How to bend Revit cable trays

In Revit, cable trays can be bent using built-in fittings, sweep-based families, or specialized add-ins like GreaterBIM Smart Bend for precise 2D and 3D control.Using Built-in Cable Tray Fittings

Revit allows you to create bends by using cable tray with fittings. To do this:

1. Select the Cable Tray tool and choose Cable Tray with Fittings.
2. Go to Edit Type and configure the bend radius and fitting types, such as vertical inside/outside bends or elbows, according to your project needs .
3. Place the cable tray in your model. Revit will automatically insert the appropriate fittings at corners or changes in direction .
4. For angled bends, ensure the correct fitting type is loaded (e.g., 45° or 90° elbows). Sometimes multiple segments are required to achieve a smooth bend, such as two segments for a 45° elbow or three for a 90° elbow .

Creating Custom Bends with Sweeps

If the built-in fittings do not meet your requirements:

1. Open the Family Editor and create a new cable tray family.
2. Use a reference line and a sweep to define the path of the bend. The sweep's sketch should follow the reference line to maintain connectivity .
3. Avoid using simple extrusions for angled trays, as they may break when the angle changes. Sweeps provide flexibility and maintain proper constraints.

Using Add-ins for Smart Bending

For faster and more precise bending:

• The GreaterBIM Smart Bend add-in allows you to bend cable trays up, down, left, or right at standard angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) directly in 2D and 3D views .
• This tool eliminates the need to manually cut or adjust sections and ensures consistent results across your model.

Tips for Successful Cable Tray Bends

• Always use cable tray with fittings rather than without, to allow automatic placement of elbows and bends.
• Check the bend radius multiplier in the type properties to ensure smooth transitions.
• For complex angles, consider splitting the run into multiple segments and connecting them with elbows.
• When importing CAD files, set up parameters carefully to maintain bend accuracy and connectivity . By combining Revit's built-in fittings, sweep-based families, and optional add-ins, you can efficiently model accurate and visually consistent cable tray bends in your MEP projects.