Parsing PCF/IDF files to Plant 3D API entities

[Anonymous]

Hello everybody.

Is it possible to load PCF/IDF file with help of Plant3D SDK and parse it into API objects/entities? Or convert it to format that is readable by .NET API (ObjectARX or Plant3D SDK)? 

Unfortunately, I can't find exact answer on my question in existed posts.

Thanks.

[h_eger]

Dear @Anonymous,

i know the PCF interface was not released for the Plant 3D SDK.
Therefore, there will be no way to read and convert the PCF file into the .NET API or Object ARX.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your answer.

Do you know, are there any workarounds? I've find the following information on forums: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/discussion/t5/AutoCAD-Plant-3D-F...

Does it mean that we have an ability to open PCF file in Plant3D but can't access it programmaticaly via some SDK?

Thanks in advance.

[jabowabo]

Is it possible to load PCF/IDF file with help of Plant3D SDK

A PCF file is simply a text file and can be read as such.

and parse it into API objects/entities?

Not directly. However, the PnPID (database Row ID) number can be added to the iso.atr file of the iso style. You can parse this to access the item in the database. 

BOM-ATTRIBUTES
EngineeringItems.PnPID

[dgorsman]

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@jabowabo wrote:

Is it possible to load PCF/IDF file with help of Plant3D SDK

A PCF file is simply a text file and can be read as such.

and parse it into API objects/entities?

Not directly. However, the PnPID (database Row ID) number can be added to the iso.atr file of the iso style. You can parse this to access the item in the database. 

BOM-ATTRIBUTES
EngineeringItems.PnPID

---

Yup.  I've built an interface for PCF files, it's a bit of work but doable; get a hold of the PCF file specification document if you can.

Haven't played with the Plant3D SDK but if it can create components then the desired process should be doable.  You're unlikely to find a fully-featured, already-built project of this level freely shared.  You'll need to either hire a developer, purchase a pre-made system, or do it yourself (which would be my recommendation - excellent learning opportunity).

[dave.wolfe]

You have to write your own parser. I've started one, but it's a lot of work.  The parser has to be based on skeys and types, and also account for different programs using different point for components, which gets difficult.

[cody_austin]

Hi @dave.wolfe , have you made any progress on this? I have a customer who is bidding on construction, with nothing but .IDF files to bid from. They are looking for an automated solution to get the quantities out of the files, otherwise they have an "army" of people to do it manually. Any help is appreciated!