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Nesting Families

When creating families it is sometimes necessary to nest other families, and this is more common with adaptive families.  However, not all family types can be used with adaptive families. For example profiles, structural columns, or beams cannot be loaded into an adaptive family.  If a nested profile is needed, then a generic model family with model lines, either adaptive or not, can be used in lieu of a profile family.

A great family to consider nesting, especially when adaptive families are a new to the user, is the out-of-the-box “Diagnostic Tripod” family.  This family will display how the adaptive family is working once it is loaded into another family or project.

Repeaters and Divisions

If a family is going to be repeated, which is similar to an array, then nesting families is a must, as is using a divided path or surface.  The first step is to create a division from either a surface or a line.  To do this, select the element and use the Divide Path or Divide Surface command.  Since the 2013 products, a series of lines may be selected and divided as a single element.

A divided path also has properties that will allow for a beginning or end indent.  These properties give further adjustment to the location of the hosted elements.

If a nested family will become a repeater, it will have to be an adaptive family.  To create this, first place the family on a point, or series of points, that was created from the division tool.  When doing this, make sure to select the node that was created by the division.  Next select the element and use the Repeat command (same button as array in a normal family or project).

Up next…

Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 5

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Creating Forms

Unlike the normal family editor, in adaptive and mass families, surfaces and solids can be created.  These are created using the Create Form button and not extrusions, sweeps, etc..  Unfortunately points cannot be used to create elements, reference lines and/or model lines must be used for this task.  Lines can be used if they are part of the rig, however, if additional lines are required, then they need to be created prior to creating solids or surfaces.  In the adaptive (as well as mass) family environment, surfaces can be created from a single line or from multiple lines.

Surfaces and Extrusions

To create a solid or surface, select the desired lines and select the Create Form button.  Voids can be created in the same manner.  If Revit can determine more than one way to create a solid, or if it can create a surface, different images will appear on the screen allowing a user to select the appropriate one.

Sweeps

A sweep is created by drawing lines for the shape of the sweep, then by selecting those and the lines that represent the path.  Once all of the elements are selected, use the create form button to create the sweep.

Revolves

A Revolve is created by selecting a group of lines or arcs that are all parallel to a single line.  This one line acts as an axis.

Once surfaces or solids have been created, their faces and edges can be used to generate additional forms.  For example, the edges of a cube can then be used for the path of a sweep, or the edge of a surface can be used to generate an additional surface.

Up next…

Adaptive Component – Everyday Uses part 4