|
|
Mid Bolts --> download link
MidBolts is a script used to insert an array of machine bolts along the length of a beam. The array is located relative to the intersection of beams selected during insertion. This script can be linked to AutoPlates or PlateFromPline tools.
Insertion
- Select the beam receiving bolts, then an intersecting beam.
- The bolt array is created centered on the projected intersection of the two beams.
- Use OPM settings for bolt number, spacing, diameter.
- You can grip edit the location, or enter an offset in the OPM.
- Link MidBolts to either AutoPlates or PlateFromPline with context menu commands.
Alter the indicated values to change insertion defaults, currently the bolt array comes in with 1" edge distance (first line) and a bolt spacing of 3 ( second line, dBoltSpace ). Properties with a discrete set of allowed values have a 4th parameter added which is the zero based index of the list above, indicating the default value. To have 3 rows of bolts be the default value, change the indicated 1 in iRowNum to 2.
In this screenshot the MidBolt array has been linked to a PlateFromPline tool, the plates have holes for the drills and the bolts take plate thickness into account when figuring length--dynamically.
Mods
As with the other plate scripts, the only recommended user mod is altering insertion defaults.
Caveats
- The plate and bolt scripts were recently developed and have not been extensively field tested, or completely finished. The "Lag" option is one example, it hasn't yet been implemented for either MidBolts or EndBolts.
- The option to "Align with Male" is used to have the array align with the axis of the intersecting beam instead of the main beam. There is no error checking to ensure bolts land on the intended beam, use with care.
- Drill tolerance here is for the drills in the beam, set plate hole tolerance in the plate scripts.
|
