Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 User Guide - Page 761

Modifying Connectors You can add, delete, and edit the connectors of a parametric part. The shape of the connector is determined by the shape of the modifier that the connector is attached to. Therefore, to change a connector's shape you must modify the associated modifier. For more information, see Adding Connectors to a Parametric Fitting on page 682 and Adding Connectors to a Parametric MvPart on page 720. Modifying Part Sizes You can change the model dimensions of the part that determine the overall size of the model, such as length and width. You can also change individual size parameters for a specific part size. For example, you can change a constant value to a list of values or add custom parameters for enhancing scheduling data. For more information, see Adding Dimensions to a Parametric Fitting on page 686 and Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart on page 724. Modifying the Preview Image, Schematic Symbol, or Part Insertion Behaviors You can change the preview image by selecting a different view direction that Content Builder uses to generate the preview image. You can also attach a predefined image. For more information, see Generating a Preview Image of a Parametric Fitting on page 690 and Generating a Preview Image of a Parametric MvPart on page 732. You can change the insertion behaviors of the part that define how the part is added to a drawing, including layer key, trim lengths for fittings, and the placement point of a parametric part. For more information, see Defining the Part Insertion Behaviors of a Parametric Fitting on page 690 and Defining the Part Insertion Behaviors of a Parametric MvPart on page 733. For parametric MvParts, you can also modify the schematic symbol. Schematic symbols can be predefined symbol blocks or you can create them from scratch in the modeling area of Content Builder. Therefore, you can attach a new schematic symbol or modify the schematic symbol block. For more information, see Creating an AutoCAD-Based Symbol from an Existing Symbol or Block on page 739. Working with Block-Based Parts A block-based part is a multi-view part (MvPart) whose geometry is based on individual AutoCAD® blocks. Each part size is associated with a unique 3D model block, to which you specify basic information such as view representations and connector placement. You can convert existing AutoCAD blocks or multi-view blocks (MvBlocks) to block-based parts, and you can create block-based parts using Content Builder. NOTE For an introduction to block-based parts, see Understanding Parametric and Block-Based Parts on page 641. Converting MvBlocks to Block-Based Parts Use this procedure to convert AutoCAD® solids, mass elements, blocks, or multi-view blocks (MvBlocks) into multi-view parts (MvParts). MvBlocks, like MvParts, can be viewed from different directions, but MvBlocks cannot connect intelligently with systems. Architectural drawings referenced in an AutoCAD MEP drawing can contain solids, mass elements, and MvBlock parts that may be useful as MvParts. You can convert MvBlocks to MvParts even if the MvBlock exists in a reference drawing. This procedure is the same for mechanical, piping, electrical, and plumbing parts. 1 Select the element or block to convert, right-click, and select Convert to ➤ Multi-view Part. 2 In the Multi-view Part Convert - Behavior dialog, specify a name for the new part. 3 Specify a part type for Type. Working with Block-Based Parts | 743