PowerCopy Instantiator by Geometrical Sets
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Want to instantiate many PowerCopies with inputs from the contents of Geometrical Sets? This script could assist you in the process.
Contents |
PowerCopy Automation
The PowerCopy tool is one of the most beneficial items in Digital Project. By selecting a few simple inputs, you can instantiate a large parametric system into various configurations.
However, sometimes you have many inputs that require a user to instantiate thousands of PowerCopies. This can be slow. This script allows a user to pick Geometrical Sets with ordered contents. It will pick those contents in order and make PowerCopies accordingly.
Inputs and Prior Tasks
First, you need to make a PowerCopy file. The inputs of this PowerCopy MUST BE as follows:
- INPUT1
- INPUT2
- INPUT3
- INPUT4
...
- INPUT10
Remember this order, because the input you use for the first index will need to be set later in the script. Also, you do not have to use all ten inputs. You can even have just one.
Save this CATPart PowerCopy file somewhere on your hard drive or server, and remember the name of the PowerCopy in the tree (not the name of the file). This defaults to the name "PowerCopy.1", but users ofter rename this to describe its use.
Download the Script
The script is compressed and stored here. Feel free to use this, and please post comments and/or updates to the Discussion page adjacent to this.
Download Version 3 PowerCopy Automator Script Here. (May 6, 2008)
Typical Use
To use this, download the script and run the macro. You will be prompted with two forms:
When you access the second userform, simply select either a single piece of geometry or a Geometrical Set of geometry. If you select "Iterate," this will iterate through all of the combinations that match that geometry. You will be prompted what index (N) you want to iterate with; the default is one (1), but you may put in any number with which you want to offset the count.
If you leave "Iterate" unchecked, this will just match the Nth object in the Geometrical Set with the Nth object in other Geometrical Sets.
Archived Versions
Some features were phased out, because "Use Iterate" can accomplish "Same Sequence" and "1-2,2-3,3-4" by not checking "Iterate" on the second form.
Download Old Versions
Download Version 1 PowerCopy Automator Script Here. (March 3, 2008)
Download Version 2 PowerCopy Automator Script Here. (April 2, 2008) New: "Use Iterate" Added.
Download Version 2b PowerCopy Automator Script Here. (May 5, 2008) New: Works for PartBodies, OGS's, etc
OLD Basic Interface Images
Once a user has finished the PowerCopy file, they can open the Master File and run the script.
OLD Iterate Interface Images
For this option, you need to have a clearly model PowerCopy CATPart. The inputs need to be named with the INPUT prefix. You can rearrange the inputs by renaming the strings in the "INPUTS" tab on the PowerCopy Creation Dialog Box.
Once you have completed the PowerCopy, save and close this file. Be sure to remember the name of the PowerCopy as well as the directory where you saved the CATPart.
To Run the Iteration Option, run the script. Select "Use Iteration."
A user can select either a HybridShape or Geometrical Set.
If you choose to "Iterate" on the Geometrical Set, it will nest the Secondary Input directly underneath it.
If you use the Update Instantiations Option, then it will remove any instances that did not update.
