-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015 David Butts Gannett
Fleming
MP6393
AutoCAD MEP 2015 software, a world-class design and drafting
application, is the Zen master of mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing design software. The software continues to lead the way in
everything from design to fabrication to owner for excellent
workflows. In this fast-paced lecture we will take a look at
creating custom content. We will start by using Inventor software
to create a more detailed model. Next, we will use this model to
create a new multi-view part. Once the part is defined you will
learn a quick way to use the new symbol and annotation planes to
add line-based symbols, and then youll create a new catalog to
store your custom content. Every AutoCAD MEP software user should
learn how to use the overwhelming volume of manufacturers 3D
content; this lab will help you learn how to do that.
LearningObjectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
Learn how to use Inventor software to convert and create more
detailed 3D models Learn how to create a multi-view part quickly
from manufacturer content Learn how to add and edit symbol and
annotation planes for multi-view parts Learn how to create and
store custom content catalogs
AbouttheSpeaker David Butts is an Autodesk Expert Elite team
member and Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialist for
Gannett Fleming, Inc., with over 29 years of experience in the
architecture, engineering, and construction field. Over the past 4
years he has been responsible for implementation, training, BIM
project support, and management for engineering design
applications. His product expertise includes Revit software,
AutoCAD MEP software, AutoCAD Plant 3D software, Navisworks project
review software, and other competitive engineering design software
systems. He was a training manager and application engineer for an
Autodesk Reseller for 13 years, providing implementation and
training services across the United States and serving as a subject
matter expert for Autodesk, Inc.s, Building Design Solutions. He
has design experience for a variety of project types, including
commercial, retail, water/wastewater, transportation, and process
projects. David was the Autodesk University (AU) 2011 top-rated
speaker for labs and lectures, and he was a featured speaker for
the AU 2013 event, having presented for over 10 years. He authors
training videos for 4D Technologies, and he presents BIM topics for
other industry associations annually.
You can reach David at [email protected].
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
2
FastContentforAutoCADMEP2015
AutoCAD MEP remains one of the best vertical add-ons built to
run on the AutoCAD platform, and the program can run extremely well
in capable hands. But like most design applications, you may not
have all of the content you need based on the types of projects you
do. What if you work on water treatment, transportation, or other
types of non-traditional projects?
The secret is to know how to produce this content quickly and
accurately and get the best representation of your project as
possible. Lets jump into this and see how it works.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
3
UsingInventortoConvert3DModels
Autodesk Inventor is included with the Ultimate Building Design
Suite, and is a must-own product for anyone that works with vendor
provided content. The application can open nearly any type of
modeling file, and easily converts them to either parts (.IPT) or
assemblies (.IAM). While these steps do not go into great detail,
they give you an idea of how simple it is to work with these
models, using the 2015 versions of the software from Autodesk.
1. In the program, start by opening a model file. This example
was based on a STP file provided by a vendor for a waste treatment
plant project.
2. Depending on the part type, Inventor will give you several
options prior to opening the part:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
4
You can choose whether or not to include solids, surfaces, wires
and/or points. By selecting the Import Assembly as a Single Part
option, an .IPT part file will be created. Otherwise, an Inventor
Assembly (.IAM) file will be created. Youll want to experiment with
both types, depending on how the model was defined, and how well
the export works. Also, make sure you check the units, and match
what you expect the target file to be based on. Note: When files
are imported as an assembly or IAM file, your tool options may be
restricted. The Environments tab will include a BIM Exchange
tool:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
5
3. Since a part exports a single solid model, you can use this
option. IPT Part files include
a BIM option for conversion. Select the BIM tab. Now youve got
several more options for modifying the part before exporting.
Check and Recognize Revit features help you determine if any
features can be used to reduce file complexity. Recognize Revit
Features reviews the 3D elements to determine what can be defined
as Revit 3D solids, such as extrusions, revolves or sweeps:
Remove Details lets you reduce the complexity of a part:
Fill Voids helps you plug holes that arent needed for the
family:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
6
4. Define Envelopes helps you select faces or solids, and use
them to create simple Revit
extrusions based on the shell of a base object.
5. Select BIM Exchange. From this tab, you can add connectors
for cable tray, conduit, duct pipe and electrical circuiting The
UCS tool also helps you to correctly orient an object.
6. Check Design lets you know what, if any issues will occur
during export, and displays information such as dimensions,
component properties, model complexity and connections.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
7
7. Select Export Building Components. This dialog lets you pick
between RFA or ADSK file formats. A native RFA file will include
individual solids in a Revit family, while an ADSK file will
include a single 3D model and views based on orientation (similar
to the AutoCAD Region command). Since AutoCAD MEP 2015 allows the
direction import of an ADSK file, you would select this option.
8. If youre exporting to Revit, Component Type lets you set the
Revit Category for the object. Set it to the desired class, based
on the category used to control visibility and grouping.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
8
9. Model Property filter allows you to select any values to
include in the exported file.
10. Select OK, and save the file. Finish BIM Exchange will close
the tool. You can now import the part into AutoCAD MEP.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
9
Now that you have the part defined, open AutoCAD MEP to a
drawing file started from a template, such as AECB Model (US
Imperial CTB).dwt. Select the Insert tab, Content panel and choose
Building Component:
11. Select the ADSK file you defined. Once its open, the Import
Building Component dialog will appear:
Youre given three options: - Multi-View Part is the basis of an
MEP engineering model, and includes the tools
needed to add connectors, and allows the part to be added to a
standard catalog. - Multi-View block is the basis of an
architectural model, and used to define parts
that dont require connectors, such a furniture or owner provided
equipment.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
10
- Block allows the model to be defined as a basic,
old-fashioned, I got no intelligence part. But you can always use
this later to make a Multi-View part or Multi-View block.
12. Select Multi-View Part and the next dialog will appear. From
here, you can enter the
name and description of the part; select the part catalog and
chapter; define the part type and subtype; and select a layer key,
which controls the layer the part is placed on when added to a
drawing:
13. The upper right corner includes tools that let you change
the default orientation of the part on the object view tab,
including along the x, y or z axis (leave this set to the
default):
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
11
14. You can also select Preview Image to see what the block will
look like in the catalog
and drawing:
15. Make sure you have a chapter selected, and then choose Add.
The Multi-view part dialog will appear, and let you place an
example in the drawing:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
12
Ive been making custom content for years for AutoCAD MEP, and
this represents one of the best and easiest tools for getting
content into your project drawings. It also helps by automatically
adding it to your content library, which is an added bonus. The
next steps look at a more traditional method of adding a part to
your library.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
13
ConvertinganIndividualManufacturerParttoanMVPart
In some cases, you may have received a 3D DWG that was converted
from an SAT file using Inventor 2015 to a block drawing, or even
imported it directly as an SAT file. In this case theres a quick
way turn it into an MVPart, without having to add it to your
catalogs. Lets see how this works.
1. The drawing contains a screening washer that was defined as
an AutoCAD block, so all you have to do it select the solid model.
Right Click, and choose Convert > Multi-View Part.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
14
2. For the name, enter Screenings Washer. Set the type to
Screen, and enter Screenings Washer for the subtype. You can edit
the subtype, but not the type. Set the layer key to EQUIP. Select
the Delete the Original Object option.
3. Click Next. On the Connectors page, right click on the part
and choose Add Pipe Connector.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
15
4. For the properties, name the connector Input. Click OK to
continue.
5. Right click on the connector and choose Edit Placement. 6.
Rotate the part to see the washdown connection. Note some surfaces
may get lost in
translation. Items created as weldments, or mesh surfaces,
sometimes cant be converted.but fixing that is for another day in
Inventor.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
16
7. Select the placement icon, and pick the center of the
connector. Next, change the normal so it reads 0,0,1 and points up.
Set the size to 1.5.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
17
8. Press OK to close the connection editor. 9. Click Finish to
close the dialog, and then take a look at the part. You now have
an
MVPart that can be scheduled, and follow the display
configuration rules. Nice!
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
18
AddingandEditingSymbolsandAnnotationPlanestoValves
Working in 3D gives you the advantage of seeing your design from
different viewpoints. IT also helps to create section and elevation
views automatically. AutoCAD MEP includes a feature that makes the
engineering models provide clearer detail levels for specific
parts. This feature is the ability to add front and left side
working planes, and create custom 2D schematic symbols. Lets take a
look at how this works.
1. Start a new drawing from the AECB Model template. 2. On the
ribbon, Manage Tab, MEP Content Panel, select the Content Builder
tool.
Were going to edit an existing valve, and add the graphic symbol
to the front view of the model.
3. When the dialog opens, make sure the Part Domain is set to
Multi-View Part. Under the Mechanical Equipment section, browse to
valves; expand the section, and then select Gate Valves. One note:
look for the symbol that has three arrows pointing to a box. This
indicates that the part is a block-based part.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
19
4. Select the Gate Valve-Butt-Welded-Class 150 part. Click the
Modify Part Size icon to continue.
5. The file will be opened, and the Content Builder dialog will
appear. The default view is for a plan view, so lets take a look at
how the current plan symbol is displayed. On the dialog, expand the
Modeling section, and then expand the Symbol and Annotation Plane
section.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
20
6. Expand the Top Symbol Plane. Youll see two categories:
Parametric Graphics allows you to create your own 2D symbol, and
leverage the existing model to define your part.
Design Blocks allows you to import a 2D Symbol block and lets it
be used to represent the part in the plan, or in the front or left
view planes.
7. To add our own symbol, the first important step is to turn on
the work plane. Right-click on Top Symbol Plane, and click
Visible.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
21
8. This will show the working plane. Use the view cube see where
the plane is located in the model:
9. As an example, lets check out the existing 2D geometry.
Expand the Geometry section
and then right-click on the first Line 2D. Click Visible to turn
this on.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
22
10. To see the rest of the parts, repeat the steps for all of
the lines and points. Note how the icon becomes bold as the line or
point is made visible:
11. This displays the linework that is used when the view is set
to the top plane, which is where plan views are displayed. Our next
step would be to turn on the Front Symbol plane and use it to
define a symbol for that point of view.
12. Right-click on the Symbol and Annotation Plane. Click Add
Front Symbol Plane:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
23
13. Once the plane is created, right-click on the new plane, and
then click Visible to turn it on.
14. Once its visible, you can change to the front view.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
24
15. Zoom into the view so you can see what youre adding.
16. To add the linework, you can use the line tool. Right-click
on Parametric Graphics, and then click Add Geometry. Once the
section expands, select the Line tool:
17. Since you want to use the body of the valve, use an endpoint
snap to select points:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
25
18. This tools acts similar to a polyline, so continue to add
points for each side of the symbol. The line and points will be
created. Make sure you have the Ortho tool turned off. When
finished, press ENTER to complete the command.
19. By the way, dont delete the points; the symbol will not work
correctly if you remove them from the model. To hide them, expand
the Geometry section and then right-click on each point. Deselect
the Visible option, and the point will be turned off. Notice that
these are fixed, which means they are properly constrained to the
model.
20. The symbol is ready to use, but you arent finished yet. On
the Content Builder dialog, select the Validate tool.
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
26
21. If there are any errors in the model, they will show up
here. Make sure the check mark is green, and your model is
correctly defined. Select the Options tool.
Make sure the following options are checked:
Migrate-able Part Flag so you can upgrade this to new releases;
Custom Sizing Flag so you can add custom sizes
22. AutoCAD MEP lets you assign the layer key from this dialog.
Previously, you had to edit this setting with the Catalog Editor.
Make sure the Display symbol in Plan View is deselected, so the new
symbol does not appear from the top view.
Youve finished the task now and properly defined the symbol.
Close the Content Builder dialog, saving the changes when prompted.
You can now load the valve into a drawing, and test it to make sure
it works. Use this tool to get the construction documents looking
the way you want!
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
27
CreatingCustomContentCatalogs
Now that weve made some custom content, lets learn how to
separate it from all the other riff-raff that comes with the
program (just kidding, theres a ton of great content here).By
keeping this content separate, the user will be able to receive new
content from Autodesk without having to be concerned with their
content being lost or overwritten. In the event a user creates a
large number of parts, they may want to move their custom content
to a separate location. In order to do this, the user catalog must
contain at least one part, and the folder location must already
exist. The MEP Catalog path will need to include this new path, and
can only be added after the content is located in the new
folder.
Note: this exercise should take five minutes to complete once
the user has become proficient with the steps listed.
Before getting started, Autodesk includes these tips to make the
creation of parts simpler:
1. Save a backup copy of the part catalogs before using Content
Builder, in case you need to revert to the original catalogs
provided with AutoCAD MEP. You can use a browser application, such
as Windows Explorer, to copy and paste the catalogs and their
sub-folders to a new location.
2. Use the order of the folders in the part browser as a guide
to the steps involved in the creation process.
3. From Windows Explorer in Windows 7, browse to the following
folder (this is the default location as installed using the
defaults for AutoCAD MEP):
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\MEP 2015\enu\MEPContent\USI\MvParts\ 4.
To begin creating the part, a new folder should be created and used
for the custom
content. Personally, Id use the default location above and just
add the folder, but you can also locate it on a server or local
hard drive. The user must have full permissions and administrative
rights to the folder. For this class, create a new folder directly
under the c:\ drive named c:\ACADMEP2015\Custom.
5. From the manage tab of the ribbon, select the Catalog Editor.
In the Catalog editor dialog, select the New icon to create a new
catalog:
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
28
6. In the new catalog dialog, change the part Domain to
Multi-View Part. Name the new catalog Multi-View Parts Custom.
Match the description to the name, and change the catalog root
directory to C:\ACADMEP2015\Custom (note: this folder must already
exist on the system to be used):
7. Select OK to continue and return to the catalog editor. 8. On
the right panel, change the following values by double-clicking on
the field:
Supplier Name your company name; Supplier URL your company web
address Supplier Image if you have an image file that can be used,
select the image
make sure its in a path that can be seen by all users. 9. Save
the catalog. 10. Remain in the catalog editor. The next step is to
copy the new part from its original
location to the new catalog. Open the existing catalog where the
new part is located (see the options tool for locations for the
default MEP catalog paths):
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
29
11. To copy the new part out of the main folder, expand the
MvParts catalog to the chapter where the custom pump was created.
Right mouse click on the chapter and choose Copy.
12. To re-open the new catalog, choose the File pull down menu,
and then select the new catalog:
13. Once the new catalog is open, right click on the catalog and
choose Paste. The pumps chapter should appear. From the Tools menu,
choose Regenerate Catalog tool to update the catalog and use the
part. The user can now return to the original catalog using content
builder to remove the custom part. To see the parts, add the
catalog to the MvParts path located in the Options palette under
MEP Catalogs.
Now youve setup a place to keep your custom content. Get busy
and set up as much as you need. Migrating to newer releases is a
lot easier from now on!
Conclusions
BIM projects represent the same culture change that occurred
when the Beatles arrived in America, when disco finally died, and
when working on a computer became a daily thing. The key is not to
let yourself be intimidated by the change, but instead learn to
embrace it, and take
-
Fast Content for AutoCAD MEP 2015
30
advantage of the positive changes it can bring. Take the time to
understand how to deal with the changes, and youll be on your way
to more efficient design workflows, and profitable projects.