24558062 Autocad Mep 2009 Content Tools

AutoCAD MEP 2009

Content Tools Tutorial

April 2008

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Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Extracting the Project Datasets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Working with Metric Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Getting Started with this Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2About the Content Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Understanding Parametric and Block-based Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Getting Started with the Content Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Exploring the Block-Based Building Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Exploring the Parametric Building Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

About the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Understanding Part Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Understanding Part Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Getting Started with the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2 Using the Content Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Lesson 1: Creating a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . 15Exercise 2: Defining Catalog Information and Behavior for a Block-based Part . . . . . . . . . . 21Exercise 3: Assigning Names, Views, and a Preview Image to a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . 23Exercise 4: Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Exercise 5: Testing a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Lesson 2: Modifying a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Exercise 1: Adding Part Sizes for a Block-based MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Exercise 2: Modifying the Behavior and Property Information of a Block-based MvPart . . . . . 41

Lesson 3: Creating a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Exercise 3: Assigning Connectors to a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Exercise 4: Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Exercise 5: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric

Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

v

Exercise 6: Validating and Saving a Parametric Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Lesson 4: Creating a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72Exercise 3: Assigning Connectors to a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Exercise 4: Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Exercise 5: Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Exercise 6: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric

MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Exercise 7: Validating and Saving a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Lesson 5: Modifying a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92Exercise 1: Modifying the Connectors and Dimensions of a Parametric MvPart . . . . . . . . . . 92Exercise 2: Copying a Parametric MvPart to Create a New Part Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Chapter 3 Using the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Lesson 6: Exploring the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Exercise 1: Opening a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Exercise 2: Creating a New Part Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Lesson 7: Working in the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Exercise 1: Creating a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Exercise 2: Adding a Size to a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Exercise 3: Adding Web-based Content to a Part Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

vi | Contents

Introduction

The Content Builder tools included with AutoCAD MEP provide you with a powerful environment in which you cancreate and modify parts.

The parts you create and the libraries of common industry parts provided with AutoCAD MEP are stored in part catalogs.You can create and modify part catalogs to meet your needs using the Catalog Editor.

This tutorial shows you how to use both the Content Builder and the Catalog Editor, using examples of real-word parts.You can follow the workflow presented in these lessons when creating your own parts and part catalogs.

The Content Builder lessons and the Catalog Editor lessons are grouped separately so that they can be used independentlyof each other. Chapter 2 shows you how to create parts using the Content Builder. Chapter 3 shows you how to createand modify catalogs using the Catalog Editor. Each chapter consists of a series of lessons, with each lesson building uponthe preceding one. To derive the most benefit from these process-based lessons, complete the lessons in a chapter fromstart to finish.

Extracting the Project DatasetsYou must extract the project files (referred to as datasets in this tutorial) in order to complete any part ofthis tutorial. If you edit any of the project files, you can extract the files again to reset the project to itsoriginal state. You can search My Documents\Autodesk\MyProjects to see if the Content Tools dataset hasalready been extracted.

To extract the project files, open your browser to the following URL:http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep-tutorials. Locate the tutorial ZIP file for your language; for example, theEnglish language version of the tutorial files is english_tutorials_AutoCAD_MEP_2009.zip. Follow the stepsin the corresponding readme.txt file to download the ZIP file and extract its contents to your hard drive.

Working with Metric ContentThis tutorial requires that the Global content pack be installed as part of the AutoCAD MEP installation foryour workstation. The Global content pack is made up of metric content, metric templates, and an AutoCADMEP (Global) user profile.

To add the Global content pack to your AutoCAD MEP installation at any time, rerun the installer, andselect the Add or Remove Features option. To rerun the installer, open the Add or Remove Programs dialogin the Control Panel, and click Change/Remove. For more information, refer to the online AutoCAD MEPinstallation guides.

1

1

http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep-tutorials

Getting Started with this TutorialTo use this tutorial, you must use a set of metric catalogs and related drawings provided exclusively for thetutorial. The tutorial catalogs are provided to keep your tutorial content separate from the content in yourother catalogs. As you work through the lessons in this tutorial, it is strongly recommended that you storeall tutorial-related content in the tutorial catalogs.

While you might be accustomed to using imperial units in your day-to-day work, the lessons in this metrictutorial cover all of the same tasks necessary for you to create custom content using either metric or imperialunits.

To ease switching between the tutorial catalogs and the design catalogs, the following exercise instructs youto create a Content Tools Tutorial profile and a related desktop shortcut. When you create the tutorial profile,you define the tutorial catalogs as your default part catalogs. When you create the tutorial shortcut, youdefine the Content Tools Tutorial profile as your default profile. Therefore, when you launch AutoCAD MEPusing the tutorial shortcut, the tutorial catalogs are your default part catalogs.

IMPORTANT Use the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut for every tutorial session. Use the AutoCAD MEP2009 shortcut for every design session.

Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut

Create a tutorial profile

1 Launch AutoCAD MEP 2009.

2 In the Workspaces dialog, select any workspace from the list, and click OK.

3 Click Format menu ➤ Options.

4 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab, and click Add to List.

5 In the Add Profile dialog, for Profile name, enter Content Tools Tutorial.

6 For Description, enter This profile uses tutorial catalogs as default part catalogs.

7 Click Apply & Close.

8 On the Profiles tab, select Content Tools Tutorial, and click Set Current.

Specify the tutorial catalogs as the default part catalogs for the new profile

9 Still in the Options dialog, click the MEP Catalogs tab.

10 Under Catalogs, specify the Tutorial MvPart Catalog as the default Multi-view Part catalog:

■ Select the file path for the current Multi-view Part catalog, and click Browse.

■ In the Select catalog file for Multi-view Parts dialog, browse to the following folder: MyDocuments\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.

NOTE The Windows XP default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\My Documents. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents onthe desktop, click Properties, and examine the value for Target.

■ Select Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc, and click Open.The APC file is the standard file format for part catalogs in AutoCAD MEP. When you selectan APC file, you are selecting a part catalog from which parts can be selected during layout.

11 Specify the Tutorial Pipe Catalog as the default Pipe catalog:

■ Select the file path for the current Pipe catalog, and click Browse.

2 | Chapter 1 Introduction

■ In the Select catalog file for Pipes dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\MyProjects\Content Tools\Tutorial Pipe Catalog.

■ Select Tutorial Pipe Catalog.apc, and click Open.

12 Click OK.

Create a tutorial workspace

Workspaces are user interface configurations that you can customize for specific tasks. Next, you create aworkspace that displays the menu you need for this tutorial.

13 Click Window menu ➤ Pulldowns ➤ CAD Manager.

This action displays the CAD Manager menu on the menu bar.

14 On the Workspaces toolbar, click Save Current As.

15 In the Save Workspace dialog, for Name, enter Content Tools Tutorial. Click Save.

16 IMPORTANT Whenever you start AutoCAD MEP to work with this tutorial, select Content ToolsTutorial as your initial workspace in the Workspaces dialog. The workspace displays the CAD Managermenu that you need for the tutorial.

Change back to the AutoCAD MEP profile for your standard shortcut


18 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab.

19 Select the appropriate AutoCAD MEP profile, and click Set Current.

20 Click the MEP Catalogs tab, and verify that the Multi-view Parts and Pipe catalogs are the partcatalogs you require for your design work.

21 Click OK, and click File menu ➤ Exit.

Create a tutorial shortcut

22 On the Windows® desktop, right-click the shortcut for AutoCAD MEP 2009, and click Copy.

23 In the location where you want to place the new shortcut, right-click, and click Paste.

24 Right-click the shortcut name, and click Rename.

25 Enter Content Tools Tutorial Profile, and press Enter.

26 Right-click (Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut), and click Properties.

Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut | 3

27 In the Target field, use the left arrow key to scroll to the left, and change the value of the /pswitch to “Content Tools Tutorial” as shown.

IMPORTANT The /p switch is the profile control for the shortcut. The value you enter must be theexact name of the profile, and the value must be enclosed in quotation marks. As you enter the value,take care to avoid modifying any other target information.

28 Click OK.

Test the shortcut

29 Double-click the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut.

30 In the Welcome dialog, click the Close button.

31 In the Workspaces toolbar, select Content Tools Tutorial, and click OK.


33 At the top of the Options dialog, verify that Current profile is Content Tools Tutorial.

34 Click the MEP Catalogs tab, and verify that the Multi-view Part and Pipe catalogs are the tutorialcatalogs.

35 Click OK.

The Content Tools Tutorial shortcut is created and tested. When you launch AutoCAD MEP using thisshortcut, the tutorial catalogs are set as your default Multi-view Part and Pipe catalogs. As you work throughthe exercises in this tutorial, these catalogs hold the accumulated part families and individual part sizes youcreate and modify.

IMPORTANT Use the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut for every tutorial session. Use the AutoCAD MEP2009 shortcut for every design session.


About the Content BuilderThe Content Builder is a content creation tool included in AutoCAD MEP. It is an integrated package of3-dimensional (3D) modeling tools and 2-dimensional (2D) drafting and drawing capabilities that helps youto conceptualize, design, and build content.

In AutoCAD MEP, content is used to represent real-world parts, such as fittings and equipment. Each pieceof content represents a part family, such as air terminals, junction boxes, or tanks, that contains a collectionof part sizes, such as a 150 mm x 100 mm rectangular floor register or a 25 mm conduit 13-hole squarejunction box. The Content Builder enables you to create and modify part families and individual part sizes.

When you use the Content Builder, you build 3D models of parts. A model is defined in terms of the size,the shape, and the position of the features that comprise the part. You associate the part to a catalog, andyou add connectors to the part so that it can connect intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects andtransfer information when it does.

Understanding Parametric and Block-based Parts

You can create 2 types of content using the Content Builder: parametric parts and block-based parts. Todetermine what type of part to create, you need to understand how each type is defined, how the parts areused in AutoCAD MEP, and what type is best suited for different kinds of parts.

Parametric Parts

Parametric parts give you the flexibility to create parts that are dynamically sized according to size parameters.You define a parametric part by creating a 3D model of the part and assigning variables (parameters) tocontrol its shape and size. Parameters are defined by individual values, lists of values, or calculated valuesbased on equations.

When you add a parametric part to a drawing, you specify values for the part’s parameters, and the part isdynamically built to reflect the specified shape and size. Parametric parts enable you to create a single 3Dmodel for a part family that can be represented in multiple part sizes. Parametric parts enable you to definemillions of parts through a single model, depending on the number and the type of its parameters.

It is recommended that you create parametric parts for equipment and fittings that have simple designs andthat require many part sizes. For example, an air terminal can have numerous sizes that all share the samegeometric features, where only the features change in size based on the overall part size. This is also the casefor fittings such as elbows, tees, and crosses. For example, a round 80 mm elbow looks the same as a round160 mm elbow, except for the diameter and elbow radius.

When you create a parametric part for an elbow fitting, you create a single 3D model of a round elbow, andyou assign parameters for the diameter and the elbow radius that change in size as needed. When you insertthe elbow in a drawing during layout, you can specify the diameter and the radius, and the elbow isdynamically built to match.

About the Content Builder | 5

Block-based Parts

A block-based part is defined as a part whose geometry is based on individual AutoCAD® blocks. Each partsize is associated with unique 3D model blocks for which you specify basic information, such as viewrepresentations and connector placement. 2-dimensional (2D) block representations are generatedautomatically for each part size.

When you add a block-based part to a drawing, you select a specific part size, and the unique representationof the fixed-size part is added to the drawing.

It is recommended that you create block-based parts for equipment and fittings that have complex designsand that require only a few part sizes. Equipment such as air handling units, motor control centers, or pumpstypically includes unique parts with their own geometric features. Shape, size, connection points, andproperties such as manufacturer or material might differ. For example, a gas air handling unit and an electricair handling unit typically are different not only in shape and size, but also in the placement of connectionpoints and the types of connectors required.

In the example shown, each part size of the air handling unit is associated with unique 3D model blocks.Because of the fundamental differences between the units, you cannot use a single 3D model to representboth units.

Getting Started with the Content Builder

When you start the Content Builder, the Getting Started dialog is displayed. You use this dialog to select apart catalog and a specific part with which to work. Based on your selections, the software gives you accessto the appropriate building environment: parametric, block-based, or either.

The Getting Started dialog has a part catalog list, a part catalog browser, and a toolbar.


Part Catalog List

You select a part catalog from a list of installed catalogs. The list reflects only those part catalogs specifiedon the MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog. Each catalog represents a group of parts for a specific domain,such as pipe.

IMPORTANT When selecting a part catalog, it is important to consider the type of part you want to create ormodify. An MvPart must belong to a single domain; however, you can specify a different domain for each connector.For example, an air handling unit belongs to the Mechanical domain, but can have a drain connector assignedto the Pipe domain, a power connector assigned to the Conduit domain, and air inlet and air outlet connectorsassigned to the Duct domain.

Part Catalog Browser

The part catalog browser organizes the parts in a catalog in a hierarchical tree view that you can navigateby expanding and collapsing the different levels (chapters) in the tree.

When selecting a part to create or modify, the software detects the type of part catalog you specified andguides you with activated icons to the appropriate building environment. For example, if you select a chapterin the MvPart catalog, both the New Block Part and the New Parametric Part icons are available. However,if you select a chapter in a component catalog, such as Duct or Cable Tray, only the New Parametric Particon is available.

Getting Started with the Content Builder | 7

Toolbar

The toolbar gives you access to the parametric and block-based building environments. If you position thecursor over a tool, a tooltip provides a brief description of the associated function. The following tools areactivated based on the catalog, the chapter, and the part that you select:

DescriptionIcon

(New Block Part) Opens the block-based building environment for partcreation.

(New Parametric Part) Opens theparametric building environmentfor part creation.

(New Chapter) Adds a new chapter(folder) to a selected catalog or toan existing chapter.

(Add Part Size) Opens the appropri-ate building environment for addinga new part size to an existing partfamily.

(Modify Part Size) Opens the appro-priate building environment formodifying an existing part size.

(Delete) Removes the selected partfrom the appropriate part catalogand the part catalog browser.

Exploring the Block-Based Building Environment

The Content Builder uses the block-based building environment when you choose to create or modify ablock-based part. This environment features 2 modes: Wizard and Tabbed.

■ In the Wizard mode, you create new block-based parts or add new part sizes to existing part families.The Wizard mode steps you through defining the following: part behavior, individual part sizes, theAutoCAD® blocks used to represent each part size, a preview image to assist during part selection, partconnectors, and property set information.


First dialog in the wizard

■ In the Tabbed mode, you modify block-based parts. Tabs are available for part behavior, assigned blocksand names, preview image, part connectors, and assigned property information. You can modify thevalues on one or all of the tabs in any order.

Behavior tab

In Lesson 1 of this tutorial, you use the Wizard mode to create a block-based MvPart. In Lesson 2, you usethe Tabbed mode to modify the block-based part.

Exploring the Block-Based Building Environment | 9

Exploring the Parametric Building Environment

The Content Builder uses the parametric building environment when you choose to create or modify aparametric part.

This environment features a part browser, a modeling area, a toolbar, a status bar, and a series offeature-specific shortcut menus.

■ The part browser is displayed on the left and provides an organized view of the features of your part. Asyou define your part, new features are nested in a hierarchy under the appropriate folder. In the browser,you can show as much or as little detail as you want by expanding or collapsing the folders.

■ The modeling area is displayed on the right and gives you full view control over a part model. You canuse the standard AutoCAD® view commands to change the direction in which you view the model.

■ The toolbar provides quick access to important Content Builder commands, such as those for saving thepart, saving an existing part as a new part, generating a preview image, validating the part, and specifyingpart options.

■ The status bar at the bottom of the part browser provides information about whether the part has beenvalidated successfully.

■ Feature-specific menus are available when you right-click a part feature in the browser window.

The part browser and the modeling area are resizable windows. You can drag a corner of a window to changeits shape and size, and you can drag a window to a new location on your screen.

In Lesson 3 of this tutorial, you use the parametric environment to create a parametric fitting. In Lesson 4,you use the environment to create a parametric MvPart.

About the Catalog EditorThe Catalog Editor is a standalone utility with Windows® Explorer-like navigation that provides a centrallocation for viewing and working with part catalogs and part data.


Part catalogs contain the information required to define a part in AutoCAD MEP. A part catalog typically isorganized into chapters, which are groups of related parts. For example, the MvParts catalog is grouped intodomain-specific chapters, such as Mechanical, and then into part type-specific chapters, such as Air Terminal.Each part type chapter contains a unique part family, such as Diffusers, which stores individual part sizes,such as the 600x600 mm Square Faced Ceiling Diffuser.

Depending on your design project, either you or your CAD manager might want to browse or modify thedetails of a part catalog, including the part data. Using the Catalog Editor, you can do the following:

■ Browse through available parts

■ Create new catalogs and chapters

■ Populate new catalogs with existing parts

■ Copy and paste, or drag and drop, part data between catalogs

■ Reorganize a part catalog by renaming chapters and moving parts

■ Create a new part from an existing part

■ Add sizes to parts

■ Add custom properties to parts

■ Edit part data in Microsoft® Excel

■ Add web-based content to a part catalog

This tutorial shows you how to perform many of these tasks in the Catalog Editor.

Understanding Part Definitions

Objects in AutoCAD MEP that are defined as parts include ducts, pipes, cable trays, conduits, fittings,equipment, and plumbing fixtures. A part is defined by several files that store the part information:

DWG file: The drawing (DWG) file stores the model geometry that defines the appearance and enablesthe display of the part.

BMP file: The bitmap (BMP) file stores the preview image of the part, which helps to identify the partduring part selection.

XML file: The extensible mark-up language (XML) file stores the part sizes and additional part propertiesthat define the part.

Understanding Part Definitions | 11

Each part family in a catalog contains references to the associated definition files. If a file is missing, thepart cannot be defined and is not available during part selection.

You can explore the part definition files in the catalogs included in the Global content pack, which isprovided with the software. The definition files are located in subfolders of the following folder: C:\Documentsand Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb Catalogs\Global.

Understanding Part Sizes

To understand how individual part sizes relate to the definition files of a part, you need to understand howthe part data is defined in the XML file. Parameters of the part are stored in the XML file using 4 storagetypes. Each storage type has unique characteristics that determine how the size parameters are used to definethe part.

Basic Table: Each parameter is stored as a separate column. An entire row across multiple columns definesthe related parameters of a specific part size. All parameter columns must have the same number ofvalues.

Constant Lists: Each parameter is stored as a separate list and can be used in combination with otherlists of values to define multiple part sizes. Each parameter list is independent and can have an infinitenumber of values.

Constants: Each parameter is stored as a separate value that remains the same for all of the part sizes.

Calculations: Each parameter is stored as a formula. Values are calculated based on other values specifiedfor the part size.

Getting Started with the Catalog Editor

Open the Catalog Editor when you want to view and work with part catalogs and part data. The CatalogEditor window is divided into 2 resizable panes and has a menu bar, a toolbar, and a preview window.

When you open a part catalog, the tree view in the left pane shows the chapters and parts in the currentcatalog. In the left pane, you can browse the catalog as well as add, delete, copy, paste, and save part data.When you click a chapter or part, the associated data is displayed in the right pane in a table format.


In Lesson 6: Exploring the Catalog Editor on page 97, you will explore the Catalog Editor in more detail.

Getting Started with the Catalog Editor | 13

14

Using the ContentBuilder

The Content Builder tools included with AutoCAD MEP provide you with a powerful environment in which to create andmodify part families and individual part sizes.

This section of the tutorial introduces you to the types of parts you can create using the Content Builder and the workingenvironments in which you build parts.

Lesson 1: Creating a Block-based MvPartUsing the Content Builder, you can create block-based MvParts, such as air handling units and other complexequipment. This lesson shows how to use the Content Builder to create an air handling unit MvPart.

The exercises in this lesson are designed to be completed in the order presented, where each exercise representsa separate phase in the creation process. You begin the lesson by creating a 3-dimensional (3D) model forthe air handling unit and saving the model as an AutoCAD block. You then create a 2-dimensional (2D)schematic symbol block to represent the part. Next, you launch the Content Builder, where you define thecatalog information, behavior, name, views, and connectors. Finally, you use the Content Builder to validateand test the part.

Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for aBlock-based MvPart

Before starting the Content Builder to create a block-based part, you must draw a 3D model block for eachnew part size of the part family you want to create. You save the part size models as AutoCAD blocks. Youshould also create a 2D schematic symbol block that represents the part family. All 3D model blocks for theindividual part sizes and the schematic symbol for the part family must be saved in the same drawing file.

This exercise shows how to create a 3D model and a schematic symbol for a block-based air handling unitMvPart. To support automatic generation of view blocks by the Content Builder, use the SW isometric viewand AutoCAD solids to create the model block at an insertion point of 0,0,0 on the standard AutoCAD worldcoordinate system (WCS) orientation. Following these guidelines ensures support of the part in AutoCADMEP and for rendering, shading, and hiding in 3D model views. Creating the model block at an insertionpoint of 0,0,0 ensures that each view block generated from the model aligns to the respective side of the

2

15

model block. When you insert the MvPart in a drawing, all associated blocks are part of one object; therefore,you need to maintain a common insertion point.

When creating a 2D schematic symbol for a block-based MvPart, you can use any drawing command tomake the geometry for the block. You should create all of the geometry using basic AutoCAD entities, suchas lines, polylines, arcs, and circles.

Generally, every part has a schematic symbol that you add to your schematic design layouts. Using theContent Builder, you can assign a different symbol block to each part size, or you can assign the same symbolblock to all part sizes. The symbol block provides a schematic representation of the part size for use in planviews. Typically, the same symbol block is used for all part sizes in a part family. You must save the symbolblock in an AutoCAD drawing file. (You can save one or more symbol blocks in the same drawing file.) TheContent Builder scales and wraps the symbol block with a bounding box of the 3D model. This ensures thatvalid connections can be maintained between the schematic symbol and the connecting schematic lines.

Dataset

My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E01.dwg

Create a 3D model of the part size

1 Click , browse to the My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools folder, selectTutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E01.dwg, and click Open.

The Windows default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\MyDocuments. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents on the desktop,click Properties, and examine the value for Target.

2 Compare the model in the drawing area to the illustration below in preparation for addingAutoCAD points to help locate connectors.

Adding AutoCAD point objects in the center of the connections allows you to use Node objectsnaps to select the connection points when assigning connectors.

TIP To make your point style match the points shown in the illustrations in this exercise, click Format

menu ➤ Point Style, and select . For Point Size, enter 90, select Set Size in Absolute Units, andclick OK.

3 Add duct connection points:

■ On the application status bar, deselect to turn off dynamic UCS.

16 | Chapter 2 Using the Content Builder

■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Bottom.Changing to a 2-dimensional (2D) view makes adding points to the connections easier andensures the correct orientation of connecting segments.

■ Click (Point) on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the intersection of thesupply air duct connection.

■ Use osnaps to select the midpoint of the return air duct connection.

NOTE Only one connector is required to make a valid part. However, in this lesson, you create anair handling unit with all connectors, so that you can fully test the part in an AutoCAD MEP drawing.

4 Add pipe connection points:

■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Front.

■ Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ View.

■ Click on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the center of the drain connection.

5 Add electrical connection points:

■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Left.

■ Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ View.

■ Click on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the center of the left powerconnection.

■ Use osnaps to select the center of the right power connection.

Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for a Block-based MvPart | 17

■ Use osnaps to select the center of the control connection.

6 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric.

7 Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ World to set the coordinate system to World before making ablock.

For more information about using coordinate systems, see the AutoCAD Help.

8 In the drawing area, select all of the objects.

9 On the Properties palette, verify that layer 0 is specified for Layer.

10 For Color and for Linetype, select ByBlock, and for Lineweight, select ByLayer.

This helps to ensure display control for the part size.

11 Press Esc.


12 Click Format menu ➤ Blocks ➤ Block Definition.

13 For Name, enter AHU HG350-HG400 model.

This name identifies the part family and part sizes (HG350 and HG400) represented by themodel block.

TIP To facilitate part identification, establish a naming convention for model blocks that includes thepart family and the part sizes. Including “model” in the name ensures automatic generation of 2Dview blocks.

14 Under Base point, verify that X, Y, and Z are all set to 0.

The base point (insertion point) is used as a reference for positioning the block upon insertion.The location of the insertion point directly affects the placement of the part size when you addthe part to your drawing.

15 Under Objects, click , draw a selection window around all of the objects in the drawingarea, and press Enter.

The dialog closes temporarily while you select objects for the block. When you press Enter, thedialog reopens.

16 Under Objects, select Retain.

This keeps the selected objects in their original state.

17 Under Settings, verify that Millimeters is selected for Block unit.

These units are used for the part when the part is added to a drawing.

18 For Description, enter Roof Top AHU HG350-HG400.

This identifies the view block for easy retrieval.

NOTE The Block Definition dialog contains a Hyperlink button, which you can use to associate ahyperlink with a block definition. For example, you can link to an existing file or a web page, suchas a part specification sheet on a manufacturer’s web site. For more information about the BlockDefinition dialog, see the AutoCAD Help.

19 Click OK.

The model block is saved in the current drawing.

Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for a Block-based MvPart | 19

Create a 2D schematic symbol for a block-based MvPart

20 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Plan View ➤ World UCS.

21 Draw the symbol view of the part:

■ Click (Rectangle) on the Shapes toolbar.

■ Enter 0,0 for the first corner point, and press Enter.

■ Enter @1000,500 for the second corner point, and press Enter.The symbol block is used as a 2D representation of the part size; therefore, you should drawthe symbol block to represent the 2D symbol of the modeled object in plan view. It isautomatically scaled to the size of the 3D model so you need only draw a small rectangle asthe shape you want to see in a top view of a schematic representation.

■ Select the rectangle.

■ On the Properties palette, for Color and for Linetype, select ByBlock. Verify that layer 0 isselected for Layer, and verify that ByLayer is selected for Lineweight.

22 Press Esc.

23 Click Format menu ➤ Blocks ➤ Block Definition.

24 In the Block Definition dialog, for Name, enter AHU HG350-HG400 symbol.

Use a naming convention that represents the part family when you save the symbol as a block.

TIP Name the symbol block “symbol” to have the Content Builder use the symbol block as the sourcefor generating the 3D symbol in schematic views.

25 Under Base point, verify that X, Y, and Z are 0.

The base point (insertion point) is used as a reference for positioning the block upon insertion.The insertion point for the schematic block should be the same as the 3D model block that itrepresents. When you place the MvPart in a drawing, all associated blocks are part of one object;therefore, you should maintain a common insertion point.

26 Under Objects, click , select the rectangle that you added for the symbol block, and pressEnter.

27 Under Objects, select Retain.

28 Under Settings, verify that Millimeters is selected for Block unit.

29 For Description, enter Roof Top AHU HG350-HG400 symbol.

This identifies the symbol block for easy retrieval.

30 Click OK.

The symbol block is saved in the current drawing.

31 Click File menu ➤ Close, and close the drawing without saving.

In this exercise, you created a 3D model and a schematic symbol for a block-based air handling unit MvPart.Each part size requires a unique 3D model block. You can have one or more model blocks in a single drawingfile representing each part size in a part family. Next, you launch the Content Builder, where you define thecatalog information and behavior of the MvPart.


Exercise 2: Defining Catalog Information and Behavior for aBlock-based Part

This exercise shows how to launch the Content Builder and define the catalog information and behaviorfor the air handling unit MvPart. You define the part behavior of a block-based MvPart by specifying thetype, subtype, layer key, and method of insertion for all part sizes of the MvPart.

Dataset

My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E02.dwg

Launch the Content Builder and add the new part to the MvPart catalog

1 Click , browse to the My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools folder, selectTutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E02.dwg, and click Open.

The Windows default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\MyDocuments. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents on the desktop,click Properties, and examine the value for Target.

This drawing contains the completed 3D model block of the air handling unit.

2 Click CAD Manager menu ➤ Content Editing ➤ Content Builder.

If the CAD Manager menu is not available, click Window menu ➤ Pulldowns ➤ CAD ManagerPulldown.

3 For Part Domain, select Multi-view Part.

4 In the tree view, select Tutorial MvParts Catalog, and click (New Chapter).

Exercise 2: Defining Catalog Information and Behavior for a Block-based Part | 21

NOTE If the Tutorial MvParts catalog is not available, it has not been specified as the default MvPartcatalog for the current profile (the Content Tools profile). For information on how to specify thetutorial catalog as the default MvPart catalog, see Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcuton page 2.

5 In the New Chapter dialog, for Name, enter Air Handling Units, and click OK.

6 With the Air Handling Units chapter selected in the tree view, click (New Block Part).

IMPORTANT When you select the MvPart Domain, both the New Block Part and the New ParametricPart icons are activated. Be sure to click the New Block Part icon.

7 For Name, enter Tutorial Air Handling Unit, and press Tab.

NOTE The name specified for the part family in the New Part dialog is used to name the files thatdefine the part in the catalog: the XML file, DWG file, and BMP file (if a preview image is assigned).The description specified for the part family is displayed during part selection.

8 Accept the default description, and click OK.

The block-based building environment is displayed.


Define the behavior of the air handling unit MvPart

9 For Type, select Air Handling Unit.

Type refers to the main category for the part family. The part type defines unique characteristicsand behaviors for part sizes, such as the ability to assign flow annotation to an HVAC part size.Types are predefined by the application and cannot be modified; therefore, select a type that issimilar to the part sizes.

10 For Layer Key, click [...], select AirHandlingUnits, and click OK.

The layer key list reflects the set of layer keys currently assigned in your drawing, based on thepreviously selected layer standard and layer key style. Selecting a layer key that matches the parttype ensures the best possible layering of part sizes.

11 For Subtype, enter electric fired.

Subtype is the subcategory for the part family; it is useful for grouping similar parts. The subtypecan be used as a filter method for part selection in the MvPart Add command; therefore, youshould select or enter a descriptive subtype name for easy identification.

Do not specify an insertion behavior.

12 Click Next.

13 With the Content Builder still open, proceed to the next exercise.

In this exercise, you launched the Content Builder and defined the catalog information and behavior forthe air handling unit MvPart. Next, you assign additional information to the MvPart, including a name andviews.

Exercise 3:Assigning Names,Views, and a Preview Image to aBlock-based MvPart

This exercise shows how to assign a part size name, view blocks, and a preview image to the air handlingunit MvPart. Each topic is introduced below.

Part Size Names

If you create several part sizes, you can specify a unique name for each part size. The part size name typicallyreflects the actual size of the part (such as dimensions for width and height) or the total output (in L/s orcfm). It is used for part selection in the MvPart Add dialog. The part size name is also used in the part catalogsand appears as the object name when using tooltips. Therefore, you should specify a descriptive part sizename for easy part identification.

View Blocks

View blocks are generated and assigned by default for part sizes assigned a 3D model block that have namesending in “model”; for example, AHU Commercial Roof 400x400 model. Unassigned view blocks display asempty fields. View blocks that display in red have been assigned a name based on the 3D model block;however, they are missing a defined block. You can assign a predefined view block or generate the missingview blocks using the Content Builder. The Content Builder generates the 6 standard AutoCAD view blocks(top, bottom, left, right, front, and back) from the 3D model block. You can assign the same view block tomultiple view directions, such as front and back, depending on part symmetry. You also assign to the partfamily the 2D symbol block you created previously for generating a 2D symbol for each part size. The viewsdetermine how the individual part size is displayed in your drawing.

NOTE View blocks can be generated for multiple part sizes at one time. You can add multiple part sizes, and thengenerate the missing view blocks for all part sizes.

Exercise 3:Assigning Names,Views, and a Preview Image to a Block-based MvPart | 23

Preview Image

Every part family has a graphical preview image that helps during part selection. Using the Content Builder,you assign a preview image to the part family. Typically, you create an image using visual styles before usingthe Content Builder, but you can also use the Content Builder to generate a preview image based on the 3Dmodel. The preview image should be a representative image of the part family, typically a shaded modelview of one of the part sizes in an SW isometric view. The same preview image is used for all part sizes of apart family.

Add a new part size and assign a schematic symbol

1 If you have not already done so, complete the previous exercise.

2 On the Blocks & Names page, for Model Block, select AHU HG350-HG400 model, and pressEnter.

The list of 3D model blocks reflects the blocks in the active drawing.

A new part size is added to the part family, and a new row appears in the table. View blocks areassigned by default when the 3D model block name ends in “model.” Assigned view blocks withassociated blocks display in black. Any view block assigned a name based on the 3D model block,but missing a block, displays in red. All unassigned view blocks display as empty fields.

3 Double-click the value for Part Size Name, enter AHU HG350, and press Enter.

4 For Symbol Block, select AHU HG350-HG400 symbol, and press Enter.


The list displays the blocks in the active drawing that can be used to generate a 2D symbol blockfor each part size.

Assign views

5 To create the missing view blocks for block names that display in red, click Generate Blocks.

Exercise 3:Assigning Names,Views, and a Preview Image to a Block-based MvPart | 25

View blocks are generated and named based on the associated 3D model block. View blockassignments are defined based on the standard display representations and view directions;however, you can change them as needed.

NOTE The symbol block is used in Isometric mode and is displayed as a 3D boundary box of themodel block with 2D symbology to represent the part itself.

6 Click OK.

The new part size is updated with the generated view blocks.

7 Click Next.

If Next is unavailable (shaded), information is missing on this page. Verify that each part sizehas a defined name and that all view blocks display in black.

Generate a preview image

8 On the Image page, click Select a previously drawn image.

9 Click [...], and browse to the following folder: My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\ContentTools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog\Air Handling Units Datasets.

10 Select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E05.bmp, and select Open.

11 Click Next.

If Next is unavailable (shaded), information is missing on this page. Verify that you have selecteda preview image for the part family.

12 With the Content Builder still open, proceed to the next exercise.

In this exercise, you named the MvPart and assigned the views and the preview image for the part. Next,you add the connectors to the part.


Exercise 4:Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart

This exercise shows how to add connectors to a block-based MvPart. Defining connectors allows the part tobe connected intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects in a drawing. You can define one or more connectorsfor each part size of an MvPart. For each connector, you can assign unique part properties, such as domain,system type, shape, and size. Generally, a part has at least one connector; however, you can create a partthat has no connectors.

IMPORTANT The size and shape of every connector for a part size can be different. However, the number ofconnectors must be the same for all part sizes of an MvPart. When you add or delete a connector from a partfamily, all part sizes are updated.

Add duct connectors

1 If you have not already done so, complete Exercise 2 and Exercise 3 in this lesson.

2 In the tree view of the part family and sizes, right-click the part family (Tutorial Air HandlingUnit), and click Add Duct Connector.

3 In the Part Family Connector Properties dialog, specify a value for each of the connectorproperties:

■ For Name, enter Air Supply.

■ For Flow Direction, select Out.

■ For Shape, select Rectangular.

■ For Unsized, select False.This prevents the connector from making valid connections with unsized segments.

Exercise 4:Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart | 27

NOTE The connector domain is predefined based on the type of connector selected and cannot bechanged in the dialog. The domain is defined once for the part family and remains the same for allpart sizes.

4 Click OK, and in the tree view, expand Air Supply under AHU HG350 to see the values youspecified.

5 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to add a connector named Air Return that has a flow direction of In.

The values are assigned to Air Return.

Add piping and electrical connectors

6 In the tree view, right-click the part family, click Add Pipe Connector.


■ For Name, enter Condensate Drain.

■ For Flow Direction, select Out.

■ For Gauge, verify that Undefined Gauge is selected.This allows connections to all gauge types.

■ For Unsized, select False.

NOTE The connector domain and shape are predefined based on the type of connector selectedand cannot be changed in the dialog. The domain and shape are defined once for the part familyand remain the same for all part sizes.


8 Click OK.

The values are assigned to Condensate Drain.

9 In the tree view, right-click the part family, and click Add Conduit Connector.


■ For Name, enter Power 1.

■ For Unsized, verify that False is selected.

NOTE The connector domain and shape are predefined based on the type of connector selectedand cannot be changed in the dialog. The domain and shape are defined once for the part familyand remain the same for all part sizes.

■ Click OK.


11 Repeat previous step to add 2 more conduit connectors named Power 2 and Controls.

Define additional properties for the connectors

12 In the tree view, under the part size (AHU HG350), right-click Air Supply, and click EditPlacement.

A properties palette and drawing area are displayed.


13 Specify the connector properties:

■ On the properties palette, for Connection Type, select Slip Joint.

■ To specify the location of the connector, enter p (Position), and use osnaps to select thenode at the air supply connection point.The connector position is updated in the model.

■ On the properties palette, double-click the value for Normal, enter 0,0,-1, and press Enter.

TIP When defining the direction for connecting components to be drawn, you can either select2 points or specify the direction and a single point. You can also enter X,Y,Z values to indicatedirection as provided in the table for the normal direction or flow direction.

■ For Rotation, verify that 0 is specified.

■ For Width, enter 450, and for Height, enter 1500.The connector information is displayed in the drawing area.

■ Click OK.

14 For each remaining connector, right-click the connector in the tree view, click Edit Placement,and use the information in the table below to define the remaining connectors. There are graphicsshown on the model to visually confirm placement values such as position and normal direction.

Visual confirmation


Connectors

Con-trols

Power2

Power1

DrainRe-turnAir

Con-trols

Power2

Power1

Con-dens-ateDrain

AirRe-turn

Name

threadedthreadedthreadedthreadedslipjoint

Connec-tion type

nodeof

nodeof

nodeof

nodeof

nodeof re-

Position

con-rightleftcon-turntrolspowerpowerdens-ductcon-con-con-atecon-nec-tion

nec-tion

nec-tion

draincon-

nec-tion

nec-tion

-1,0,0-1,0,0-1,0,00,-1,0

0,0,-1

Normal

00000Rotation

300Width

1400Height

25636320Diameter

25NominalDiameter

15 Click OK, click Next, and click Finish.


NOTE Additional properties are optional and can be added after the part has been created. Lesson2 shows how to add properties to your part.

16 Save your drawing using one of these methods:

■ (Recommended) To save the drawing with a different name from the dataset, click File ➤ SaveAs. Specify the directory in which to save the file, enter a unique name, and click Save. Thismethod keeps the dataset in its original form, which allows you to reuse the dataset.

■ To overwrite the dataset with your changes, click File ➤ Save.

17 Click File menu ➤ Exit.

In this exercise, you added connectors to finish building the part. Next, you test the air handling unit MvPartto verify that it can be used in AutoCAD MEP drawings.

Exercise 5:Testing a Block-based MvPart

After you build an MvPart, you test it in a drawing to verify the insertion point, all view representations,and each connector. If you have built multiple part sizes, it is important to test each part size.

You can test part sizes in an existing drawing or create a new drawing to be used solely for testing. Thisexercise shows how to test a part size in a new drawing started from the Aecb Model drawing template.When you start a drawing from a drawing template, you can use the predefined display configurations totest the part representations.

Connectors are shown as graphical objects representing the size, shape, and location of connection pointson a part size in your drawing. If the connection positions are assigned correctly, they match the modelblock geometry of the part size. If the connection positions are not assigned correctly, the connectors mightappear as graphical objects floating in space. In this exercise, you verify the connection position of eachconnector by using Add grips to draw segments from the connection points. A valid connection should bemade, and you should be able to continue to draft the run.

Testing the connection direction vectors is important as well. To do this test, you connect a valid AutoCADMEP object to every part connector for each part size, and draft a run. You then verify that the defaultdirection of the compass lets you lay out the AutoCAD MEP objects in the correct direction away from thepart size.

Switch to the Global profile


2 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab.

3 Select the AutoCAD MEP (Global) profile, and click Set Current.

IMPORTANT The Global profile uses design catalogs instead of tutorial catalogs as the default catalogs.You need to use design catalogs so you can add duct, pipe, and conduit segments to test the part.

Switch to the Tutorial MvParts catalog

Next, you specify the Tutorial MvParts catalog as the default MvParts catalog, so the custom Tutorial AirHandling Unit is available for part selection.

4 With the Options dialog still open, click the MEP Catalogs tab.

5 Click the path for Multi-view parts, click Browse, and browse to the following folder: MyDocuments\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.

6 Select Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc, click Open, and click OK.

Exercise 5:Testing a Block-based MvPart | 33

Insert the MvPart in a drawing

7 Click File menu ➤ New.

8 In the Select template dialog, select Aecb Model (Global Ctb).dwt, and click Open.

9 Enter mvpartadd.

10 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog, select the air handling unit that you want to test.

then click ...If you want touse ...

Tutorial MvParts Catalog ➤ Air

Handling Units Datasets ➤ Tu-

the dataset for thisexercise

torial Air Handling Unit L01E05.

Tutorial MvParts Catalog ➤ Air

Handling Units ➤ Tutorial AirHandling Unit.

the air handlingunit you completedin the previous exer-cise

11 In the drawing area, click to specify the insertion point for the air handling unit.

12 Press Enter to accept the default rotation of 0.00, and press Enter again to end the command.

Test the duct connectors


14 Select the air handling unit, and click the Add grip for the return duct.

15 In the Add Ducts dialog, for System, select Return.

16 In the drawing, move the cursor down, and specify a second point to end the duct segment.


17 Verify that you can continue to draft the duct run by adding more duct segments.

When you draw segments using Add grips, some of their properties, such as size and shape, aredetermined by the connectors to which you connect the segments.

18 Press Enter to end the command.

19 Repeat the process you just used to draw duct segments from the supply duct connection. Inthe Add Ducts dialog, for System, select Supply.


Test the power connectors

20 Select the air handling unit, and click the Add grip on one of the power connectors.

21 In the Add Conduits dialog, for System, select Standard.

22 In the drawing, move the cursor to the left, and select a second point to end the conduit segment.

TIP Zoom into the connection points to make it easier to select the connectors using MEP snaps.

23 Verify that you can continue to draft the conduit run by adding more conduit segments.


25 Use the process you just used to add conduit segments to the other power connection and tothe control connection.

Test the pipe connector

26 Select the air handling unit, and click the Add grip for the pipe connection.

27 In the Add Pipes dialog, for System, select Standard, and for Routing Preference, select GenericThreaded Steel.


28 In the drawing, move the cursor to the right, and select a second point to end the pipe segment.

TIP Zoom into the connection points to make it easier to select the connectors using osnaps.

29 Verify that you can continue to draft the run by adding more pipe segments.

The pipes are displayed as 2-line due to their diameter and the configuration of the CondensateDrain system.


31 Turn on the disconnect markers, and verify that the connections are valid:

■ Click View menu ➤ Show Solution Tips.

■ Verify that disconnect markers are not displayed where the segments join the air handlingunit.

■ Click View menu ➤ Show Solution Tips to turn off the markers.

Test the display configurations

32 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Top.

33 On the drawing window status bar at the bottom of the screen, click MEP Design, and selectMechanical - Duct - 1-Line from the list.

34 Verify that the air handling unit is represented in the Mechanical - Duct - 1-Line top view asassigned.

35 Repeat the preceding 2 steps to verify the display of the part using the other displayconfigurations.

Test the isometric view

36 Change to the Mechanical - Duct - 2-Line display configuration.



38 Verify that the full 3D model block of the air handling unit is displayed.

39 Click View menu ➤ Hide.

40 Click File menu ➤ Close.

41 At the Save changes prompt, click No to close the drawing without saving it.

42 On the MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog, change the Multi-view Parts catalog for thecurrent profile (the Global profile) back to the default design catalog (C:\Document andSettings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\AecbCatalogs\Global\MvParts\MvParts(Global).apc).

43 Click File menu ➤ Exit to end the AutoCAD MEP session.

In this lesson, you inserted the air handling unit in a drawing that was started from an AutoCAD MEPtemplate, and you tested the connectors and the display representations of the part size. Testing every


connector is necessary to ensure that the part size can connect intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects.Testing the display representations of the part size is necessary to ensure that the correct part representationshave been assigned to each of the predefined display configurations.

If testing produces undesirable results, you should modify and retest the appropriate part sizes to ensurethat they work correctly in AutoCAD MEP drawings. After you test each part size in a drawing to verify theinsertion point, the view representations, and the connectors, you can use the part family in layouts. Next,you add part sizes to the part family.

Lesson 2: Modifying a Block-based MvPartAs your design develops and parts change, you can add new part sizes or modify existing part sizes usingthe Content Builder. When you add a new part size, the Wizard mode of the block-based building environmentguides you through defining new part sizes. When you modify an existing part size, the Tabbed mode ofthe block-based building environment allows you to change only what you need to change.

For each part size, you can change the 3D model block, the schematic symbol, the part behavior, the viewblocks, the preview image, the connectors, and the property information. You use the same procedures thatguided you through creating a block-based part to modify it. This lesson shows how to modify the behaviorand the property information associated with the air handling unit you created in Lesson 1. It also showshow to add part sizes to a part family. You add one part size using the geometry of the existing air handlingunit. You add a second part size, which has unique geometry, using a new model block.

Exercise 1:Adding Part Sizes for a Block-based MvPart

Pieces of equipment, such as air handling units, typically consist of a group of unique parts with their owngeometric features. Shape, size, connection points, and properties like manufacturer or material can differ.When fundamental differences exist in the geometry of 2 air handling unit part sizes in the same part family,you cannot use a single 3D model to represent both units. To add a new part size for a unique air handlingunit, you need to create an individual 3D model block for the new part size.

You can create one or more part sizes from a single model block when the part sizes have the same geometry.In this exercise, you create 2 new part sizes. One part size uses the same model block you used in Lesson 1.The second part size uses a new model block, which is supplied in the dataset that accompanies this exercise.

The recommended method for creating multiple part sizes for a part family is to create all of the geometryfor all of the part sizes in one drawing, and then use that drawing to create all of the part sizes at once inthe Wizard mode of the block-based building environment. Because this tutorial covers the creation of partsizes in separate exercises, a variation of this workflow is used: The 3D model and the schematic symbol forthe new part size are added to the source drawing file for Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E01.

You can use this method if you need to add part sizes with different geometry to an existing part family.However, you must be sure to add the geometry of the new part size to the source drawing file of the partfamily in the part catalog.

Add a part size for the air handling unit

1 Start the software using the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut.

If the software is already started, if necessary, set current the Content Tools Tutorial profile usingthe Profiles tab in the Options dialog.


3 In the Getting Started dialog, verify that Multi-view Part is selected for Part Domain.

4 Expand Air Handling Units Datasets, and select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E01.

Lesson 2: Modifying a Block-based MvPart | 39

The 3D model and the schematic symbol for the part size you are adding is stored in the sourcedrawing for this part.

5 Click (Add Part Size).

6 Click Next to accept the part behavior that you defined in Lesson 1 for the part family.

You work in the block-based building environment of the Content Builder to define part sizesbased on the 3D model blocks you created previously. In this environment, the individual partsizes are associated with a part family in a catalog to build a library of parts. All part sizes withina part family are defined as the same type and are placed in your drawing with the same behavior.

7 Click (Add Part Size), select AHU HG350-HG400 model for Model Block, and press Enter.

8 Double-click the Part Size Name parameter for the second part size, enter AHU HG400, and pressEnter.

9 Click , select AHU HG700 model for Model Block, and press Enter.

10 Verify that AHU HG700 is specified for the Part Size Name parameter for the third part size.

11 Click Generate Blocks.

12 In the Views dialog, for Part Size Name, select AHU HG400, and click OK.

All 2D views are generated for the 3D model block.

13 Repeat the previous 2 steps for part size AHU HG700.

14 Specify a symbol for each new part size:

■ For AHU HG400, select AHU HG350-HG400 symbol for the Symbol Block parameter.

■ For AHU HG700, select AHU HG700 symbol for the Symbol Block parameter, and press Enter.The 3D block and the symbol block were created in the exercise drawing.

15 Click Next, and click Next again to accept the preview image for the part family.


All part sizes in the part family use the same preview image. The preview image helps to identifythe part during part selection.

16 On the Connectors tab, edit the placement and the connection types of the connectors for the2 new part sizes: AHU HG400 and AHU HG700. Use the same values you used for the AHUHG350 part size in Lesson 1 in Exercise 4: Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart onpage 27.

You assign connectors to the part family and specify the shape and domain for each connector.Therefore, all part sizes have the same number of connectors predefined with a shape anddomain. The shape and domain of a connector can be changed for the entire part family only;however, the size and location of connectors can change for each part size. For this air handlingunit MvPart, the size and location of the connectors are the same for each part size.

17 Click Next, and click Finish to accept the properties assigned to the new part sizes.

The part is saved in the catalog with the new part sizes.

18 Test each part size in a drawing.

After you build an MvPart, you need to test it in a drawing to verify the insertion point, viewrepresentations, and connectors. Insert each air handling unit in a drawing started from anAutoCAD MEP template, and test the connectors and display representations of the part size.Testing every connector is necessary to ensure that the part size can connect intelligently toother AutoCAD MEP objects. Testing the display representations of the part size is necessary toensure that the correct part representations have been assigned for each of the predefined displayconfigurations.

In this exercise, you added 2 new part sizes for the air handling unit. Next, you modify the insertion behaviorand property parameters of the air handling unit you created in Lesson 1.

Exercise 2: Modifying the Behavior and Property Information of aBlock-based MvPart

This exercise shows how to change the insertion behavior of a block-based MvPart and add propertyinformation to the part. Property information is optional; therefore, you were able to create an air handlingunit in Lesson 1 without specifying information on the Properties tab.

You can add custom properties for a part family or for an individual part size. Custom property informationcan help you to identify the part during design and can be used to enhance schedules. Using the ContentBuilder, you add a custom property parameter to a part and specify the description, the data storage, thedata type, the units, and the visibility. You can store property values as a table, a list, a constant value, or acalculated value. Custom properties can be added for information such as the manufacturer, the cost, oreven the paint color.

You can assign a custom property parameter to a property set to enhance a schedule. To ensure that theparameter is recognized, you must use the same name for both the parameter and the property. You canadd custom properties to any property set in a drawing. You can also create custom property sets based onnew parts you create and custom parameters you add to the parts.

Modify the insertion behavior of the part


2 In the Getting Started dialog, verify that MvPart is selected for Part Domain.

3 Expand Air Handling Units Datasets, select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E02, and click (Modify Part Size).

Exercise 2: Modifying the Behavior and Property Information of a Block-based MvPart | 41

The Content Builder opens in the Tabbed mode for part modification.

4 Change the layer on which the part is inserted when added to a drawing:

■ On the Behavior tab, click the [...] button for Layer Key. (You might need to click the buttontwice for the dialog to populate.)

■ Select EQUIP, and click OK.

When you added the part to a drawing, it will be placed on the Z-Equipment-G layer. Whenworking with complex drawings, you can manage layers more effectively if you place allmechanical equipment on the same layer. For example, when creating an equipment schedule,turn off all layers except the Z-Equipment-G layer to simplify your selection of equipment forthe schedule.


Add property information to the part family

5 Click the Properties tab.

6 With the part family (Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E02) selected, click Edit Properties.

In the Property Editor dialog, you can specify custom data to use as property set informationfor each part size. In turn, you can use the property set information to enhance schedules thatyou generate during design.


7 In the list on the toolbar, select Parameter Configuration, and click (New).

8 In the New Parameter dialog, select Custom Data 1, enter Manufacturer for Name, and clickOK.

A new parameter column is added in the Property Editor dialog.

9 Under Manufacturer, verify that Constant is selected for Data Storage.

10 In the list on the toolbar, select Values.

The parameter values are displayed.

11 In row 1, double-click the value for Manufacturer, enter Carrier, and click the field directlybeneath the current field. Click OK.


The custom property is added to the part family. All part sizes are assigned the same customproperty.

NOTE You can also edit the values of custom properties on the Properties page. Select the part familyin the tree view, click the value, and enter a new attribute value.

Add property information to a part size

12 Select AHU HG350, and click Edit Properties.

13 In the Property Editor dialog, select Parameter Configuration in the list on the toolbar, and click

(New).

14 In the New Parameter dialog, select Custom Data 2, enter Weight for Name, and then click OK.

A new parameter column is added in the Property Editor dialog.

15 Under Weight, select Table for Data Storage.

16 In the list on the toolbar, select Values.



17 Assign a weight to each of the part sizes:

■ In row 1, double-click the Weight parameter, and enter 954.



18 Click OK twice.

The part is saved in the catalog with the new part sizes.

In this lesson, you added 2 new part sizes for the air handling unit. You added one part size using thegeometry of the existing air handling unit. You added a second part size, which has unique geometry, usinga new model block. You also used the Tabbed mode of the block-based building environment to modify theinsertion behavior and property parameters of the air handling unit you created in Lesson 1. Next, you openthe parametric building environment and create a parametric part.

Lesson 3: Creating a Parametric FittingThis lesson shows how to create a tee fitting using the parametric building environment in the ContentBuilder. When you create a parametric part, you define the features of a part and how they are associatedto one another. Each parametric part represents a unique part family. You should analyze the catalog hierarchyto determine the best place to add a part family. It is also important to notice the relationships between thedifferent part sizes you want to create. The features you define in the model determine the flexibility youhave to create multiple part sizes. You should look at the entire part you want to create, decide how to breakit down into simple shapes, and determine the relationships to establish between the different shapes.

Although the Content Builder uses some of the tools you might be familiar with in AutoCAD, the ContentBuilder is a unique building environment that does not support many standard AutoCAD commands. Beforeyou begin using the Content Builder to model a parametric part, read the following tips.

Tips for Using the Content Builder

■ Use the order of the folders in the part browser as a guide to the steps involved in the creation process.

■ Do not use the AutoCAD EXPLODE command. Exploding a part deletes the part definition from thecatalog.

■ The Content Builder generates views of your parametric part. The AutoCAD MVIEW command does notcreate associative views of your part.

■ You can use AutoCAD object snaps to assist in object selection.


Tips for Modeling a Parametric Part

■ Use work planes to control the UCS orientation. Using the AutoCAD UCS command does not associatethe current plane with your part.

■ Use a minimum number of points. Reusing points is less confusing and helps in constraining the model.

■ Use both constraints and dimensions. Some constraint combinations may distort unconstrained featuresof the model. If that happens, delete the last constraint and consider using a dimension or a differentconstraint combination.

■ Use Content Builder dimensions. AutoCAD dimensions are not parametric and cannot control the size,the shape, or the position of part content.

■ Dimension large features before small features. To minimize distortion, define larger features that havean overall bearing on the model. Dimensioning small features first might restrict overall size. Delete orundo a dimension if the model shape is distorted.

■ Define shape before size. By applying constraints before dimensions, your model shape is less likely tobecome distorted.

■ Add constraints as needed to define the model shape. By determining model dependencies before applyingconstraints, you can often use a single constraint to define the shape of more than one feature. Use aminimum number of constraints to avoid distorted models.

■ When using calculated values for model parameters, be aware that calculated values are not available inthe part Add Size filter.

Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric Fitting

This exercise shows how to specify the part configuration of a parametric part. When the parametric buildingenvironment opens, the first folder in the part browser is the Part Configuration folder. The part configurationdefines the characteristics and the behavior of the part and is required to save the part. To ensure that thepart can be validated and saved correctly, you should define the part configuration before starting to modelthe part.

The part configuration is defined once for a part family and remains constant for all part sizes. There are 4required components of the part configuration: part description, part domain, part type, and part subtype.As each component of the part configuration is introduced in this exercise, a definition is provided.

Launch the Content Builder and open the parametric building environment

1 Verify that the Content Tools Tutorial profile is the current profile.

If you have not yet created a Content Tools Tutorial profile, see Creating a Tutorial Profile andTutorial Shortcut on page 2 before beginning this lesson.


3 In the Getting Started dialog, for Part Domain, select Pipe.

4 Verify that the Tutorial Pipe Catalog is selected, and click (New Chapter).

Parts must be added to catalog chapters, which are equivalent to catalog folders. Catalog chaptersorganize and store part families and individual part sizes. You can add a chapter to a catalog orto another chapter.

5 In the New Chapter dialog, enter Tees for Name, and click OK.

Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric Fitting | 47

The Tees chapter is added to the tree in the part catalog browser. By default, the Tees chapter isselected, and the New Parametric Part icon is available.

6 Click (New Parametric Part).

7 In the New Part dialog, enter Tutorial Tee for Name, and press Tab.

8 Accept the default part description, and click OK.

By default, the part description is the same as the part name unless a different description isentered. The part description applies to the part family and is displayed during part selection.

The parametric building environment is displayed.


Specify the part configuration

9 In the part browser, expand Part Configuration.

The part description, the domain, the type, and the subtype are displayed.

The part description displays the value you entered in the New Part dialog. The part domaindisplays the value you selected for Part Domain in the Getting Started dialog. The domain definesthe family of parts, such as duct components, pipe components, cable tray components, conduitcomponents, or MvPart components. The values for part description and domain cannot bechanged in the part browser.

10 Double-click Undefined (for part type), and select Tee.

The part type (such as elbow, tee, fan, damper, or tank) is helpful during part selection. The listof predefined types depends on the domain you selected for the part.

11 Double-click Undefined (for part subtype), and select Special.

The part subtype is a category within the part type. The list of predefined subtypes depends onthe selected type. You can select a subtype from the list or define your own subtype. The partsubtype can be helpful during part selection because it allows you to filter a large group of partsof a similar type.

12 Click (Save Part Family) on the part browser toolbar to save the part family.

IMPORTANT You must use the Save Part Family icon on the part browser toolbar instead of the Savecommand on the File menu in order to save the full set of files that defines the part in the catalog.

In this exercise, you specified the part configuration to define part behavior of the parametric tee. Next, youdefine a work plane on which to begin modeling your parametric part.

Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric Fitting

This exercise shows how to create a 3D model for a parametric tee fitting. A model is the graphicalrepresentation of a parametric part. In the Content Builder, a model consists of various features that havespecific relationships to each other and that define the behavior of the parametric part. Some features requirethat you create simple shapes or points, while others require an extrusion or path. Some represent visiblegeometry, and some help you to position geometry precisely on a part. You can modify features to refineand improve your parts over time.

Dataset

Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric Fitting | 49

To access the dataset that corresponds to this exercise, open Content Builder, and in the Getting Started

dialog, browse to Tutorial Pipe Catalog\Tees Datasets\Tutorial Tee L03 E02. Click (Modify Part Size).

Establish a work plane

1 In the part browser, expand Modeling.

2 Right-click Work Planes, and click Add Work Plane.

The Create Work Plane dialog is displayed. A work plane is an infinite plane related to one ormore features of a model. Work planes provide a defined place in space from which to build amodel. You must use at least one work plane to add parametric geometry.

3 In the Create Work Plane dialog, click Top, and click OK.

The Top Plane is created in Work Planes and is represented by a 750 unit x 750 unit square inthe modeling area. The square is displayed to help you visualize the work plane. The actual workplane has no boundaries. You do not need to keep your model geometry within the 750 x 750square to construct a valid model.

Add geometry

4 In the part browser, expand Work Planes.

5 Right-click Top Plane, and click Add Geometry ➤ Line.

6 At the Pick start point prompt, enter 0,375, and press Enter.

7 At the Pick end point prompt, enter 375,375, and press Enter.



A line is added halfway across the middle of the 750 x 750 square to represent the X axisorientation for the part. The location of the line was selected for ease of modeling. In subsequentsteps, this line is referred to as segment 1.

9 Repeat steps 6 through 9 to add a second line, entering a start point of 375,375 and an end pointof 750,375.

In subsequent steps, this line is referred to as segment 2.

10 Repeat steps 6 through 9 to add a final line from 375,375 to 375,0.

In subsequent steps, this line is referred to as segment 3.

TIP Creating the model using 3 line segments instead of 2 gives the model more flexibility formodification in the future. For example, you could change the angle of one or both branches to anangle other than 90 degrees.

11 To help control parametric resizing, make the center point a fixed point:

■ In the part browser, expand Top Plane.

■ Expand Geometry.The geometry of your model is displayed in the same order you created it; therefore, thesecond point is the center point.

■ Right-click the second Point 2D, and click Fixed.


In the modeling area, the color of the center point changes to green to indicate that it is afixed point. (You might need to zoom in to see the change in color.)

Add constraints

12 In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Constraints ➤ Perpendicular.

13 At the Select first geometry prompt, select segment 1 in the modeling area.

14 At the Select second geometry prompt, select segment 3.

15 Repeat steps 13 through 15 to add a perpendicular constraint between segments 2 and 3.

16 In the part browser, expand Constraints.

Notice that 2 perpendicular constraints have been added to the existing coincident constraints.Coincident constraints were created when you added the 3 line segments, each of which isconstrained by 2 points.

NOTE By constraining the part in this way, only the outermost points are free to move, and theirremaining movement is restricted to a collinear path. When you add constraints, the Content Builderdisplays messages that indicate the degree of freedom remaining in the part. The degree of freedomis the maximum number of remaining constraints you can apply to the model. Using fewer than themaximum number of constraints is adequate for most parts. A rule of thumb is to use a minimal setof constraints and dimensions to achieve the parametric behavior required for your part.

Add dimensions

17 Use dimensions to set the length of the tee segments:

■ In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Dimension ➤ Horizontal Distance.

■ At the Select first geometry prompt, select the left point of segment 1 as shown in theillustration below.

TIP For best results, select the X that marks the point, rather than the center of the point itself.The center of the point might be too close to other model geometry for you to select it cleanly.Use care when selecting points, zooming in and out as necessary.

■ At the Select second geometry prompt, select the fixed point in the center of the model.


■ In the modeling area, select a location for the dimension similar to that shown below, andenter 250 for the dimension value.

The part length resizes because the dimension controls the actual length of the line. The freepoint on the end of segment 1 moves to adjust to the new length.

18 Repeat step 17 to add a horizontal dimension to segment 2 and a vertical dimension to segment3. Enter 250 for each of the dimension values.

Dimensions are added for the 3 tee segments. Next, you add circular profiles to use in creatingcylinder shapes for the tee. By adding the cylinders, you make the tee a 3D model that representsa valid part.

Add profiles

19 In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Profile ➤ Circular.

20 At the Select center point prompt, select a point outside the work plane.

21 At the Select radius prompt, enter 75 and press Enter.

The circular profile is added so that the profile geometry can be applied to tee segments in alater step. Neither the location of the profile in the modeling area nor the size of the radius is


critical to this process. As a completed parametric part, the tee will support resizing of thecylinders.

22 Repeat steps 20 through 22 to add a second circular profile with a radius of 50.

The second circular profile is added.

Next, you hide the dimensions to simplify the selection of model components as you completethe 3D model.

23 In the part browser, under Top Plane, expand Dimensions.

24 Right-click LenA1, and click Visible.

25 Repeat the previous step to hide the dimensions for LenA2 and LenA3.

Add modifiers

26 In the part browser, right-click Modifiers, and click Add Path.

27 At the Select path geometry prompt, select segment 1 in the modeling area.

28 At the Select start profile prompt, select the larger of the 2 circular profiles.

29 At the Select end profile prompt, press Enter to accept the same profile for the end of the path.


Using the circular profile, a path is swept along the first segment.

30 Repeat steps 27 through 30 to add a path to segment 2 using the larger of the 2 circular profiles.

31 Add a path to segment 3 using the smaller of the 2 circular profiles.

Swept paths are added to segments 2 and 3 to complete your 3D model.

32 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric to view the 3D model.

33 Click (Save Part Family) on the part browser toolbar.

In this exercise, you created a work plane and added geometry for a non-reducing tee. You added lines torepresent the segments of the tee, applied constraints and dimensions to achieve the parametric behaviorrequired for your part, and added cylinder shapes to create a true 3D model. Next, you add connectors anddefine the parametric sizing behavior for the part.


Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric Fitting

This exercise shows how to add connectors to your 3D model. You also restrict the sizing behavior of themodel by defining relationships among the connectors and the tee segments that make up the part.

Dataset



Add connectors


2 In the part browser, right-click Connections, and click Add Connection.

3 Move the cursor over the model to view the valid connector locations.

4 Hover the cursor over the endpoint of segment 1 until a circle displays at the connector location,and select the connector location.

5 Press Enter to accept 1 as the connector number.

6 At the Pick dimension position prompt, select a location near the larger of the 2 circular profiles.

Connector 1 is added to the endpoint of segment 1, and the dimension is added to the appropriateprofile.

NOTE The location of Connector 1 determines the X axis of the part at the time of insertion.

7 Repeat steps 2 through 5 to add a connector to the endpoint of segment 2 with a connectornumber of 2.

NOTE Connector 2 uses the same circular profile as Connector 1; therefore, the software does notprompt you to select a dimension location.

8 Add Connector 3 to the endpoint of segment 3, and select a location near the smaller of the 2circular profiles for the dimension location.


Connectors 2 and 3 are added in the modeling area (and in Connections in the part browser).

Save the part

9 Click on the part browser toolbar.

Because you added all connectors, the part is validated as a tee, and you have the option ofmaking the part available for use in piping layouts.

10 Because you have not yet configured the connectors and the part sizing behavior, click No tokeep the part hidden.

Configure the connectors

11 In the part browser, right-click Connections, and click Edit Connections.

12 In the Connector Properties dialog, under Connector 1, select Undefined for Type, and click[...].

13 In the Connection Types Selection dialog, click Uncheck All, select Butt Welded, and click OK.

14 Repeat the process you just used to specify a Butt Welded connection type for Connector 2 andConnector 3.

15 Click OK.

The connector types are defined. Next, you edit the model parameters to refine the descriptionsand restrict the sizing behavior of the part.

Refine the descriptions of the model components

16 In the part browser, under Modeling, right-click Model Parameters, and click Edit.

Each parameter of the model is displayed for editing. D1, D2, and D3 are the diameters of the3 connectors. LenA1, LenA2, and LenA3 are the lengths of the 3 segments. First, you refine thedescriptions for the segment length parameters for clarity.

17 Double-click the description for LenA1, enter Length of Segment 1, and press Enter.

18 Edit the descriptions for LenA2 and LenA3, entering Length of Segment 2 and Length of Segment3, respectively.

Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric Fitting | 57

Having a clear, functional description for each parameter is helpful when adding part sizes.

Restrict the sizing behavior of the part

By default, most equations are numerical values that represent the current size in the model. The equationsfor both D1 and D3 are numerical values based on the profiles you used to model the part. D2 is an equationthat is set equal to D1 because you used the same profile for connectors 1 and 2 when you modeled the part.By making D3 equal to D1, all 3 of the connectors are restricted to the same size.

19 Still in the Model Parameters dialog, double-click the Equation value for D3, enter D1, and pressEnter.

Next, you restrict the sizing of the tee segments.

20 Double-click the equation value for LenA2, enter LenA1, and press Enter.

By making LenA2 equal to LenA1, as the length of segment 1 changes size, the length of segment2 changes size to match.

Any equations that remain as numerical values can be “sized” using a table of part sizes. In yourmodel, this means that you can define a size combination for D1, LenA1, and LenA3, and theremaining parameters are sized automatically. You can modify the numerical values in theModel Parameters dialog to rescale the model according to the size restrictions you defined.

21 Modify the Equation values by entering 125 for D1, 200 for LenA1, and 150 for LenA3.

22 Click Close.


The model rescales using the new equations.

Hide the profiles and profile dimensions

23 In the part browser, under Top Plane, right-click one of the Circular Profile nodes, and clickVisible to turn off visibility.

24 Repeat the previous step to turn off visibility for the second circular profile.

25 Under Dimensions, right-click D1, and click Visible.

26 Repeat the previous step to turn off visibility for dimension D3.

The circular profiles and associated dimensions are hidden. Only the finished model is displayed.

27 On the part browser toolbar, click (Save Part Family).

28 In the validation message box, click No to keep the part hidden and prevent the part from beingused in layouts.

In this exercise, you added connectors to your part and configured the connector properties to complete avalid model. In the Model Parameters dialog, you edited descriptions to clarify the function of each parameter.You also used equations to restrict the sizing behavior of the model. Through the exercises in this lesson,you have been introduced to 3 methods for controlling a model:

■ Applying geometric constraints to the model.

■ Adding dimensions to the model.

■ Assigning equations to the parameters of the model.

Next, you add part sizes for the tee.

Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric Fitting | 59

Exercise 4:Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric Fitting

This exercise shows how to add part sizes to the parametric tee you created.

Dataset



Edit part sizes


2 In the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Configuration.

The Size Parameters dialog is displayed. You can resize this dialog as needed.

3 Scroll to the right to view all of the parameters.

Notice that more parameters are associated with the part than were evident in the ModelParameters dialog. One non-graphical parameter required for this part has been added: PrtSN(part size name). Also, 3 nominal diameter parameters (ND1, ND2, and ND3) have been addedbecause the part is a pipe fitting.

The actual diameters, such as D1, are the true outer diameters of the pipe. The nominal diameters,such as ND1, are the common size names.

NOTE The D3 and LenA2 parameters that you set using equations in the Model Parameters dialogare assigned a value of Calculation in the Size Parameters dialog, and they cannot be edited. Tomodify parameters with calculated values, you need to use Model Parameters.

By default, the value of Data Storage for the D1 parameter is Table. Using a table for data storagerequires entering parameter values in a table where each row represents a specific part size. Ifyou change the data storage value for an actual diameter parameter, you should specify thesame data storage value for the corresponding nominal diameter parameter.


4 Select Table for Data Storage for LenA1 and for LenA3.

5 Note that the value of Visible for D1, D2, and D3 is False. Visible parameters are available duringpart selection. By making the actual diameters invisible in the part filter, part selection is basedon nominal diameter values.

6 Select Values in the toolbar.

7 Click (Autosize column text) on the Size Parameters toolbar.

This resizes the columns to accommodate the length of the text display.

8 Select row 1, and click (New) on the Size Parameters toolbar.

NOTE The Table and List data storage types activate the (New) icon. When Table is selected,clicking New adds a new row. When List is selected, clicking New adds a new cell to the list.

9 Repeat step 8 to create a total of 4 rows.

Add part sizes

10 For the 4 part sizes, enter the following values for ND1 and for D1:

D1 ValueND1 ValuePartSizeName

1101001

1601502

Exercise 4:Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric Fitting | 61

D1 ValueND1 ValuePartSizeName

2252003

2802504

To add a value, double-click the field, enter the value, and then select a different field. You canalso use the Copy and Paste commands on the context menu.

Notice that the ND2 and ND3 values are updated to reflect the new ND1 values. Because ND2and ND3 are calculations that are set equal to ND1, changing the size of ND1 causes the samechange to ND2 and ND3.

The D1, D2, and D3 values are edited to specify various connector sizes for the part sizes youare creating. Next, you edit the segment lengths.

11 In row 1, double-click the LenA1 value, enter 200, and select a different field.

Notice that the LenA2 value is updated to reflect the new LenA1 value. Because LenA2 is acalculation that is set equal to LenA1, changing the size of LenA1 causes the same change toLenA2.

12 In row 4, double-click the LenA1 value, enter 300, and select a different field.

13 Repeat the process you just used to enter LenA3 values of 200 in row 1 and 300 in row 4.

The LenA1, LenA2, and LenA3 values are edited to specify various segment lengths for the partsizes you are creating.

14 For all 4 of the parts, enter a value of .00001 for CEL1, CEL2, and CEL3 (Connector EngagementLength).


NOTE The software does not permit a value of zero.

15 Click OK to add the part sizes.

16 On the Content Builder toolbar, click (Save Part Family).


In this exercise, you added part sizes for the tee. From a single 3D model, you created 4 part sizes. You cancreate as many part sizes as you need for the systems you design. Next, you generate a preview image forthe tee and define the part insertion behavior.

Exercise 5: Generating a Preview Image and Defining InsertionBehavior for a Parametric Fitting

This exercise shows how to generate a preview image for the tee and define the part behaviors that determinehow the tee is added to a drawing. A preview image is a bitmap (BMP) image that is generated based on aspecified view direction, such as SW isometric. The same preview image is used for all part sizes of a partfamily. The preview image is helpful in identifying the part when you select the part for insertion in adrawing.

Insertion behaviors for a parametric fitting are defined by the trim lengths and a placement point. The trimlengths define the distance that a connecting segment is trimmed in order for the fitting to be placed in therun. The placement point is a location on the model that is used as the insertion point for the part when itis added to a drawing during autolayout using the Add Pipe command.

NOTE When you add a fitting to a drawing, the layer is determined by the connecting objects; therefore, you donot specify a layer key for a fitting during the part creation process.

Dataset





2 On the part browser toolbar, click (Generate Bitmap).

Exercise 5: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric Fitting | 63

3 In the Bitmap Preview dialog, under Generate View, click to generate a preview image usingthe SW Isometric view.

NOTE Alternatively, you can create an image of the part before using the Content Builder. If youcreate your own bitmap image, you can click Browser in the Bitmap Preview dialog to navigate tothe image.

4 Click OK.

Define trim lengths

5 On the part browser toolbar, click (Options).

6 In the Options dialog, in the Value column, select Auto Layout Flag.

7 Click OK, and in the confirmation dialog, click OK again to confirm setting the connection typeof all connectors to the value of Connector 1.

Autolayout Data is added to Modeling in the part browser, and trim length points are displayedon the model in the modeling area.



9 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Plan View ➤ World UCS.

10 In the part browser under Modeling, expand Autolayout Data, right-click Layout Data, and clickAdd Trim Length.

If Autolayout Data is not visible in the part browser, expand Modeling.

11 Specify the trim length for segment 1:

■ At the Select start of trim length 1 prompt, select the fixed point in the center of the model.

NOTE For best results, select the cyan circle that surrounds the point, rather than the center ofthe point itself. The center of the point might be too close to other model geometry for you toselect it cleanly. Use care when selecting points, zooming in and out as necessary.

■ At the Select end of trim length 1 prompt, select the endpoint of segment 1.

12 Repeat steps 9 and 10 to specify the trim length for segment 2. For the start of the trim length,select the fixed point in the center of the model. For the end of the trim length, select theendpoint of segment 2.

13 Add a trim length for segment 3, selecting the fixed point in the center for the start, and theendpoint of segment 3 for the end.

Trim length lines are displayed between the selected points.

Add a placement point

14 In the part browser, right-click Layout Data, and click Select Placement Point.

15 At the Select a placement point prompt, select the cyan circle that surrounds the fixed point atthe center of the model.

A placement point is displayed at the selected location. This is the location at which connectingpipe segments would intersect if they were extended along their logical paths. The placement

Exercise 5: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric Fitting | 65

point is used as the insertion point for the tee fitting when it is added to a drawing duringautolayout using the Add Pipe command.



In this exercise, you generated a preview image for the tee using the SW isometric view. This preview imageis used during part selection for all of the part sizes in the part family. You also defined the trim lengths andthe placement point of the tee. These part behaviors determine how the tee is added to a drawing and mustbe defined for any fitting you create.

Exercise 6:Validating and Saving a Parametric Fitting

After you complete your 3D model, you should perform a visual inspection of each part size using theParametric Object Viewer. After verifying that each part size appears sound, you must validate and save themodel. Validation checks the model and detects any errors that make the part unusable or invalid. You mustcorrect all errors before you can save the part and add it to a drawing.

Dataset



Preview part sizes


2 In the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Values.

3 In the Size Parameters dialog, select row 1, and click (Preview Part).


The Parametric Object Viewer opens with the tee displayed.

4 Click (3D Orbit) to view the model using 3D orbit navigation.

5 In the Parametric Object Viewer, select a point on the ViewCube in the upper right corner toinspect the 3D model dynamically from various viewpoints.

6 Select SW Isometric from the list of views, and then continue to inspect the model using 3Dorbit navigation.

7 With the Parametric Object Viewer open, select row 2 in the Size Parameters dialog.

The next part size is displayed in the Viewer.

Exercise 6:Validating and Saving a Parametric Fitting | 67

TIP Click to zoom to the extents of the model. Click to resume 3D orbit viewing.

8 Inspect the model from various viewpoints to verify that the model appears sound.

9 Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the remaining part sizes.

If your inspection revealed problems, such as segments that joined improperly, you would makethe necessary modifications and inspect the part sizes again, repeating this process until all ofthe part sizes appeared sound.

10 Click to close the Parametric Object Viewer.

11 Click OK to close the Size Parameters dialog.

Validate the part

12 On the part browser toolbar, click (Validate).

The part is validated, and the status bar is updated as shown below.

If the validation check had detected errors in your model, this would have been indicated onthe status bar.

13 Click to view the results of the validation check.

Warnings in the Part Family Validation Results dialog do not make the part invalid. If errorshad been detected in your model, error messages would be displayed in the Part Family ValidationResults dialog. You would review the errors, make the necessary modifications, and performanother validation check, repeating this process until validation was successful.

14 Click Close.

Save the part


A message box gives you the option of making the part available for use in piping layouts.

16 Click Yes to make the part available for use.


In this lesson, you specified the part configuration for a tee fitting and created a 3D model of the part,including connectors and dimensions. You added part size information to the model to enable your single3D model to represent multiple part sizes. After you finalized the model, you generated a preview image for


the part by taking a snapshot of the model. You also specified the insertion behavior that controls how thepart is added to a drawing. After you defined all required part information, you used the Parametric ObjectViewer to perform a visual inspection of each part size, and you validated the model to check for errors.After successfully validating your model, you saved the part and made it available for use in drawings.

Lesson 4: Creating a Parametric MvPartThis lesson shows how to create a parametric air terminal MvPart with the Content Builder, following thesame workflow you used to create a parametric tee fitting in Lesson 3. This lesson expands upon the conceptsand work processes introduced in Lesson 3, which are summarized below.

1 Specify the part configuration.

You work in the parametric building environment to create single parametric parts. In this environment,only one part can exist in a drawing. The individual drawings are associated with a part catalog to builda library of parts. You specify the type and subtype of the part to establish basic part behavior.

2 Create a 3D model of the part.

You create models of 3D parts and use them to dynamically generate 2D drawing views of your parts.You build your part from blocks, or features, that are parametrically combined to define the part. Themodel is defined in terms of the size, the shape, and the position of its features. You can restrict howthe features of the parts fit together. To better conceptualize the size and the shape of the part model,you define constraints and dimensions that determine how your part is built.

3 Add connectors to the part.

You add connectors to the part to enable the part to intelligently connect to other AutoCAD MEPobjects in your layout. A connector is dependent on the model feature to which it is attached; therefore,you define the shape and size of each connector when you add it to the model.

4 Add dimensions to the part.

Dimensions are used to define the default size of a parametric MvPart. You add model dimensions todefine the overall size of the model. You can then add other sizes, such as a list of values, to a dimensionto create individual part sizes.

5 Add individual part sizes to the part.

Adding dimensions and other part size information to the model defines the part sizes that can bedynamically generated from the model. This enables a single 3D model to represent multiple part sizes.

6 Generate a preview image, create a schematic symbol, and define the insertion behaviors of the part.

After you finish the model, you generate a preview image for the part by taking a snapshot of the model.For MvParts, you also create a schematic symbol. Lastly, you specify the insertion behavior that controlshow the part is placed in a drawing.

7 Validate and save the part.

In order to use the part in a drawing, you must validate the model and save the part. Validation checksthe model and detects any errors that make the part invalid. You must correct all errors in order tosuccessfully save the part and add it to a drawing.

Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric MvPart

This exercise shows how to specify the part configuration of a parametric MvPart. The part configurationdefines the characteristics and behavior of the entire part family, and is required to save the part. The 4components of the part configuration (description, domain, type, and subtype) were introduced in Lesson3 and are reviewed in this lesson.

Lesson 4: Creating a Parametric MvPart | 69

Launch the Content Builder and open the parametric building environment


If you have not yet created a Content Tools Tutorial profile, see Creating a Tutorial Profile andTutorial Shortcut on page 2 before beginning this lesson.


3 In the Getting Started dialog, for Part Domain, select Multi-view Part.

4 Verify that Tutorial MvParts Catalog is selected, and click (New Chapter).

Parts must be added to catalog chapters, which are equivalent to catalog folders. Catalog chaptersorganize and store part families and individual part sizes. You can add a chapter to a catalog orto another chapter.

5 In the New Chapter dialog, for Name, enter Air Terminals, and click OK.

The Air Terminals chapter is added to the tree in the part catalog browser.

6 Click (New Parametric Part) to create a parametric part.

IMPORTANT When you select MvPart for Part Domain, both the New Block Part and the NewParametric Part icons are activated. Be sure to click the New Parametric Part icon.

7 In the New Part dialog, enter Tutorial Air Terminal for Name, and press Tab.

8 Accept the default part description, and click OK.

By default, the part description is the same as the part name unless a different description isentered. The part description applies to the part family and is displayed during part selection.


The parametric building environment is displayed.

Specify the part configuration

9 In the part browser, expand Part Configuration.

The part description, the domain, the type, and the subtype, respectively, are displayed.

You defined the domain as MvPart in the Getting Started dialog and the description as TutorialAir Terminal in the New Part dialog. The domain defines the family of parts, such as ductcomponents, pipe components, cable tray components, conduit components, or MvPartcomponents. The values for the description and the domain cannot be changed in the partbrowser.

10 Double-click Undefined (for type), and select Air Terminal.

The part type (such as elbow, tee, fan, damper, or tank) is helpful during part selection. Thetypes that are available on the list depend on the domain you selected for the part.

11 Double-click Undefined (for subtype), and select Diffuser.

The part subtype is a category within the part type. The subtypes that are available on the listdepend on the part type you selected. You can select a subtype from the list or define your ownsubtype. The part subtype can be helpful during part selection by allowing you to filter a largegroup of parts of a similar type.

Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric MvPart | 71


13 In the validation message box, click No.

In this exercise, you specified the part configuration of the parametric air terminal MvPart to define the partbehavior. Each parametric part must have a defined part configuration in order for the part to be saved ina catalog for use in drawings. Next, you create work planes on which to begin modeling the geometry ofthe parametric MvPart.

Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric MvPart

To model a parametric part, you begin by defining work planes on which to create the geometry of themodel. You then create profiles and apply modifiers to define the shape and the default size of the part. Toavoid distortion in the model, you model the larger features first because they have more impact on theoverall size of the part, and then you add the smaller features.

Dataset


dialog, browse to Tutorial MvParts Catalog\Air Terminals Datasets\Tutorial Air Terminal L04 E02. Click (ModifyPart Size).

Add work planes


2 In the part browser, expand Modeling.

3 To add a work plane for the top face of the diffuser, right-click Work Planes, and click Add WorkPlane.

4 In the Create Work Plane dialog, click Top, and click OK.

The Top Plane work plane is created.

5 To add a work plane for the bottom face of the diffuser, right-click Work Planes, and click AddWork Plane.

6 Click Offset, enter Offset Bottom for Name, and click OK.

7 In the modeling area, select the top work plane for the reference work plane, enter 300 for theoffset distance, and press Enter.

The Offset Bottom work plane is created below the Top Plane work plane.


8 To view both work planes, click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric.

9 In the part browser, expand Work Planes.

When you select a work plane in the part browser, the work plane is highlighted in the modelingarea.


Add geometry

11 To create the top face of the diffuser, in the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click AddProfile ➤ Rectangular.

12 In the modeling area, specify opposite points for the first corner and the second corner of therectangle.

A rectangular profile for the top face is created and is added to Top Plane in the part browser.A Constraints node, which includes the default constraints of the rectangular profile, is alsoadded to Top Plane.

13 To create the bottom face of the diffuser, in the part browser, right-click Offset Bottom, andclick Add Profile ➤ Rectangular.

Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric MvPart | 73

14 In the modeling area, specify opposite points for the first corner and the second corner of therectangle.

A rectangular profile for the bottom face is created and is added to Offset Bottom in the partbrowser. A Constraints node, which includes the default constraints of the rectangular profile,is also added to Offset Bottom.

Add constraints to align the faces

15 In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Geometry ➤ Point.

16 In the modeling area, select a point near the center of the top-face rectangular profile, and pressEnter.

17 In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Constraints ➤ Equal Distance.

18 In the modeling area, specify the pairs of geometric constraints:

■ For the first pair, select the point in the center of the top face, and then select the left edgeof the top-face rectangular profile.

■ For the second pair, select the point in the center of the top face, and then select the rightedge of the top-face rectangular profile.

The model of the top face is updated to the specified constraint.

19 Repeat steps 17 and 18 to constrain the upper and lower edges of the top face.

The model of the top face is updated to the specified constraints.

NOTE When you add constraints, the Content Builder displays messages that indicate the degree offreedom remaining in the part. The degree of freedom is the maximum number of remainingconstraints you can apply to the model. A rule of thumb is to use a minimal set of constraints anddimensions to define the shape and achieve the parametric behavior required for your part.

20 To ensure the alignment of the top and bottom faces, in the part browser, right-click OffsetBottom, and click Add Geometry ➤ Point Reference.

21 Select the existing point in the center of the top-face rectangular profile.


A reference point is added to the Offset Bottom work plane.

22 Substituting Offset Bottom for Top Plane, repeat steps 17 through 19 to constrain all 4 of theedges of the bottom face, using the reference point in the center of the bottom face.

The model of the bottom face is updated to the specified constraints.

Apply the modifiers


Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric MvPart | 75

The modeling area is changed to a 3D isometric view, making it easier to view the modifiers asyou add them.

24 In the part browser, right-click Modifiers, and click Add Transition.

25 In the modeling area, select the top-face rectangular profile for the start profile, and select thebottom-face rectangular profile for the end profile.

A transitional box is created to represent the diffuser, and a transition modifier is added toModifiers in the part browser.

26 To add the lip of the diffuser, in the part browser, right-click Modifiers, and click Add Extrusion.

27 Select one of the corner points of the bottom-face profile.

TIP To select the bottom-face profile while the transition modifier is displayed, select a corner pointof the profile rather than one of the edges.

28 In the Extrusion Modifier dialog, for Type, select Blind, and for Distance, enter 25.

29 Select Flip, and click OK.


The lip of the diffuser is created.


31 In the validation message box, click No.

In this exercise, you modeled the top and bottom faces and the transition geometry of an air terminal MvPart.After adding the rectangular profiles for the top and bottom faces, you added a reference point and appliedconstraints to align the faces. You added a transition modifier to model the diffuser box and an extensionmodifier to model the lip of the diffuser. Next, you add connectors to the model.

Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric MvPart

This exercise shows how to add connectors to the parametric air terminal MvPart so that it can be used tocreate intelligent networks. The air terminal has a single connector on the top face of the diffuser to providea connection point for flex duct. When you add this connector to the model, you define its default size. Theshape of the connector is determined by the shape of the modifier to which the connector is attached. Afteryou add the connector, you configure it by assigning a connection domain and type.

Dataset



Add a connector


2 Right-click Object Snap on the application status bar, and click Settings.

3 In Drafting Settings ➤ General, select Node, and click OK.

4 To add the flex duct connector to the top face of the diffuser, in the part browser, right-clickTop Plane, and click Add Profile ➤ Circular.

TIP If the Top Plane node is not visible in the part browser, expand Modeling and Work Planes.

5 In the modeling area, use the Node osnap to select the center point. Select the point in thecenter of the top face of the diffuser, enter 30 for the radius, and then press Enter.

Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric MvPart | 77

A circular profile for the flex duct connector is created and is added to Top Plane.

6 In the part browser, right-click Top Plane, and click Add Constraints ➤ Concentric.

7 In the modeling area, select the circular profile for the first geometry, and select the point inthe center of the top face for the second geometry.

A concentric constraint is added to the Top Plane Constraints.

8 In the part browser, right-click Modifiers, and click Add Extrusion.

9 Select the circular profile on the top face.

10 In the Extrusion Modifier dialog, for Type, select Blind, and for Distance, enter 25. Click OK.

The geometry for the flex duct connector is created.

11 To add a connector, in the part browser, right-click Connections, and click Add Connection.

You are prompted to select the connector location. As you move the cursor around in themodeling area, it snaps to 4 possible locations for a connector: the top and bottom faces of thediffuser, and the top and bottom of the flex duct connector.

12 Select the center point of the top of the flex duct connector, and press Enter to accept the defaultvalue for the connector number.


NOTE The default connector numbers are assigned in ascending numeric order, according to theorder in which the connectors are added to the model. The first connector is 1, the second connectoris 2, and so on. You can model connections for MvParts in any order.

13 Select a location above and to the right of the model to place the dimension for the diameterof the flex duct connector.

A diameter dimension (D1) is added to the model (and to Size Parameters in the part browser).A connector is added to Connections.

Configure the connector

14 To define the domain and the type of the connection for the connector, in the part browser,expand Connections, right-click Connector 1, and click Edit.

15 In the Connector Properties dialog, for Domain, select Duct.

Connector domains are dependent on the specified shape of the modifier to which the connectoris attached.

16 For Type, select the current value, and click [...].

17 In the Connection Types Selection dialog, select Slip Joint, clear Undefined, and click OK twice.

Connector types are dependent on the connector domain.

NOTE Connectors are assigned an undefined type by default. An undefined connection type createsa valid connection between all types of connectors when inserted in a drawing.

18 In the part browser, expand Size Parameters.

19 Right-click D1, and click Edit.

Exercise 3:Assigning Connectors to a Parametric MvPart | 79

20 In the Size Parameters dialog, click the value for D1, and click (Edit) on the toolbar.

21 In the Edit Values dialog, double-click the value for D1, enter 100, and press Enter.

22 Click OK twice.



In this exercise, you added a flex duct connector to the air terminal MvPart and configured the connectorproperties to complete a valid model. You began by creating a circular profile on the Top Face work planeand adding an extrusion modifier to create a cylinder to represent the flex duct connector. You then addeda connector to the cylinder and defined the domain and connection type for the connector. Next, you addpart sizes for the parametric air terminal MvPart you created.

Exercise 4:Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart

Dimensions are used to define the default size of a parametric MvPart. You add model dimensions to definethe overall size of the model. You can then add other sizes by changing the dimension value to a list or tableof values, a constant value, or a calculation to create an individual part size.

This exercise shows how to add dimensions to specify the lengths and widths of the diffuser faces, the heightof the transition, the height of the flex duct connector, and the height of the lip that is placed in the ceilinggrid.

Dataset



Add model dimensions



3 To make it easier to add dimensions to the top and bottom faces, in the part browser, clickModeling ➤ Modifiers, right-click a modifier, and click Visible to turn off visibility. Repeat thisprocess for each modifier.


In the modeling area, the model display is updated to show only the profiles. The modifiershave been turned off.

4 To add a dimension for the width of the top face, in the part browser, right-click Top Plane, andclick Add Dimension ➤ Distance.

NOTE For constant parameter values, you can define a constant dimension. Alternatively, you canchoose not to add a dimension and use the default value based on the actual size of the geometry.When no dimensions are added, the parameter and its value are not displayed during part sizeselection.

5 In the modeling area, select the points at the upper-left and upper-right corners of the top face,and specify a location to place the dimension.

A length dimension (LenA1) is placed in the model and is added to Model Parameters in thepart browser. The value of LenA1 is a default value based on the model geometry.

6 To add a dimension for the length of the top face, in the part browser, right-click Top Plane,and click Add Dimension ➤ Perpendicular Distance.

7 In the modeling area, select the upper-left and lower-left corner points of the top face for thegeometry, and select the top edge of the top face for relative line.

Exercise 4:Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart | 81

8 Specify a location to place the dimension, and use object snaps to specify the upper-left andlower-left corner points again to specify the default value.

A length dimension (LenA2) is placed in the model and is added to Model Parameters in thepart browser. The value of LenA2 is a default value based on the model geometry.

9 Repeat steps 4 through 7 to add height and width dimensions to the bottom face on the OffsetBottom plane.

Length dimensions (LenA3 and LenA4) are placed in the model and are added to ModelParameters in the part browser. The value of LenA3 and LenA4 are default values based on themodel geometry.

10 To dimension the modifiers, in the part browser, right-click each of the modifiers, and clickVisible to turn on visibility.


In the modeling area, the model is displayed in a 3D isometric view, and the modifiers havebeen turned on.


12 To define the length of the flex duct connector, in the part browser, right-click Model Dimensions,and click Add Distance.

13 In the modeling area, select the flex duct connector extrusion modifier, and specify a locationto place the dimension.

A length dimension (LenB1) is placed in the model and is added to Model Parameters in thepart browser. The value of LenB1 is a default value based on the height distance of the modifier.

14 To define the height of the lip, in the part browser, right-click Model Dimensions, and clickAdd Distance.

15 In the modeling area, select the lip extrusion modifier, and specify a location to place thedimension.

A length dimension (LenB2) is placed in the model and is added to Model Parameters in thepart browser. The value of LenB2 is a default value based on the height distance of the modifier.


Exercise 4:Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart | 83


In this exercise, you added model dimensions to define the overall size of the air terminal model. After youadd the overall dimensions, you can add other sizes, such as a list of values, to a dimension to create individualpart sizes. Next, you use a table of values to create individual part sizes.

Exercise 5:Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric MvPart

You can create individual part sizes by adding parameter values to your model. Parameter values can beadded as a list of values, a table of values, a constant value, or a calculation.

You can also create unique part size names. Each part size name is generated using a calculation (a formattedstring of parameter values and text).

This exercise shows how to use a table to add parameter values to the air terminal model to create individualpart sizes. It also shows how to create unique part size names using calculations.

Dataset



Add part sizes


2 To add part sizes, in the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Configuration.

3 In the Size Parameters dialog, for Data Storage, select Table for the LenA1, LenA2, LenA3, andLenA4 parameters.

Changing the data storage type of these parameters to Table allows you to add a table of sizesfor the lengths and widths of the top and bottom faces of the diffuser.

NOTE Calculated values set in the model cannot be edited in the Size Parameters dialog. To changethese values you must edit the model.

4 On the toolbar, select Values from the list.


5 To add a new part size, click 1 in the table, and click (New) on the toolbar.


A part size row is added to the Edit Part Size dialog. Repeat this step again to add a third partsize.

6 For each part size, double-click the LenA1, LenA2, LenA3, and LenA4 parameters, and enter thevalues shown.

TIP You can cut and paste values from other part families using standard Microsoft® Windows cutand paste functionality (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V). Open another part in the Content Builder, select the sizeparameter you want to copy (Ctrl+C), and then paste (Ctrl+V) the selected values in the desiredparameter of your part. You can also create a list of values in Microsoft® Excel, select the list of valuesyou want to add, and then paste the values in the desired parameter of your part. You can also cutand paste values from the Catalog Editor.

7 Double-click the LenB1 value in row 1, enter 100, and press Enter. Click OK.

LenB1 is the height of the flex duct connector. The LenB1 parameter has a storage type ofconstant; therefore, the LenB1 parameter is updated for all part sizes.

8 In the part browser, expand Model Parameters, right-click WPOf1, and click Edit.

9 In the Model Parameters dialog, to add the size of the transition between the top and bottomfaces, double-click the Equation value for WPOf1, and click Calculator. Enter 0.5*LenA4, andclick OK. Click Close.

The model is updated with the new parameters values.

Exercise 5:Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric MvPart | 85

10 To specify a unique part size name, in the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and clickEdit Calculations.

11 In the Size Parameters dialog, double-click the value cell of the PrtSN parameter for 1.

The Calculation Assistant dialog is displayed.

12 In the Calculation Assistant dialog, define the part size name:

■ For Precision, select 0.

■ Under Insert Variable, select LenA1, and click Insert.

■ Click the value for Part Size Name, and enter x at the end.

■ Under Insert Variable, select LenA2, and click Insert.

■ Click the value for Part Size Name, and enter mm Louver Face Ceiling Diffuser.


13 Click Evaluate to see the result.

14 Click OK.

The part size name value is updated for each part.

15 Click OK, and click (Save Part Family) on the part browser toolbar.


In this exercise, you created individual part sizes by adding table-based parameter values to the air terminalmodel. You added one row of values to the table for each part size you wanted to add. You also specifiedcalculated values to create unique names for the individual part sizes.

Exercise 6: Generating a Preview Image and Defining InsertionBehavior for a Parametric MvPart

After you complete the model, you generate a preview image and specify options that define additional partbehaviors, including insertion method, custom sizing, and layer key. For parametric MvParts, you also createa schematic symbol.

Exercise 6: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric MvPart | 87

This exercise shows how to generate a preview image for the MvPart by taking a snapshot of the model, howto assign a schematic symbol to the part, and how to specify insertion behaviors and other advanced optionsfor the part.

Insertion behaviors for a parametric MvPart are defined by specifying whether the part anchors to or breaksinto another part. When creating a parametric MvPart, you select either the Anchor To Part or the BreakInto Part option. You can select both options to be prompted when placing the part in a drawing. You canalso enable the Custom Part Sizing Flag to allow the creation of custom sizes that do not exist in the catalog,and you can specify a layer key for the part.

Dataset





2 To create a preview image, on the toolbar, click (Generate Bitmap).

3 In the Bitmap Preview dialog, under Generate View, click a view, such as SW Isometric View,for the preview image of the part.

TIP As you select a view, the preview image window in the dialog is updated. This allows you to viewall the available preview images for the part before selection.

You can also click Browse to navigate to and select a predefined bitmap image. Predefined imagesmust be 200 x 200 pixels and saved with 256 colors.

4 Click OK.

Assign a schematic symbol

5 In the part browser, expand Modeling, right-click Symbol and Annotation plane, and clickVisible.

Although this makes the plane visible in the drawing area, its position on the Z axis in the WorldCoordinate System (WCS) is high above the WCS origin, so you might need to zoom out toview the plane.

6 Right-click Symbol and Annotation Plane, and click Set View.

This changes the view direction to Top (plan) view, which is the default view for the plane.

7 To the right of the model, draw the geometry for the schematic symbol using AutoCAD linesas shown.

To ensure that the symbol size is correct when inserting the part into a drawing, draw the symbolrelative to a unit scale of 1. For example, draw the symbol 10 mm x 10 mm in size.


NOTE You can also insert AutoCAD blocks into the modeling area to use as the geometry of theschematic symbol.

8 In the part browser, expand Symbol and Annotation Plane, right-click Design Blocks, and clickAdd Schematic Block.

9 At the Select work plane prompt, press Enter to orient the symbol along the Symbol andAnnotation plane.

10 Select the geometry of the schematic symbol, and press Enter.

You can select any geometry except parametric geometry created using Content Builder, whichis filtered from the selection set.

11 Enter n (No) to keep the source geometry in the model, and press Enter.

In the part browser, a design block that represents the schematic block is added to Design Blocks.

Define insertion behavior

12 On the Content Builder toolbar, click (Options).

13 In the Options dialog, select Anchor Part.

14 For Layer Key, click the current value, and click the [...] button.

15 In the Select Layer Key dialog, select Louvers, and click OK twice.

16 In the part browser, expand Autolayout Data, right-click Layout Data, and click Select PlacementPoint.

You are prompted to select a point to use as the insertion point for the MvPart when it is addedto a drawing.

17 In the modeling area, using osnaps, select the center of the flex duct connector.

A placement point is displayed at the selected location.



In this exercise, you generated a preview image for the air terminal MvPart. This preview image is usedduring part selection for all part sizes in this part family. You also inserted and assigned an existing 2DAutoCAD block as the schematic symbol for the part. Finally, you defined the insertion behaviors and thelayer key to use when the part is added to a drawing. The part is now ready for validation.

Exercise 6: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric MvPart | 89

Exercise 7:Validating and Saving a Parametric MvPart

This exercise shows how to perform a visual inspection of each part size using the Parametric Object Viewer.It also shows how to validate the model to detect any errors that make the part unusable, and how to savethe valid model. When you click the Validate icon on the toolbar, the status bar displays a description ofthe validation status. A traffic light shows green when the part is valid and red when the part is invalid. ADetails button provides a list of warnings and/or errors found in your model. You must correct all errorsbefore you can save the part and add it to a drawing.

After you complete your 3D model, you should perform a visual inspection of each part size using theParametric Object Viewer. After verifying that each part size appears sound, you must validate and save themodel. Validation checks the model and detects any errors that make the part unusable or invalid.

Dataset



Preview part sizes


2 In the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Values.

3 In the Size Parameters dialog, select row 1, and click (Preview Part).

The Parametric Object Viewer opens with the air terminal displayed as a wireframe model inTop view.




6 With the Parametric Object Viewer open, select row 2 in the Size Parameters dialog.

The next part size is displayed in the viewer.


8 Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the remaining part sizes.

If your inspection revealed problems, such as segments that joined improperly, you would makethe necessary modifications, and inspect the part sizes again, repeating this process until all ofthe part sizes appeared sound.

9 Click to close the Parametric Object Viewer.


Validate the part

11 Click (Validate) on the part browser toolbar.

The part is validated, and the status bar is updated as shown below.

Exercise 7:Validating and Saving a Parametric MvPart | 91

If the validation check had detected errors in your model, you would have been shown a list oferrors.

12 Click to view the results of the validation check.

Warnings in the Part Family Validation Results dialog do not make the part invalid. If errorshad been detected in your model, error messages would be displayed in the Part Family ValidationResults dialog. You would review the errors, make the necessary modifications, and performanother validation check, repeating this process until validation was successful.

13 Click Close.

Save the part


A message box gives you the option of making the part available for use in duct layouts.

15 Click Yes to make the part available for use.

In this lesson, you specified the part configuration for an air terminal MvPart and created a 3D model ofthe part, including connectors and dimensions. You added part size information to the model to enableyour single 3D model to represent multiple part sizes. After you finalized the model, you generated a previewimage for the part by taking a snapshot of the model. You also specified the insertion behavior that controlshow the part is added to a drawing. After you defined all required part information, you used the ParametricObject Viewer to perform a visual inspection of each part size and validated your model to check for errors.After successfully validating your model, you saved the part and made the part available for use in drawings.

Lesson 5: Modifying a Parametric MvPartAs your design develops and parts change, you can modify parametric parts using the Content Builder. Youcan change part behavior, part size parameters, and connectors. For parts you created using the ContentBuilder, you can also change the part model, including geometry, profiles, modifiers, constraints, anddimensions. You can modify a parametric part using the same procedures that guided you through creatingthe part. This lesson shows how to modify the connectors and model dimensions of the parametric airterminal MvPart you created in Lesson 4.

Exercise 1: Modifying the Connectors and Dimensions of a ParametricMvPart

You can add, delete, and edit the connectors of a parametric part. Because the shape of the connector isdetermined by the shape of the modifier to which the connector is attached, you must change the modifierin order to change the shape of the associated connector.

For a parametric part, you can change the model dimensions that determine the overall size of the model,such as length and width. You can also change individual size parameters for a specific part size. For example,you can change a constant value to a list of values or add custom parameters for enhancing scheduling data.


This exercise shows how to add a list of values for the size of the flex duct connector on the air terminalMvPart.

Dataset



Add connector sizes


2 Open the Tutorial Air Terminal L05 E01 part in the parametric part environment.

3 To add connector sizes, in the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Values.

4 In the Size Parameters dialog, select row 1, click in the D1 parameter, and click (Edit) onthe part browser toolbar.

5 In the Edit Values dialog, click Add, enter 125, and press Enter.

6 Click Add, enter 200, and press Enter.

7 Click OK.

8 Double-click each of the D1 parameters, and notice the list of available connector sizes for eachpart size.

Preview part sizes

9 Select row 1, and click (Preview Part).



12 Keep the Parametric Object Viewer dialog open, and in the Size Parameters dialog, double-clickthe D1 parameter, and select a new size.

Exercise 1: Modifying the Connectors and Dimensions of a Parametric MvPart | 93

The next part size is displayed in the viewer.


14 Click to close the viewer.


Validate and save the part


The part is validated, and the status bar is updated.



In this exercise, you added a list of available sizes for the flex duct connector. By adding a list of connectorsizes to one part size, the connector sizes were added for each part size. After modifying the connector sizes,you viewed each part size in the Parametric Object Viewer, and validated and saved the part. Next, youcreate a new part size for the air terminal MvPart and add custom parameters to the new part.

Exercise 2: Copying a Parametric MvPart to Create a New Part Size

In the Content Builder, you can create a new part by copying an existing part and modifying its parameters.In the part browser, you navigate to a part family that is similar to the new part you want to create. Usingthe Save Part Family As function, you save the part family with a unique name. You can then modify sizeparameter values or custom data as needed to create the new part. This exercise shows how to create a newpart size for the air terminal MvPart and how to add a custom parameter for the finish material of the part.

Dataset



Create a new part


2 Open the Tutorial Air Terminal L05 E02 part in the parametric part environment.


3 Click (Save Part Family As) on the part browser toolbar.

4 In the Save Part Family As dialog, select the Air Terminals chapter.

NOTE If you did not create an Air Terminals chapter in Lesson 4, select Tutorial MvParts Catalog,and click New Chapter. Enter Air Terminals for Name, and click OK.

5 For Part Name, enter a unique name, and for Description, enter a description of the part.

6 Click OK.

The new part is opened in the Content Builder.

Add custom parameters

7 In the part browser, right-click Size Parameters, and click Edit Configuration.

8 In the Size Parameters dialog, click (New) on the Size Parameters toolbar.

9 In the New Parameter dialog, select Material, and click OK.

Exercise 2: Copying a Parametric MvPart to Create a New Part Size | 95

A new Mat parameter is added to the Size Parameters dialog.

10 For the Mat parameter, select Constant for Data Storage.

11 Select Values in the toolbar.


12 In row 1, double-click the Mat parameter, enter steel with baked enamel finish, and press Enter.

The Mat parameter has a storage type of constant; therefore, the Mat parameter is updated forall part sizes.

13 Click OK.

Validate and save the new part


The part is validated, and the status bar is updated.


16 Click File menu ➤ Exit

In this lesson, you modified the air terminal MvPart by adding a list of values for the size of the flex ductconnector on the part. You then used the Save Part Family As function to create a new part family based onTutorial Air Terminal. You modified the new part family by adding a custom parameter for the finish materialof the part. Next, you begin exploring the Catalog Editor.


Using the Catalog Editor

The Catalog Editor in AutoCAD MEP provides you with powerful tools for creating and modifying part catalogs. Usingthe Catalog Editor, you can copy and modify existing parts and catalogs. You can add custom properties to parts and addsizes to components. You can also copy and paste part data between catalogs.

This section of the tutorial introduces you to the Catalog Editor and shows how to create a new catalog, how to create anew part, and how to add a size to an existing part.

Lesson 6: Exploring the Catalog EditorThe Catalog Editor is a standalone utility that provides a central location for viewing and working with partcatalogs and part data. The Catalog Editor has Windows® Explorer-like navigation, making it easy to browsethrough extensive catalogs of parts.

This lesson shows how to open the Catalog Editor and introduces you to the Catalog Editor interface. It alsoshows how to open a part in the Catalog Editor and how to create a new part catalog. In the next lesson,you use the Catalog Editor to create a part, add a size to an existing part, and add web-based content to apart catalog.

Exercise 1: Opening a Part in the Catalog Editor

The Catalog Editor is an external program that you run outside of the AutoCAD MEP environment. You canuse the Catalog Editor to browse and modify part catalogs used in AutoCAD MEP.

You can access the Catalog Editor from inside of or outside of AutoCAD MEP. In this exercise, you open theCatalog Editor from inside of AutoCAD MEP. For information on opening the Catalog Editor from outsideof AutoCAD MEP, see the AutoCAD MEP Help.

Open a part catalog

1 Click CAD Manager menu ➤ Content Editing ➤ Catalog Editor.

3

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If the CAD Manager menu is not available on the menu bar, click Windowmenu ➤ Pulldowns ➤ CAD Manager Pulldown.

The Catalog Editor is opened with no part catalog selected. Next, you open a part catalog.

2 On the Catalog Editor toolbar, click (Open).

3 Browse to the following folder: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\ApplicationData\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb Catalogs\Global\MvParts.

NOTE If the Application Data folder is hidden, use Windows® Explorer to change the display optionsfor the folder: Click Tools menu ➤ Folder Options, and then click the View tab. Under Advancedsettings, for Hidden files and folders, select Show hidden files and folders, and click OK.

NOTE If you are using AutoCAD MEP in a network environment, the catalogs might be in a differentlocation. Contact your network administrator or CAD manager for the catalog location.

4 Select MvParts (Global).apc, and click Open.

98 | Chapter 3 Using the Catalog Editor

The Autodesk part catalog (APC) file acts as the master file for the numerous sets of part filesthat comprise the catalog.

The Catalog Editor screen is divided into 2 resizable panes and has a menu bar, a toolbar, anda preview image window. When you open a part catalog, the tree view in the left pane showsthe chapters and the parts within them. The right pane shows the detailed part data in a tableformat.

5 Position the cursor over the toolbar icons at the top of the Catalog Editor window to displaytooltips explaining their functions. The availability of the icons depends on your current selection.

6 In the left pane, expand Mechanical ➤ Air Terminals ➤ Diffusers.

The left pane of the Catalog Editor organizes the catalog into a structured tree view that youcan navigate by expanding and collapsing the chapters in the tree. You can add, delete, copy,paste, and save part data in the left pane. As you select items, the right pane is updatedaccordingly.

View part data

7 Double-click 600 x 600 mm Square Faced Ceiling Diffuser_gbm.

When you select a part in the left pane, the associated part data is displayed in the right pane,and a rendered 3-dimensional (3D) image of the part is displayed in the preview window. Thedimensions shown in the image depict the part parameters defined in the part model.

To view part information, you can resize the Catalog Editor window as well as the left and rightpanes.

8 In the left pane, click Basic Table.

The right pane of the Catalog Editor shows the part data in a table view in its most primitive or“uncompiled” form. Each column represents a specific parameter used to define the part. Eachrow represents an attribute description or unique value of the parameter. For clarity, differentbackground colors differentiate the various types of part data:

■ Gray indicates a parameter name.

■ Yellow indicates a parameter attribute.

■ White indicates a parameter value.

9 In the right pane, scroll to the right to see the parameter names.

Exercise 1: Opening a Part in the Catalog Editor | 99

Notice that the D1 dimension shown in the preview window depicts the D1 part parameter (forthe connection diameter) defined in the part model.

In this exercise, you opened and explored the Catalog Editor. Next, you create a new part catalog.

Exercise 2: Creating a New Part Catalog

You can create custom part catalogs in the Catalog Editor. These catalogs can serve as company-specific orproject-specific catalogs, and they can be used to limit the number of available parts during part selection.It is recommended that custom part catalogs be created by someone who is experienced with the CatalogEditor. To simplify catalog creation and to ensure that you create valid parts, copy parts from an existingcatalog into your new catalog, and then modify the part data.

This exercise shows how to define a new part catalog, add chapters to create a catalog structure, and addparts by copying and pasting chapters from another catalog.

Create a new part catalog

1 On the Catalog Editor toolbar, click (New Catalog).

2 In the New Catalog dialog, define the new part catalog:

■ For Domain, select Duct.

■ For Catalog Name, enter Tutorial Duct.This is the name of the Autodesk product catalog (APC) file. If you specify this catalog onthe MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog, it is loaded into a drawing.

■ For Catalog Description, enter Tutorial Duct.

■ For Catalog Root Directory, browse to the My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects folder,select it, and click OK.

IMPORTANT Do not accept the default location for Catalog Root Directory. If you do, the newcatalog will be created within the existing Duct catalog. Creating the new catalog as a nestedcatalog will prevent you from completing this tutorial.


■ Click OK.

The Tutorial Duct catalog is created and opened in the Catalog Editor.

Add a chapter to the new catalog

3 In the left pane, right-click Tutorial Duct, and click Insert ➤ Chapter.

4 Enter Round (for the chapter name), and press Enter.

The Round chapter is added.

Open a second session of the Catalog Editor

Next, you open a second session of the Catalog Editor to simplify the process of copying and pasting chaptersbetween 2 catalogs.

5 Restore the AutoCAD MEP 2009 application window so it is visible.

6 In the application window, click CAD Manager menu ➤ Content Editing ➤ Catalog Editor.

7 In the second session of the Catalog Editor, click (Open).

Exercise 2: Creating a New Part Catalog | 101

8 In the Open dialog, browse to the following folder: C:\Documents and Settings\AllUsers\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2008\enu\Aecb Catalogs\Global\Duct.

9 Select Duct (Global).apc, and click Open.

10 Restore the first session of the Catalog Editor, and arrange the 2 Catalog Editor windowsside-by-side for easy viewing.

Customize the new catalog by copying and pasting existing content

11 In the left pane of the Catalog Editor session that has the Duct (Global) catalog opened, expandRound, right-click Elbows, and click Copy.

12 In the left pane of the Catalog Editor session that has the Tutorial Duct catalog opened, right-clickRound, and click Paste.

NOTE When you copy and paste a chapter, the Catalog Editor copies and pastes the entire chapter,including its part families.

13 In the Catalog Editor - File Save dialog, click Overwrite All Existing Files with New Ones.

Depending on the regeneration of the catalog, you might get an overwrite prompt more thanonce. Each time you are prompted, click Overwrite All Existing Files with New Ones.


NOTE The speed of your system determines the amount of time needed to copy and paste the Elbowschapter. No hourglass is displayed while the operation is in progress.

The Elbows chapter is added to the Tutorial Duct catalog.

14 In the left pane of the Catalog Editor session that has the Duct (Global) catalog opened, right-clickRectangular, and click Copy.

NOTE The speed of your system determines the amount of time needed to copy the Rectangularchapter and to paste it into the Tutorial Duct Catalog in the next step. No hourglass is displayedwhile the copy/paste operation is in progress.

15 In the left pane of the Catalog Editor session that has the Tutorial Duct catalog opened, right-clickTutorial Duct, and click Paste.

16 When you are prompted to confirm the overwriting of files, click Overwrite All Existing Fileswith New Ones.

Depending on the regeneration of the catalog, you may get an overwrite prompt more thanonce. Each time you are prompted, click Overwrite All Existing Files with New Ones.

Exercise 2: Creating a New Part Catalog | 103

The Rectangular chapter is added to the Tutorial Duct catalog.

17 On the Catalog Editor toolbar, click (Regenerate Catalog).


The catalog is regenerated by updating the APC file. A part catalog can be used in AutoCADMEP only if regeneration has been completed successfully.

19 In the Catalog Regen dialog, click OK.

20 On the Catalog Editor toolbar, click (Save), and keep the catalog open for the next lesson.

IMPORTANT Be sure to save the Tutorial Duct Catalog. You will use it in the next lesson.

21 In the Catalog Editor session that has the Duct (Global) catalog opened, click to close thesession.

In this lesson, you explored the Catalog Editor and created a new part catalog. You use this catalog as thebasis for your work in the next lesson.

Lesson 7:Working in the Catalog EditorUsing the Catalog Editor, you can copy and modify existing parts and catalogs. You can also add customproperties and sizes to parts. This lesson shows how to work with the Catalog Editor to create a new partand add a part size to an existing part. It also shows how to add web-based content to a part catalog.

Exercise 1: Creating a Part in the Catalog Editor

You can create new parts in the Catalog Editor by copying and modifying existing parts. When copying andpasting parts within the same catalog, unique part IDs are generated for the new parts. Having unique partIDs for custom parts prevents your new parts from being overwritten when you update the standard AutoCADMEP content. This exercise shows how to create a new part based on an existing part in the Catalog Editor.

Dataset

Use the Tutorial Duct catalog (APC file) you created and saved in the previous lesson. The catalog is locatedin the following folder: My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Tutorial Duct.

Copy a part family to modify

1 If the Tutorial Duct catalog that you created in the previous lesson is not already open in theCatalog Editor, open it now.


NOTE For information on how to open a catalog in the Catalog Editor, see Exercise 1: Opening aPart in the Catalog Editor on page 97 in Lesson 6.

2 In the left pane, expand Rectangular ➤ Elbows.

3 Right-click Rectangular Duct Radius 2W Elbow_gbm, and click Copy.

4 Right-click Elbows, and click Paste.

A copy of the selected part family is added.

Rename and modify the part family

5 Right-click the new part family (Rectangular Duct Radius 2W Elbow_gbm 1), and click Rename.

6 Enter Rectangular Duct Radius 3W Elbow, and press Enter.

7 In the right pane, double-click the current value for Description, enter Rectangular Duct Radius3W Elbow, and press Enter.

Exercise 1: Creating a Part in the Catalog Editor | 105

8 Expand Rectangular Duct Radius 3W Elbow, and select Constants.

The parameter values for the part family are displayed in a table view in the right pane.

9 In the right pane, scroll to RC (radius of curvature), double-click 2.0 (the current value) to makethe field editable, enter 3.0, and press Enter.

10 Click (Regenerate Catalog).

11 In the Catalog Editor - File Save dialog, click Overwrite All Existing Files with New Ones, andclick OK when the regeneration is complete.


12 Expand Rectangular ➤ Elbows ➤ Rectangular Duct Radius 3W Elbow, and select Calculations.

13 Scroll to the R (radius) parameter, and note the calculated value. If you compare this value tothe value for Rectangular Duct Radius 2W Elbow_gbm (the part you copied), you will noticethat the calculated value for the new part has been updated to reflect the change in value forthe RC parameter.

TIP To access the new part size during part selection, be sure to load the modified part catalog inyour drawing. For more information about specifying the default part catalogs for a drawing, see theAutoCAD MEP Help.

In this exercise, you created a new part in the Catalog Editor by copying an existing part and modifying itsparameters. Next, you add a size to a part.

Exercise 2:Adding a Size to a Part in the Catalog Editor

This exercise shows how to add a size to a part, such as a fitting or a segment of duct, pipe, cable tray, orconduit. You can add size parameter values to a basic table or a constant list.

NOTE To add a size to an MvPart, such as equipment, use the Content Builder. You can also use the ContentBuilder to add a size to a fitting.

Dataset

My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Pipe Catalog L07 E02\Tutorial Pipe CatalogL07 E02.apc

Add a part size in a table

1 In the Catalog Editor, open the Tutorial Pipe Catalog L07 E02 catalog.


2 Expand Tees Datasets ➤ Tutorial Tee - Finished Part.

Exercise 2:Adding a Size to a Part in the Catalog Editor | 107

The data storage types are displayed.

3 Right-click Basic Table, and click Insert ➤ Row.

A new row is added to the table view.

4 In the new row, double-click the current value for the D1 parameter, enter 300, and press Tab.

5 Enter the following parameter values:

■ For ND1, enter 300, and press Tab.

■ For LenA1, enter 350, and press Tab.

■ For LenA3, enter 350, and press Enter.

To add another part size, repeat the process you just used to add and configure a new row. To

undo one or more changes, click (Undo) as many times as needed.

6 When you finish adding sizes, click (Regenerate Catalog).


The part is validated, and the catalog is regenerated.

8 When prompted that the catalog regeneration is complete, click OK.


NOTE To access the new part size during part selection, be sure to load the modified part catalogin your drawing. For information about specifying default part catalogs and content locations for adrawing, see the AutoCAD MEP Help.

In this exercise, you added a size to a pipe part by adding new parameter values to a basic table. Next, youadd web-based content from a manufacturer’s web site to a part catalog.

Exercise 3:Adding Web-based Content to a Part Catalog

This exercise shows how to add web-based content to your part catalogs using i-drop® functionality. Autodeski-drop functionality allows you to add content (such as equipment) that is available on the web to your partcatalogs or drawings. You can drag and drop parts from the web into a catalog through the Catalog Editor.You can also drag and drop parts from the web directly into your drawings.

Using i-drop functionality, you can create content web sites, such as project-specific sites, in order to sharecontent. You can also access manufacturers’ web sites to download parts for your projects. For moreinformation about using i-drop, see the AutoCAD Help.

Dataset

My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc

Open a session of the Catalog Editor

1 Verify that the Content Tools Tutorial profile is current.

2 In the Catalog Editor, open the following catalog file: My Documents\Autodesk\MyProjects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc.


3 Right-click Tutorial MvParts Catalog, and click Insert ➤ Chapter.

4 Enter Fans (for the chapter name), and press Enter.

Add web-based content to the part catalog through the Catalog Editor

5 NOTE Before performing this part of the exercise, verify that you have write access to the TutorialMvParts Catalog folder and its contents.

In Windows Explorer, navigate to the following folder: My Documents\Autodesk\MyProjects\Content Tools\IDropable_SampleParts\MvParts.

6 Double-click MvPartCatalog.htm.

Exercise 3:Adding Web-based Content to a Part Catalog | 109

The MvParts sample web page is displayed.

7 Arrange the web page and the Catalog Editor for easy viewing.

8 Click SampleTestMvPart ➤ Fans ➤ Direct Drive Fans_gbm.

9 Click the part image in the right pane.


The Autodesk I-Drop Object -- Web Page dialog is displayed.

10 Press the Space Bar to activate the control denoted by the (i-drop icon).

11 Click the part image, and drag the part into the Fans chapter of the Tutorial MvParts catalog inthe Catalog Editor.


The part is added to the Tutorial MvParts catalog.

12 In the Catalog Editor, click (Regenerate Catalog)

13 In the Catalog Editor - File Save dialog, click Overwrite All Existing Files with New Ones, andclick OK when the catalog regeneration is complete.

14 If the AutoCAD MEP I-drop dialog is open, close it now.

15 Close Windows® Internet Explorer and the Autodesk I-Drop Object -- Web Page dialog.

NOTE To access the new part size during part selection, be sure to load the modified part catalogin your drawing. For information about specifying the default part catalogs for a drawing, see theAutoCAD MEP Help.

Add the new part to your drawing

16 On the command line, enter mvpartadd.


17 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog, expand the Fans chapter, and select Direct Drive Fans.

18 Click in the drawing area.

19 Click to specify an insertion point.

20 Press Enter to accept 0.00 as the rotation angle.


The fan is added to your drawing.

In this lesson, you worked with the Catalog Editor to a create a new duct smooth-radius elbow with a uniqueradius of curvature. You also added a part size for a pipe component by adding new parameter values to abasic table. Finally, you added web-based content to a part catalog using i-drop.


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