Using an Engineering Template Containing Meta Inputs

You can instantiate objects on structure plates and profiles using an engineering template with meta inputs.

Before you begin: Create an object to instantiate, using surfaces as supports.
Tip: You can retrieve the surfaces from the faces of plates and profiles.
  1. Define the engineering template.
    1. From the Compass, click Engineering Templates.
    2. In the Components tab, click Add Reference.
    3. Search and select the required object.
      The selected object is added to the template.
    4. In the Inputs tab, add the necessary inputs as follows:

      1. Click Add.
      2. Click the object in the tree.
      3. Select the necessary inputs in the Select Inputs dialog box.
      Important: The input surfaces must follow the naming convention described below:
      • For panel (split plate) and plate: Plate(n)_Face_Top, Plate(n)_Face_Bottom
      • For profile: Profile(n)_Face_<Name of the section face>. For example, Profile1_Face_MoldedFlange1. For more information, see Naming Section Edges.

    5. In the Meta Inputs tab, click Add to define meta inputs.

      1. Specify the name and the filter type for each meta input.

        The following filter types must be used:

        • For plate: SddPlate
        • For panel: SddSplitPlate
        • For profiles: SddStiffener, SddStiffenerOnFreeEdge, SddMember

      2. Associate the required inputs to each meta input using the up arrow.

    6. Save the template and close it.
    For more information about an engineering template containing meta inputs, see Engineering Templates User's Guide: Creating an Engineering Template Containing Meta Inputs.
  2. Switch to the Structure Design app.

  3. From the Tools section of the action bar, click Engineering Template Instantiation .
    A message appears asking you to query an object using the search.
  4. Search and select the saved template.
  5. In the Insert Object dialog box:

    1. In the Instantiation mode box, select Meta inputs instantiation.
    2. Select the input plates and stiffeners in the 3D area on which the template will be instantiated.
      Note: The generic face names of a plate or a profile are matched with the ones defined in the template inputs.
    3. Select the Repeat check box to repeat the instantiation at multiple places without clicking Engineering Template Instantiation again and again.
    4. Click OK.

    The template is instantiated.