Inventor Tube and Pipe

[ChristianAlanJamesBerg]

I have been using Inventor 2014 since its release but recently when I try to use Tube and Pipe runs it causes Inventor to freeze up and then I have to force a shutdown. I click on Tube and Pipe runs leave the default name it creates and select ok and then it looks like it is starting to load, will say "loading presentation..." on the lower part of the screen and it will show the loading circle until I force a shutdown. Any ideas on what might be causing this? I have the most recent service pack installed.

[cwhetten]

One of our users is having this same problem.  We haven't been able to figure out why yet, or how to fix it.

We did notice that another user logged into his computer didn't have the same problem.

I'll let post back if we figure anything out.

Cameron Whetten
Inventor 2014

[blair]

Try a different log-in on the machine and see if the problem persists.

The T & P module looks for the "piping runs.iam" file on the system. This could be corrupt as well. Try coping the file from another machine.

The default location is: Users>Public>Public Document>Autodesk>Inventor****>Design Data>Tube & Pipe>en-US

**** is the Inventor Version Number.

[cbenner]

I've been seeing this complaint a lot on these forums ever since 2014 was released.  It makes me think there is something fundamentally wrong with this module in this release.

Are all of your updates,.... up to date?  Perhaps Adesk has issued some kind of patch.

[cwhetten]

Here's an update.  Apparently, this issue only happens with one specific assembly.  He was able to work around the problem by following these steps:

1. Open the problem assembly, but don't try to activate the Tube & Pipe module yet.

2. Start a new assembly file.

3. Activate the TnP module in the new assembly.

4. Switch back to the problem assembly and activate the TnP module.

5. The new assembly can be closed.

This seems to work for him.  It's not really a solution, as we don't know what causes the problem in the first place or how to avoid it from happening to other files, but at least he is able to continue working on the assembly.

If anyone else tries this workaround, post back with your results.

Cameron Whetten
Inventor 2014

[cbenner]

---

@cwhetten wrote:

Here's an update.  Apparently, this issue only happens with one specific assembly.  He was able to work around the problem by following these steps:

1. Open the problem assembly, but don't try to activate the Tube & Pipe module yet.

2. Start a new assembly file.

3. Activate the TnP module in the new assembly.

4. Switch back to the problem assembly and activate the TnP module.

5. The new assembly can be closed.

This seems to work for him.  It's not really a solution, as we don't know what causes the problem in the first place or how to avoid it from happening to other files, but at least he is able to continue working on the assembly.

If anyone else tries this workaround, post back with your results.

Cameron Whetten
Inventor 2014

---

Cameron,

I can't recall the thread, but I do seem to remember someone saying they did this to "solve" this issue.  If I can find it I'll post the link.

[ChristianAlanJamesBerg]

Yeah so the problem isn't with my computer but a coworkers' but I seemed to get some sort of work around similar to what you suggested. I created a new assembly with no parts and then was able to run T&P. Ran into another issue on the same computer with the content center. They are able to manually click and place parts such as bolts but when selecting geometry to autosize and autoplace Inventor hangs and crashes. I don't know if these two things function similarly or if it is two seperate unrelated problems.

[DRLTKSE]

cwhetten solution works for me as well. 

[marka]

For 8 years at my previous employer and several Inventor versions I used T&P regularly.  After a year on the new job, today was the first time I needed T&P and it failed.  So first - thanks for the work around, it worked for me.  SECOND, come on Autodesk, no fix for this after all this time?  Having to create a fake assembly everytime for a new or existing project that has not had the work around.  I expect, no, demand more.  But we will probably have to wait until 2015 comes out, and if its not fixed there, expect a bigger rant 🙂  Build 222 Release: 2014 SP1 Update 2

[DongMorley]

This workaround worked for me. Have done numerous hours on a current project but for some reason when executing T&P environment INV freezes for the fifth time. Too scared that I might have corrupted the file lucky enough have found this thread. Cheers!

[AuriAniu]

This needs to be fixed. Seriously. 

[lesmfunk]

I automatically do the workaround before I even start. You are right, it is very annoying.

[blair]

Very odd, have never had to do this work around or had the problem with T & P since it was introduced.

[Maarten65]

Same issue here. Using Inv 2014 sp2 update 4. We can use work around ( start a new assy first before using the T&P in the project)

Anyone had this issue in 2015 version?

Best regards,

Maarten Weers

CAD Manager Parker Hannifin, EMEA.

[cbenner]

I've been using 2015 for a year now and have never seen this issue.

[Mark_Wigan]

i know that it shouldn't matter but i had the 'loading presentation' lock up issue on another function completely unrelated to tube & pipe, but the function still called for a mode change eg from model to idw...

this was on a capable workstation too, but after i switched the tools>application options>hardware, to compatibility i did not see the issue again.

can't help but wonder if we compare this setting on all the workstations involved in this post it would be interesting to see if it is related or not.