we use ready file templates, dedicated for the add-in. Most often, projects are based on “ASSEMBLY” template. All complex components in WOODEXPERT library are based on “ASSEMBLY_BOX”. Let’s take a look at it.

New assembly file based on „ASSEMBLY_BOX” template.

An empty file based on this template contains:

•  three basic planes (xy, xz, yz). They have no parameters. They intersect at the start of the coordinate system (xyz).
•  three offset planes (xy’, xz’, yz’). Each is a copy of a basic plane. Each contains an offset distance parameter. Those parameters are called, respectively: depth, height and width.

yz’ plane’s offset parameter is responsible for the width of the box.

Those six planes make up what call “the box” – a shape on which the whole component is based.

In “symmetry” folder we find another three offset planes. When selected in feature tree, we can see that there is a Σ (sigma) symbol next to offset parameters. It indicates that this parameter is controlled by a formula.

Symmetry plane is always positioned at the middle of the box.

For example: after selecting yz-yz’ plane, we can see a Σ symbol and a value: 300. Double-clicking the dimension opens a modification window. We can see that the formula used to calculate the offset is = ” width@yz’ ” / 2, or half of the offset of the right-side plane of the box. This plane will always position itself exactly in the middle of the box’s width. Symmetry planes are useful for creating mirror copies or mating a part to the center of the box.

Controlling the box in a project

When you insert a complex element into a WOODEXPERT project, the insertion wizard appears.

Complex component insertion wizard.

It will ask you to select faces and dimensions. What is actually happening are two things. First, basic planes (xy, xz, yz) of the inserted component’s assembly are mated to selected faces. Second, you define the offset distance parameters of offset planes (xy’, xz’, yz’). In other words, you define the position and size of the box.

Dimensions of the component will change depending on the dimensions of the box.

How a component will behave in relation to the box will depend on how it was designed. Let’s look at a few examples.

Example 1: Carcass – full sides

This is the most standard case. Dimensions and position of the panels is dependent on the size of the box and on the global variables (e.g. panels’ thickness). The model also has a number of configurations, or variations: “full top”, “horizontal slats”, “vertical slats” etc. Switching between them, you will get different solutions for the top panel. Outer dimensions of the carcass, however, will always be the same as the dimensions of the box.

Total dimensions of the carcass will always be exactly equal to the dimensions of the box.

Example 2: Set of shelves

This is also a rather standard case. The box represents the inside space of a cabinet.

The dimensions of the shelf are dependent on the dimensions of the box and on the global variables.

Usually a shelf is slightly smaller than the inner space. Shelf’s width will be reduced by “offset_sides” (“Reduce width (total)”) and its depth – by “offset_front” (“Offset from front”).

Shelves’ position depends on other variables: “amount”, “alignment” and “distance”. In this component, configurations are responsible for the number of drillings for height adjustment and the distance between them.

Size and position of the parts depends on the size of the box, global variables & selected configuration.

Example 3: Single door – overlay

A component can be placed in part or even fully outside of the box. The box of this component also represents the inside space of a cabinet, but the door itself will lay outside of the box.

Overlay door are outside the box.

Their size will depend on the size of the box and on the variables.

Example 4: Connector set

Previous components were based on an empty space. The base for this component is a volume of a panel.

Box for a connector set represents a single panel.

It is also represented in component’s definition. Previous components had insertion method “Between components”. This one is “Inside component”.

Insertion methods.

Inserting such component into a project and finding walls looks different than in previous examples. Insertion editor with “Between components” is aimed at finding an empty space, e.g. the inside of a cabinet. With “Inside component” it will help you quickly find a volume of a single panel.

Insertion editor for a connector set makes it easy to select a single panel.

Simple components

Everything we’ve discussed so far concerns complex components. WOODEXPERT also features a library of simple components. They behave differently. We will discuss them in future materials.

WOODEXPERT features a library of nearly 1200 simple components.