Representation of Beams (3-D SE)

Beams can be represented both in simplified form and exactly. The simplified representation does not, for example, display the radii of beams. Furthermore, you can also define whether you want beam annotations, axes and their end points as well as tracing lines of beams to be represented. This allows you, for example, to show and hide beam annotations separately in the workshop drawing and in the 3-D model.

Representation options (from left to right):
exact - simplified - only axes - beam with axes (1) and tracing lines

There are various options for defining the representation type of beams:

• Changing the default setting. To do this, select Steel Engineering > Further functions > Settings . In the Representation tab of the dialogue window, define the desired settings, which will apply to all subsequently created beams.
• Right-click the beam and choose the Exact <-> Simplified or Axes+Texts On/Off function in the context menu under Representation. This does not change the standard setting, i.e. you will also need to use the context menu again to show/hide elements that you have shown/hidden via the context menu.
• SelectSteel Engineering > Further functions > Extras > Exact <-> Simplified or Auxiliary lines.
• Select Steel Engineering > Further functions > Settings > Beam/profile axes > Show/Hide, and choose the desired function.

Changing the representation type via feature log

You can also use the feature log to change the representation type – by double-clicking Representation. In the window that is displayed, activate the desired option field and choose OK to exit the window.

Also available here is the Enter formula option, which you can use to assign a variable to the representation type. An example of a typical use case would be, for example, a beam with bores which you do not want to be visible in the simplified representation. Proceed as follows:

1. Double-click Representation in the feature entry of the beam.
2. Choose the Enter formula option and enter a variable name, e.g. EXA for exact representation.
3. Confirm 0 as the value.
4. Double-click Constraint in the feature entry of the bore.
5. Enter the variable name EXA.

The bores are then immediately hidden. If you then choose the Variables of the feature function and assign 1 to the variable EXA,  the exact representation is activated – with the bores.

Note:

• Switching between different representation types is only used for viewing/checking whether any collisions can occur etc. If you switch between representations while constructing, this can cause problems, especially if external references have been activated in feature technology.
• You can combine several beams into a parts list by using the left mouse button to select the desired beams in the ICN or in the drawing while holding down the CTRL key. Next, you can change the representation of all beams in the part list in one step.
• When cut beams are fitted, they are represented exactly, while uncut beams are simplified. You can change this setting in ANSGEN.DAT

Automatic selection exact <-> contour in section views (1 = on, 0 = off).

 Related Topics

Steel Engineering Settings (3-D SE) • General Information (3-D SE)