Components
Introduction
This subject is best introduced with examples. Look at the image below. It's a definition of a Lift, one of many component types. Each component type definition has a set of parameters. These are saved in the IMPACT database for each entity. There are many types of components in IMPACT. A brief introduction to the most common ones is written below.
Cast-in Materials
The Lift definition is made up of properties. The lift has a name, a reference, a group, some dimensions and AutoCAD block tied to it. Please take note, the blocks are part of the definition and not the other way around. New users quickly develop the bad habit of seeing the definition as a part of the AutoCAD block and not the other way around. Not all components use blocks as part of their definition. Linear and Dynamic CIM can be drawn on their own separate layers on the floor plan drawing.
Endcaps
You can create Endcap definitions that define the edge geometry of an element. The definition contains properties that dictating the outer most geometry, reinforcement, and insulation borders of IMPACT Elements. Endcaps are used extensively in precast manufacturing for all kind of elements.
Endcaps are defined as 2D section geometries and work by 'shaving off' or 'extruding' sides of an element. As customers have shown over and over again, it's possible to be quite creative with endcaps and their uses as it's possible to include hidden layers of different material etc.
Joints
Joints are predefined definitions of how corners of walls connect. Joints-definitions can include automatic placement of construction goods such as items like fixtures and anchors. Other parameters, such as joint insertion point, individual wall endcap parameters are commonly used.
The program is able to twist, turn and mirror joints in memory to provide more than one alternative from only one definition. I.e the image above where the plates face left in the image. The join can be mirrored, such that the plates face upwards in the image, as well making the upper wall connected to the bottom one.
MEP Keys
MEP Keys is an abbreviation for Mechanical,
Electric and Plumbing keys. The key is a collection of components with predefined positions that adapt to wall, floor and ceiling height. MEP Keys are extensively used for electrical modelling.
Components can be connected with ducts or recess ducts. Ducts automatically twist and turn with user-created rules. Keys can put components in one or either side of the wall.
The insertion point of the KEY is represented by a symbol located at the bottom of the wall displaying the MEP keys identifying text. Can be used with Solid, Insulated and Sandwich walls.
Element extents are able to expand with thickening, corbel & filling.
Corbels
Defines a corbel geometry. Available for single, double and multiple arrangements. Below is an example of a double corbel.
Recess
Recesses are used to make fillings, cutouts, and recesses. These are different for almost every element, no definition is ever made. Instead, the properties are set every time you draw a recess. Tip: You can copy the resulting recess block to other elements if you want to reuse the definition.
There are two different types of this command:
Opening
Standardized definitions for doors and windows can be set up and used with the opening component.
Thickening
Thickening is a tool that allows the user to add material to thickening e.g. panels in a Sandwich wall. Like recesses, you cannot create a permanent definition of a thickening.
