This example shows how to define a simple custom component based on an existing end plate component.

1. Start by exploding an existing end plate component:
   1. Insert an end plate system component in the Tekla Structures model.
   2. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
   3. Click the Access advanced features button and select Explode component.
   4. Select the end plate component in the model.

      

      Tekla Structures separates the objects in the component.

      

      Alternatively, in the model, select the component you want to explode. Then right-click and select Explode component.

2. To define a new custom component based on the exploded system component:
   1. Click the Access advanced features button and select Define custom component....
   2. In the Type list, select Connection.
   3. In the Name box, enter a unique name for the custom component.
   4. Click Next >.
   5. Select the objects you want to use in the custom component, and then click Next >.

      

      You can use area selection (left to right) to select the objects. Tekla Structures ignores the main part and secondary parts and the grids when you are selecting objects to include in the custom component.

   6. Select the column as the main part, and then click Next >.

      The main part supports the secondary part.

   7. Select the beam as the secondary part.

      The secondary part is supported by the main part.

      When you select multiple secondary parts, pay attention to the order of selection. The custom component will use the same selection order when you add the component in a model. The maximum number of secondary parts in a custom component is 30.

   8. Click Finish.

      Tekla Structures displays a component symbol for the new component.

      

      You have now defined a simple custom component, which you can use in locations similar to where it was originally created. The defined custom component does not automatically adjust dimensions to reflect the changes in the model. To have the component adapt to changes in the model, edit the component in the custom component editor, where you can build dependencies between component objects and model objects.

3. To insert the newly created custom end plate in the model:
   1. Click the Applications & components button in the side pane to open the Applications & components catalog.
   2. Search for end plate.
   3. Select the new end plate custom connection.

      Custom connections have the following symbol in the Applications & components catalog: .

      Because you have not modified the end plate connection to adapt to changes in the model, you need to add the custom connection to a similar location where the connection was created. Otherwise the end plate connection may not work as required.

   4. Select the column as the main part.
   5. Select the beam as the secondary part.

      Tekla Structures adds the end plate connection to the model.