Mental Model Guide: Understanding Dietrich's Paradigm
Dietrich's Mental Model Guide: Complete Edition
Understanding Dietrich's Paradigm for Users Transitioning from Traditional CAD
Table of Contents
Introduction
What You're Used To: Traditional Sketch-Based CAD
How Dietrich's Actually Works
The Critical Differences
Core Concepts You Need to Understand
Why Dietrich's Component Coordinate Systems Are Superior
Practical Translation Guide
Making the Mental Shift
What's Actually Similar
Recommended Learning Path
Summary: The Paradigm Shift
Introduction
If you're coming from SolidWorks, OnShape, FreeCAD, or other parametric CAD systems, Dietrich's will feel fundamentally different. This is not because Dietrich's is outdated or limited—it's because Dietrich's operates on an entirely different paradigm specifically designed for timber construction.
This guide will help you:
Understand why Dietrich's works differently
Unlearn sketch-based thinking
Master building-intelligence concepts
Leverage Dietrich's automation effectively
Recognize when Dietrich's approach is superior
Key insight: Dietrich's is not "CAD for timber"—it's an intelligent building system that happens to generate CAD data.
Part 1: What You're Used To (Traditional Sketch-Based CAD)
If you're coming from SolidWorks, OnShape, or FreeCAD, your mental model probably looks like this:
Key Characteristics of Sketch-Based CAD
Bottom-up approach:
Start with points and lines
Create constrained 2D sketches
Build 3D features from sketches
Assemble parts into assemblies
Constraint-driven:
Equal, parallel, tangent, concentric relationships
Dimensional constraints drive geometry
Constraint solver maintains relationships
Change constraint → geometry updates
Sketch-dependent:
Features are children of sketches
Edit sketch → feature updates
Delete sketch → feature fails
Feature tree shows chronological history
Generic geometry:
Works for any mechanical part
No domain-specific intelligence
Manual definition of all relationships
Universal applicability across industries
Standard Workflow Example
Creating a simple bracket in SolidWorks:
Every step is manual. Every relationship is explicit. Every dimension is user-defined.
Part 2: How Dietrich's Actually Works (Building-Intelligence Paradigm)
Dietrich's operates on fundamentally different principles designed specifically for timber construction:
Key Characteristics of Building-Intelligence Paradigm
Top-down approach:
Start with building structure (stories)
Define building elements (walls, floors, roofs)
Elements have construction intelligence
Rules generate detailed components
Rules-driven:
HRB (wall) guidelines define construction rules
SmartTags apply conditional machining
Logic Blocks enable complex automation
System variables enable dynamic behavior
Element-dependent:
Components belong to building elements
Element properties control behavior
Change properties → regenerate per rules
MOS structure shows fabrication organization
Domain-specific intelligence:
Built specifically for timber construction
Understands building element types
Knows construction conventions
Optimized for fabrication workflow
Standard Workflow Example
Creating an exterior wall in Dietrich's:
One button generates hundreds of components based on construction intelligence.
Part 3: The Critical Differences
Difference #1: Components vs. Geometry
You create generic geometry
You place intelligent building elements
Sketch defines shape
Element type defines behavior
Feature = extruded sketch
Component = building intelligence
Manual creation of each part
Automated generation from rules
Universal geometry
Construction-specific elements
Example:
SolidWorks: Draw rectangle → Extrude → Get box → Add more features → Create each component manually
Dietrich's: Place wall element → Properties define layers → HRB generates studs, plates, sheathing automatically → Hundreds of components from one action
Difference #2: Workplanes vs. Reference Planes
Workplane CONSTRAINS geometry
Workplane ORGANIZES geometry
Sketch is bound to plane
Components are independent of workplane
Change plane angle = reorient features
Workplane is just spatial reference
Plane is geometric definition
Plane is organizational aid
Sketch cannot exist without plane
Components exist independently
Critical quote from Dietrich's documentation:
"The inserted components are independent of the work plane, both in terms of their MOS and geometrically"
This is fundamentally NOT how sketch-based CAD works. Do not expect sketch behavior.
Practical implication:
In SolidWorks: Delete the sketch plane → features fail
In Dietrich's: Delete the workplane → components remain unchanged (they were never dependent on it)
Difference #3: Constraint-Driven vs. Rules-Driven
Dimensional constraints
Building rules & automation
Equal, parallel, tangent, etc.
HRB guidelines, SmartTags, Logic Blocks
Change dimension → geometry updates
Change wall property → regenerate per rules
Constraint solver
Rules engine
Geometric relationships
Construction relationships
Manual definition
Automatic application
Example automation:
Traditional: Set dimension = 100mm → constraint solver updates dependent geometry
Dietrich's: Wall type = "exterior 2x6" → HRB generates: studs @ 16" O.C., double top plate, single bottom plate, OSB sheathing, per construction rules automatically
Difference #4: Feature Tree vs. MOS Structure
Feature tree (chronological history)
MOS (organizational structure)
Sketch001 → Extrude001 → Cut001
Building → Stories → Walls → Components
Edit history
Organize fabrication and logistics
Design intent through relationships
Manufacturing intent through structure
Shows how part was built
Shows how building is organized
Chronological order
Hierarchical organization
Purpose difference:
Feature tree: Allows you to edit design history ("roll back" to earlier state)
MOS structure: Allows you to control fabrication, shipping, assembly sequences
Part 4: Core Concepts You Need to Understand
1. Model Organization Structure (MOS)
This is Dietrich's organizing principle - it's NOT a feature tree:
Additional MOS structures:
MOS Layers:
Like CAD layers for visibility control
Components can belong to layers
Control display, selection, editing
Layer 0 = default for most components
Layer 20 = default for wall/roof areas
MOS Packages:
Process organization (not physical assembly)
Group by: machine, delivery, installation sequence
Components NOT assembled together
Often overlapping across multiple walls/floors
Used for logistics and fabrication planning
MOS Elements:
Assembly units (components ARE assembled together)
Pre-assembled before delivery
Position of individual parts matters
Element plans show assembly details
Part of a wall, ceiling, or roof surface
Critical distinction:
Packages: "All studs going to Machine #1" (process grouping)
Elements: "Assembled wall panel #3" (physical assembly)
Purpose: Control what gets fabricated when, shipped how, and assembled in what order - NOT geometric relationships
2. Building Elements (Not Geometric Primitives)
Building elements are intelligent containers with construction properties:
Wall Properties include:
Layered structure: Studs, sheathing, insulation, vapor barrier (up to 10 layers)
Reference axis position: Where the wall "anchors" (interior face, exterior face, centerline)
Height references: Bottom reference (story, foundation), top reference (story height, roof)
HRB guideline link: Which construction rules apply
Slice structure: Defines individual layers of wall for component placement
Intersection priorities: How this wall intersects with other walls
MOS information: Automatic organization for fabrication
Floor/Ceiling Properties include:
Slice structure: Joists, subfloor, finish floor layers
Orientation: Joist direction
Span references: Which walls support this floor
Elementation settings: How floor is divided for prefabrication
Roof Properties include:
Layered structure: Rafters, sheathing, roofing layers
Intersection priorities: How roof surfaces meet
Overhang areas: Habitable vs. non-habitable space
Edge conditions: Eave, rake, ridge details
When you place a wall, you're not drawing - you're instantiating an intelligent system that knows how timber walls behave.
3. HRB Guidelines (Rules-Based Automation)
This is where Dietrich's power lies - automated component generation based on construction rules.
HRB Guideline = Construction Rules + Component Definitions
An HRB guideline might specify:
Press button → Wall automatically generates ALL components per these rules
This is fundamentally different from manually sketching and extruding each stud, each plate, each piece of sheathing.
Key advantages:
Consistency: Every wall follows same rules
Speed: Hundreds of components in seconds
Accuracy: No manual errors
Adaptability: Change wall type → all components regenerate
Code compliance: Rules encode building codes
4. SmartTags & Logic Blocks (Advanced Automation)
Beyond basic HRB guidelines, Dietrich's offers sophisticated automation:
SmartTags:
Attach machining operations to components based on conditions
React to component context (what it touches, where it's located)
Example: "If beam end touches column, add mortise"
Example: "If rafter meets ridge, cut appropriate angle"
Can reference system variables (component dimensions, position, relationships)
Logic Blocks:
Complex parametric processes with conditional logic
Multi-step operations
Variable-based calculations
Example: "Generate stair stringer with treads, calculate rise/run, add handrail connections"
Example: "Create truss system with web configuration based on span"
System Variables:
Values the program determines automatically
Available in HRB guidelines, SmartTags, Logic Blocks
Examples: wall thickness, component length, story height, opening width
Enable truly dynamic automation
This is closer to parametric CAD, but applied to construction intelligence, not geometric constraints.
5. Object Coordinate System & Reference Sides
Every component in Dietrich's has its own coordinate system that defines reference sides for parametric operations.
From documentation:
"Each volume in a building position has its own coordinate system, the so-called object coordinate system. This results in the reference sides of the object to which the parametric operations are related."
Practical meaning:
Each beam, stud, plate has X, Y, Z axes
These axes define which face is "top," "bottom," "left," "right"
Parametric operations reference these sides consistently
Example: "Mortise 50mm from reference side" - system knows which side
This is critical for CNC machining - the machine needs to know component orientation and which faces to process.
We'll explore why this is superior in the next section.
Part 5: Why Dietrich's Component Coordinate Systems Are Superior
While SolidWorks has coordinate systems and face selection capabilities, Dietrich's approach is fundamentally better suited for timber construction. Here's why.
The Problem with Traditional CAD Approach
In SolidWorks or similar CAD systems:
Manual face selection every time:
Issues:
❌ No consistent reference methodology
❌ Manual selection required for each operation
❌ Error-prone (wrong face selection)
❌ Difficult to standardize across hundreds of components
❌ CNC export requires manual setup for each part
❌ No automatic adaptation to component orientation
For a timber frame with 500 beams, each needing 4 mortises = 2000 manual face selections
Dietrich's Solution: Intelligent Reference Sides
Object Coordinate System defines reference sides persistently:
Advantages of Dietrich's Approach
1. Consistency Across All Components
SmartTag Definition:
Result:
Every rafter automatically gets correct cut
All reference the same logical face (top)
Orientation handled automatically
No manual face selection needed
Traditional CAD equivalent:
Manually select end face of rafter #1
Create cut feature with angle
Repeat for rafter #2... #3... #50...
Hope you selected correct face every time
2. Automatic CNC Orientation
Dietrich's knows component orientation:
Traditional CAD:
Export geometry to CAM software
Manually define coordinate system in CAM
Manually orient each component on virtual CNC table
Manually set which face is "up" vs "down"
Manually define tool approach directions
Repeat for every component
For 500 beams = 500 manual CNC setups vs. automatic in Dietrich's
3. Reference Side Logic for Building Elements
Timber construction has logical "sides":
Wall stud:
Interior face: Where drywall attaches
Exterior face: Where sheathing attaches
Top end: Connects to top plate
Bottom end: Connects to bottom plate
Dietrich's HRB guideline can specify:
All studs in all walls get consistent operations because reference sides are consistently defined.
SolidWorks approach would require:
Manually create each operation on each stud
Manually ensure "exterior" face selection is consistent
Hope you don't accidentally select wrong face
No automatic adaptation if stud orientation changes
4. Parametric Operations Stay Correct
Scenario: Beam orientation changes
In Dietrich's:
In SolidWorks:
This becomes critical in timber framing where:
Components have construction-specific orientation (top vs. bottom matters)
Grain direction matters for strength
CNC machining depends on correct orientation
Assembly sequence requires knowing component sides
5. Construction Intelligence, Not Just Geometry
Dietrich's reference sides encode construction knowledge:
Example: Floor joist connection
This is construction logic encoded in the reference system - not just arbitrary face selection.
SolidWorks has no concept of "flooring surface" vs "ceiling surface" - all faces are geometrically equivalent.
6. Simplified User Experience
User creating custom connection:
Dietrich's approach:
SolidWorks approach:
Dietrich's: 1 definition → applies to all beams correctly SolidWorks: N beams = N manual face selections
Real-World Impact
Small timber frame project:
200 beams
Average 3 machining operations per beam
600 total operations
Dietrich's:
Define 10 SmartTag types
Apply to appropriate components
Export to CNC: automatic
Time: 30 minutes
SolidWorks:
Manually select faces: 600 times
Create features: 600 times
Set up CNC: 200 times (once per beam)
Risk of errors: high
Time: 20+ hours
Large commercial project:
2,000 wall studs
500 floor joists
300 rafters
Each with multiple operations
Dietrich's: HRB guidelines + SmartTags = automated SolidWorks: Thousands of manual operations = impractical
Why This Matters for Timber Construction
Timber construction has unique requirements:
High component count: Buildings have thousands of similar-but-not-identical pieces
Orientation matters: Top vs. bottom, interior vs. exterior are functionally different
CNC integration: Direct export to timber-specific CNC machines
Building code compliance: Consistent operations ensure code requirements met
Assembly sequence: Reference sides help define installation order
Grain direction: Structural integrity depends on proper orientation
Dietrich's object coordinate systems and reference sides are designed specifically for these requirements.
Traditional CAD systems are designed for general mechanical engineering where:
Fewer total components
Orientation often doesn't matter (bolt holes work from any direction)
Manual CNC setup is acceptable
No building code considerations
No assembly sequence requirements
Technical Implementation Details
How Dietrich's achieves this:
Every component creation automatically generates object coordinate system
Based on component type and placement
Aligned with building coordinate system
Defines logical reference sides
Parametric operations stored relative to reference sides
Not absolute geometric positions
Adapt when component moves/rotates
Export correctly to CNC regardless of model orientation
System variables reference object coordinate system
Enable dynamic calculations
Support conditional logic
Maintain construction intelligence
CNC export uses object coordinate systems
Automatic orientation on CNC table
Tool approach directions defined
Machining sequence optimized
Single Beam Info shows all operations with reference sides
User can see which face each operation references
Easy to verify correctness
Can edit individual operations while maintaining reference logic
Comparison Summary Table
Face selection
Manual every time
Automatic via reference sides
Consistency
User-dependent (error-prone)
System-enforced
Scalability
Poor (N components = N operations)
Excellent (1 definition → N components)
CNC orientation
Manual setup per part
Automatic from object coordinate system
Construction logic
Not encoded
Built into reference side definitions
Parametric adaptation
Limited (geometry-based)
Full (construction-based)
User effort
High (manual for each component)
Low (define once, apply to many)
Error risk
High (wrong face selection)
Low (system-managed)
Code compliance
Manual verification
Automatic through rules
Industry integration
Generic CAM export
Timber-specific (BTLx, etc.)
Conclusion: Purpose-Built vs. General-Purpose
SolidWorks coordinate systems and face selection:
✅ Flexible for any industry
✅ Powerful for one-off designs
✅ Good for prototyping
❌ Manual, repetitive for high-component-count projects
❌ No construction intelligence
❌ Requires CAM software layer
Dietrich's object coordinate systems and reference sides:
✅ Optimized for timber construction
✅ Automatic scaling to thousands of components
✅ Construction intelligence encoded
✅ Direct CNC integration
✅ Code compliance built-in
❌ Less flexible for non-timber applications
For timber construction: Dietrich's approach is objectively superior.
It's not about "features" - it's about having a system specifically designed for the problem domain, encoding construction knowledge, and automating what would otherwise be thousands of error-prone manual operations.
Part 6: Practical Translation Guide
When You Want To...
"Create a workplane and sketch"
Place a building element (wall/floor/roof)
"Add dimensional constraints"
Set element properties (thickness, layers, materials)
"Extrude the sketch"
Apply HRB guideline (auto-generate components)
"Create a feature"
Add parametric operations (SmartTags, Logic Blocks)
"Edit the sketch"
Modify properties and regenerate
"Build feature relationships"
Set up MOS organization (control fabrication flow)
"Select face for operation"
Reference side automatically defined (via object coordinate system)
"Create custom coordinate system"
Use User Defined Coordinate System (UCS)
"Set up for CNC"
Export to D-CAM (automatic orientation from object coordinate system)
"Create assembly mates"
Define Elements/Packages (fabrication organization)
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
❌ WRONG: "Workplanes constrain my components like sketch planes" ✅ RIGHT: "Workplanes organize my view and provide spatial reference, but components are independent"
❌ WRONG: "I need to dimension every component manually" ✅ RIGHT: "HRB guidelines and properties drive automatic component generation"
❌ WRONG: "Components depend on the workplane they're drawn on" ✅ RIGHT: "Components are independent - MOS structure determines relationships"
❌ WRONG: "I manually create each stud and beam" ✅ RIGHT: "Rules-based automation generates components from building intelligence"
❌ WRONG: "I need to manually select faces for each machining operation" ✅ RIGHT: "Object coordinate system defines reference sides automatically"
❌ WRONG: "Feature tree shows me how to edit my design" ✅ RIGHT: "MOS structure organizes fabrication - edit elements through properties, not history"
❌ WRONG: "Constraints solve my geometry relationships" ✅ RIGHT: "Rules engines and system variables create dynamic construction relationships"
Task Translation Examples
Task: Create a wall with studs
SolidWorks mindset (DON'T do this in Dietrich's):
Dietrich's approach (DO this):
Task: Add mortise to beam ends
SolidWorks mindset (DON'T do this in Dietrich's):
Dietrich's approach (DO this):
Task: Prepare for CNC manufacturing
SolidWorks mindset (DON'T do this):
Dietrich's approach (DO this):
Part 7: Making the Mental Shift
Think Like a Construction Manager, Not a Drafter
Traditional CAD mindset (what you're used to):
"I will draw this geometry precisely"
"I will constrain these relationships"
"I will dimension this part"
"I will select faces for operations"
"I will create features one by one"
Dietrich's mindset (what you need to adopt):
"What kind of building element is this?" (wall, floor, roof)
"What are its construction properties?" (layer structure, materials)
"What rules should generate the components?" (HRB guidelines)
"How will this be fabricated and assembled?" (MOS organization)
"What machining automation applies?" (SmartTags, Logic Blocks)
Key Mental Reframes
1. From "Geometry Creation" → "Element Placement"
Old thinking:
I'm drawing lines and shapes
I'm creating geometry from scratch
Each line is a manual decision
New thinking:
I'm placing intelligent building systems
Elements have embedded construction knowledge
Placement triggers automatic generation
Practical impact:
Stop thinking about individual studs
Start thinking about wall types and properties
Let the system generate the details
2. From "Constraint Solving" → "Rule Application"
Old thinking:
I define dimensional relationships
Constraint solver maintains geometry
I control all parameters
New thinking:
I define construction rules once
Rules engine generates components
System applies construction knowledge
Practical impact:
Don't try to "constrain" components to each other
Instead, use HRB guidelines and SmartTags
Trust the rules engine to generate correct results
3. From "Feature Tree" → "Building Structure"
Old thinking:
Feature tree shows design history
I edit by rolling back to earlier features
Chronological sequence matters
New thinking:
MOS shows fabrication organization
I edit by changing properties and regenerating
Hierarchical structure matters (building → story → wall → component)
Practical impact:
Don't look for "feature tree" to edit design
Use element properties and HRB guidelines
Think about fabrication sequence, not creation sequence
4. From "Manual Modeling" → "Intelligent Automation"
Old thinking:
I create every feature manually
I control every detail explicitly
More control = better result
New thinking:
HRB guidelines generate components automatically
SmartTags add intelligence
Strategic automation = better result
Practical impact:
Don't manually model each stud
Set up rules and let system generate
Focus on rules, not individual components
5. From "Face Selection" → "Reference Side Logic"
Old thinking:
I manually select faces for each operation
Each selection is independent
Geometric faces have no logical meaning
New thinking:
Object coordinate system defines reference sides automatically
Reference sides have construction meaning (top, exterior, etc.)
Operations reference sides logically, not geometrically
Practical impact:
Don't manually select faces for mortises, cuts, etc.
Use reference side terminology in operations
Trust that object coordinate system maintains correct orientation
Behavioral Changes Required
Stop doing:
❌ Creating sketches for every component
❌ Manually dimensioning each part
❌ Individually modeling repetitive components
❌ Selecting faces repeatedly for similar operations
❌ Looking for constraint solver
❌ Expecting geometric dependency on workplanes
Start doing:
✅ Defining building element properties
✅ Using HRB guidelines for automation
✅ Creating SmartTags for intelligent machining
✅ Organizing with MOS structure
✅ Leveraging object coordinate systems and reference sides
✅ Thinking in fabrication workflow
Common Frustrations and Solutions
Frustration 1: "I can't find where to constrain components to each other" Solution: You don't. Components are generated by rules and positioned by properties. Use HRB guidelines and element relationships instead.
Frustration 2: "Changing the workplane doesn't update my components" Solution: Correct - workplanes don't constrain components. Components are independent. Use element properties to control generation.
Frustration 3: "I want to edit the 'history' of how a component was created" Solution: There is no history. Components are generated from current rules/properties. Edit properties and regenerate.
Frustration 4: "How do I select which face for this mortise?" Solution: You don't select faces - you specify reference sides. Object coordinate system handles orientation automatically.
Frustration 5: "I need to manually create each stud in this wall" Solution: No you don't. HRB guideline generates all studs automatically. You're thinking in CAD terms, not construction terms.
Success Indicators
You've made the mental shift when:
✅ You define wall types instead of drawing studs
✅ You use HRB guidelines to generate components
✅ You think about MOS organization for fabrication
✅ You create SmartTags instead of repetitive features
✅ You reference "top face" instead of "Face<4>"
✅ You understand components are independent of workplanes
✅ You trust automation instead of manual modeling
Part 8: What's Actually Similar
Don't throw everything out - some concepts DO translate directly:
Similar Concepts
Coordinate systems (UCS)
User Defined Coordinate Systems (UCS)
✅✅✅ Nearly identical
Parametric dimensions in features
Parametric operations in Single Beam Info
✅✅ Very similar concept
Assembly relationships
Element/Package organization
✅ Similar purpose, different approach
Material properties
Item numbers and material database
✅✅ Similar system
Machining operations
SmartTags and parametric processes
✅✅ Similar purpose, more intelligent
Export to CNC
D-CAM machine transfer (BTLx, etc.)
✅ Same goal, different implementation
3D visualization
OpenGL workspace
✅✅✅ Very similar
2D drawings
D-CAD 2D
✅✅ Similar tools
Transferable Skills
These skills from traditional CAD are directly useful in Dietrich's:
✅ Understanding coordinate systems and transformations
You know what X, Y, Z axes mean
You understand rotation and translation
You can work with Global vs. Local coordinates
Direct application: User Defined Coordinate Systems work the same way
✅ Thinking in 3D space
You can visualize 3D geometry
You understand views and perspectives
You can mentally rotate objects
Direct application: OpenGL workspace navigation is familiar
✅ Managing complex assemblies
You understand hierarchical structures
You know how to organize large projects
You can handle many components
Direct application: MOS structure is similar (though purpose is different)
✅ Planning for manufacturability
You think about how parts will be made
You consider tooling and access
You understand machining constraints
Direct application: D-CAM and CNC export require same thinking
✅ Working with material databases
You understand material properties
You know how to assign materials
You can manage material libraries
Direct application: Item numbers work similarly
✅ Preparing CNC output
You understand toolpaths and operations
You know machining terminology
You can visualize cutting processes
Direct application: Parametric operations and CNC export
✅ Reading technical drawings
You can interpret plans and sections
You understand dimensioning standards
You know drafting conventions
Direct application: D-CAD 2D uses same standards
Skills That Need Adaptation
These skills exist in both but work differently:
⚠️ Parametric relationships
Traditional CAD: Constraint-based, geometric
Dietrich's: Rules-based, construction-focused
Adaptation needed: Think rules, not constraints
⚠️ Feature creation
Traditional CAD: Bottom-up from sketches
Dietrich's: Top-down from elements
Adaptation needed: Place elements, apply rules
⚠️ Editing workflow
Traditional CAD: Edit history/feature tree
Dietrich's: Edit properties, regenerate
Adaptation needed: Change approach to modifications
⚠️ Face/edge selection
Traditional CAD: Manual selection each time
Dietrich's: Reference side logic
Adaptation needed: Use construction terminology
Part 9: Recommended Learning Path
Phase 1: Unlearn & Relearn (Week 1)
Focus: Break old habits, understand new paradigm
Activities:
Read this guide thoroughly
Don't just skim
Take notes on key differences
Identify your misconceptions
Study MOS structure
Open example buildings
Explore Building MOS hierarchy
Understand MOS Layers, Packages, Elements
See how components are organized
Understand building elements
Study wall properties dialog
Examine floor/ceiling properties
Look at roof surface properties
See how properties control behavior
Watch HRB automation
Create simple wall
Assign HRB guideline
Generate components
Observe what gets created automatically
Success criteria:
✅ Can explain MOS vs. feature tree
✅ Understand element properties
✅ Can describe how HRB guidelines work
✅ Recognize components are independent of workplanes
Phase 2: Practice the New Paradigm (Weeks 2-3)
Focus: Hands-on practice with fundamental workflows
Activities:
Simple wall project
Create multi-story building
Define wall types
Apply HRB guidelines
Generate components
Explore Single Beam Info to see parametric operations
Floor system
Create floor decks
Define floor properties
Use Floor Design model space
Generate joists and sheathing
Roof design
Use Roof Calculation
Define roof properties
Apply Roof Construction Guidelines
Generate rafters automatically
MOS organization
Practice MOS Layers for visibility
Create Packages for fabrication groups
Define Elements for assembly
Use MOS filtering
Object coordinate systems
Select components and view coordinate systems
Observe reference sides in Single Beam Info
See how parametric operations reference sides
Understand top/bottom/left/right orientation
Success criteria:
✅ Can create walls and generate components automatically
✅ Comfortable with Floor Design and Roof Design workflows
✅ Can organize building using MOS structure
✅ Understand how object coordinate systems define reference sides
Phase 3: Leverage Automation (Weeks 4-6)
Focus: Master intelligent automation features
Activities:
SmartTags practice
Study existing SmartTags
Understand conditional logic
Create simple SmartTag
Apply to multiple components
See how reference sides work in SmartTags
Logic Blocks exploration
Examine example Logic Blocks
Understand system variables
Modify existing Logic Block
Test on components
Custom HRB modifications
Open HRB Wall Guideline Editor
Study guideline structure
Make simple modifications
Test regeneration
Advanced reference sides
Create parametric operations that reference multiple sides
Use system variables with reference sides
Understand how operations adapt to component orientation
Success criteria:
✅ Can create and apply SmartTags
✅ Comfortable with Logic Blocks
✅ Can modify HRB guidelines
✅ Understand how to leverage reference sides for automation
Phase 4: Master Fabrication Workflow (Weeks 7-8)
Focus: Complete design-to-fabrication pipeline
Activities:
D-CAM machine transfer
Export components to BTLx
Study machine file output
Understand CNC orientation (using object coordinate systems)
Verify machining operations
Element/Package organization
Plan fabrication sequence
Create Packages for machine groups
Define Elements for assembly
Generate element plans
Material lists
Configure list output
Include MOS information
Export for ERP integration
Verify component counts
Plan generation
Create shop drawings
Include element assembly details
Generate CNC setup sheets
Verify component labeling
Success criteria:
✅ Can export CNC-ready files
✅ Comfortable with Element/Package workflow
✅ Can generate material lists
✅ Can produce shop drawings
Ongoing Learning
Resources:
Official Dietrich's documentation
User group presentations
Training videos
Project knowledge base searches
Technical support
Practice projects:
Recreate real projects in Dietrich's
Challenge yourself with complex roofs
Practice automation with SmartTags
Optimize HRB guidelines for your needs
Community engagement:
Attend user group meetings
Share workflows with peers
Learn from other users' approaches
Ask questions when stuck
Summary: The Paradigm Shift
The Core Difference
Sketch-Based CAD:
Dietrich's:
The Fundamental Distinction
Primary focus
Creating geometry
Organizing construction
Automation
Limited to patterns
Comprehensive construction rules
Intelligence
Geometric constraints
Building element knowledge
Scale
Good for detailed parts
Excellent for large assemblies
Industry
Universal
Timber construction specific
Workflow
Bottom-up (points to parts)
Top-down (building to components)
Reference system
Manual face selection
Automatic reference sides
CNC integration
Generic CAM export
Timber-specific (BTLx, etc.)
Why the Difference Exists
Traditional CAD was designed for:
Mechanical engineering
One-off or low-volume manufacturing
General-purpose geometry
Any industry, any product
Dietrich's was designed for:
Timber construction specifically
High-component-count buildings
Construction-specific intelligence
Fabrication-to-assembly workflow
The Value Proposition
Traditional CAD: Maximum flexibility, manual effort
Create anything you can imagine
Full geometric control
Appropriate for prototyping and custom parts
Requires manual work for repetitive tasks
Dietrich's: Construction intelligence, automated efficiency
Purpose-built for timber buildings
Automatic component generation from rules
Direct CNC integration for timber fabrication
Scales efficiently to thousands of components
Object coordinate systems ensure consistent orientation
Final Insight
This is not better or worse - it's different, purpose-built for timber construction.
SolidWorks is a race car: Incredibly capable, but you need to manually drive every mile.
Dietrich's is a freight train: Purpose-built for a specific track, but once set up correctly, it moves massive amounts of material efficiently with minimal manual intervention.
For timber construction at scale, Dietrich's paradigm is objectively superior.
Accept the paradigm. Learn the rules. Trust the automation. Leverage the reference side system. Then you'll understand why Dietrich's is powerful for its specific domain.
Appendix: Quick Reference
Key Terminology
MOS
Model Organization Structure - hierarchical organization of building
Building Element
Intelligent container (wall, floor, roof) with construction properties
HRB Guideline
Construction rules that automatically generate components
SmartTag
Conditional machining operation attached to components
Logic Block
Complex parametric process with conditional logic
Element
Assembly unit where components are physically assembled
Package
Process organization (machine group, delivery group)
Object Coordinate System
Component-specific coordinate system defining reference sides
Reference Side
Logical face (top, bottom, left, right) for parametric operations
System Variable
Value automatically determined by program (e.g., wall thickness)
Single Beam Info
Dialog showing all parametric operations on component
D-CAM
Free construction module for non-wall/floor/roof components
BTLx
Industry standard format for timber CNC export
Common Commands
Create wall
Floor Plan → Draw wall outline → Set properties
Apply HRB
Wall Design → Select wall → Apply guideline
View MOS Info
6 MOS → 1 MOS info → Select component
Single Beam Info
Select component → Right-click → Single Beam Info
Create SmartTag
(Advanced feature - see documentation)
Export CNC
D-CAM → Machine transfer → Select format
Create workplane
D-CAM → Work planes → Create
User Coordinate System
D-CAM → 2 Edit → 07 Coordinate system → 5 Create
Troubleshooting Guide
Components not generating
HRB guideline not assigned
Check wall properties, assign guideline
Components in wrong location
Element properties incorrect
Verify wall/floor/roof properties
Can't select components
Wrong MOS filter active
Check MOS set, enable correct layers
Machining operations missing
SmartTag not applied
Verify SmartTag conditions, apply to components
CNC export fails
Object coordinate system issue
Verify component has coordinate system defined
Reference side incorrect
Component orientation wrong
Check object coordinate system, adjust if needed
Workplane doesn't move components
Misunderstanding paradigm
Components are independent of workplanes
Document version: 1.0 Last updated: December 2024 Target audience: CAD users transitioning to Dietrich's Prerequisites: Familiarity with parametric CAD (SolidWorks, OnShape, FreeCAD, etc.)
Remember: The goal is not to make Dietrich's work like SolidWorks. The goal is to understand Dietrich's paradigm and leverage its construction-specific intelligence for efficient timber building design and fabrication.
Your old CAD skills are valuable - you just need to apply them within a new framework that's optimized for timber construction.
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