threaded pipe spec

[Anonymous]

Is there a good threaded pipe spec?  I have not found one built into autoplant.  Is there one to download somewhere?

[Anonymous]

I am also looking for threaded piping. I am baffled that this program is selling at full price without a proper ASME catalog.

[dgorsman]

Could you clarify what you are looking for, please?  Catalog, specs, or something else?

[Anonymous]

For me it's the catalog. How does the ASME Pipe and Fittings not have threaded pipe?

See my post on this incredibly frustrating subject: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-plant-3d-general/plant-3d-evaluation/td-p/6529962

[dave.wolfe]

All the piping is PL in the catalogs.  The joint connection define what components can be put onto the pipe. So, when you put a threaded elbow on PL end pipe, the program understands that it requires a threaded connection. Likewise, when you put a buttweld or socketweld elbow, the program understands that a buttweld or socketweld is required.  Rather than forcing the end connection in the pipe, the program chose to use the fittings to define how the pipe joins, since this is one method that pipe works IRL it is a valid method (eg you can by piping and prep the ends however you want). 

I agree there should be threaded piping in the catalog, but it's not a big deal.  Copy the family, and set the ends to THDM.  It takes about 10 seconds. I recommend using your own catalog for components that you copy and modify.  Remember that changing catalog names ends up being a big pain, so use a scalable naming scheme (component type or material).  For example, you could break custom catalogs into Pipe, Fittings, Valve, or Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, etc.

http://www.pdoteam.com/series/custom-piping-components-plant3d/

[Anonymous]

I read that the program understands as you mentioned what the end type should be based on the components it is connecting to and so I decided to try this out. I drew a threaded elbow and a PL end pipe connecting to it. The program connected the two but it was not a proper IRL connection. IRL the threaded pipe goes into the elbow. Plant 3D simply cut it off at the end of the elbow and not "inside" the elbow. This causes complications as that length of pipe is now shorter than what I actually require.

You're right, copying a family does take all of 10 seconds. Then there's checking to make sure all the dimensions for the threaded ends are entered properly (which they never are) and there is not way to copy that end information from another component unless I open up a nipple for instance and manually write down or take a snapshot of it's information so I can transfer it to each size of the threaded pipe. That's not all of course, then there's figuring out proper weights, SKEY codes and ISO SYMBOL key phrases that work with Autodesk's iso generator which aren't mentioned anywhere that I could easily find. Plant 3D seems like it's still years and years behind it's competitors.

Thanks for your reply and to all those who read this topic.

We will be sticking with CadWorx as it is much easier and faster to use and learn.

[dave.wolfe]

If you select the pipe, you'll see the end of the node actually sits inside the elbow.  The engagement is driven by the fitting, not by the pipe, so you don't have to check the engagement on the pipe.

Here's some links for customizing isometric skeys, and other such stuff:

http://docs.autodesk.com/PLNT3D/2014/ENU/De-mystifying%20AutoCAD%20Plant%203D%20Isometrics.pdf

Here's a link for general project configuration: 

http://docs.autodesk.com/PLNT3D/2015/ENU/pdf/Tailoring_AutoCAD_PnID_and_Plant_3D.pdf

I agree there are things about the spec editor that need updating. In my experience, the people the happiest with Plant 3d tend to have good reseller support as there is more to learn about the program. So far though, I don't know of any showstoppers, just a different way of doing things.  Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

Hi Dave, thanks a lot for your help.

You've been awfully kind and helpful throughout my ranting. hahaha

I appreciate it. Best of luck to you as well.

[dgorsman]

Dave's just continuing on a legacy started over at the CADWorx forums. 

[dave.wolfe]

Back in the good ole days, huh?  I never did get to meet you at CU @dgorsman. 😉

[Anonymous]

Hi.

I made a temporary spec from a socketweld spec, a bit quick and nasty but im not going to lose any sleep over the difference between socketweld fittings and threaded. As the spec is mostly used for chilled water etc no one is going to fabricate the piping off-site so all dims are field checked / field fit-up before hand anyway.

Good enough for preliminary MTOs and we edit the resulting Excel MTO accordingly.

However its a year later, so just to reconfirm/clarify, is there till no actual threaded Spec ????

Barrie