Anyone,
We have a client requesting Bentley BIM, eventually AECOSim and I’m trying to get a handle on the different Bentleys content options. what works with the dataset catalogs and what doesn’t, what is parametric and what isn’t. From what I can tell, Microstation has 6 different file formats for content (PAZ, PAC, CEL, BXC, BXF & TRS), and then there’s also GCI’s. I guess I’m trying to figure out what is the best format for doing what.
I figured I’d start by learning PCS. Based on what I have read, PCS/PAZ seemed most powerful, even though a lot of people complain about it. They all seem to have their advantages and disadvantages though. Cells are obvious, there the legacy format, But If you want them to be parametric, when do you use the others and for what? when do you use a BCF vs. a PAZ? Why would you make a BXC vs. a BXF vs. a PAZ? Is there one format that is better all around?
HJM
Compound Cells are stored as individual models within a BXC file. They are static cells (not parametric) that are able to store 3D Geometry, 2D Symbols (for simplified drawing graphics), and Perforators (for cutting forms, slabs, or solids when placed). These are basically cells with enhancements to support the needs of BIM that CAD did not require.
Parametric Frame Builder (BXF) and Parametric Cell Studio (PAZ/PAC) are both parametric engines that can do a lot of the same things. Most people believe that you can create content much quicker with Frame Builder, but you are able to create more complex parametric geometries using PC Studio. PAZ & PAC are both file types from PC Studio, the only difference is that the PAZ file format is generated when you publish the PAC which compresses some of the data of the PAC.
HTH,
Travis