This article is part of a strict, sequential step-by-step tutorial for building a car frame BIM component. Follow the steps in order — each later step builds on the result of the one before it.
Prerequisites
DigiPara Liftdesigner and DigiPara Liftdesigner Datamanager are installed, with write access to the DigiPara BIM Library data pool you want to extend.
A project is open in Liftdesigner containing a car frame similar to the one you want to create.
Steps
1.) Find a similar car frame and note its manufacturer and RID. In DigiPara Liftdesigner, open the Select Product dialog and locate a car frame that is close to what you want to build. Note its manufacturer/library node and its RID (shown in the Table View of the Select Product dialog, e.g. CFD_RID) — both are needed to find the same record in the Datamanager.
2.) Copy the car frame in DigiPara Liftdesigner Datamanager. Open the Car Frames table for the matching RID and click Copy BIM Components on the Home ribbon. Step through the 3-step copy wizard, then click Close & Open Copy to finish and open the new record. The car frame is copied with all its parameters and values into a new manufacturer / DigiPara BIM Library entry.
3.) Edit the meta data of the copy. With the new record open in Edit Mode, give it a specific description and sub-description (e.g. CFT_DESC = "Training Car Frame", CFT_SUB_DESC = "My Training Example"). Save by opening a new table tab to store the content in the database.
4.) Locate the Explanation of Parameters and Values. The reference file for the car frame's 3D parameters is stored at C:\ProgramData\DigiPara\dcc\DataPool\developer. It's a developer .dwg file that documents what each parameter controls.
5.) Read through the parameter groups before editing anything. Use the reference drawing in DigiPara Liftdesigner Datamanager to look up each group of typical 3D parameters for a car frame before you start changing values in later steps:
Type — parameters describing the car frame's general type.
Car Size Ranges — parameters describing the valid size range of the car.
Dimensions — the car frame's individual dimension parameters.
Buffer — parameters related to buffer positioning.
Result
A new, independent car frame record exists in the DigiPara BIM Library, with its own description and RID, ready to be loaded and developed further.
You know what each of the car frame's key 3D parameters controls, before you start editing its geometry in the following steps.
Next Step