Revit Families - Content Creation page 2

figure 13
 Use the Import/Link Cad Formats from the File pull down to import
the SAT file (figure 14).

figure 14
 The Object comes in as an imported symbol and is not editable as
Revit Geometry (figure 15).

figure 15
 For each different size you would import an SAT for that size within
the same Revit family file; then set as types with visibility
settings; or create another family file for each size.
 As imported geometry these 3D objects cannot be exploded to turn
into Revit Geometry (figure 16).

figure 16
 As an imported symbol this SAT geometry is all assigned to "layer" 0
 This limits the ability to assign different materials to the
discrete parts in Object Styles (figure 17).

figure 17
 When the material is set to the Object Styles layer for imported
objects, all the parts display the same material (figure 18).

figure 18
Just as when creating content from scratch in the Family Editor,
imported SAT geometry family files can have identity, design and
engineering data assigned as parameters in the family (figure 18).

figure 18
 Although the imported SAT geometry can be dimensioned and aligned
to, it cannot respond to dimension parameter constraints for size
modification like native Revit geometry.
Sat imported geometry
Native Revit geometry
 Finally like creating geometry from scratch, save and name the file (.rfa)
 Load into Projects (.rvt) from the Family Editor (figure 19) or from
the Project itself (Load from Library)
 Then place the family as a component when needed (figure 20)

figure 19 figure 20
Option3: Create from Imported dwg file in Revit Family Editor
 Model in Inventor
Extraneous parts are suppressed and complex models can be simplified
with "Level of Detail" Option (figure 21)

figure 21
Export out of Inventor using AEC Exchange option Save As DWG Solids (figure 22).

figure 22
 Start AutoCAD Application
In AutoCAD the geometry comes in as a block all on layer "0" (figure 23)

figure 23
 Create new layers for each discrete material (figure 24).This can be
preset in a template.
figure 24
 Explode or refedit the block (figure 25).

figure 25
 Assign parts to different layers (figure 26).

figure 26
 Save the File
 In the Revit Family Editor start with the appropriate template, in
this case we will use the furniture family template furniture.rft
(figure 27).

figure 27
Companies can create their own family templates with manufacturer
parameters (model numbers, names, cost, etc.) and materials already.
In the Revit Family Editor use the Import/Link CAD formats to browse
to and import the modified dwg with geometry assigned to layers
(figure 28).

figure 28
 In the Revit Family Editor's Object Styles, materials can be
assigned to the imported symbols "layers" (figure 29).

figure 29
 As we have seen when creating families from scratch, or from SAT
files, we can then assign identity, design and engineering data as
parameters in the family.
 We also have the same limitation as imported SAT geometry that we
cannot fully explode nor constrain/flex the imported dwg geometry by
dimensions.
 Finally, like creating geometry from scratch or SAT import, we save
and name the file (.rfa), Load it into Projects (.rvt) from the Family
Editor or from Project itself (Load from Library).Then place as a
component where needed.
This article did not go into detail about creating MEP products. These
would be imported into the Revit MEP Family Editor where duct,
electrical and piping connectors can be added. I hope to create a
follow up article covering this.