Part Builder-Need help updating autolayout data to point not at part center

[hestingjj]

Hi,

I am currently tasked with creating some new manholes in part builder for a project my company is working on. The manholes we will be working with are essentially the same as the built-in Rectangular Structure Slab Top Rectangular Frame manhole found in the Junction Structure with Frames catalog. I was able to easily use this manhole to add in new size parameters that we will be using for our project. The only outlying issue is that the insertion point for the built-in manhole is currently at the center of the part. Our project has manholes that are wide, and the pipes that tie into them enter the manhole off-center. Is there a way to do a save-as of this part and update the autolayout data so that the insertion point of the manhole is not the center of the manhole. I am fairly new to part builder. Any help is appreciated!

See the attached image for a plan view snap of one manhole and utilidor piping example. The yellow manhole and utilidor are what I have added in as a pipe network. The green manhole that can be seen behind the yellow manhole is an reference showing where the yellow pipe network manhole should actually be located. As can be seen, the yellow utilidor does not need to move, but the manhole needs to be placed slightly off center.

[MMcCall402]

Yes this can be done and I have ... I just don't remember exactly how. It was many years ago. I needed a structure to represent the NJDOT drainage structures that were symmetrical side to side but not front to back. I removed the midpoint constant for the front to back location, moved the autolayout location to be in the middle of the frame and then added a new dimension to control the location of the frame on top of the structure box. This allowed for a lot of variations.  The files for this structure are in the attached zip file.  It includes an additional extrusion for a curb piece casting that you can delete.

Sorry I can't give a step by step process.

[hestingjj]

I added the part you sent over to my parts catalog, but I have not been able to get it to add to a drawing. I was hoping to quickly add it to a drawing to see how the part operates within C3D. Did you have similar issues adding the part into a drawing? The manholes will not show up in a plan or profile view, and they don't draw in when I add them to a pipe network. Is this some sort of compatibility issue?

[hestingjj]

I'm not able to swap the part out with any of my existing manholes currently in the drawing either.

[MMcCall402]

Is it safe to assume you've already run a PARTCATALOGREGEN ?

I could post a little dwg with this structure inserted at a few different sizes/shapes if that would help.

[hestingjj]

Yes I ran the regen, and I added the manhole into my pipe network parts list so that they could easily be swapped out with my current manhole, but they don't show up. Maybe an extra DWG would help. If nothing else, I can still review the process you used to make your manholes and re-create mine to work the same.

[MMcCall402 · Accepted solution]

The attached is a sample I grab from a project and then threw in a few more items.the structure can be sized down to a 12" yard inlet up to a double modified DOT type B, or E inlet that is 96"x96". The single structure is able to make all of them.  (a single label style works for all of them as well)

Also in the sample drawing has a few round manholes 'dressed up' with a structure style that makes it look like 8'x24' storm filter drainage structures with multiple connection pipes. As long as they get profiled in the 8' direction they would appear in a profile correctly. Much easier to dress up a similar structure than to build one in partbuilder.

 

[hestingjj]

Got this to work. Thank you!

[cristian.aliste]

@MMcCall402  Did you find a way to add multiple reference points in a structure?

I need to model a Duct Pit where x12 pipes need to connect in the same face of the structure at different locations.

Is this even possible?

Regards

[Joe-Bouza]

How does this answer the connection point question?

[Joe-Bouza]

The only way I am aware that his happens is to grip the pipe to the edge wall and when the glyph appears it will stick

[MMcCall402]

This post was for manipulating in the insertion point of a structure. 

The attachment point of a connected pipe is another concept. In  my usage I haven't had the need for more than two pipes into the same wall which has been easy enough to deal with by moving the end points of the pipe while staying within the limits of the structure to maintain the connection.

My first though for dealing with 12 ducts would be to create a 'pipe' with 12 ducts.  I've seen postings on how to make multiple pipe configuration pipe parts but I haven't had the need to do it myself.  They appear to have a small connecting sliver of linework such that each circular section of the pipe is connected to the one next to it.

[Joe-Bouza]

Hi Mark

I always thought the insertion point of the part is the point the pipe connects to by default? I think that was the original question.

It is complicated in that you may solve the pipes connection point but now pick up the incorrect rim elevation from surface; if that be the method.

Personally, I don't have an issue pulling the pipe to the side wall location, but I seldom have hundredsof extra wide structures that would make this an onerous  task.

[supriyamakhal]

in partbuilder i need to align the Autolayout data respect to Plane. how i can do please help Anyone have if any idea.