Hi there,
The symbols that come with ACE should cover a lot of what you need. Did you install all of the libraries? Default install bring in a few but there are 5 or 6 libraries can be selected during or after initial install. And remember that what you see in the icon menu is only a representation of what is available. That is to say that from selecting a terminal block from the icon menu, you may have 1000 or more part numbers you can associate to that symbol. Open up your folders and see what you really have installed. And these are just the graphics, there 1000s of parts and many manufacturers in the default catalog. By the way, initial install only brings in 3 manufactures. If you go into the select manufacturer install, you will see a ton of them available.
And just about everyone does end up making their own symbols sooner or later. There is a good little walk through for creating smart blocks in the tut that comes with every version of ACE. It will walk you through what was previously referred to in a post above, explode a standard block change the geometry to your liking, rename and away you go. The trick is to select the same type of block to begin with, ie use a terminal block if you want a custom terminal block, use a relay coil if that is what you are trying to create. Each type of symbol can carry a different set of attributes so it is important to start with the right type to end up with the right type. It might be worth reading up on the ACE naming convention also the first several character and character order is very important.
Since you are talking AB here, this is a link to one of the AB stock, dumb block, free download sights. You can download many plan jane 2D dwg and add smart attributes with the ACE symbol builder. Just be sure to enter the full AB part number. I don't think they are using wild cards yet.
http://www.rockwellautomation.com/global/support/drawings.page
here is one other link to a source for dumb block already drawn up. Just be sure to check the scale when you download.
Please mark as a solution if this works for you, kudos are always welcome.
http://www.cadforum.cz/catalog_en/?cat=4
TRLitsey provided you with a very concise answer. I would only add that the software is delivered with libraries of symbols from such standards as IEC, JIC, and NFPA, the NFPA being the updated version of the JIC, as a convenience. These symbol libraries include common symbols, mostly devices with 2 wire connections, though some can be joined by a dashed link line to represent 2-pole and 3-pole devices like relay and switch contacts, fuses, and circuit breakers. PLC modules from major PLC manufacturers are also included. They are actually included as a symbol. They are built parametrically from as many as 40 symbol blocks for each PLC style. PLC modules have a common look so the developers were able to include these to save us time.
But when it comes to VFDs and other application-specific devices the number of wire connections creates a complication for the developers. They cannot anticipate where to place the wire connections in such a way that would satisfy everyone. Some may want power on the top and output on the bottom, while others may prefer power on the left and output on the right. And then there are the communications and control wire connections. It just gets too complicated to predict. For these situations Autodesk has included the Symbol Builder, a type of wizard assistant to help us create our own library of custom symbols. In fact, I teach my customers to store these custom symbols in a separate folder named Custom Symbols. You can set this folder as the default folder to open when you click the Browse button at the bottom middle of the Icon menu. This path is set in the wd.env (environment file).
Hint: There are actually two symbol builders. The one you see on the ribbon menu was introduced in release 2009 and is great for those who are new to the software and the process of creating a custom symbol. It is also convenient for editing a symbol that has already been inserted into a drawing. I use it to modify parametric PLC symbols if I decide that I need to change the split points on a PLC I have already inserted and split it. The original symbol builder is still available by typing WD_SYM_BUILD at the command prompt and pressing enter. This version of symbol builder allows you to build a symbol on the drawing, in the location where it will be used. I just draw the shape of the symbol over the wires. When the symbol is saved the software will offer to insert the saved symbol into the drawing where you created it. I find it to be my favorite symbol builder, especially for creating footprints. It automatically offers additional MFG and CAT attributes in case I want to pre-load subassembly parts into my footprint, such as pre-loading a motor starter footprint with lugs, auxiliary contact, etc. When the footprint is inserted from the schematic list, the lugs and auxiliary contact are automatically loaded so they will appear in the BOM with no additional effort on my part.
TRLitsey has provided all of the other information you will need.
Nice to see Dougs back peddling his view of why ACADE works the way it does
And again he’s got it wrong
3 solutions used by component supplies that have engaged with Eplan and supply components symbols to the Eplan data portal
Option 1 can be done but that means somebody at Autodesk needs to create the blocks
Option2 and 3 don’t exist in ACADE and is some of those pesky functions that Autodesk can’t do
So you see it can be done but not if you’re using ACADE
Oops I forgot you can just create a symbol and then use the rotate command which will rotate a symbol and it will not throw up any sort of error
Oops I also forgot to mention Eplan and Wscad have larger Parts libraries available online
And this is Rockwell’s solution to your problem in the Eplan portal
go to the AB\Rockwell site and search for "accelerators" and sample drawings. Rockwell is pushing standardized code and offers quick start guide for various scenarios-----with schematics and panel layouts. I have been able top obtain about 80% of the VFDs, safety devices and HMIs I need---already drawn with attributes.
FYI---for those companies who use AB\Rockwell; announced last week that Studio5000 will be updated in Q2 2017 to allow the ability to design PLC project in Rockwell software; and export to ACADe---like the PLC I\O utility does now. Complete 2 way work flow. They already have this functionality for EPlan. 2018 gets the ability to do the same for 2D panel layout with ACADe.
Nice info @rcreel!
Tried to have a look at the CCAT, but I wasn't able to log in (Forgot password), and the password reset isn't working as expected.
Would it be possible for you to e-mail me an example of the output in DWG-format? In both IEC and NFPA format, if possible...
thl@ctrlaltel.com
Went onto the Eplan data portal this morning
another 10,000 components have been added and 13 new manufactures
Does anyone here still think cobbling together partial data as part of the software install is still the solution
Come on Autodesk the live parts data server is the solution why fight progress?
done the login and cant get anywhere
everything I click on prompts me back to login
then when I login again it takes me back to the beginning.
don't get it
all im looking for is plc I/o components such as 1746-NI8
You mean like this?
From the schematic tab on the ribbon ...
yes where can I get all of those and put them in my component PLC I/O list.
You are using the Parametric insert not the Full Unit insert and you don't see a selection? Can you post a screen shot of what you do see?