Logic Blocks vs Components vs Smart Tags

These are three distinct but complementary automation tools:

Logic Blocks vs Components vs Smart Tags

1. Logic Blocks - Intelligent Creation System

What they are:

• Compound creation entities that generate multiple elements at once

• Parametric systems that create 3D objects, processes, drawings, dimensions, and labels

• Interactive builders that prompt users for input and make intelligent decisions

Key Characteristics:

• Create from scratch - Generate new objects and elements

• User interaction - Prompt for points, objects, and parameters

• Multi-element output - Create objects + processes + drawings + dimensions simultaneously

• Recalculable - Can be modified and recalculated after insertion

• Conditional logic - Make decisions based on geometry, user input, or building conditions

Example Use:

Steel Bracket Logic Block:
1. Prompts user to select two beams
2. Calculates connection angle
3. Creates steel bracket library object
4. Adds bolt holes to both beams
5. Generates dimension lines
6. Places identification labels
7. Can recalculate if beams move

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2. Components - Object Grouping System

What they are:

• Groupings of existing objects that are treated as a single unit

• Assembly containers that organize related parts

• Manufacturing units for production planning

Key Characteristics:

• Group existing objects - Don't create new geometry

• Fixed relationships - Objects maintain relative positions

• Drawing generation - Can create component drawings automatically

• Manufacturing focus - Used for production planning and assembly

• Hierarchical structure - Can contain sub-components

Example Use:

Roof Truss Component:
1. Select all beams that form one truss
2. Group them into a component
3. Generate assembly drawing
4. Send to production as one unit
5. Track assembly progress

Logic Blocks can CREATE components:

• Set "Create component from logic block" = Yes

• All objects created by the Logic Block become one component

• Logic Block defines component coordinate system

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3. Smart Tags - Process Application System

What they are:

• Process applicators that add machining operations to existing objects

• Rule-based systems that apply consistent processing

• Automation tools for repetitive machining tasks

Key Characteristics:

• Apply to existing objects - Don't create new geometry

• Process-focused - Add drilling, cutting, notching, etc.

• Filter-based selection - Apply to objects matching criteria

• Position-sensitive - Apply processes at specific locations

• Reusable - Same Smart Tag can apply to multiple objects

Example Use:

Bolt Hole Smart Tag:
1. Apply to existing steel beam
2. Creates 4 bolt holes
3. Positions holes based on beam dimensions
4. Can be applied to multiple similar beams
5. Updates if beam size changes

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Comparison Table

Aspect	Logic Blocks	Components	Smart Tags
Primary Purpose	Create multi-element assemblies	Group existing objects	Add processes to objects
When Applied	During initial design	After objects exist	After objects exist
User Interaction	High (prompts, decisions)	Low (select objects)	Medium (position, parameters)
Output	Objects + Processes + Drawings	Grouped objects	Machining processes
Recalculable	Yes (7-9-1)	No (fixed grouping)	Yes (if object changes)
Creates Geometry	Yes (3D objects)	No (groups existing)	No (adds processes only)
Intelligence Level	High (conditional logic)	Low (simple grouping)	Medium (rule-based)
Scope	Multi-disciplinary	Object organization	Process-specific

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How They Work Together

Integrated Workflow Example: Timber Frame Connection

Step 1: Logic Block Creates Assembly

Connection Logic Block:
→ Creates steel bracket (3D object)
→ Applies bolt hole Smart Tag to timber beams
→ Generates dimension drawing
→ Places assembly labels
→ Groups all into a component

Step 2: Smart Tags Add Details

Additional Smart Tags:
→ Chamfer edges on timber beams
→ Add manufacturing marks
→ Apply surface finishing processes

Step 3: Component Manages Assembly

Component System:
→ Groups bracket + beams + fasteners
→ Generates assembly drawing
→ Manages production sequence
→ Tracks installation progress

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Key Relationships

Logic Blocks can use Smart Tags:

• Logic Block creates a beam

• Logic Block applies Smart Tag for bolt holes

• Logic Block applies Smart Tag for edge chamfers

• All happens automatically during Logic Block execution

Logic Blocks can create Components:

• Set component creation option in Logic Block

• All generated objects become one component

• Component inherits Logic Block coordinate system

• Can generate component drawings automatically

Smart Tags can work with Components:

• Apply Smart Tag to entire component

• Process all objects within component

• Maintain component relationships

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Decision Guide: Which Tool to Use?

Use Logic Blocks when:

• ✅ Creating new assemblies from scratch

• ✅ Need user interaction and decision-making

• ✅ Require multiple types of output (3D + 2D + processes)

• ✅ Want recalculable, parametric behavior

• ✅ Standardizing complex design procedures

Use Components when:

• ✅ Organizing existing objects for production

• ✅ Creating assembly drawings

• ✅ Managing manufacturing workflows

• ✅ Tracking fabrication progress

• ✅ Grouping for transportation/installation

Use Smart Tags when:

• ✅ Adding processes to existing objects

• ✅ Standardizing machining operations

• ✅ Applying repetitive processes efficiently

• ✅ Rule-based process application

• ✅ Position-specific operations

Connector Tag

Connectors are a special type of smart block and combination element. Information on this

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