This plugin automatically makes slots for a part that has tabs.

[pre]Copyright(C) 2010, kyyu
All Rights Reserved
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software for any purpose
and without fee is hereby granted, provided this notice appears in any copies.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Name: Slots 4 Tabs
Version: 1.0
SU Version: 7.0
Date: 05-27-2010

Description: Automatically makes mating slots for a tabbed part
Usage: Select both the parts (each grouped) and right click context menu ( [kyyu]/Slots 4 Tabs )
* Plugin will automatically detect which part is which
* Parts should be place in proper perpendicular, intersecting position
* Parts are assumed to be flat plates, thickness same as tab height
* Tab height needs to match expected thickness exactly (default is 0.25 inch)
* How to change thickness value:
1) Type for example "$kyyu_s4t = 0.25" into the Ruby Console. Will be good for entire SU session.
2) Or change the default permanently, a few lines down in the code.
* Plugin automatically defaults to the move tool when done. You can comment this out, if not wanted.

History:
1.0 (05-27-2010) - first version[/pre]





-Kwok Attached files ky_Slots_4_Tabs (v1.0).rb (8 KB)Â

 

Thanks Kwok, fantastic plugin.

 

Kwok, that is fantastic! You da man!

 

Going to have to tinker with this one for sure.

 

Glad you guys like it. :mrgreen:

 

Kwok, you da man. Looks like you're going to be soon able to ruby script in your sleep. Good for you for catching on to it so fast.

 

:mrgreen:

 

AWESOME Kwok !! Thank you for this plug in, I cant wait to apply it to a new design
This will only work if the parts actually show as the thickness of the foam we are using, correct!! Do you use the push pull tool to change the thickness of the part ( before grouping)or is there a short cut!! :mrgreen:

Thanks again!!
John

 

Hi John,

Yes, the parts need to be 3d with actual thickness. And the tab height should be the same as the thicknesses, also. Actually, if you think about it, it doesn't make any sense to try and make a mating slot without having 1st established a thickness for at least the tabbed part. Don't tell me, you have never seen my "Push/Pull and Group" plugin? viewtopic.php?f=103&t=1646 That's also what the "Delete interior faces" plugin is for, to prepare all the 2d parts before push/pull.

-Kwok

 

Great plugin your the man!

 

Thank you Kwok, and I must be living in a cave I have not seen this plug in of yours and it all makes sense now!! I am grateful for your generosity in offering up all this hard work!! These plug ins of yours are priceless, I use the re group plug in alot, even though they say we dont need to group any more i like to have my pieces cut in a specific order
Thank you again my Friend!!
John

 

silly question, but how do you make a group?

thanks

Nate

 

I keep getting an error that says I need to select 2 groups.?

 

Nate - Select all the lines and faces for a part, then Right-Click and select "Group". Or, as I recall, the default keystroke shortcut for Groups is the letter "g" on the keyboard.

 

rcflyboynj, yes what Dennis said.

If you work with SU for any length of time, then you will figure out that parts should be groups or components. Otherwise they will stick to each other when they touch.

On another note, I know you are trying to use this plugin for the coin sorter contest. You can always do it the old fashion way, which is to just draw the slots and tabs manually onto the 2D parts. I use construction lines (Tape Measure Tool) to help with the alignment. I just mention this, in case you are new to working with SU. Because if you use this plugin, you still have to draw the tabs manually. And you have to go from 2D to 3D and back to 2D, to get you profiles.

-Kwok

 

You would think that that is the natural thing to do, make the 'g' for groups but no, some smart alec at google decided that it is cooler to have the 'g' for... Component. I kid you not. I changed it in the shortcut option and now I have the 'g' for groups.

 

Oh yeah, that's right! I remember I assigned "shift-g" to the Groups command and left the lower-case "g" for components. "c" is assigned already to "copy" and that makes sense, too.

 

I hardly ever use component, I use almost only group. It made sense to re-assign the ''g' and never mind the component.

 

When I was drawing my ObservaShed, I needed to use components a lot. I think it was needed to apply material characteristics for the renderings, and to make every 2"X 4"X 8' start out exactly 1 1/2" X 3 1/2" X 8" so I could properly calculate the exact square-footage and panel overlaps.
I've never needed it for any flat foamie design.

 

Dennis, in your case I would have assigned the letter 'k' for 'k'omponent. I know it's misspelled but it is close enough. Much better than having a 'g' for 'g'omponent.

 

downloaded it and saved in on my desktop.
Now what do I do with it. :think: