Solid 2 Plates

Tekla Structures
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
plate
Environment
United States (Imperial)
United States (Metric)

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Purpose and description

This tool reads the faces of solid objects that are created in the model and created contour plates on top of each face. This makes it easier for users to model in ductwork, bins, hoppers, etc. first as generic objects using the beam and polybeam command with parametric profiles. This is easier than the user having to manually model in plates for each duct face. The plate objects created are grouped together as an assembly and use saved away contour plate properties settings.

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System requirements

Environments:   Any
Languages:   English Translatable
Industry segment:  (Steel)
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Installing Solid 2 Plates

To install the application:

  1. Close Tekla Structures.
  2. Install the application by running the appropriate package downloaded from Tekla Warehouse.
  3. Open Tekla Structures
  4. Before version 2016: A new toolbar icon which will launch the tool should now be visible when a model is opened. For 2016 version and newer: a new thumbnail in the Applications and components side pane will appear.
Image
Solid2Plates_image001.jpg
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Using Solid 2 Plates

To use the application:

  1. Model in parts using the beam or polybeam command with rectangular or transition type parametric profile properties. This part(s) should form the geometry of your ductwork.
  2. Open the contour plate properties dialog box and fill in the appropriate thickness, name, and other properties that the plates created by this tool should use and save those properties away. NOTE: Most likely you will want the At depth option set to Behind.
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Solid2Plates_image002.jpg
  1. Launch the tool from the tools macro dialog box or the newly added toolbar that will appear after installation. Notice in the Contour Plate Properties drop down you will see the saved away settings you just created in the Contour Plate properties dialog box.
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Solid2Plates_image003.jpg
  1. In addition there are a few more options for you to choose from;
  • Create Assembly – each time you run this tool, the resulting plates will be grouped as an assembly. This works for both options; “From Part” & “From Surface.”
  • Delete Original Parts – This option only works when using the “From Part” option. When checked the original parts that you select to create the plates around will be deleted when you finish with your selection.
  • Copy Cuts – This option only works when using the “From Part” option. If your parts have cuts in them; penetrations for example, not end cuts or fittings; those cuts will copy to the resulting plates. NOTE: Some manual manipulation to the cuts and cuts parts may be required.
  1. When you press the “From Surface” button this will prompt you to pick a surface in the model (make sure you are in fully solid mode) to create a contour plate on. The command will repeat itself, right click and Interrupt or press Esc when done.
  • If you have the Create Assembly option on the new contour plates will be grouped together as an Assembly (not with welds but using the “add to assembly command” in the Tekla Open API). The first plate created will become the father part.
  1. When you press the “From Part” button, you will be prompted to pick the solid objects you want to convert to plates. Once you have completed picking the parts, press the Middle Mouse button and Tekla will then cycle through all of the parts you picked and convert them to plates. The original solid part object will be deleted from the model if you have that option checked.
  • If you have the Create Assembly option on the new contour plates will be grouped together as an Assembly (not with welds but using the “add to assembly command” in the Tekla Open API). The first plate created will become the father part.

Picture of new plates when using the Create Assembly option.

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Solid2Plates_image004.jpg

Before picture using the “From Part”

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Solid2Plates_image005.jpg

After picture using the “From Part”

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Solid2Plates_image006.jpg
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Solid2Plates_image007.jpg
    

NOTE: There is a limitation in using the saved away contour plate properties in that any user defined attributes saved in the Contour plate properties dialog box aren’t loaded up by this application, only the main properties.

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