AutoCad :: Dynamic Blocks - Data Linking And Automating Updates
Mar 29, 2011
I work at a machine shop and have a Dynamic Block setup with quite a number of Blocks in it where I can choose whichever tooling I am working with to place into a drawing.
I am also Data-Linking parts of the drawing to Excel that has information fields to be updated in the drawing for these same toolings.
I would like to setup my drawing so that when I update the data links from the Excel spreadsheet the Dynamic Block I mentioned will also be automatically updated and display the appropriate block drawing for the tooling retrieved from Excel.
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Jan 9, 2014
I need to know if there is a way to link an attributed F-N bubble with qty's to the BOM. This is for electrical wiring diagrams for aircraft. So I have serveral part numbers to a BOM, but no real accurate way of finding total quantities other than manually going though the drawing.
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Jun 5, 2013
What I would like to do is find a way to use a dynamic block, which has already been created, and once I put in the proper length, speed, type of conveyor, etc., it will automatically update an excel spreadsheet, for example a power estimate, or cost estimate sheet. Is this possible, if so, what is the quickest, and easiest way to do this?
Also, what formula would I use in excel to link back to the DWG?
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Oct 26, 2012
Is it possible to link text to each other through visibility states without creating a block within the DB? I have 2 visibility states. Right Section, and Left Section. All notes and text stays the same, geometry is the only thing that mirrors between states.
The hope is that when I update the text on the "Right Section" state, that the same text on the "Left Section" state automatically updates with what I did on the "Right Section".
I solved this by creating multiple blocks within the DB. That works great, however there HAS to be an easier way to do this.
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Dec 3, 2012
I have a block which is a simple rectangle with a height and width attributes that when I edit, change or update the height and width attributes I want the rectangles height and width to change as well.
I know I can go backwards using fields and the attributes would show the stretched length and width but is it possible to go the other way?
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May 21, 2013
I have created d/blocks for my different pipe sizes i.e one block with a dropdown to select the different sizes and have done the same for my flanges. now how do I link / insert the flange d/block to the piping block so that I can export the information into a material list later on.
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Nov 19, 2013
I need to create a small table to ID the User, Computer name, Door Key, etc for a floor plan drawing of our office. I'd like to get this done in Excel and link it all so the bldg manager can make changes to the drawing without me. I have created the excel file and created a "name set" in excel for each room. In Autocad 2013 I have inserted a table from a data link and pointed that link to the named range of the room (the named range in excel is an 8 cel block with al the info I need repeated and uniquely named for each room.
This works great...so my next step is to create a block out of the table and make the DATA LINK a variable attribute...that's where I'm stuck. i cannot figure out how to do this. I would love to be able to INSERT BLOCK and have one attribute question...ROOM NUMBER?. That should look to the excel NAMED SET the corresponds and populate the table.
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Jun 4, 2011
I design all of the architectural metal used on most project homes being built in Sydney at the moment.
I draw up balustrade and screening etc.
Basically what I have is a huge collection of complex dynamic blocks that I insert into my drawings, I then change all the variables to suit.
These drawings are then dimensioned, and a parts list manually written out based on the lengths etc of each type of material.
All of these drawings are exact reproductions of what is produced on the factory floor, so it is quite easy to identify the parts, but rather painfull to manually write out a cutting list.
I'd like to add attributes and/or fields for material type and length to each of these dynamic blocks, which update as the blocks are manipulated to the required sizes.
where I get stuck is that there are multiple drawing methods used to create these blocks, and I cannot seem to figure out exactly what I should be naming, and assigning length fields too, or even how to extract or what to extract!
When I extract the data, I get a mess of conflicting and confusing information that is impossible to sort correctly, as I can use the dynamic parameter field for some, but not others, and on others it is a simple line, but on others again they are polylines and the length is useless to me.
I have tried to creat a block with an attribute for each and every individual part, but when I combine these into a complex part and try to assign dynamic parameters as a single dynamic block, the previously blocked and named parts wont behave correctly.
Im not sure if im making much sense here, but in my mind it all seems simple enough, I just cant get it to actually work with my exsiting blocks...
All im really after is a simple BOM, for example, I have a dynamic block with the Style code A0-1, when this is inserted I change 3 different lengths depending on the job. This style code is made up of several components such as a 40 mm square post (coded 40SQ), an 80 sq baseplate (coded PF2) and a 50 x 25 mm handrail (coded HR5025).
I need to extract a length for the 40 sq post, a length for the 50 X 25 handrail and an item count for the baseplate.
There may be 25 of these in a drawing, all at different sizes.
The dynamic block works perfectly for drafting, but not so well for data extraction.
There are over 1100 of these dynamic blocks, created over the last 2 years, and the only missing piece in the drafting puzzle is the extracted cut-list to save a large amount of time, and I just cant get it working.
Is there a methodology I need to learn here? will I need to re-create these blocks to allow for extraction?
I have explained to my boss the theory behind all of this and he is keen for some working examples that the monkeys on the shop floor can read and understand, and Im stuck creating an extraction template that can work, even if just for proof of concept that I can refine over the next few months.
I know ACAD can do this, I know my brain has all the data, I'm just not getting the ACAD>BRAIN interface working here.
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Dec 4, 2012
I work for a company that makes sheet metal cabinets. Each cabinet we construct has 17 parts that all different different blank sizes and notching. I have a template for each part right now that I have to shrink or stretch to the appropriate size every time we get a custom size order.
What I've created so far is an excel spreadsheet that determines the sizes of all the parts based on the overall height width and depth of the custom cabinet that was ordered. Any way to define a parts properties with a dynamic block and get the width depth or height imported in from the excel spreadsheet to automatically adjust the size.
[URL]
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Apr 19, 2012
I am trying to link my extracted data from blocks with attributes to an extenal source so that the table I create and place into the drawing already has the formulas I need to due the required calculations. But every time I create and place the table the formulas are not in the table. I include the columes that contain the data but it doesn't seem to be working.
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May 5, 2010
I've made annotative blocks and I've made dynamic blocks... My intent is to integrate both but I can't find a way to move dynamic block parameters separately at different annotative scales.
In other words, if I insert an annotative dimension and add multiple scales I can move the dimension grips independently at each scale. If I insert a dynamic block I want to be able to use the dynamic block's action "grips" to do the same. However, with a dynamic block, if I move a stretch action at one annotation scale it moves the action at all annotation scales.
The attached file shows a simple example.
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Nov 13, 2013
I am using Autocad 2011 although I only use it to tidy my drawings prior to sending to my client, my proficiency is quite basic. I have been tasked with surveying a number of feeder pillars or cabinets with 5 points of data, pt 1 is the centre of the doors, the other 4 points are the corners of the cabinet always in the same order. These can be imported into Autocad as a series of points and then I have to join the dots, and draw the cabinet. I know a little about blocks and that I can create a block of my drawing and place it over the five points, and then I'm stuck as if I change the block once it changes it in all the other positions.
After i have placed the block, I need to list the coordinates of the 5 points, this i do individually using the id command and copy and paste into a table. Is there anyway to speed this up?
I have attached a sketch of what I'm after doing, there could be as many 20+ cabinets in a drawing.
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Mar 15, 2012
I have created a dynamic block with several visiblility states. The block works great for what I need it for. however, I am trying to add one more action to the block but am having issues.
This block is essentially a 24" retail cabinet with the visibility states showing the different drawer and shelf configurations. I want to be able to lengthen the cabinet in 24" increments and have the visibility show for each 24" section.....e.g. I want a 10' cabinet so I bring in the 24" starter block. Then stretch the cabinet to the 10' mark, then I can chose any drawer/shelve config for each 24" section (they are all different).
I can get the block to stretch in 24" sections....no problem.....i just want the visibility state to be duplicated as well for each section. Now as it stretches, there is only one Vis state and it only populates the first cabinet.
I could do this by copying the block over and over 5 times.....but I am hoping there is a way to make this dynamic.
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Apr 23, 2013
I have a block I am making into a Dynamic Block. I will be adding in different visibility states. Depending on the visibility state the block would need to be inserted from a different point.
My question is, is it possible to add multiple insertion points to a dynamic block so depending on the visibility state it defaults to the correct insertion point?
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Sep 7, 2012
is there a way to make dynamic blocks stretchable similar to a mleader,
the blocks i create are only stretchable by grips, and not by crossing
(i am using linear or point parameter stretches)
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Jun 1, 2006
Is there anyway to link standard AutoCAD Grips and there commands to Dynamic Block Actions? I want to stretch an arc by its midpoint grip. This accomplishes something that no other commands do.
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Sep 7, 2012
Is there a way to turn off the Data Link Updates? I want it to be a maual process. Right now it tries to update the data links when I print. It asks if I want to skip but I have to do that everytime I print. Can I turn that off. If it updates it destroys the formatting of the table.
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Dec 21, 2011
I have a table in excel and I'd like to have text in cells link to nodes on a map.
i.e. I have the traffic volume of a road section in a table. I'd like to show that volume on a map beside a circle where the count was taken. I'd like to be able to update the table value and have it also update on ythe map.
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Dec 6, 2012
I was wondering if there is a way to link one parameter to another. What i'm doing is creating a theater flat block that has adjustable length and width. There are support members that are needed when it gets big enough. Right now i have them set to a Visability parameter and have to select to turn them on and off in model space. Is there a way to link the Visability so that it changes based on the Linear Distance parameter's lenth?
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Mar 14, 2012
I'm currently working with AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion. The drawing has hundreds of callouts for different elements all over the site. The callouts are in form of a block, with a number inside. The number corresponds to a notes page which lists each detail in chronological order. (nothing new there)
Due to an expanding and shifting job site, notes have been added and deleted. The problem is now we have to go back through and update all the callout blocks. For example: We have 75 notes in our list, if note number 3 changes or is deleted, we need to go through and change all the numbers in all the blocks to reflect the change to the list.
Is there a way to link blocks to an mtext list? or possibly a spreadsheet?
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Jul 19, 2012
I have a little knowledge of AutoCAD and I do a lot of reports using only AutoCAD, each sheet has a border on it with the project info, no., etc. Is there a way we can link the text blocks in page 1/layout 1 to the other pages/layouts so I don't have to go to each layout and edit the text block individually? Also, i did not draw the template so as to how it was constructed i do not know.
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May 31, 2013
I would like to link an Excel table to a SHP file via a column in commun. My SHP file and Excel Spreadsheet share one same column filled with numbers. So it's neither simply import Excel table, nor import with points.
But I don't know if I should use "Data Link" or "Add ODBC connection" or "FDO import", or some other fonctions...
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Mar 22, 2013
So I've done a reasonable amount of work with dynamic blocks. I have a block with a rotation action and grip to arbitrarily align it. However I realized when trying to combine it with an alignment grip (which actions on the basic or fundamental block rotation angle) that there didn't seem to be a way to some how link a dynamic block rotation action or one of the custom angle properties to a the fundamental block rotation angle. Thus there are two additive rotations at work; the dynamic block one with its grip and the fundamental rotation property.
This can cause some confusion when one person aligns with the grip and another via rotating the block's fundamental property and would also be problematic in the generalized sense if one was trying to select or programmatically read back the net angle alignment.
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Jun 13, 2013
I have a dynamic block, that represents a stirrup.
I inserted in the block a Block Propreties Table, that have some preset dimensions for the stirrups. The grip of this table I decided to put in the top right corner.
The problem is that I can't make this grip moveable )
See the attachement with the block
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Jul 25, 2012
new to dynamic blocks but looking to streamline my wiring diagrams here and have created a block that shows the typical wire styles we use in a simple easy way. I now want to add an overall flip to the entire block and have not been able to find set this. I would prefer to use the same label and go from there. I have included the block to show what I mean. It is only working on the single visible item at the one time. I know this has to be possible just let me know what I am doing wrong. I am running AutoCad LT 2013
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Feb 28, 2012
I need to create a dynamic block for a "Glass Panel" in a balustrade. I need to be able to insert it, in one corner and stretch it in another corner, to suit the staircase angle.
I've created the block, but it isn't working correctly. I've attached a drawing, with the left hand drawing a sketch of how it needs to be. The right hand drawing is my dynamic block attempt. As can be seen, when the block is stretched between the 2 points, it doesn't follow the angle of the staircase correctly (Very slight run off)
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Nov 21, 2011
I wish to create a dynamic block containing some attributes. These attributes are inside rectangles that can't be modified in length using linear parameters ; but the attribute has to be always in the middle of the rectangle. So, I draw a line inside the rectangle (in a hidden layer) and insert the attribute with center justification (not sure for the translation) that I place in the middle of this line ; then I put a coincidence constraint (not sure for the translation, but it's the first one) linking the middle of the line with the middle of the attribute.
But here's the problem : when stretching my rectangle, the insertion point of the attribute suddenly changes from "center" to "bottom left".
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Dec 4, 2013
I am looking for a way to use the ATTIN/ATTOUT workflow to bring in data from an excel spreadsheet to drive the size of each of my block's instances. The block will be simple, a rectangle, with width and length parameters. For each entity in my excel/csv file these parameter values are spelled out. I know how to display these parameters in my attributes, but I don't know how, if I were to feed in these values, to drive the geometry. If there's a better way to take a list of width and length values to generate a series of blocks each with a rectangle containing its respective size.
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Nov 7, 2011
I need to do some repetitive task on a lot of dynamic blocks, unfortunately, when I open each file, AutoCAD keeps asking if I want to open it with the block editor.
Is there a way to disable that dialog and open the files as normal dwgs?
A hint: BLOCKEDITLOCK doesn't make it, it shows another dialog...
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Feb 15, 2012
usage of dynamic title blocks with visiblity states and defining page setup override templates which use same for quick plotting using sheet sets.
I have attached a simple dynamic block that I built which is the outter frame of our company title block, it is designed to allow users to quickly switch between Landscape and Portrait orientations.
The problem I am having is when I go to define page setups for my Sheet Set Page Setup Override Template I am unable to use the "Extents" option with auto-center because the "Extents", as defined by the page setup, includes ALL objects in the paper space regardless of visibility, so my title block ends up being centered in a stupid way if that printing configuration is used.
The only solution I have found is to use the "Layout" option when defining page setups, but this option produces other issues in other ways when printing. I don't want to use the "Window" option either for the potential for users to be using the page setup overrides to print drawings using different paper sizes or drawings that were not originally created using the current template the override is designed to accomodate.
Is there perhaps a system variable that defines whether invisible objects are included in the "Extents" setting in the page setup? I'm sure you'll all agree that Extents is the way to go in this situation, but it is not performing exactly as required.
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Mar 26, 2012
I'm trying to make a dynamic block of a column radiator.
It should be very simple. It's a 46mm wide module that comes in a range of heights (300, 500, 600, & 750mm) and a range of assembly widths (9, 13, 18, 22 & 27 modules wide - more commonly given as mm widths of 414, 598, 828, 1012 & 1242 respectively).
My attempt at constructing it has gone quite well, but when 'stretching' the block a ghost of the core 414 (w) x 300 (h) unit remains. I attach the block to give you a better idea of what I mean.
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