Create pipe accessory that doesn't cut the pipe

[adrian.fern]

I am trying to create a family item for a pipe clip, i want it to have the same positional / orientational flexibility as an item such as a valve, i.e. automatically align to the pipe and have the axial rotation around the pipe to allow for different fixing orientations. So far the only way that i have been able to achieve this is to create the family as a pipe accessory with a pipe connector set to global, however this breaks into the pipe. Can anyone suggest an alternative way to achieve the same result but without cutting the pipe? Existing model is attached for reference.

Many thanks

[nathan.chapman]

How about changing the family category to Pipe fittings.  This will give you the rotations with not breaking in.  Set the part type to Tee.  Its not the best solution but i cant think of any other way.

[adrian.fern]

Thanks for the reply, i have given it a go and it still breaks the pipe into two sections, i suspect that the issue may be the use of a pipe connector as it basically suggests a termination in the pipe to connect to. If this is the case then i am stumped as i only know of this way to get the axial rotation.

[Judy_S]

Hi, adrian.fern,

Welcome to the Autodesk forums! I see you're trying to make a pipe clip family that has the functionality of a pipe accessory but does not break into the pipe. Pipe accessories do break the pipe, as they would in a building. I found that if the connectors are removed from the family, it won't break the pipe, but then some of the functionality you are looking for is lost, and it doesn't snap to the pipe without the connectors, so placing it requires more effort.

Can you give me any more details about what you are trying to accomplish? Is this a clip that would go on a wall or ceiling to hold pipe? I might be able to suggest another way to think about this if you can tell me more about the end result you are aiming for.

Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Judy_S

[Judy_S]

Hi, adrian.fern,

Just wanted to check with you to see if you have any other questions or need more help. Let me know if you do and I'll be glad to help out!

Best,

Judy_S

[adrian.fern]

Hi Judy_S,

Thanks for the response, the intent behind the family item is to have the clip align to the pipe centre and automatically resize (i have sorted the resize after i uploaded the family to the forum), i then would like to be able to rotate the clip around the pipe so that, in the case of a horizontal pipe, the clip can be positioned in either direction in the horizontal or vertical axis. The clip(s) will in many instances have a number of spacers between them and their final mounting surface, previously i have modelled the clips as generic models and set them as work plane based which has worked fine in the instance of the clip being in the horizontal axis as i could position on a level and align to the pipe centre, however it became more onerous if the clip was to be in the vertical orientation as it necessitated the use of reference planes along the pipe runs. I hope this helps.

[Judy_S · Accepted solution]

Hi, adrian.fern,

Thanks for the update. The functionality you're looking for (automatic resizing, rotating, etc.) is part of what makes a pipe accessory a pipe accessory, and the connectors in the pipe accessory are an important part of those functions; for example, the accessory is resized based on the pipe size that the connector in the accessory detects. Of course, this kind of an element will cut the pipe it's connected to, and I understand that's something you're trying to avoid. I get what you are saying about the downside of using generic model families. 

Food for thought: what about using generic model families with these features:

1. use the generic model face-based template so the family will automatically attach to the mounting surface

2. Create family types based on pipe sizes that will use these clips (they wouldn't automatically resize, but you could build in 1", 1-1/2", 2", etc. sizes in the family and choose the appropriate size as you place them on your pipe)

3. create a labeled dimension (as an instance parameter) from the mounting surface to the center of the clip so you can customize the offset from the mounting surface

4. create several spacers in the family controlled by visibility parameters so you can show as many as needed. (Hint: if you do this, I'd suggest extrusions built in the family itself rather than creating a separate family and nesting it).

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,

Judy_S

[ToanDN]

Place only one connector in the family on the center reference plane. The clip will still snap/orient to the pipe and will split the pipe into two but will not remove a section of the pipe away.  You can just drag a grip of one pipe to snap to the other pipe end and the two will merge back into one.

[Anonymous]

Judy_S:

Do you have an example of a family that's built this way? I'm trying to make some pipe supports (cold shoe, see attached) that align to the center of the pipe and maintain their vertical orientation without breaking the pipe when they're placed.

Justin

[justin.jollyJ4XVN]

Hello, Even I have a similar requirement where i have a Pipe Alignment Guide family (category is pipe accessories) which needs to be placed exactly like the hanger family but on a vertical pipe or risers. In other words I need these guide families placed on a vertical pipe in series with equal distance in between (attached snap). But the issue is that it breaks the pipe due to the connector. 

Thanks in advance

Justin Jolly

 

[RobDraw]

Wouldn't deleting the connector solve the issue?

[Anonymous]

thanks for your answer .........

[fabiosato]

Hello,

Try to use the part type attaches to.

Check this video 

[GAB.]

@fabiosato Thanks for the video. Continuing this convo.

There's one single write-up from Autodesk about Pipe Accessory Part Types, and it's... not very helpful. The only options for attaching to (but not breaking) pipe are:

• Attaches To
• Inline Sensor

Unfortunately, Autodesk's description of the sensors literally say "not used". I didn't realize that was an option when shipping software but okay. Bigger unfortunately, the "Attaches To" sounds like and seems like it should do exactly what this thread is asking, but bro, I've spent an hour trying to understand "Attaches To" and here's all I can surmise. When you load that family into a project and snap it to a pipe:

• It does not break the pipe
• It does not recognize the properties of that pipe (size, etc)
• It tries to attach to the pipe face but either gets it way wrong or...
• It's orientation is unclearly affected by the connector type and placement (global or fitting)
• It can't be rotated
• It prefers to be misaligned
• If moved, its orientation will reset when the host pipe changes in any way

I'm trying to build out process and instrumentation features, and this prevents me from correctly making pipe clamps, hangers, and sensors. Autodesk, what is this?

[vandana_mishraHFKVX]

Hello,

I’m trying to connect a pipe to a clip, where the clip family has two connectors. My goal is to connect both pipe connectors to a single connector on the clip. However, when I try to connect the pipe's second connector to the clip, Revit throws an error stating that the connection already exists. As a result, the clip only connects to one pipe, and I can't attach the second one.

[fabiosato]

Hello,

This is a different topic; it is better to create a new one.