Component axis

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

Every wall, beam and upstand you draw has a component axis. This is the reference line the program uses when you enter the component. 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 the program needs to create the component in question. You can define whether and how the component axis is displayed in the Properties of the relevant component on the Format properties tab, Settings for component axis or in the Options - Components page - Component axis area.

Figure: wall with/without the component axis being displayed

Modification options

When you modify 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 or the component setup (single-layer or multi-layer). 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 or multi-layer), the program re-creates the component along the axis, changing the position and the geometry of the component, too.
	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	The program detects and takes into account most architectural components.
	Apply Archit. Component Properties	You can use this tool to modify openings and walls in a drawing file in a single step. After you have clicked a donor component, the program transfers the parameters and opens the Properties dialog box of the component clicked. 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 you have confirmed again, the program modifies all the active components in accordance with the settings in the Properties dialog box. You can change the position of the axis in the component or the component setup (single-layer or multi-layer).

Tools for changing the geometry

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

When the component axis is visible, the program does not change the wall type. Instead, it modifies the wall geometry in accordance with this type.
When the component axis is not visible, the program changes only the 2D geometry of the wall, ignoring the wall type.

Icon	Function	Features when modifying architectural elements
	Stretch Entities	Component axis is visible: 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. Component axis is not visible: 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	Component axis is visible: When 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 program re-creates the curved wall together with the components associated with it. Component axis is not visible: Lengthen Lines modifies the wall geometry without taking the characteristics of the wall type into account.
	Fold Line	Component axis is visible: When you click the axis of a straight wall with Fold Line, the program creates two new lines (axes) and the divides the original wall into two walls. You can use all the components that were attached to the old wall, provided these components still intersect the new wall. Component axis is not visible: When you click a wall line in a straight wall with Fold Line and then drag away from the wall line, the program folds only the line in question - the wall line on the opposite side remains unaffected. This results in a trapezoidal wall.

Note: If a straight wall is missing its axis, you can restore the axis using the Fix option.