Symbolic display
A simple placeholder mark (star). Used for elements that do not need to be drawn in detail but should appear in the table (e.g. spacers). Does not appear in printed output.
Functions: Can be annotated, gathered, positioned
SBeXpress Module A
SBexpress - Mounting Parts
The Mounting Parts (A) module is a catalogue-based parametric object system for managing embedded fittings, factory-made products and ancillary components. It enables converting arbitrary blocks into intelligent Components with positioning, annotation and table generation.
What problem does the module solve?
In plain AutoCAD, embedded fittings (lifting anchors, spacers, SCHÖCK elements, HALFEN channels) are just blocks. There is no quantity tracking, no automatic table and no parametric resizing. Every modification requires manual intervention.
- Blocks cannot be parametrically resized – every size needs a separate block
- No quantity tracking: the table must be maintained by hand
- Components do not integrate with the position numbering system
How it changes the workflow
- Parametric Component families: variables (size, material, length) control the block display and dimensions within one family
- Symbolic and block display: simple placeholder mark or detailed drawing
- Automatic position numbering and table generation in the unified VBeXpress system
Object families
The Component object has two display modes and can be organised into families. A family is a collection of blocks with identical parameters but different sizes and appearances.
Detailed (block) display
A block showing a view of the fitting (top view, front view). Blocks must first be assigned to a Component family and uploaded to the Component catalogue.
Functions: True-to-scale display, automatic block name generation, parametric scaling
Component family
A fitting type from the catalogue with identical parameters but different sizes. Up to 8 variables can be defined (integer, real, text). Image, drawing and documentation files can be attached.
Functions: 8 variables, format-string-based parameterisation, images and data sheets
Workflows
Creating a Component
Placing a Component is a straightforward process. After launching the command, select the family, type, block (or symbolic mark), set the parameters, and place with OK.
Functions: Family selection, type parameterisation, block list, Scale X/Y, automatic annotation
Converting a block to a Component
Existing AutoCAD blocks can be converted into intelligent Component objects. After selecting the block, choose a Component family and enter the exact parameter values. Each instance can be converted individually.
Functions: Block → Component, family selection, parameter input
Creating a Component family
An entirely new Component family can be created based on a manufacturer catalogue. The process includes: selecting catalogue images, creating a definition DWG with blocks, defining variables (up to 8), setting parametric scaling, and attaching files to the family.
Functions: New family name, images (BMP), data sheet (PDF), definition DWG, variables, Scale X/Y formulas
Gathering and table
Component gathering happens in the unified VBeXpress system. The command counts all Components in the drawing and creates or updates the Component table. The table marks changed quantities or types with INVALID.
Functions: Automatic gathering, table update, INVALID marking, position number search
Component kits and customisation
The VBeXpress installer includes Component family definitions in the beam.cfg file, but the drawing, image and documentation files must be downloaded separately from staticad.hu (alkatrész.zip). Save files to the shared directory (MMSS/Common).
Example Component families
- • Lifting fittings
- • Spacers (all types)
- • SCHÖCK elements (thermal break connections)
Parameters and variables
- • Up to 8 variables per family (int, double, string)
- • Format-string-based reference ($i0–$i7, $d0–$d7, $s0–$s7)
- • Minimum/maximum values, recommended values list
- • Unit and decimal places per variable