David Butts Gannett Fleming MP6393 AutoCAD MEP 2015 software, a world-class design and drafting application, is the Zen master of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design software. The software continues to lead the way in everything from design to fabrication to owner for excellent workflows. In this fast-paced lecture we will take a look at creating custom content. We will start by using Inventor software to create a more detailed model. Next, we will use this model to create a new multi-view part. Once the part is defined you will learn a quick way to use the new symbol and annotation planes to add line-based symbols, and then you ll create a new catalog to store your custom content. Every AutoCAD MEP software user should learn how to use the overwhelming volume of manufacturer s 3D content; this lab will help you learn how to do that. Learning Objectives At the end of this class, you will be able to: Learn how to use Inventor software to convert and create more detailed 3D models Learn how to create a multi-view part quickly from manufacturer content Learn how to add and edit symbol and annotation planes for multi-view parts Learn how to create and store custom content catalogs About the Speaker David Butts is an Autodesk Expert Elite team member and Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialist for Gannett Fleming, Inc., with over 29 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction field. Over the past 4 years he has been responsible for implementation, training, BIM project support, and management for engineering design applications. His product expertise includes Revit software, AutoCAD MEP software, AutoCAD Plant 3D software, Navisworks project review software, and other competitive engineering design software systems. He was a training manager and application engineer for an Autodesk Reseller for 13 years, providing implementation and training services across the United States and serving as a subject matter expert for Autodesk, Inc. s, Building Design Solutions. He has design experience for a variety of project types, including commercial, retail, water/wastewater, transportation, and process projects. David was the Autodesk University (AU) 2011 top-rated speaker for labs and lectures, and he was a featured speaker for the AU 2013 event, having presented for over 10 years. He authors training videos for 4D Technologies, and he presents BIM topics for other industry associations annually. You can reach David at dabfvnc1@outlook.com.
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015 AutoCAD MEP remains one of the best vertical add-ons built to run on the AutoCAD platform, and the program can run extremely well in capable hands. But like most design applications, you may not have all of the content you need based on the types of projects you do. What if you work on water treatment, transportation, or other types of non-traditional projects? The secret is to know how to produce this content quickly and accurately and get the best representation of your project as possible. Let s jump into this and see how it works. 2
Using Inventor to Convert 3D Models Autodesk Inventor is included with the Ultimate Building Design Suite, and is a must-own product for anyone that works with vendor provided content. The application can open nearly any type of modeling file, and easily converts them to either parts (.IPT) or assemblies (.IAM). While these steps do not go into great detail, they give you an idea of how simple it is to work with these models, using the 2015 versions of the software from Autodesk. 1. In the program, start by opening a model file. This example was based on a STP file provided by a vendor for a waste treatment plant project. 2. Depending on the part type, Inventor will give you several options prior to opening the part: 3
You can choose whether or not to include solids, surfaces, wires and/or points. By selecting the Import Assembly as a Single Part option, an.ipt part file will be created. Otherwise, an Inventor Assembly (.IAM) file will be created. You ll want to experiment with both types, depending on how the model was defined, and how well the export works. Also, make sure you check the units, and match what you expect the target file to be based on. Note: When files are imported as an assembly or IAM file, your tool options may be restricted. The Environments tab will include a BIM Exchange tool: 4
3. Since a part exports a single solid model, you can use this option. IPT Part files include a BIM option for conversion. Select the BIM tab. Now you ve got several more options for modifying the part before exporting. Check and Recognize Revit features help you determine if any features can be used to reduce file complexity. Recognize Revit Features reviews the 3D elements to determine what can be defined as Revit 3D solids, such as extrusions, revolves or sweeps: Remove Details lets you reduce the complexity of a part: Fill Voids helps you plug holes that aren t needed for the family: 5
4. Define Envelopes helps you select faces or solids, and use them to create simple Revit extrusions based on the shell of a base object. 5. Select BIM Exchange. From this tab, you can add connectors for cable tray, conduit, duct pipe and electrical circuiting The UCS tool also helps you to correctly orient an object. 6. Check Design lets you know what, if any issues will occur during export, and displays information such as dimensions, component properties, model complexity and connections. 6
7. Select Export Building Components. This dialog lets you pick between RFA or ADSK file formats. A native RFA file will include individual solids in a Revit family, while an ADSK file will include a single 3D model and views based on orientation (similar to the AutoCAD Region command). Since AutoCAD MEP 2015 allows the direction import of an ADSK file, you would select this option. 8. If you re exporting to Revit, Component Type lets you set the Revit Category for the object. Set it to the desired class, based on the category used to control visibility and grouping. 7
9. Model Property filter allows you to select any values to include in the exported file. 10. Select OK, and save the file. Finish BIM Exchange will close the tool. You can now import the part into AutoCAD MEP. 8
Now that you have the part defined, open AutoCAD MEP to a drawing file started from a template, such as AECB Model (US Imperial CTB).dwt. Select the Insert tab, Content panel and choose Building Component: 11. Select the ADSK file you defined. Once it s open, the Import Building Component dialog will appear: You re given three options: - Multi-View Part is the basis of an MEP engineering model, and includes the tools needed to add connectors, and allows the part to be added to a standard catalog. - Multi-View block is the basis of an architectural model, and used to define parts that don t require connectors, such a furniture or owner provided equipment. 9
- Block allows the model to be defined as a basic, old-fashioned, I got no intelligence part. But you can always use this later to make a Multi-View part or Multi-View block. 12. Select Multi-View Part and the next dialog will appear. From here, you can enter the name and description of the part; select the part catalog and chapter; define the part type and subtype; and select a layer key, which controls the layer the part is placed on when added to a drawing: 13. The upper right corner includes tools that let you change the default orientation of the part on the object view tab, including along the x, y or z axis (leave this set to the default): 10
14. You can also select Preview Image to see what the block will look like in the catalog and drawing: 15. Make sure you have a chapter selected, and then choose Add. The Multi-view part dialog will appear, and let you place an example in the drawing: 11
I ve been making custom content for years for AutoCAD MEP, and this represents one of the best and easiest tools for getting content into your project drawings. It also helps by automatically adding it to your content library, which is an added bonus. The next steps look at a more traditional method of adding a part to your library. 12
Converting an Individual Manufacturer Part to an MVPart In some cases, you may have received a 3D DWG that was converted from an SAT file using Inventor 2015 to a block drawing, or even imported it directly as an SAT file. In this case there s a quick way turn it into an MVPart, without having to add it to your catalogs. Let s see how this works. 1. The drawing contains a screening washer that was defined as an AutoCAD block, so all you have to do it select the solid model. Right Click, and choose Convert > Multi-View Part. 13
2. For the name, enter Screenings Washer. Set the type to Screen, and enter Screenings Washer for the subtype. You can edit the subtype, but not the type. Set the layer key to EQUIP. Select the Delete the Original Object option. 3. Click Next. On the Connectors page, right click on the part and choose Add Pipe Connector. 14
4. For the properties, name the connector Input. Click OK to continue. 5. Right click on the connector and choose Edit Placement. 6. Rotate the part to see the washdown connection. Note some surfaces may get lost in translation. Items created as weldments, or mesh surfaces, sometimes can t be converted.but fixing that is for another day in Inventor. 15
7. Select the placement icon, and pick the center of the connector. Next, change the normal so it reads 0,0,1 and points up. Set the size to 1.5. 16
8. Press OK to close the connection editor. 9. Click Finish to close the dialog, and then take a look at the part. You now have an MVPart that can be scheduled, and follow the display configuration rules. Nice! 17
Adding and Editing Symbols and Annotation Planes to Valves Working in 3D gives you the advantage of seeing your design from different viewpoints. IT also helps to create section and elevation views automatically. AutoCAD MEP includes a feature that makes the engineering models provide clearer detail levels for specific parts. This feature is the ability to add front and left side working planes, and create custom 2D schematic symbols. Let s take a look at how this works. 1. Start a new drawing from the AECB Model template. 2. On the ribbon, Manage Tab, MEP Content Panel, select the Content Builder tool. We re going to edit an existing valve, and add the graphic symbol to the front view of the model. 3. When the dialog opens, make sure the Part Domain is set to Multi-View Part. Under the Mechanical Equipment section, browse to valves; expand the section, and then select Gate Valves. One note: look for the symbol that has three arrows pointing to a box. This indicates that the part is a block-based part. 18
4. Select the Gate Valve-Butt-Welded-Class 150 part. Click the Modify Part Size icon to continue. 5. The file will be opened, and the Content Builder dialog will appear. The default view is for a plan view, so let s take a look at how the current plan symbol is displayed. On the dialog, expand the Modeling section, and then expand the Symbol and Annotation Plane section. 19
6. Expand the Top Symbol Plane. You ll see two categories: Parametric Graphics allows you to create your own 2D symbol, and leverage the existing model to define your part. Design Blocks allows you to import a 2D Symbol block and lets it be used to represent the part in the plan, or in the front or left view planes. 7. To add our own symbol, the first important step is to turn on the work plane. Right-click on Top Symbol Plane, and click Visible. 20
8. This will show the working plane. Use the view cube see where the plane is located in the model: 9. As an example, let s check out the existing 2D geometry. Expand the Geometry section and then right-click on the first Line 2D. Click Visible to turn this on. 21
10. To see the rest of the parts, repeat the steps for all of the lines and points. Note how the icon becomes bold as the line or point is made visible: 11. This displays the linework that is used when the view is set to the top plane, which is where plan views are displayed. Our next step would be to turn on the Front Symbol plane and use it to define a symbol for that point of view. 12. Right-click on the Symbol and Annotation Plane. Click Add Front Symbol Plane: 22
13. Once the plane is created, right-click on the new plane, and then click Visible to turn it on. 14. Once it s visible, you can change to the front view. 23
15. Zoom into the view so you can see what you re adding. 16. To add the linework, you can use the line tool. Right-click on Parametric Graphics, and then click Add Geometry. Once the section expands, select the Line tool: 17. Since you want to use the body of the valve, use an endpoint snap to select points: 24
18. This tools acts similar to a polyline, so continue to add points for each side of the symbol. The line and points will be created. Make sure you have the Ortho tool turned off. When finished, press ENTER to complete the command. 19. By the way, don t delete the points; the symbol will not work correctly if you remove them from the model. To hide them, expand the Geometry section and then right-click on each point. Deselect the Visible option, and the point will be turned off. Notice that these are fixed, which means they are properly constrained to the model. 20. The symbol is ready to use, but you aren t finished yet. On the Content Builder dialog, select the Validate tool. 25
21. If there are any errors in the model, they will show up here. Make sure the check mark is green, and your model is correctly defined. Select the Options tool. Make sure the following options are checked: Migrate-able Part Flag so you can upgrade this to new releases; Custom Sizing Flag so you can add custom sizes 22. AutoCAD MEP lets you assign the layer key from this dialog. Previously, you had to edit this setting with the Catalog Editor. Make sure the Display symbol in Plan View is deselected, so the new symbol does not appear from the top view. You ve finished the task now and properly defined the symbol. Close the Content Builder dialog, saving the changes when prompted. You can now load the valve into a drawing, and test it to make sure it works. Use this tool to get the construction documents looking the way you want! 26
Creating Custom Content Catalogs Now that we ve made some custom content, let s learn how to separate it from all the other riffraff that comes with the program (just kidding, there s a ton of great content here).by keeping this content separate, the user will be able to receive new content from Autodesk without having to be concerned with their content being lost or overwritten. In the event a user creates a large number of parts, they may want to move their custom content to a separate location. In order to do this, the user catalog must contain at least one part, and the folder location must already exist. The MEP Catalog path will need to include this new path, and can only be added after the content is located in the new folder. Note: this exercise should take five minutes to complete once the user has become proficient with the steps listed. Before getting started, Autodesk includes these tips to make the creation of parts simpler: 1. Save a backup copy of the part catalogs before using Content Builder, in case you need to revert to the original catalogs provided with AutoCAD MEP. You can use a browser application, such as Windows Explorer, to copy and paste the catalogs and their subfolders to a new location. 2. Use the order of the folders in the part browser as a guide to the steps involved in the creation process. 3. From Windows Explorer in Windows 7, browse to the following folder (this is the default location as installed using the defaults for AutoCAD MEP): C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\MEP 2015\enu\MEPContent\USI\MvParts\ 4. To begin creating the part, a new folder should be created and used for the custom content. Personally, I d use the default location above and just add the folder, but you can also locate it on a server or local hard drive. The user must have full permissions and administrative rights to the folder. For this class, create a new folder directly under the c:\ drive named c:\acadmep2015\custom. 5. From the manage tab of the ribbon, select the Catalog Editor. In the Catalog editor dialog, select the New icon to create a new catalog: 27
6. In the new catalog dialog, change the part Domain to Multi-View Part. Name the new catalog Multi-View Parts Custom. Match the description to the name, and change the catalog root directory to C:\ACADMEP2015\Custom (note: this folder must already exist on the system to be used): 7. Select OK to continue and return to the catalog editor. 8. On the right panel, change the following values by double-clicking on the field: Supplier Name your company name; Supplier URL your company web address Supplier Image if you have an image file that can be used, select the image make sure it s in a path that can be seen by all users. 9. Save the catalog. 10. Remain in the catalog editor. The next step is to copy the new part from its original location to the new catalog. Open the existing catalog where the new part is located (see the options tool for locations for the default MEP catalog paths): 28
11. To copy the new part out of the main folder, expand the MvParts catalog to the chapter where the custom pump was created. Right mouse click on the chapter and choose Copy. 12. To re-open the new catalog, choose the File pull down menu, and then select the new catalog: 13. Once the new catalog is open, right click on the catalog and choose Paste. The pumps chapter should appear. From the Tools menu, choose Regenerate Catalog tool to update the catalog and use the part. The user can now return to the original catalog using content builder to remove the custom part. To see the parts, add the catalog to the MvParts path located in the Options palette under MEP Catalogs. Now you ve setup a place to keep your custom content. Get busy and set up as much as you need. Migrating to newer releases is a lot easier from now on! Conclusions BIM projects represent the same culture change that occurred when the Beatles arrived in America, when disco finally died, and when working on a computer became a daily thing. The key is not to let yourself be intimidated by the change, but instead learn to embrace it, and take 29
advantage of the positive changes it can bring. Take the time to understand how to deal with the changes, and you ll be on your way to more efficient design workflows, and profitable projects. 30