If you are an experienced user of AutoCAD®, you probably know about dynamic blocks. Dynamic block is a versatile and adaptable function that is widely used in both AEC and the manufacturing industries. With dynamic blocks, users can handle complex drawings in a more efficient way. In ZWCAD, we also developed the feature called Flexiblock having the same function as dynamic blocks in Autocad.
What is Flexiblock?
Like AutoCAD dynamic blocks, Flexiblock is a special type of block object that contains parameters and actions and allows users to change its shape based on different scenarios. It offers a wide range of parameters and actions, including stretch, flip, rotate, and array, to name just a few.
How to Create Flexiblock?
Flexiblock is created and used the same way as AutoCAD dynamic blocks. If you’re already familiar with dynamic block, you will find it easy to create and use Flexiblock.
Creating Flexiblock is a simple three-step process: create a regular block object, add parameters and actions to the block object, and save the block. Let's create a stretchable table block as an example:
Step 1 Create a Regualr Block Object.
Draw a door, and input the command "BLOCK", choose the base point and select the entities that are needed to be converted into a block.
Step 2 Set the Flexiblock Settings in Block Editor.
Double-click the block object to activate the block editor and add parameters and actions to it. Only by adding the correct parameters and actions to it can the block change its shape. The details of adding parameters and actions are shown below:
a) Select the "Linear" parameter in the [Operation Parameters] and create a parameter where stretching is desired.
b) Select the "Stretch" action and Click on "Distance".
c) Select the grip point for stretching. If you want to stretch it along the positive X-axis, choose the right grip point, and vice versa. In this example, we want to stretch it in the negative direction, so we select the left grip.
d) Select the stretch frame. As we want to change the length of the door by stretching it to the left, the right edges of the door won’t be included in the stretch frame.
e) Select the object you want to change. In this example, we choose the door body. Press Enter when the prompt "Select Objects" appears again. Then you will find the yellow lightning icon "Stretch" will move with your cursor.
f) Specify the location of the action sign.
Step 3 Save Dynamic Block Settings.
Save the block and exit the editor. Now, you can adjust the length of the door freely by dragging the grip point.
Next, the following GIF demonstrates the entire sequence of steps in the operation, providing a more visual and intuitive understanding of the process.
How to Edit Dynamic Blocks in ZWCAD?
If you want to edit the dynamic blocks imported from Autocad or created in ZWCAD, directly double-click the dynamic blocks to enter the blocks editor. In the block editor, several changes can be made like change of basepoint, number of grips,stretching values.
Features You May Use in Your Drawings
1. Change the Basepoint and Number of Grips.
- Change the base point: Double click the flexiblocks and enter the block editor. Click the parameter and select Midpoint or Startpoint from the Basepoint list in the tab Misc. Then save the changes to your block.
- Change the number of grisps: Click the parameter and select "0,1 or 2" from the tab Number of Grips. Then save the changes to your block.
2. Add Specified Values.
- Double click the flexiblocks and enter the block editor. Find Value Set and choose List in the Dist type, go to the next tab Dist Value List to add more specified values of your drawings. If the specified values are wrong or not needed in your later drawings, click on them and delete them from the value list.
Summary
To sum up, Flexiblock is an excellent feature that can greatly improve the design efficiency of users. Instead of having to create many block objects for different situations, you may only need 2 or 3 blocks with Flexiblock. This not only saves you time in creating blocks but also reduces your effort in managing them.
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