The geometry of a symbol consists of one or more closed contours comprised of lines, arcs, and other graphics. In order for the software to know which line or arc corresponds to which part of your symbol, you must name each geometric element.
Edge names are:
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Standard for each type of symbol.
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Internal to the symbol, but are associated with symbol representations, which are exposed externally through the catalog.
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Hard-coded values in the software for member cross-sections. That is, only an administrator can change the edge names described here.
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Hard-coded values in the software for profiles and bounded and bounding edges for end cuts and must be defined exactly as shown.
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You can define edge names for slots and collars and end cut edges (for example, WebFace1, FlangeFace1). The names shown below were designed to work logically with the profile edge names and are recommended but not required.
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Used to associate symbol representations to each other (for example, associate a slot to a cross-section):
Profile Cross-Sections
The following standard edge names are used:
A profile cross-section, with the exception of pipe and round tube, must have at least the following four edge names defined:
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Top
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Bottom
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Web_Left
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Web_Right
Within the standard names, each type of profile cross-section uses a specific subset of edge names.
I-beams
Includes W and S types.
T
Includes W, S, and M types and fabricated Ts.
I-to-T
Angle
Includes equal and unequal leg angles.
Fabricated angle
Channel
Includes S and M types.
Channel cut
Flat bar
Bulb
Bulb T
Pipe
Includes pipe, tube, and round bar
Rectangular tube
Slots
The following edge names are recommended for penetrations (slots). Because slots are referenced from profile symbol representations, slot edge names are based on the referenced profile geometry.
Within the standard names, each type of slot uses a specific subset of edge names.
Open slots (A slots)
Connected slots (C slots)
Slit slots (I slots)
Collars and Clips
The following edge names are recommended for collars. Because collars are referenced from profile and slot symbol representations, collar edge names are based on the referenced profile and slot geometry.
Tight collars
Non-tight collars or collars on connected slots
Collars for built-up profiles
Only the collar edge names around the built-up portion of the profile are shown. Other edge names are the same as for tight and non-tight collars.
Clips
End Cuts
End cut edge names are best described in context with end cut concepts. For more information, see Creating End Cuts.