Creating a custom structural frame component: best practices

When creating a custom frame component model, follow these guidelines to ensure it works properly before applying frame attributes using the Frame Origin command.

• In a new part file, the complete cross section of the component must reside in either the first feature or first sketch.

  Note:

  The frame component does not have to contain a solid body of the feature. A sketch is enough to successfully create a frame. However, you should create the solid, so that a preview is available when you select the frame component.

• If a sketch keypoint cannot be used as the handle point, add a point element at the desired location. The cross section handle point definition is the first step in the Frame Origin command. The handle point of the cross section is where the frame connects to the frame path.

  Note:

  If a handle point does not exist in the frame component file, the Frame command defaults to the centroid of the 2D cross section.

• The second step of the Frame Origin command defines the relative orientation line or edge for the frame section. This is used to automatically position the frame component relative to the specified frame path. The frame cross section automatically rotates so the orientation line is positioned horizontal to the X axis of the reference plane normal to the path segment and the computed centroid of the cross section is below the orientation line.

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