topic Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem in AutoCAD Plant 3D Forum

Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

MOLGRAND — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:37:12 GMT

Hi,

The ultimate goal is to attach a spring hanger support to the centre node connection of an elbow (so its on the verticin the same way as trunnion support works this will then give me the correct iso dims. However, I cant select the center node as the pick point - is it possible to make this the insert point for a support element if so how is it selected?

So, the next step as an alternative solution was to place a small short trunnion at the elbow as the support connection (& use this as the welded lug connection - visually was this fine as it was small enough) & then attach the additional support elements to the trunnion - in the model this worked very well. However, when I changed the SKEY for the support type I wanted (in this case SPRGHANG) & ran the iso - the programme still drew the dummy leg symbol - is there any way that this can be overridden or is it hard coded within the programme - please advise.

Thanks

Gary Randall

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

Bernd.Gerstenberger — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:32:59 GMT

Hi Gary,

it is correct that it isn't currently possible to snap the center point for adding a support on an elbow. This will be looked for.

But you have also mentioned that the old isometric block will be used for instead of the spring hanger block. Right? So, first ensure that iso symbol type is set to "Support" and the SKEY is "SPRG" (you can also use SPRGHANG but when you have to add a new end type map to the later named xml-file because by default this SKEY doesn't exist). When open your IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml and search for the SKEY "SPRG". You should find a mapping to the block you. By default it is block "Suppport-Spring" which should be available in the block editor when opening project setup, switching to the node "Isometric DWG Settings - Symbols and References" and clicking on "Edit Isometric Symbols...".

Let me know if I could help you.

Best regards

Bernd

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

MOLGRAND — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 08:58:20 GMT

Hi,

Thanks for the reply - you have answered only part of the problem, but I still don't have a solution that I can use.

I am fully aware on how to change & set the ISO SKEYs under normal circumstances & that's not the problem.

So, the next step as an alternative solution I came up with was to place a small short trunnion at the elbow as the support connection (& use this as the welded lug connection - visually was this fine as it was small enough) & then attach the additional support elements to the trunnion - in the model this worked very well. However, when I changed the SKEY for the support type I wanted & ran the iso -the programme still drew the dummy leg symbol & ignored the new SKEY - is there any way that this can be overridden or is it hard coded within the programme - please advise.

Thanks

Gary Randall

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

Bernd.Gerstenberger — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 09:16:13 GMT

The IsoSkeyAcadBlockMap.xml will be read from top to down. First hit, first server. This means that for example if for example "SPRG????"is listed some rows higher than "SPRGHANG", the block of "SPRG????" will be used and not the block of "SPRGHANG". Please, check that. If this still doesn't work for you, please, send me an example drawing and the isoskeyacadblockmap.xml of your project.

By the way: I have also answered your first question:

it is correct that it isn't currently possible to snap the center point for adding a support on an elbow. This will be looked for.

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

MOLGRAND — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:06:32 GMT

Hi,

Thanks yes the first part is answered.

For the second part - please drg a pipe & elbow then add a standard dummy leg onto the elbow, then run the iso - on the output it is shown as a duck foot which is correct. However If you want to change it for example to HANG, then it doesnt do it & a duck foot is still produced.

Whilst having to play with it I have found that the stanchion support can be changed to the required SKEY - therefore I think this is the way I will have to go for now.

Regards

Gary Randall

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

Bernd.Gerstenberger — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 08:38:41 GMT

I see what you mean. Although I have not only adopted the SKEY but also the property "Part Subtype" from "Dummy Leg - Dummy Leg" to "Support - Support", the old dummy leg block will be used. I have to log this to the development department.

Alternatively you can also just insert a spring hanger. Although in the model the spring shows a bit strange because of the wrong direction, the isometric is better but you have to move via the blue grip the symbol to the correct place afterwards. See attached snapshots.

Re: Pipe support attachment to center elbow node problem

MOLGRAND — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 15:52:07 GMT

Hi,

Yes thanks - but its not a solution on a number of fronts:

In the model it looks wrong because the clip is drawn which it isn't correct for that particular position & (I cant remove the clip) & also its in the wrong location on the model ie not on the elbow node & therefore wrong on the IS0 & the dimension is also wrong.

The work around to I will have to do to get the required spring hanger at the elbow is the following:

create a very small welded stanchion - NOT a DUMMY LEG - & use this stanchion as my welded connection cleat. Also doing it this way I will also give me my weld ref No
connect the stanchion at the elbow node
attach my other 3d items I have created for the o/a support to the welded stanchion cleat
change the SKEY to suit my required ISO output - in my case HANG or SPRGHANG
change the support description/s for my BOM

Run the ISO & all would be ok with no clean-up required. This will work until Autodesk can come up with a better way of doing things.

Also, hopefully in the near future AUTODESK can give us a few more support building blocks as part of the standard catalogue

Many Thanks for the help anyway

Gary Randall