Query support dimensions from database

[feschaurich]

Hello,

I created many parametric supports using Python language and the piping team used them in the 3D model, now I need get the dimensions of these supports from project database to issue a support list.

Is it possible and how can I do this?

I'm using Autocad Plant 3D 2013 and the databases are located at SQL server.

Regards,

Fernando

[Scott.Hallmark]

I have done the same thing and not having much luck pulling the dimensions either.  Curious to see if anyone else has.

[dave.wolfe]

I think you would have to ead the partfamily id from the current item in the project, and the look up the parameters in the spec database.I don't believe drawing dimensions are stored in the project db.

[feschaurich]

Dave thanks for your reply, but the problem is a little bit bigger.

I created the parametric supports using Python scripts because each support has its particular dimensions. For example: when I use a support type shoe the default value for height 100mm, but in case of slope lines we will get different heights selected by the designer when support is insert on the model. I would expect to query this information from database.

Of course that I would can extract this information support by support, but in my project the forethought is has about 25.000 ~ 30.000 supports and do this job "manually" will be complicated and I would like to do this by smart way.

Are you sure that this information is not stored on db?

Regards,

Fernando

[feschaurich]

Has anyone else with the same problem?

I need to issue a support list and I would like to query the supports dimensions from DB.

Best Regards

Fernando

[sergey.utkin]

Hi Fernando,

We had the same problem and did not find Python script based components dimensions to be stored in Plant 3D project databases. But we found it stored in model drawing file. To find it you might use some 3rd party tools, say "ArxDbg" or "MgdDbg" (http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/NET/ArxDbg-arx-Windows-7/td-p/3902293). This data is saved in XData of Block of the component (see the attached screenshot). We have developed a rather simple API .Net application to access this data.

If anyone knows the more simple way to obtain components dimension, would you please share your solution?

[dave.wolfe]

So, pipe supports can be inserted two ways: as custom supports (every item is a one-off), and through a supports palette (built from the PIpeSupportSpec).

I haven't found a way to track supports created using the Create Supports button, I believe they are completely separated from the supports catalog.

If a support is inserted through the palette however, you can check for a matching sizerecordid in the PipeSupportSpec.pspc (a PnPDatabase).

(The sizerecordid store in the piping.dcf)

The PnPRow that has a matching sizerecordid will contain the parameters used to draw the shape in the ContentGeometryParamDefinition column.

(Matching sizerecordid from PipeSupportSpec.pspc)

[feschaurich]

Dave, thanks for your reply!

Our supports were inserted through pallete, then I can extract the dimensions from database. It's a very good news, you saved a lot of my time.

As seems a part of my problems were solved. I tried to access the files as you wrote, but I couldn't. Today when I need to query any information from data base I use the Excel (Data>Get External Data>From Other Sources>From SQL Server). The problem is that I didn't find either the PnPDatabase or PnPRow using the excel to consult the files stored in the DB.

Can I use the Excel to consult these files or there another way, and how did you do to access them?

Others questions, each support in the model will have a sizerecorid, right? And each sizerecordid will contain a ContentGeometryParamDefinition that will show the dimensions imputed by designer when he put support in the 3D model, am I correct?

Best Regards,

Fernando

[Scott.Hallmark]

My issue surfaces when I resize a support after placement, or in other words, after the spec has designed the initial parametric values.  It rarely stays the default values. I may put in a custom Tee Pole that is a default 24" tall but once it is in, my python script has included several adjusting grips so I can drag the length to the floor or drag the horizontal angle so I can use it for an additional pipe run or two.  So as far as I can tell, I am not able to see the finished product values except for in the "Properties" window of the support.  Does anyone know where in the SQL DB that they are located or are they just NOT there?

[hyrro_velasquez]

Hope they allocated a table for any objects parameters/attributes that are existing on the plant 3D workspace, so that when dynamic parameters are change on that object custom support, valve etc. the change will reflect to the SQL table as well. I really need to figure out the same thing.