How to Create Parametric Objects using CEL (Parametric)

	Product(s):	AECOsim Building Designer
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition Update 3 and later
	Environment:	N\A
	Area:	Platform Tools
	Subarea:	N\A

Problem Description

I would like to use CEL (Parametric) to create Parametric Objects in AECOsim Building Designer. How to accomplish that?

Solution

To create Parametric Objects in AECOsim Building Designer using CEL (Parametric) please follow the following steps:

Step 1

Create a new file in <Workset folder>\Standards\Cell\

Step 2

Create the profile and assign the required geometric and dimensional constraints. The dimensional constraints used in the model would be controlled by some variables (will be created in the next step) to control the profile and hence the element created from this profile.

Step 3

Create variables and assign them to the correct dimensional constraints. These variables would control the dimensional constraints and hence the profile. These variables will be controlled by properties (preferably, custom properties that are to be created) that would be hooked to them in the DataGroup Catalog Editor in the subsequent steps. In this example, the variable for the extrusion depth (UnitWidth) is assigned to it directly.

Save the model as a .cel

Step 4

Create new property definition and properties to control the variables as a cell. Assign the property definition to the Catalog Type for the cell. In the Catalog Item, select the Parametric | File Type as CEL (Parametric) and the Parametric | File Name as the file that was created in the last step. Choose the correct Parametric Name (variable names) for each of the new properties.