Introduction

Components in IMPACT for Revit are used to model the different elements. A component could be everything from a family to a set of parts that changes the geometry. 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

One of the most common Cast-In Materials is the lift. The lift definition is made up of a face based generic model family with additional properties saved into the database. 

• Cast-In Material
• Dynamic Cast-In Material
• Linear Cast-In Material

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 cast-in materials 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.

Corbels

Defines a corbel geometry. Available for single, double and multiple arrangements.

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.

Opening

Standardized definitions for doors and windows can be set up and used with the opening component.

Panel Thickening

Panel 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.