size piping issue

[roversimone.uk]

Afternoon all,

I am trying to sort out a very annoying issue that keeps my work stuck without the possibility to continue, unless start over. But obviously I cannot do that after months of work.

Ok basically couple of days go I crated the route in the image attached (under ok), it didn't show any strange messages of errors.

But now every time I need to save and close or open it, there is a message about "Error occurred in setting pipe length. Route segment could be too short. Please check the segment min. length set in Styles." and then when I click "ok" the route become as shown in the second image (under wrong). So I am not able to have my project back as before, but only with this strange segment. I tried to change the length but I will change everything! It is a mess.

How does segment length adjustment work. (if this is the problem).

This is a serious problem for my work please help

Thank you all in advance

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

Hello!  Minimum segment length is set on the Rules tab of your Tube & Pipe styles (image below).  Bear in mind that adding ebows usually shortens the length of pipe on either side.  This might be causing to segment length to violate the minimum set in your rules.

[roversimone.uk]

hello,

ok, I tried to put the minimum size as short as possible, for example 0.001 mm. Just to be sure It is fine, It doesn't seem to work anyway. I have no ideas.

Thank you again Chris anyway

Simone 

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

I usually use a very short minimum as well.  But with threaded (or any) piping, you need to be careful not to design piping that cannot be fabricated.  Some of your elbow joints look like the piping segment between elbows would be shorter than the shortest possible nipple you can buy.  You still need to have enough thread to engage in both elbows, and the faces of your elbows appear to be interfering with each other.  In the segment that is failing, I see what is probably way too many bends.  I would try to simplify the routes as much as possible, and try to leave some space between your elbows so that the piping can be assembled more easily.  Just my advice.

[roversimone.uk]

ok, the only thing I didn't understand was why Inventor allowed me to do that pipe, and then after a while it said there is this problem.

thank you 

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

Hi again!  Without looking at your files, I can't tell for sure what is going on.  I suspect, however, that the tight bends in your route actually would cause the resulting segment to violate the minimum length.  Those elbows are so close that those segments that DID generate are probably very close to the minimum already.

If you would like to share the files so that someone (maybe even me) can take a look, you can use Pack and Go, and share the ZIP file here... or you can send them to me directly.  PM me and I'll give you my email.

[roversimone.uk]

Hi Chris, If I can send you my file that  would be amazing! It is a very important project and the deadline is not vey far away now.

So what do I have to do to send it to you?

I really appreciate your help and support, I really do.

Thanks again

[CGBenner · Accepted solution]

@roversimone.uk 

Use the Pack and Go tool that I mentioned in my last post.  I included a link to instructions.  Then attach the ZIP file here in this forum post.  I will try to have alook at it as soon as I can.  If I can find the problem I will give you advice on the fix.  

[roversimone.uk]

Hi,

please see zip file attached as requested

Many thanks 

Simone

[gmarken]

Hello Rover,

I think you are missing files in the pack and go. There do not appear to be any part files. I wanted to take a look at your assembly.

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

Your files are indeed missing, you must have included only the (iam) assembly file.  Here are some great videos that you might want to view on using this tool, to make sure that all needed files get into the ZIP file at the end.

[roversimone.uk]

Hello,
that is strange, I have tried to send it to myself as well to check if it works, and it does.
You need to open the one called assembly.1 (there are some warning messages but if you keep going forward and say "accept" should be ok at the end). Otherwise any other ways to send it over?
Thank you

[gmarken]

There are no part files in your Pack and Go zip file.

[roversimone.uk]

Hi everyone (and thanks again for supporting me through this),

is it ok now?

thank you 

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

So far this looks much better!  Give me some time to play around with it (or others), and we can try to offer some advice for you.  Thanks for the files!

[CGBenner]

@roversimone.uk 

Simone,  I have to ask... how much Inventor training have you had before starting this project?  Is this for an employer, or is it a class project?  

I see a number of issues before even getting into the tube & pipe assembly.  Components are not properly constrained to the origins, or to each other... allowing them to be dragged freely.  I see multiple piping type parts that are not in the piping assembly, but just floating.  I saw at least one route (and I think this is the one that was failing for you), which loops back around on itself.  If you have the ability to do so, I think I would ask for some help with this project.  Do you have access to a more experience user, or a reseller perhaps who could offer some direct one on one guidance as you learn?

Tube and pipe is difficult when first getting going.  Have I shared my class materials with you yet from Autodesk Univeristy?  See them below, and I strongly recommend looking through them, and maybe doing some practicing on test projects to get used to the way things work. 

Don't be discouraged.... As always, I am here to help with specific questions.

Going With The Flow - Tube & Pipe Basics

Increasing the Volume - Advanced Tube & Pipe

[gmarken]

Rover,

You have one pipe length that is way to short to be manufactured. You have 1/2NPT x .99 long. The shortest practical length for this size pipe would be 1-1/2". I too was missing many of the components, but as long as they are there in your assembly you are good. Also why the 45 degree elbows at the very top?

[roversimone.uk]

Hi,

well this work that I have been doing is a project test for work (so yes for an employer),

but the main purpose is what it will look like at the end for several reasons.

That is why sometimes I skipped all the constraints and this kind of things, just because I really don’t need to, but only place the components.

Regarding the pipe and tubes feature it is actually my first time, this is why I came across lots of issues.

so I need to fix this pipe problems without starting over.

I have learned basic Inventor at school and on my own.

many thanks for you help, appreciated