Is it possible to create a PAZ / Compound cell that will perforate a (compound) wall form vertically?
or
Is it possible to create a 3D "subtractive" perforator for complex geometry?
Currently if I draw a shape in plan to use as a perforator it does not seem to cut. Is it that only perforators drawn in elevation will work?
By default, perforators have never created openings in walls from a vertical orientation (or other angles). However, there is an undocumented variable (I know, I know) that does allow perforators to cut vertically: BB_PERFORATEALL. Set this to a value of 1, restart ABD, then move the object in order to regenerate the geometry. That should work.
Undocumented? Does that mean unsupported or just forgotten?
Thanks - I'll give that a go.
Yes. ;-)
Honestly, it's one that I learned about not too long ago myself. From my brief testing it seems to do what it's supposed to, and I haven't noticed any side-effects. However, you will need to take sense distance into consideration in *all* directions when doing this.
Previously, I only knew of a more limited version of this variable.
So If perforator anarchy takes over, you may want to try
BB_PERFORATEWALLTOP = 1
With this variable, it enables a perforator to cut from top in addition to the side
of a form/wall.
It doesn't allow a perforator to cut from end to end of a form/wall.
I am going to have to think about this to see if using all might be to much.
Sense distance is definiately going to much more important.
Good one, Tom! I'm still struggling to remember some of these newer variables. I would imagine BB_PERFORATEWALLTOP = 1 would be the better choice for Robert's specific case since Sense Distance would only matter vertically and not in all directions.
The end-to-end scenario you mentioned is of course a different case and would require BB_PERFORATEALL.