Adding Manufacturing Processes to Timber Elements

INSTRUCTION TYPE: Exploration INSTRUCTION TITLE: Adding Manufacturing Processes to Timber Elements CATEGORY: Structural Detailing OBJECTIVE: Learn how to add new fabrication processes to timber beams for manufacturing

PREREQUISITES:

• Understanding existing manufacturing processes

• Knowledge of timber connection types

• Basic understanding of BTL format specifications

EXPERTISE LEVEL: Advanced

PARAMETERS:

• Process Type: Type of manufacturing operation (drilling, cutting, notching, etc.)

• Process Parameters: Dimensional and positional specifications for each operation

STEPS:

1. Open a project containing timber elements

2. Select a timber beam that requires additional fabrication details

3. Access the Single Beam Information dialog as learned in previous instructions

4. Review current processes to understand the existing fabrication plan

5. Click the "New" button to initiate adding a new process

6. From the process options that appear, select "Perpendicular Drilling"

7. In the configuration dialog, set the drilling parameters:

   • Specify the hole diameter appropriate for your connection

   • Set the depth of the drill hole

   • Define the position coordinates on the beam

   • Select the reference face from which the drilling will start

8. Note that these specifications directly correspond to BTL format used by CNC machines

9. Confirm your new process by clicking OK or Apply

10. Observe the new drilling process in both the process list and the 3D view

EXPECTED RESULTS: A new perpendicular drilling process should appear in the beam's process list and be visible in the 3D model at the specified location.

COMMON VARIATIONS:

• For structural connections, multiple coordinated processes may be needed

• Different machinery capabilities may require specific parameter limitations

TROUBLESHOOTING:

• If process creation fails: Check for geometric conflicts with existing processes

• If drill hole appears incorrectly: Verify reference face and coordinate system

FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:

• Learn to create more complex processes like cuts and notches

• Understand how to duplicate and array processes for repetitive operations

• Explore how to validate processes for manufacturing feasibility

QUERY EXAMPLES: "How do I add a drill hole for a bolt?", "What process should I use for a dowel connection?", "How do I specify manufacturing operations for CNC?"