Ask The Expert
Vicky Wu--AutoCAD Isometrics (including Setup) and Orthographics Q&A
About Vicky Wu
Vicky Wu is a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer at Autodesk. Vicky has tested Isogen, AutoCAD Isometrics, and custom parts/instrumentation for AutoCAD Plant 3D. Before joining Autodesk, Vicky worked as a Piping Design Engineer at a Petrochemical EPC company, where she used Intergraph PDS software. There, she designed the piping for silica, organic silicon, and chloride methane projects. Vicky holds a Master degree in Chemical Engineering.
Vicky looks forward to answering your questions about AutoCAD Isometrics, Orthographics, and Project Setup for Isometrics.
Mauro Spadaro
Hi, I have to generate an ortho view with scale 1:25 (that is not in the list). I've just added this scale in the USER PREFERENCES of option function (DEFAULT SCALE LIST) but this is not enough to have that scale in the list when generating the ortho view. What is missing? thanks
mauro
Vicky Wu
Hi Mauro,
After creating Ortho view in Project Manager,Command: SCALELISTEDIT > Click Add..., enter 1:25, Save.Click New View in Ribbon, then you could see the new scale in the list.
-Vicky
Johan Ramm
Hi Vicky!
Is there any way I can rotate the box or the view then I create an Orho view? Can an UCS be used?
Vicky Wu
Hi Johan,
YES. The Otho View port can be rotated or moved.
the UCS command can be used in the Ortho View port. Would you please tell me what you want to obtain by UCS change.
Vicky
Johan Ramm
Hi Vicky
Is there any way I can rotate the view in an Isometric drawing? Can I generate an Iso with the coordinates following an UCS?
Vicky Wu
Hi Johan,
We could support Iso following UCS to some extent. _PLANTPRODUCTIONISO> Advanced…, specify the offset rotation.
After rotation, Iso graphics could be correct (NON skewed Isos) but the coordinates are inaccurate. We need have to update the coordinates after Iso creation. That's our current limitation.
Vicky
Dave Herring
Hi, Vicky
I have a few questions I would like some help with.
Created a production ISO of a pipe run, which was fine, issued the drawing, one drawing number. Then had to change some flanges to a different type. Reproduced the ISO on the same pipe run and it then split the pipe run into two drawings. This totally mucks up our drawing numbering system. Have you come across this problem?
I would like some information on how to create and modify the blocks in the IsoSymbolStyles.dwg i.e. what ports are required and how they react, some have wipe outs in the blocks, what are they for and how to use them. And how they are skewed in the ISO drawing.
How to edit and configure the IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml file.
It is the section in the file that controls the connections, the section below I have cut out of the file:-
<!-- Begin: Connections -->
<!-- IgnoredOnConnectionPoint: Default to false. True to indicate the end type can be ignored in connection point in pcf but it needs to be created in isometric anyway-->
<!-- OnFitting:Default to false.True to generate the end symbol anyway for the fitting even the fitting is not connected to other component(for example flange for flanged fitting).-->
<!-- ShowWeldDot:Default to false. True to generate one extra weld dot at the connection point (To Implement)-->
I have flange adaptors and pipe coupling, which are push fit, so for the flange adaptor I copied and renamed a block in the IsoSymbolStyles.dwg to FlangePF, which worked fine. It is the connections, I cannot get my head round; in the ISO drawing, which is produced, a weld dot is put on the fitting.
I have tried several combinations from the statement above, but I the weld dot keeps appearing on the ISO drawing.
Can you give an explanation in plan easy steps to follow, some Caddy’s of a mature nature, the grey matter doesn’t soak up new technology as quick.
Kind Regards
Dave
Vicky Wu
Hi Dave,
Weld dot question.
The fasteners for PushFit could be modified via Project Setup>Plant 3DDWG Settings>Connections>Joint Settings. the default value is Gasket. Weld shouldn't be placed at the PushFit connection in 3D model. Then PCF will not get Weld data and resulting Iso will not get weld symbol. Would you please check as per above steps? If you still see the issue, would you please attach the 3d drawing , i could investigate.
Regarding how to use IsoSymbolStyles.dwg(ISS) and IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml (ISABM), an symple example as below for your better understanding.
In ISABM.xml <SkeyMap SKEY = "EL??" AcadBlock ="Elbow"/>, a block named "Elbow" should be created in ISS.dwg. The SKEY are getting from pcf file:
ELBOW
END-POINT -75.6372 111.5794 -109.3352 4.0000 BW
END-POINT -69.6372 111.5794 -115.3352 4.0000 BW
CENTRE-POINT -75.6372 111.5794 -115.3352
SKEY ELBW
If you want to create a custom part in Spec Editor,make sure specify the type (ELBOW) and skey(ELBW). then create corresponding block and skey mapping fine into above 2 files.
HTH,
Vicky
Firouz Zadeh
Hello Vicky,
On Plant 3D, when I want to insert aflange into a customised pipe wye outlet, I get the following message:
"Parts do not fit" and then it remains disconnected.
My pipeline is s non-orthogolal model and all fittings and components should take the orientation of actual line base on the poly-line defined as pipe centerline.
I would like to know how I can connect these components together to have an integrated model as opposed to a segmental one.
Thank,
Firouz
Vicky Wu
Hi Firouz,
we can add a flange for a Lateral or a Wye at any ports, see attachement, it will be very helpful if you can attach some snapshots and the spec you used.
Vicky
Attachment: WYE.png
Saravanan Padmanabha Pillai
HI Vicky,
Do you have any document for creating template & settings for AutoCAD Plant3D Isometric in depth details (Ex: dimension, bom , title block )
thanks & Regards
saravanan
KKMSOFT P LTD
saravanan@kkmsoft.com
Vicky Wu
Hi saravanan,
You could find Documentations and training videos regarding Isometrics from below link:http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/index?id=17493743&siteID=123112&linkID=14116967
or http://docs.autodesk.com/PLNT3D/2012/ENU/filesPUG/GUID-7893F22A-46A3-468F-9932-914F78D191D-57.htm
If you would like Plant 3D 2012 advanced courseware you can contact ACPlant Consult in Germany:http://www.acplant.com/index.php/en/
We will inform you once we get other kind of Isometrics related documents.
Vicky
Saravanan Padmanabha Pillai
Hi Vicky
In autocad Plant3D 2011 if we add a installation type in 3D pipe , in isometric drawing the line will have the different line type for installation type automatically but its not happening in AutoCAD Plant3D 2012. is there any work around please let me know
Thanks & regards
saravanan
saravanan@kkmsoft.com
Vicky Wu
I assume you're talking about Insulation type in PP.
correct steps: add insulation type in PP; Home Ribbon>Visibility Tab> check Toggle Insulation display button; Modify isoconfig.xml under iso style folders: UseOffsetLineInsulation="true".
Meanwhile, we could add Insulation symbol manually. In Iso Ribbon, click Insulation Symbol to add insulation into pipe.
Vicky
Mauro Spadaro
Hi, I have to generate an ortho view with scale 1:25 (that is not in the list). I've just added this scale in the USER PREFERENCES of option function (DEFAULT SCALE LIST) but this is not enough to have that scale in the list when generating the ortho view. What is missing? thanks
mauro
Vicky Wu
Same question as Question#1. Please refer to my reply to Question 1.
Vicky
Stephan Bradley
I am using 3DCLIP in viewports to generate views that allow me to show parts with realistic shading (not exactly an ortho). There are parts in my model that are substitute parts and are indicated with a large yellow exclamation mark. These marks show up on the final drawings. Is there a way to turn off these warnings for plotting? I have searched everywhere, but can't seem to find an answer to this.
Thanks,
Stephan
Vicky Wu
Hi Stephan,
We could turn off the large yellow exclamation mark.
Home Ribbon>Visibility Tab> uncheck lower left button:Toggle Placeholder Display
Vicky
Carlos Gomez
muy buenas alguna direcion web para descargar tutorial en pdf de AutoCad P3D si es posible en español
Vicky Wu
Hola Carlos,
No tenemos una versión en español de Plant 3D. Pero no estoy segura de que tenemos un tutorial en español. Voy a confirmar y te avisare. ¿Tambien, de qué pais eres?
- Vicky
Workaround:
You can also translate YouTube - AutoCAD Plant 3D captions and audio.
Muneer Zuhair
HI Vicky,
My name is Muneer Zuhair.aAnd I am trying to create threaded nozle to models nozzles in machines.How can I do it
Vicky Wu
Hi Muneer,
We could modify end type of equipment nozzle when adding a new nozzle.
Right-click equipment> select Add Nozzle...> Change Type Tab>End Type drop-down list, select THDF.
Vicky
GEORGES GENTEN
Hi Vicky,
Here's the following of a problem explained to your colleague Bruce Trevena in January. To understand the complete history, please see questions #25 and #34 in http://autocad.autodesk.com/?nd=ask_the_expert&topic_id=115&moderator_id=21210&site_section=Plant#module_askquestion.
I uninstalled and reinstalled Autocad Plant 3D 2012 (not the whole suite) as Bruce has advised. Unfortunately, no improvement.
What else can I try ?
Note that Windows is up to date.
Thanks in avance for your help.
Best regards
Georges
Vicky Wu
Hi Georges,
It was a limitation in Plant 3D 2012.
Workaround:Please modify DPI to a smaller value before you use Report Creator.
Vicky
Lucas Barrera
Vicky Wu
Hello Lucas, would you please post the issue into Autodesk forum and attached related files, e.g. 3d model, spec, etc. I will replied to you then.
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-Plant-3D/bd-p/371
Thanks,
Vicky
Muneer Zuhair
Hi Vicky,
my nozzle catalugue is empty, how can I find the files so I can edit them.
Vicky Wu
1. Open Spec Editor
2. Go to Catalog Editor Tab
3. Click Open Catalog... in Catolog: drop-down list (on the right side)
4. Select *.acat in File name drop-down list
5. Select NOZZLE Catalog.acat
Then you could edit it.
Please let me know if you have any other issue.
Vicky
Barend-Jan Vanzijtveld
Hi Vicky,
just a small question. How can I setup isometrics in such a way that when a pipe line is split into more sheets the weld numbering continues from sheet to sheet. So when it ends on sheet one with 11, it continues on sheet two with 12 etc....
On the forum it was suggested to use the weldnumber from model, but with hundreds of pipes and thousand and thousands of welds this is not an option. I already searched for it in the isoconfig.xml but wasn't able to find something suitable.
Thanks in advance for your help, regards,
Barend-Jan (BJ) van Zijtveld
Vicky Wu
Hi Barend-Jan (BJ) van Zijtveld,
Specify weldnumber is the current solution in Plant 3D 2012.
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-Plant-3D/Continuous-weld-numbering/m-p/3354163/highlight/false
Vicky
Ferney Gutierrez
Vicky Wu
Hi Ferney,
1. Project Setup>Setup Title block
2. Click the cell, Table Cell ribbon is displayed.
3. Select Unlocked in Cell Locking drop-down menu
4. Repeat step2, Ctrl+1 to open PP
5. Click Text color in Cotent node to select the color you want.
5. Save and create Iso.
The color will be displayed for that cell.
Plese do the same steps for other cells.
Vicky
Roldan Duarte
Hi Vicky
AutoCAD Plant 3D Problems
Isometric 10001-1
Isometric
Dimension
Isometric
Dimension
Distance
Length
of Líne
Scale:
Dimension/Length
17’ 5 13/16”
209.8125
2.1817
2.1817
96.17
55’ 5 9/16”
665.5625
2.2125
2.2125
300.82
5’ 0 3/8”
60.3750
4.5991
4.5992
13.13
6’ 6”
78.0000
3.3463
3.3463
23.31
4’ 3 5/16”
51.3125
1.4811
1.4811
34.64
In this table I have compared 5 dimensions of the Isometric 10001-1
Based on these results, I conclude that dimensions of isometric drawings are not real. When I use the Distance command to verify the dimension I get a 96.17 factor for the first dimension, 300.82 for the second and so on.
Conclusion: none of the isometric dimension is real.
The coordinates of the endpoint of pipeline are
E 26’ – 10 11/16”
S 2’ – 4 1/8”
EL +22’ – 6 3/4”
When I use de Id command to verify these coordinates I get;
X = 8.0120 Y = 6.9936 Z = 0.0000
I used the command Units to verify that the units used in this drawing are inches
How can I get Isometric drawings with real dimensions and coordinates?
Suggestion to Autodesk: The isometric drawings must be 3D real drawings. All dimensions must agree with the real length of the pipe. When using 3D views the isometric drawing must behave as a 3D object, no as a 2D object.
Thanks for your help, Roldan
Vicky Wu
Dear Roldan,
The Iso drawing in Plant 3D is the representation of pipeline in 3D model. It's not to scale. The coordinates and dimensions displayed on Iso is accordance with 3D model.
Isometrics are meant to be schematic and that while it is good to strive for proportion, exact proportion does not always produce the best results in terms of the overall isometric drawing
Pipe looks visually correct in terms of an iso drawing which is not always the same representation as a "true iso" view in a 3d model.
HTH,
Vicky
Elena Peng
Hi Vicky,
Do you know where can I find AutoCAD Plant 3D Content Packs for API, ASTM, ANSI and BS? I am a Piping Designer.
Thank you,
Elena
Vicky Wu
Hi Elena,
We have API families in the default ASME Valve catalog.There're some ASTM, ANSI and BS in the default ASME Pipes and Fittings catalog and DIN Pipes and Fittings catalog.
You could refer to the install folder: e.g. C:\AutoCAD Plant 3D 2012 Content
You could down UK Ductile Iron Pipes and Fittings from below link.
http://autocad.autodesk.com/?nd=plant_content_packs
I will inform you once i know other content packs.
vicky
GEORGES GENTEN
Hi Vicky
Best regards.
Vicky Wu
Hi George,
change DPI as per below steps:
Win7 OS: Right-click your desktop>Personalize> Display (on the left corner)>select Smaller-100%(default) or click Set custom text size(DPI) on the left
XP OS:Right click>Properties>Settings Tab>Advanced button>General Tab>DPI settings
Please refer to attachment for mre info. Please let me know if you still see the issue.Thanks,
Vicky
Attachment: DPI.png
Rene Noordam
Vicky,
In the branch table I tried to add a Reducing Tee in combination with a Reducer. After adding this, closing the "Branch Table Setup" and then back to "Edit Legend" the reducer is disappeared. Is this a bug or did I something wrong.
Rene
Vicky Wu
Hi Rene,
In this case, you need to route the reducing part from the main pipe, then reduce the size manually. Thank you very much!
Vicky
Roldan Duarte
Dear Vicky:
Referirng my question 23, I have been producing two kinds of isometric drawings with AutoCAD:
a. 2D isometric drawings with real lengths of pipes and real coordinates XY
a. ·3D isometric drawings with real lengths of pipes and real coordinates XYZ
I you want, I can send you the files of these drawings.
I expect that AutoCAD Plant 3D generate real 3D Isometric drawings, not 2D drawings with dimensions that are not real
Please send this suggestion to the development team.
Regards, Roldan
Vicky Wu
Dear Roldan,
Thanks for your attention in Plant 3D. I will bring your suggestion to our development team.
by the way, would you please tell what kind of field or project you're working for and it need the real coordinates in Isometric drawings? I could provide more info to our develeoment team.
Thank you very much!
Vicky