Using the Step Input Box and Construction Elements

This task shows you how to use the step input box and construction elements for more control over routing and placing of resources and item reservations.

The value entered in the step input box is used for accurate routing and resource placement. You can only route in multiples of the value in the step input box. If the value is 0.25 meters you cannot create a run that is 0.33 meters in length, but you can create runs that are 0.50, 0.75 meters and so on.

The value in the step input box works with some of the construction elements to further refine your routing and resource placement, as explained below.
1. To enter a value in the step input box, select the increment field tbsnapgridincrements.gif (407 bytes) and key in a value. You can also click on the down arrow and select a value, if it is appropriate for your task. The following sections explain how the step input box is used together with some of the construction elements.
2. Click on the down arrow and select Snap to steps off current axis button. This allows you to snap to points that are multiples of the value entered in the step input box measured from the current axis (also called origin). As you move your mouse pointer a label will show the distances (coordinates) from the current axis in multiples of the value entered in the step input box. In the illustration below, the label is showing that the distance is 500 mm from the  axis along the X axis, and 500 mm from the axis along the Y axis. When routing you will only be able to create segments whose length is in multiples of 500 mm. Similarly, you will only be able to place (or move) a resource at points that are measured in multiples of 500 mm from the axis. You can change the value in the step input box at any time.

3. Snap to steps off last position tbsnapstepslast.gif (1215 bytes) . This will allow you to snap to points that are multiples of the value in the step input box measured from the last point at which you clicked. When you select this option the label will first show the distances from the current axis. After you click, it will show the distances from the last point where you clicked. You can change the value in the step input box after a click if you want to route a segment of a certain length, or place a resource an exact distance away from where you last clicked.
4. Snap to XY construction planes . This option allows you to snap to the XY grids on a construction plane. You first create a grid using the Construction Planes command. If you have an XY grid you will only be able to place resources at, or route to, the intersections of X and Y grids. If you have only X or Y grids you will only be able to place resources at, or route to, the grid lines.
5.  Snap to all construction planes . Choosing this option allows you to snap to the X, Y or Z grids. 
6. Snap to elevation planes . Selecting this option allows you to snap to the elevation planes of a Z grid. In the illustration below the user is routing on the Z axis and snapping to the elevation planes of the Z grid.

7. Snap to Drafting elements tbsnapdrafting.gif (1221 bytes) . This option is used when attaching the drafting view of a 2D drawing to an area. By using this option you will be able to snap to the elements of the 2D drawing. For instance, if you are attaching the 2D drawing of a conveyor belt to an area, by choosing this option you will be able to use the Conveyor Reservation function to select the drawing (you select by clicking on different elements of the drawing).  This will allow creation of an identical conveyor layout in 3D.