Smart Tag Tutorial

New Tutorial - Development of SmartTags

Variable Definitions

Before proceeding, familiarize yourself with the following variables used throughout this guide:

Beam Dimension Variables:

H - Beam Height
B - Beam Width
L - Beam Length
QS - Beam Height (alternative notation)
QP - Beam Width (alternative notation)

Reference Variables:

Reference Side - The face of the beam where the process is applied
Wrought Side - The working or finished side of the beam
C-F - Reference side unit indicator (C = specific side, F = face orientation)

Position Variables:

X - Length position along the beam
Y - Side position (width direction)
Z - Depth position (into the beam)

Process-Specific Variables:

V1, V2, V3... - User-defined variables for SmartTag parameters
T1, T2, T3, T4 - Depth measurements at different points
D - Diameter (for drillings)
NW - Inclination angle

What are SmartTags?

SmartTags are macros that combine different basic processes to form a new connection or detail. The parameters for the standard processes can be calculated using the dimensions of the beam that the SmartTag is applied to, allowing the SmartTag to automatically adapt to the beam's dimensions.

Using Existing library of Smart Tags

The program comes with several existing smart tags. We will use a few smart tags to illustrate the use of existing smart tags. Follow the steps below:

Examples from existing Library:

Floor Joist Tenon
Summer Beam
One for Stick Frame Users
- Drillings
SIP Panel Users

Creation

Floor Joist Tenon Joint

Demonstrate Variables

Demonstrate Formulas:

Create a SmartTag when:

You need to create the same combination of processes on different beams repeatedly
A process must be applied to a relative position on the beam that is difficult to calculate, and this operation needs to be repeated frequently

General Steps for Creating SmartTags

This section provides an overview of the steps used to create SmartTags. Practical lab exercises follow this introduction.

Example: "Purlin head, curved"

Add a description of how to use the SmartTag (optional)
Click "Next"
Add a helping picture (e.g., "Picture1.bmp")
- The helping picture will be displayed in the SmartTag library

Three Types of Variables in SmartTags:

Parameters of the selected beam - These are generally the beam dimensions and the position of the SmartTag
- Example: "Beam Height"
Free Parameters - Variables you define when creating the SmartTag. The designer must enter these values when using the SmartTag
- Example: "Tenon Length"
Fixed Variables - Parameters you define and edit in the SmartTag Editor. The designer cannot change these parameters when using the SmartTag
- Example: "Denominator of the beam width" in the Ornament SmartTag

Tutorials: Creating SmartTags

In these labs, you will learn how to create SmartTags for your individual purposes.

Scenario: You are the designer in a company that produces timber frame houses. The company prefabricates custom houses, so beam dimensions vary. There are three new details you would like to use in new buildings:

Lab 1: Purlin Head

This purlin head is designed to be used on purlins of various dimensions. Create a SmartTag for it!

Step 1: Create a New SmartTag in the SmartTag Library

The standard directory for SmartTags is "PSB → ENG", but you can store SmartTags in any directory.

Go to menu: 3 Tools > 2 SmartTags > 6 SmartTag Editor
Highlight the directory where you want to create the SmartTag (e.g., "PSB → ENG")
Select "SmartTag file: new"
Enter a name for the SmartTag file (e.g., "Purlin head, curved")
Add a description of how to use the SmartTag (optional)
Click "Next"

Step 2: Define the Parameters of the SmartTag

The parameters must be defined before using them in the SmartTags. In this SmartTag, only one variable parameter is used: the reference side.

Enter a name for the SmartTag in the "SmartTag" box (e.g., "H/6 Purlin Head Curved")
Enter V1:
- Variable name: wrought side
- Default value: C
- Unit: C-F
Press "Next"

Note: By defining the "unit" of a reference side, you determine on which sides of the beam the user will be allowed to insert the SmartTag.

Step 3: Enter the Processes for the SmartTag

In this simple SmartTag, only one process is used. You can combine as many processes as needed in a SmartTag.

Select "curved profile" and press "OK"
In the drop-down menus, select:
- Reference side: wrought side
- Reference end: A start
Use the equation editor to insert the other values as described below

Tip: You can easily find the process you're searching for in the process list by pressing the initial letter of the process several times.

Step 4: Use the Equation Editor

Use the equation editor to easily create an equation. In the equation editor, you can use the following:

Fixed values: A combination of a number and a unit (e.g., 5[mm])
System variables: Variables that refer to a dimension of the beam. They can be selected from the corresponding list and inserted using the ↑ button
Variables: Variables that have been defined in the previous step. They can be selected from the corresponding list and inserted using the ↑ button (Example: wrought side)

To determine the length position of the process, a very simple formula is used. The value of the length position equals the "beam height QS."

To enter the Length position X:

Click on the calculator button next to "Length position X"
Press "BkSp" to delete the 0 in the equation
Go to the drop-down menu "system variables"
Highlight the variable "QS" and press the ↑ button to insert it into the formula box
Press "Transfer"

Enter the other parameters of the curved profile using the formula calculator:

Length L: H*2
Depth 1 T1: 0
Depth 2 T2: H/6
Depth 3 T3: 0
Depth 4 T4: H/6
Inclination angle NW: 135

Press "OK"

Step 5: Complete the SmartTag

The SmartTag consists of only one process and is ready.

Exit the process list of the SmartTag by pressing "End"
Exit the SmartTag library by pressing "End"

Step 6: Test the SmartTag

Enter a purlin
Type: 3 Tools > 2 SmartTags > 2 Assign and select the purlin
Select the SmartTag from the library and press "Read"
Select the "wrought side" and press "OK"
Select "single end" and select the end to assign the SmartTag to

Lab 2: End-to-End Joint

This joint is used to connect two purlins end to end. It consists of two lap joints and two drillings. The drilling diameter should be variable.

Now it's your turn!

Try to create a SmartTag for the end-to-end joint on your own. A possible solution is provided below.

Tip: When you need to create similar processes, use the "Transfer" function in the processes list. The values of the parameters of the highlighted process are transferred and can be edited. The process is then listed as a new process.

Possible Solution for the End-to-End Joint:

Variables:

V1: wrought side (default: C, unit: C-F)
V2: drilling diameter (default: 20, unit: mm)

Processes:

Lap joint (ref. side: wrought side, ref. end: A start)
- Length L: 1.5*QS
- Depth T: QS/2
- Length position X: 0
Lap joint (ref. side: wrought side, ref. end: B end)
- Length L: 1.5*QS
- Depth T: QS/2
- Length position X: 0
Perp. Drilling (ref. side: wrought side)
- Diameter D: V2
- Length position X: 1.5*QS
- Depth Z: 0.0
- Reference for side pos: left
- Side pos Y: QP/2
Perp. Drilling (ref. side: wrought side)
- Diameter D: V2
- Length position X: 1.5*QS
- Depth Z: 0.0
- Reference for side pos: right
- Side pos Y: QP/2

Save time: Transfer the drilling and change only the length position and side position reference!

Lab 3: Ornament

This ornament can be used on square posts. It consists of a curve and two bird's mouths on each side of the timber. The depth of the bird's mouth and the curve should be variable in relation to the beam height. The default value should be 1/5 of the beam height, but it should also be possible to enter a different denominator.

Now it's your turn!

Try to create a SmartTag for the ornament on your own. A possible solution is provided below.

Tip: Consider that the length of the cut-out of the bird's mouths equals their depth. Transfer the processes and change their reference side to save work.

Possible Solution for the Ornament

Variables:

V1: wrought side (default: A, unit: A-D)
V2: denominator of the beam width (default: 5, unit: -)

Processes:

Curved profile (ref. side: wrought side, ref. end: A start)
- Length position X: QS
- Length L: 2*QS
- Depth 1 T1: 0
- Depth 2 T2: QS/V2
- Depth 3 T3: 0
- Depth 4 T4: QS/V2
- Inclination angle NW: 135
Bird's mouth (ref. side: wrought side, ref. end: A start)
- Length position X: 0
- Length L: QS/V2
- Depth T: QS/V2
Bird's mouth (ref. side: wrought side, ref. end: B end)
- Length position X: 0
- Length L: QS/V2
- Depth T: QS/V2

Now copy the three processes to each side of the beam:

Transfer each of them three times and change the reference sides to apply the ornament to all four sides of the post.

Old Development of SmartTags

SmartTags are a type of macro, in which you can combine different basic processes to form a new connection or process. The parameters for the standard processes can be calculated by using the dimensions of the beam that the SmartTag is applied to, so that the SmartTag can automatically adapt to the dimensions of the beam.

A SmartTag should be created when one of the following situations occurs:

You have to create the same combination of processes on different beams again and again.
A process has to be applied to a relative position on the beam that is difficult to calculate and this has to be done again and again.

General steps for creating SmartTags

This section provides an overview of the steps used to create SmartTags. A lab for creating SmartTags is to follow.

e.g. “Purlin head, curved”. Add a description of how to use the SmartTag if you wish to. Click “next”

picture file in this example is “Picture1.bmp”) The helping picture is viewed in the SmartTag library now.

There are three types of variables that can be used in SmartTags:

Parameters of the selected beam: These are generally the beam dimensions and the Position of the SmartTag. Example: “Beam Height”
Free Parameters that you can define when you create the SmartTag. The de- signer has to enter the values when he uses the SmartTag. Example “Tenon Length”
Variables that you define as “fixed”. You can enter and edit the value of this pa- rameter in the SmartTag Editor. The designer is not able to change this pa- rameter when he uses the SmartTag! See example: “Denominator of the beam width” in the Ornament SmartTag

Lab: Creation of SmartTags

In this lab you learn how to create SmartTags for your individual purposes.

Situation: You are the designer in a company that produces timber frame houses. The company prefabricates custom houses so that the beam dimensions vary. There are three new details that you would like to use in the new buildings:

Lab 1: Purlin Head

This purlin head is intended to be used on purlins of various dimensions. Create a SmartTag for it!

Create a new SmartTag in the SmartTag Library:

The standard directory for SmartTags is “PSB ? ENG”, but you can store SmartTags in any directory.

Go to menu 3 tools > 2 SmartTags > 6 SmartTag editor.
Highlight the directory in which you want to create the SmartTag, e.g. “PSB

ENG”

Select “SmartTag file: new”
Enter a name for the SmartTag file, e.g. “Purlin head, curved”.
Add a description of how to use the SmartTag if you wish to.
Click “next”

Define the parameters of the SmartTag:

The parameters have to be defined before using them in the SmartTags. In this Smart- Tag only one variable parameter, the reference side is used.

Enter a name for the SmartTag in the box “SmartTag”, e.g. “H/6 Purlin Head Curved”
Enter V1: “variable name: wrought side”, “default value: C”, “unit: C-F”
Press “next”.

By defining the “unit” of a reference side you define on which sides of the beam the user will be allowed to insert the SmartTag.

Enter the processes for the SmartTag:

In this simple SmartTag only one process is used. You can combine as many proc- esses as you like in a SmartTag

. Select “curved profile” and press “OK”
In the drop-down menus select “reference side: wrought side” and “reference end: A start”
Use the equation editor to insert the other values as described below.

You can easily find the process that you searching for in the process list by press- ing the initial letter of the process several times.

Use the “equation editor”:

Use the equation editor to easily create an equation. In the equation editor you can use the following:

Fixed values: These values are a combination of a number an a unit,

e.g. 5[mm]

System variables: These are variables that refer to a dimension of the beam. They can be selected from the corre- sponding list and inserted using the ↑- button.
Variables: These variables have been defined in the previous step. They can be selected from the corresponding list and inserted using the ↑-button. (Example: wrought side)

To determine the length position of the process a very simple formula is used. The value of the length position is equal to the “beam height QS”

Click on the calculator button next to “Length position X”
Press “BkSp” to delete the 0 in the equation
Go to the drop down “system variables” Highlight the variable “QS” and press on the ↑-button to insert it into the formula box
Press “transfer”

Enter the other parameters of the curved profile using the formula calculator:

Enter “length L: H*2”, “Depth 1 T1: 0”, “Depth 2 T2: H/6”
Enter “Depth 3 T3: 0 » , « Depth 4 T4: H/6 », « Inclination angle NW: 135 »
Press « OK »

Quit the SmartTag:

The SmartTag consists of only one process and is ready.

Quit the process list of the SmartTag by pressing “End”
Quit the SmartTag library by pressing “End”

Test the SmartTag:

Enter a purlin.
Type 3 tools  2 SmartTags  2 assign and select the purlin
Select the SmartTag from the library and press “read”
Select the “wrought side” and press “OK”
Select “single end” and select the end to assign the SmartTag to.

Lab 2: End to end joint

This joint is used to connect two purlins end to end. It consists of two lap joints and two drillings. The drilling diameter should be variable.

Now it is your turn

Try make a SmartTag for the end to end joint on your own
A possible solution is given later.

When you have to create similar processes, use the “transfer” function in the processes list. The values of the parameters of the process that is highlighted are transferred and can be edited. The process is then listed as a new process.

Possible solution for the end to end joint:

Variables:

Fix?

No.

variable name

Default value

unit

Reference Side

C-F

Drill Diameter

Processes:

End lap joint

reference side: Reference Side

reference end:start

Length position X: QS

Ground angle GW: 90

depth Z: 2*QS/3

opp. width cross grain: no

End lap joint

reference side: Reference Side

Depth Z: QS/3

Ground angle GW: 90

length position X: QS

length L: QS

Perp. Drilling

ref.side: Reference side

Diameter D: V2 Depth Z: 0.0 Side pos Y: QP/2

drilling direction: side length position X: QS/2 reference for side pos: left

Save work by transferring the drilling and change only the length position!!!

Perp. Drilling ref.side: Reference side drilling direction: side

Diameter D: V2 length position X: 1.5*QS

Depth Z: 0.0 reference for side pos: left

Side pos Y: QP/2

4.2.1 Lab. 3: Ornament

This ornament can be used on square posts. It consists of a curve and two bird's mouths on each side of the timber. The depth of the bird's mouth and the curve should be variable in relation to the beam height. The default value should be 1/5 of the beam height but it should also be possible to enter a different denominator.

Now it is your turn

Try make a SmartTag for the ornament on your own
A possible solution is given later.

Consider that the length of the cut out of the bird's mouths is equal to their depth. Transfer the processes and change their reference side to save work.

Possible Solution for the Ornament

Variables:

Fix?

No.

variable name

Default value

unit

Length of Curve

0.3

Ratio of width and groove depth

number

Processes:

Curve

reference side: C

length position X: X

Length L: V1

depth Z: B/ V2

Birds Mouth

reference side: C

length position X: X + (V1 / 2) + B / V2

Depth Z: B / V2

inclination angle NW: 45

Rafter nail drilling: 0

Take over birds mouth, change only the length position

Birds Mouth

reference side: C

length position X: X - (V1 / 2) - B / V2

Depth Z: B / V2

inclination angle NW: 45

Rafternail drilling: 0

Now copy the three processes to each side of the beam: Transfer each of them three times and change the reference sides!

Last updated 9 months ago

Was this helpful?