T-FLEX Parametric CAD. Fundamentals. 2D Design

Hatches
Creating Custom Lines and Hatches
T-FLEX CAD allows creating custom hatch types along with custom graphic line types. To add a custom
hatch type to the system, place the file with a hatch pattern in the folder …\Program\HatchPatterns.
Upon restarting T-FLEX CAD, the new type will appear in the list of hatches “by pattern”. To remove a
custom hatch type, simply delete its pattern file from …\Program\HatchPatterns and restart T-FLEX
CAD.
Creating Hatch Template
A pattern file is a T-FLEX CAD drawing complying with certain rules. It must contain the image of the
hatch pattern composed of nodes, graphic lines, text and hatches, as well as construction elements. The start
point of the hatch is defined by a special node named “Center”. This node is mandatory in the hatch pattern.
To make a given pattern repeat multiple times when filling the hatch contour, additional named nodes must
be defined in the pattern that would define the direction and step of the pattern repetition. The node defining
the first hatch direction must be named «StepX»; the node defining the second direction – «StepY». The
direction-defining nodes are optional. In the case either of them is not defined, the pattern will be drawn just
once in the respective direction.
Working with Custom Hatches
When using a custom hatch type in a document, the hatch pattern is saved with that document. Relation with
the source file is lost at this point. Therefore, when porting a document file to a computer without the given
hatch type, the image does not get lost.
When porting a document containing custom hatch types to a computer with existing hatch type pattern
under the same name, the hatch image stays unchanged in the form of the image saved in the document. To
update a hatch image, you would need to redefine its type over again. To make an update, all you need is to
bring up the parameters dialog box for one of the hatches and confirm the existing value. New hatches of the
same type that will be created in this document will take on the current pattern.
Examples of Creating Simple Hatches
To create a custom hatch pattern, let’s open a new document (the command “FN: Create New Model”).
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