Component axis

Module(s): Basic: Walls, Openings, Components module

Every wall, beam and upstand you draw has a component axis. This is a reference line that is used when the component is entered. The axis of a straight wall is simply the line you enter. In the case of a curved wall it is the arc, with a spline-based wall the spline, with an entity-based wall it is the donor entity.

You can define the position of the axis within the component in the Properties of the relevant component; consequently the resulting directions of extension vary.

The component axis contains all the information that is required for creating the component in question. You can define whether and how the component axis is displayed in the Properties of the relevant component, Format properties tab, Settings for component axis or in the Options - Components page - Component axis area.

Figure: wall with/without component axis displayed

Modification options

When modifying components like walls, beams and upstands, however, the component axis has many advantages.

The section that follows provides an overview of modification tools and the benefits provided by the component axis in each case. All these additional tools can only be utilized with components that were created with an axis.

Architecture-specific modification tools

Icon	Function	Features when modifying architectural elements
	Modifying element properties using the shortcut menu	You can change the position of the axis in the component and/or the component setup (single-tier/multi-tier). Changing the position of the axis within the component does not affect the geometry of the component. When you change the component’s thickness or its setup (single-layer/multi-layer), the component is re-created along the axis. This also affects the position and the geometry of the component.
	Delete Section of Linear Component	Each of the new components is given a separate component axis. The position of the axis and its direction of extension are the same for both linear components.
	Join Linear Components	When a linear component is joined with a second linear component, the component axis adapts to the new outline.
	Join Linear Component with Line	When a linear component is joined with a line, the component axis adapts to the new outline.
	Modify Exterior Wall	When modifying the exterior wall, most architectural components are detected and taken into account for the altered wall.
	Apply Archit. Component Properties	You can use this tool to modify openings and walls in a document in a single step. After clicking a donor component, the parameters are transferred and the Properties dialog box of the clicked component is displayed. Confirm the Properties dialog box. You can then select any number of components of the same type in the drawing file – for example, all doors, or all openings, or all niches. After confirming again, all the active components are modified in accordance with the settings in the Properties dialog box. You can also change the position of the axis in the component and/or the component setup (single-tier/multi-tier).

Tools for making geometric modifications

When you modify the geometry of a wall with the tools that are familiar to you from 2D drafting, whether the component axis is displayed or not makes a difference:

When the component axis is displayed, the wall type is retained; the wall geometry is modified in accordance with the type.

When the component axis is not displayed, only the 2D geometry of the wall is displayed; the wall type itself is not taken into account.

Icon	Function	Features when modifying architectural elements
	Stretch Entities	With component axis displayed: When you select the corner of a single-tier wall (thickness = 36.5 cm) with Stretch Entities and drag away from the wall line, the wall is rotated about the opposite end point, the thickness is retained and the outline of the wall stays rectangular. Without component axis displayed: When you select the corner of a single-tier wall (thickness = 36.5 cm) with Stretch Entities and drag away from the wall line, the rectangular wall outline becomes a trapezoid.
	Lengthen Lines	With component axis displayed: If the component axis of a curved wall is visible, you can select it with Lengthen Lines. By clicking the start and end points of the segment, you can define the direction in which it is to extend. The new value for the included angle lengthens or shortens the segment; the curved wall is re-created together with the components associated with it. Without component axis displayed: Lengthen Lines modifies the wall geometry without taking the characteristics of the wall type into account.
	Fold Line	With component axis displayed: When you click the axis of a straight wall with Fold Line, two new lines (axes) are created and the original wall is divided into two walls. All the components attached to the old wall can be used. Without component axis displayed: When you click a wall line in a straight wall with Fold Line and then drag outwards, only the line in question folds – the wall line on the opposite side remains unaffected. This results in a trapezoidal wall.