Inserts sheet metal form features, and mechanical and BIM components.
Inserts an RFA* file as a BIM component in the current drawing.
The source drawing of the component is not affected. A virtual component is created, which represents the drawing in the assembly.
* RFA import is a work-in-progress.
Some general guidelines about the RFA import functionality are:
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RFA files older than 2011 are not supported.
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Files from 2011 to 2014 can be imported, but due to a major format change from 2014 to 2015, there is a possibility of issues with nested families.
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Files from 2015 to 2019 are imported correctly. Currently, you can import; extrusions, blends, revolutions, and sweeps.
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Only the geometry of the family is imported without parameters or properties.
Access the Command
BIM Workspace
Insert BIM Component
menu bar: BIM| Insert BIM Component
toolbar:
- Bim | Insert BIM Component
- BIM Windows | Insert BIM Component
ribbon:
- Home | Create | Insert BIM Component
- Modeling | Building elements | Insert BIM Component
Mechanical Workspace
Insert Component
Insert Form Feature
Smart Insert
menu bar:
- Assembly | Insert Component
- Sheet Metal | Insert Form Feature
toolbar:
- Assembly | Insert Component
- Sheet Metal | Insert Form Feature
ribbon:
- Home | Assembly | Insert Component
- Assembly | Modify | Insert Component
- Sheet Metal | Modify | Insert Form Feature
: bminsert
BIM Workspace
A File dialog box displays.
The default folders for BIM components sit in the following subfolder of the BricsCAD installation folder: ...\UserDataCache\Support\en_US\Bim\Components.
- Select a component to insert.
- Double click or click the Open button.
- The parameters of the selected component display in the Properties panel.
- Optional: edit the parameters.
Prompts you in the command bar:
Select insertion point or [Edit inserted entity/Rotate component/set Base point/Name/insertion Type/Flip/mUltiple/Change target 3d solids] <0, 0, 0>: (Specify the insertion point or choose an option.)
Move the cursor over a solid; the face under the cursor highlights: The UCS aligns dynamically with the selected face. If the edge by which the cursor enters the solid is horizontal or vertical, the X-axis of the UCS is horizontal otherwise, the X-axis is aligned with the edge, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the face of the solid. Specify point to insert.
Hit the Ctrl-key to switch between Select insertion point and Edit inserted entity mode.
Select insertion point |
Allows to specify the insertion point. From the middle of each edge of the placement rectangle, dynamic dimensions display to the nearest parallel edge on the face of the solid. ![]()
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Edit inserted entity |
Allows to specify the width and height of the placement rectangle of the component. This option is only available if the W (width) and/or H (height) parameters are defined in the component source drawing. Prompts you: Edit [Height/Width/Done] <Height>: Two dynamic dimension fields display the current width and height of the placement rectangle. Type a value in the current dynamic dimension field, then press the TAB key to switch to the other field. Press the Ctrl-key to switch to Select Insertion Point mode. |
Mechanical Workspace
Displays a dialog box:
Select a mechanical component drawing, then double click or press the Open button.
The parameters of the selected component display in the Properties panel.
Optionally, edit the parameters.
The component is attached to the cursor with its origin point.
Dynamic dimensions display X and Y coordinates to the origin of the current coordinate system.
Prompts you in the command bar:
Select insertion point or [Edit inserted entity/SMART insert/Rotate component/set Base point/Name/insertion Type/Flip/mUltiple/Change target 3d solids] <0, 0, 0>: (Specify the insertion point or choose an option.)
Command Options
Option |
Description |
Edit inserted entity |
Allows to edit the parameters of the selected insert. Prompts you: Enter the parameter name or press ENTER to finish: Press F2 to open the Prompt History window. Type the name of a parameter. Prompts you: Enter expression < 30.00 >: - Type a value, then press Enter. Prompts you: Enter the parameter name or press ENTER to finish: - Type the name of a parameter or press Enter. The insert is updated. Parameters can also be edited in the Properties panel: |
Smart insert |
Allows to automatically connect a Piping standard part to an existing Piping standard part by creating a proper set of 3D constraints between them and by copying expressions for the parameters of existing inserted part to the new part. Prompts you: Select entity to insert to or [switch Back/Rotate component/Flip/mUltiple/selection options (?)]: - Hover over a Piping standard part to automatically connect te new part with it:
You can hover over directly inserted Piping standard part as well as nested ones (contained in subassemblies). The part being inserted is resized automatically by copying the values of its parameters from the part under the cursor. Click to insert the part. The command automatically creates a set of 3D constraints between them. You can combine the Smart insert mode with the Flip, Multiple, and Rotate options. Press the Ctrl-key to switch between the regular, Edit, and Smart insert modes: |
Rotate component |
Allows to define the rotation angle of the component. Prompts you: Specify rotation angle of the insert: - Enter the rotation angle. |
set Base point |
Allows to specify a different base point to insert the component. Prompts you: New base point <0,0,0>: - Specify a new base point. The new base point is attached to the cursor. |
Name |
Allows to define the insert name of the component. Prompts you: Component insert name <DefaultName>: - Type the insert name for the component. |
insertion type |
Allows to specify the insertion type: Local or External Prompts you: Specify component type [Local/External] <External>: - Choose an option. |
Flip |
Inserts the selected insert in the opposite face of the parent solid. |
Multiple |
Allows to insert multiple copies of the same component or create an array. Prompts you: Select insertion point or [Edit inserted entity/Rotate/Base point/Name/Insertion Type/Flip/Array]: Optionally, choose an option, then do one of the following:
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Change target 3d solids |
Allows to choose solids to which the component-based feature will be applied. Prompts you: Select target 3D solids or [cleaR/Select all affected 3d solids] <Select all affected 3d solids>: - Select target solids, choose an option, or press Enter.
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Procedures
Controlling the position of a window or door
Editing the parameters of an insert
Related Commands
BmDissolve - dissolves a mechanical component inserted in the current drawing.
BmForm - creates a new mechanical component and inserts it into the current drawing.
BmLink - Changes target 3D solids of component-based features.
BmMech - converts the current drawing into a mechanical main component.
BmUnlink - breaks the connection between a component insert (e.g. a Window) and a 3D solid (e.g. a Wall) retaining the opening.
ComponentsPanelOpen - opens the Components panel as a docked panel.
DmCopyFaces - copies a set of 3D solid faces forming a feature (e.g. hole, rib or protrusion) to a new position on the same or another 3D solid.
SmReplace - replaces form features (including recognized ones) in sheet metal parts with form features from the built-in or user library.
SmRibCreate - creates associative Rib form features on sheet metal parts from 2D profiles.