Combination of "Slice to assembly" and "Split into layers"

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1

Hi,

Using the new update to slicing tool to keep the resulting objects grouped into an assembly. This is great addition for sure!

Now there is a specific case that causes some problems, in combination with split into layers:

Working on a facade model with concrete sandwich panels. They have been modelled in Revit and exported to IFC. Each wall element contains 3 material layers. My first step was/is to split each wall into panels, as they will be installed. For that I used the Slice tool and kept “Keep as assembly” activated. It works great!

Next, I wanted to do someting about the corner connections. For that I need the layers to show properly so I tried “Split into layers”. It doesn’t work.
Looks like the split into layers tool always selects the assembly product and not the “Building Element Part” products. Even though I tried selecting the parts in different ways (double click or long click in the 3D window, or using the inspect panel).
Even tried changing the class of the parts to “Wall”, it doesn’t work.

I considered undoing all that I did and then split first, create panels in a second phase. But I don’t think I’d like that.
Each ‘panel’ has to have the layers in it’s definition. And I think if I’d first split into layers, then split, I’d get the wrong hierarchy in the assembly structure.

2

Hi Johan,

Thanks for pointing this out. It looks like some inconsistency in how we handle material layer sets in assemblies. Indeed - if the entire assembly is selected, ‘Split Into Layers’ only looks at the top level in an assembly, but materials (and material layer sets) are only allowed on leaf levels (i.e. the lowest level in an assembly). That’s why you’re getting an error.

We’ve fixed this by making sure Split Into Layers now looks at leaf products in assemblies. If the fix is reviewed and approved in time we will try to get this in our next release (late August), if not it’ll be the month after.

As a workaround you should still be able to split the different parts, but it only works if you (ctrl) select and split the parts one by one. Not ideal, but I hope this unblocks you until the fix is there!