AutoCAD MEP 2009
Content Tools Tutorial
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Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
. . . . 1
Extracting the Project Datasets . . . . 1
Working with Metric Content . . . . 1
Getting Started with this Tutorial . . . . 2
Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut . . . . 2
About the Content Builder . . . . 5
Understanding Parametric and Block-based Parts . . . . 5
Getting Started with the Content Builder . . . . 6
Exploring the Block-Based Building Environment . . . . 8
Exploring the Parametric Building Environment . . . . 10
About the Catalog Editor . . . . 10
Understanding Part Definitions . . . . 11
Understanding Part Sizes . . . . 12
Getting Started with the Catalog Editor . . . . 12
Chapter 2
Using the Content Builder
. . . . 15
Lesson 1: Creating a Block-based MvPart . . . . 15
Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for a Block-based MvPart . . . . 15
Exercise 2: Defining Catalog Information and Behavior for a Block-based Part . . . . 21
Exercise 3: Assigning Names, Views, and a Preview Image to a Block-based MvPart . . . . 23
Exercise 4: Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart . . . . 27
Exercise 5: Testing a Block-based MvPart . . . . 33
Lesson 2: Modifying a Block-based MvPart . . . . 39
Exercise 1: Adding Part Sizes for a Block-based MvPart . . . . 39
Exercise 2: Modifying the Behavior and Property Information of a Block-based MvPart . . . . . 41
Lesson 3: Creating a Parametric Fitting . . . . 46
Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric Fitting . . . . 47
Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric Fitting . . . . 49
Exercise 3: Assigning Connectors to a Parametric Fitting . . . . 56
Exercise 4: Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric Fitting . . . . 60
Exercise 5: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric Fitting . . . . 63
Exercise 6: Validating and Saving a Parametric Fitting . . . . 66
Lesson 4: Creating a Parametric MvPart . . . . 69
Exercise 1: Specifying the Part Configuration of a Parametric MvPart . . . . 69
Exercise 2: Creating a 3D Model for a Parametric MvPart . . . . 72
Exercise 3: Assigning Connectors to a Parametric MvPart . . . . 77
Exercise 4: Adding Dimensions to a Parametric MvPart . . . . 80
Exercise 5: Adding Part Sizes to a Parametric MvPart . . . . 84
Exercise 6: Generating a Preview Image and Defining Insertion Behavior for a Parametric MvPart . . . . 87
Exercise 7: Validating and Saving a Parametric MvPart . . . . 90
Lesson 5: Modifying a Parametric MvPart . . . . 92
Exercise 1: Modifying the Connectors and Dimensions of a Parametric MvPart . . . . 92
Exercise 2: Copying a Parametric MvPart to Create a New Part Size . . . . 94
Chapter 3
Using the Catalog Editor
. . . . 97
Lesson 6: Exploring the Catalog Editor . . . . 97
Exercise 1: Opening a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . 97
Exercise 2: Creating a New Part Catalog . . . . 100
Lesson 7: Working in the Catalog Editor . . . . 104
Exercise 1: Creating a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . 104
Exercise 2: Adding a Size to a Part in the Catalog Editor . . . . 107
Introduction
The Content Builder tools included with AutoCAD MEP provide you with a powerful environment in which you can create and modify parts.
The parts you create and the libraries of common industry parts provided with AutoCAD MEP are stored in part catalogs. You can create and modify part catalogs to meet your needs using the Catalog Editor.
This tutorial shows you how to use both the Content Builder and the Catalog Editor, using examples of real-word parts. You can follow the workflow presented in these lessons when creating your own parts and part catalogs.
The Content Builder lessons and the Catalog Editor lessons are grouped separately so that they can be used independently of each other. Chapter 2 shows you how to create parts using the Content Builder. Chapter 3 shows you how to create and modify catalogs using the Catalog Editor. Each chapter consists of a series of lessons, with each lesson building upon the preceding one. To derive the most benefit from these process-based lessons, complete the lessons in a chapter from start to finish.
Extracting the Project Datasets
You must extract the project files (referred to as datasets in this tutorial) in order to complete any part of this tutorial. If you edit any of the project files, you can extract the files again to reset the project to its original state. You can search My Documents\Autodesk\MyProjects to see if the Content Tools dataset has already been extracted.
To extract the project files, open your browser to the following URL:
http://www.autodesk.com/autocadmep-tutorials. Locate the tutorial ZIP file for your language; for example, the English language version of the tutorial files is english_tutorials_AutoCAD_MEP_2009.zip. Follow the steps in the corresponding readme.txt file to download the ZIP file and extract its contents to your hard drive.
Working with Metric Content
This tutorial requires that the Global content pack be installed as part of the AutoCAD MEP installation for your workstation. The Global content pack is made up of metric content, metric templates, and an AutoCAD MEP (Global) user profile.
To add the Global content pack to your AutoCAD MEP installation at any time, rerun the installer, and select the Add or Remove Features option. To rerun the installer, open the Add or Remove Programs dialog in the Control Panel, and click Change/Remove. For more information, refer to the online AutoCAD MEP installation guides.
1
Getting Started with this Tutorial
To use this tutorial, you must use a set of metric catalogs and related drawings provided exclusively for the tutorial. The tutorial catalogs are provided to keep your tutorial content separate from the content in your other catalogs. As you work through the lessons in this tutorial, it is strongly recommended that you store all tutorial-related content in the tutorial catalogs.
While you might be accustomed to using imperial units in your day-to-day work, the lessons in this metric tutorial cover all of the same tasks necessary for you to create custom content using either metric or imperial units.
To ease switching between the tutorial catalogs and the design catalogs, the following exercise instructs you to create a Content Tools Tutorial profile and a related desktop shortcut. When you create the tutorial profile, you define the tutorial catalogs as your default part catalogs. When you create the tutorial shortcut, you define the Content Tools Tutorial profile as your default profile. Therefore, when you launch AutoCAD MEP using the tutorial shortcut, the tutorial catalogs are your default part catalogs.
IMPORTANT Use the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut for every tutorial session. Use the AutoCAD MEP
2009 shortcut for every design session.
Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut
Create a tutorial profile
1 Launch AutoCAD MEP 2009.
2 In the Workspaces dialog, select any workspace from the list, and click OK. 3 Click Format menu ➤ Options.
4 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab, and click Add to List. 5 In the Add Profile dialog, for Profile name, enter Content Tools Tutorial.
6 For Description, enter This profile uses tutorial catalogs as default part catalogs. 7 Click Apply & Close.
8 On the Profiles tab, select Content Tools Tutorial, and click Set Current. Specify the tutorial catalogs as the default part catalogs for the new profile
9 Still in the Options dialog, click the MEP Catalogs tab.
10 Under Catalogs, specify the Tutorial MvPart Catalog as the default Multi-view Part catalog:
■ Select the file path for the current Multi-view Part catalog, and click Browse.
■ In the Select catalog file for Multi-view Parts dialog, browse to the following folder: My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.
NOTE The Windows XP default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user
name>\My Documents. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents on the desktop, click Properties, and examine the value for Target.
■ Select Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc, and click Open.
The APC file is the standard file format for part catalogs in AutoCAD MEP. When you select an APC file, you are selecting a part catalog from which parts can be selected during layout.
■ In the Select catalog file for Pipes dialog, browse to My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Pipe Catalog.
■ Select Tutorial Pipe Catalog.apc, and click Open.
12 Click OK. Create a tutorial workspace
Workspaces are user interface configurations that you can customize for specific tasks. Next, you create a workspace that displays the menu you need for this tutorial.
13 Click Window menu ➤ Pulldowns ➤ CAD Manager.
This action displays the CAD Manager menu on the menu bar.
14 On the Workspaces toolbar, click Save Current As.
15 In the Save Workspace dialog, for Name, enter Content Tools Tutorial. Click Save.
16 IMPORTANT Whenever you start AutoCAD MEP to work with this tutorial, select Content Tools
Tutorial as your initial workspace in the Workspaces dialog. The workspace displays the CAD Manager menu that you need for the tutorial.
Change back to the AutoCAD MEP profile for your standard shortcut 17 Click Format menu ➤ Options.
18 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab.
19 Select the appropriate AutoCAD MEP profile, and click Set Current.
20 Click the MEP Catalogs tab, and verify that the Multi-view Parts and Pipe catalogs are the part
catalogs you require for your design work.
21 Click OK, and click File menu ➤ Exit. Create a tutorial shortcut
22 On the Windows® desktop, right-click the shortcut for AutoCAD MEP 2009, and click Copy.
23 In the location where you want to place the new shortcut, right-click, and click Paste. 24 Right-click the shortcut name, and click Rename.
25 Enter Content Tools Tutorial Profile, and press Enter.
26 Right-click (Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut), and click Properties.
27 In the Target field, use the left arrow key to scroll to the left, and change the value of the /p
switch to “Content Tools Tutorial” as shown.
IMPORTANT The /p switch is the profile control for the shortcut. The value you enter must be the
exact name of the profile, and the value must be enclosed in quotation marks. As you enter the value, take care to avoid modifying any other target information.
28 Click OK. Test the shortcut
29 Double-click the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut. 30 In the Welcome dialog, click the Close button.
31 In the Workspaces toolbar, select Content Tools Tutorial, and click OK. 32 Click Format menu ➤ Options.
33 At the top of the Options dialog, verify that Current profile is Content Tools Tutorial.
34 Click the MEP Catalogs tab, and verify that the Multi-view Part and Pipe catalogs are the tutorial
catalogs.
35 Click OK.
The Content Tools Tutorial shortcut is created and tested. When you launch AutoCAD MEP using this shortcut, the tutorial catalogs are set as your default Multi-view Part and Pipe catalogs. As you work through the exercises in this tutorial, these catalogs hold the accumulated part families and individual part sizes you create and modify.
About the Content Builder
The Content Builder is a content creation tool included in AutoCAD MEP. It is an integrated package of 3-dimensional (3D) modeling tools and 2-dimensional (2D) drafting and drawing capabilities that helps you to conceptualize, design, and build content.
In AutoCAD MEP, content is used to represent real-world parts, such as fittings and equipment. Each piece of content represents a part family, such as air terminals, junction boxes, or tanks, that contains a collection of part sizes, such as a 150 mm x 100 mm rectangular floor register or a 25 mm conduit 13-hole square junction box. The Content Builder enables you to create and modify part families and individual part sizes. When you use the Content Builder, you build 3D models of parts. A model is defined in terms of the size, the shape, and the position of the features that comprise the part. You associate the part to a catalog, and you add connectors to the part so that it can connect intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects and transfer information when it does.
Understanding Parametric and Block-based Parts
You can create 2 types of content using the Content Builder: parametric parts and block-based parts. To determine what type of part to create, you need to understand how each type is defined, how the parts are used in AutoCAD MEP, and what type is best suited for different kinds of parts.
Parametric Parts
Parametric parts give you the flexibility to create parts that are dynamically sized according to size parameters. You define a parametric part by creating a 3D model of the part and assigning variables (parameters) to control its shape and size. Parameters are defined by individual values, lists of values, or calculated values based on equations.
When you add a parametric part to a drawing, you specify values for the part’s parameters, and the part is dynamically built to reflect the specified shape and size. Parametric parts enable you to create a single 3D model for a part family that can be represented in multiple part sizes. Parametric parts enable you to define millions of parts through a single model, depending on the number and the type of its parameters. It is recommended that you create parametric parts for equipment and fittings that have simple designs and that require many part sizes. For example, an air terminal can have numerous sizes that all share the same geometric features, where only the features change in size based on the overall part size. This is also the case for fittings such as elbows, tees, and crosses. For example, a round 80 mm elbow looks the same as a round 160 mm elbow, except for the diameter and elbow radius.
When you create a parametric part for an elbow fitting, you create a single 3D model of a round elbow, and you assign parameters for the diameter and the elbow radius that change in size as needed. When you insert the elbow in a drawing during layout, you can specify the diameter and the radius, and the elbow is dynamically built to match.
Block-based Parts
A block-based part is defined as a part whose geometry is based on individual AutoCAD® blocks. Each part
size is associated with unique 3D model blocks for which you specify basic information, such as view representations and connector placement. 2-dimensional (2D) block representations are generated automatically for each part size.
When you add a block-based part to a drawing, you select a specific part size, and the unique representation of the fixed-size part is added to the drawing.
It is recommended that you create block-based parts for equipment and fittings that have complex designs and that require only a few part sizes. Equipment such as air handling units, motor control centers, or pumps typically includes unique parts with their own geometric features. Shape, size, connection points, and properties such as manufacturer or material might differ. For example, a gas air handling unit and an electric air handling unit typically are different not only in shape and size, but also in the placement of connection points and the types of connectors required.
In the example shown, each part size of the air handling unit is associated with unique 3D model blocks. Because of the fundamental differences between the units, you cannot use a single 3D model to represent both units.
Getting Started with the Content Builder
When you start the Content Builder, the Getting Started dialog is displayed. You use this dialog to select a part catalog and a specific part with which to work. Based on your selections, the software gives you access to the appropriate building environment: parametric, block-based, or either.
Part Catalog List
You select a part catalog from a list of installed catalogs. The list reflects only those part catalogs specified on the MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog. Each catalog represents a group of parts for a specific domain, such as pipe.
IMPORTANT When selecting a part catalog, it is important to consider the type of part you want to create or
modify. An MvPart must belong to a single domain; however, you can specify a different domain for each connector. For example, an air handling unit belongs to the Mechanical domain, but can have a drain connector assigned to the Pipe domain, a power connector assigned to the Conduit domain, and air inlet and air outlet connectors assigned to the Duct domain.
Part Catalog Browser
The part catalog browser organizes the parts in a catalog in a hierarchical tree view that you can navigate by expanding and collapsing the different levels (chapters) in the tree.
When selecting a part to create or modify, the software detects the type of part catalog you specified and guides you with activated icons to the appropriate building environment. For example, if you select a chapter in the MvPart catalog, both the New Block Part and the New Parametric Part icons are available. However, if you select a chapter in a component catalog, such as Duct or Cable Tray, only the New Parametric Part icon is available.
Toolbar
The toolbar gives you access to the parametric and block-based building environments. If you position the cursor over a tool, a tooltip provides a brief description of the associated function. The following tools are activated based on the catalog, the chapter, and the part that you select:
Description Icon
(New Block Part) Opens the block-based building environment for part creation.
(New Parametric Part) Opens the parametric building environment for part creation.
(New Chapter) Adds a new chapter (folder) to a selected catalog or to an existing chapter.
(Add Part Size) Opens the appropri-ate building environment for adding a new part size to an existing part family.
(Modify Part Size) Opens the appro-priate building environment for modifying an existing part size. (Delete) Removes the selected part from the appropriate part catalog and the part catalog browser.
Exploring the Block-Based Building Environment
The Content Builder uses the block-based building environment when you choose to create or modify a block-based part. This environment features 2 modes: Wizard and Tabbed.
■ In the Wizard mode, you create new block-based parts or add new part sizes to existing part families. The Wizard mode steps you through defining the following: part behavior, individual part sizes, the AutoCAD® blocks used to represent each part size, a preview image to assist during part selection, part
First dialog in the wizard
■ In the Tabbed mode, you modify block-based parts. Tabs are available for part behavior, assigned blocks and names, preview image, part connectors, and assigned property information. You can modify the values on one or all of the tabs in any order.
Behavior tab
In Lesson 1 of this tutorial, you use the Wizard mode to create a block-based MvPart. In Lesson 2, you use the Tabbed mode to modify the block-based part.
Exploring the Parametric Building Environment
The Content Builder uses the parametric building environment when you choose to create or modify a parametric part.
This environment features a part browser, a modeling area, a toolbar, a status bar, and a series of feature-specific shortcut menus.
■ The part browser is displayed on the left and provides an organized view of the features of your part. As you define your part, new features are nested in a hierarchy under the appropriate folder. In the browser, you can show as much or as little detail as you want by expanding or collapsing the folders.
■ The modeling area is displayed on the right and gives you full view control over a part model. You can use the standard AutoCAD® view commands to change the direction in which you view the model.
■ The toolbar provides quick access to important Content Builder commands, such as those for saving the part, saving an existing part as a new part, generating a preview image, validating the part, and specifying part options.
■ The status bar at the bottom of the part browser provides information about whether the part has been validated successfully.
■ Feature-specific menus are available when you right-click a part feature in the browser window. The part browser and the modeling area are resizable windows. You can drag a corner of a window to change its shape and size, and you can drag a window to a new location on your screen.
In Lesson 3 of this tutorial, you use the parametric environment to create a parametric fitting. In Lesson 4, you use the environment to create a parametric MvPart.
About the Catalog Editor
Part catalogs contain the information required to define a part in AutoCAD MEP. A part catalog typically is organized into chapters, which are groups of related parts. For example, the MvParts catalog is grouped into domain-specific chapters, such as Mechanical, and then into part type-specific chapters, such as Air Terminal. Each part type chapter contains a unique part family, such as Diffusers, which stores individual part sizes, such as the 600x600 mm Square Faced Ceiling Diffuser.
Depending on your design project, either you or your CAD manager might want to browse or modify the details of a part catalog, including the part data. Using the Catalog Editor, you can do the following: ■ Browse through available parts
■ Create new catalogs and chapters
■ Populate new catalogs with existing parts
■ Copy and paste, or drag and drop, part data between catalogs ■ Reorganize a part catalog by renaming chapters and moving parts ■ Create a new part from an existing part
■ Add sizes to parts
■ Add custom properties to parts ■ Edit part data in Microsoft® Excel
■ Add web-based content to a part catalog
This tutorial shows you how to perform many of these tasks in the Catalog Editor.
Understanding Part Definitions
Objects in AutoCAD MEP that are defined as parts include ducts, pipes, cable trays, conduits, fittings, equipment, and plumbing fixtures. A part is defined by several files that store the part information:
DWG file: The drawing (DWG) file stores the model geometry that defines the appearance and enables the display of the part.
BMP file: The bitmap (BMP) file stores the preview image of the part, which helps to identify the part during part selection.
XML file: The extensible mark-up language (XML) file stores the part sizes and additional part properties that define the part.
Each part family in a catalog contains references to the associated definition files. If a file is missing, the part cannot be defined and is not available during part selection.
You can explore the part definition files in the catalogs included in the Global content pack, which is provided with the software. The definition files are located in subfolders of the following folder: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb Catalogs\Global.
Understanding Part Sizes
To understand how individual part sizes relate to the definition files of a part, you need to understand how the part data is defined in the XML file. Parameters of the part are stored in the XML file using 4 storage types. Each storage type has unique characteristics that determine how the size parameters are used to define the part.
Basic Table: Each parameter is stored as a separate column. An entire row across multiple columns defines the related parameters of a specific part size. All parameter columns must have the same number of values.
Constant Lists: Each parameter is stored as a separate list and can be used in combination with other lists of values to define multiple part sizes. Each parameter list is independent and can have an infinite number of values.
Constants: Each parameter is stored as a separate value that remains the same for all of the part sizes. Calculations: Each parameter is stored as a formula. Values are calculated based on other values specified for the part size.
Getting Started with the Catalog Editor
Open the Catalog Editor when you want to view and work with part catalogs and part data. The Catalog Editor window is divided into 2 resizable panes and has a menu bar, a toolbar, and a preview window.
In Lesson 6: Exploring the Catalog Editor on page 97, you will explore the Catalog Editor in more detail.
Using the Content
Builder
The Content Builder tools included with AutoCAD MEP provide you with a powerful environment in which to create and modify part families and individual part sizes.
This section of the tutorial introduces you to the types of parts you can create using the Content Builder and the working environments in which you build parts.
Lesson 1: Creating a Block-based MvPart
Using the Content Builder, you can create block-based MvParts, such as air handling units and other complex equipment. This lesson shows how to use the Content Builder to create an air handling unit MvPart. The exercises in this lesson are designed to be completed in the order presented, where each exercise represents a separate phase in the creation process. You begin the lesson by creating a 3-dimensional (3D) model for the air handling unit and saving the model as an AutoCAD block. You then create a 2-dimensional (2D) schematic symbol block to represent the part. Next, you launch the Content Builder, where you define the catalog information, behavior, name, views, and connectors. Finally, you use the Content Builder to validate and test the part.
Exercise 1: Creating a 3D Model and Schematic Symbol for a
Block-based MvPart
Before starting the Content Builder to create a block-based part, you must draw a 3D model block for each new part size of the part family you want to create. You save the part size models as AutoCAD blocks. You should also create a 2D schematic symbol block that represents the part family. All 3D model blocks for the individual part sizes and the schematic symbol for the part family must be saved in the same drawing file. This exercise shows how to create a 3D model and a schematic symbol for a block-based air handling unit MvPart. To support automatic generation of view blocks by the Content Builder, use the SW isometric view and AutoCAD solids to create the model block at an insertion point of 0,0,0 on the standard AutoCAD world coordinate system (WCS) orientation. Following these guidelines ensures support of the part in AutoCAD MEP and for rendering, shading, and hiding in 3D model views. Creating the model block at an insertion point of 0,0,0 ensures that each view block generated from the model aligns to the respective side of the
2
model block. When you insert the MvPart in a drawing, all associated blocks are part of one object; therefore, you need to maintain a common insertion point.
When creating a 2D schematic symbol for a block-based MvPart, you can use any drawing command to make the geometry for the block. You should create all of the geometry using basic AutoCAD entities, such as lines, polylines, arcs, and circles.
Generally, every part has a schematic symbol that you add to your schematic design layouts. Using the Content Builder, you can assign a different symbol block to each part size, or you can assign the same symbol block to all part sizes. The symbol block provides a schematic representation of the part size for use in plan views. Typically, the same symbol block is used for all part sizes in a part family. You must save the symbol block in an AutoCAD drawing file. (You can save one or more symbol blocks in the same drawing file.) The Content Builder scales and wraps the symbol block with a bounding box of the 3D model. This ensures that valid connections can be maintained between the schematic symbol and the connecting schematic lines.
Dataset
My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E01.dwg
Create a 3D model of the part size
1 Click , browse to the My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools folder, select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E01.dwg, and click Open.
The Windows default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\My Documents. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents on the desktop, click Properties, and examine the value for Target.
2 Compare the model in the drawing area to the illustration below in preparation for adding
AutoCAD points to help locate connectors.
Adding AutoCAD point objects in the center of the connections allows you to use Node object snaps to select the connection points when assigning connectors.
TIP To make your point style match the points shown in the illustrations in this exercise, click Format
menu ➤ Point Style, and select . For Point Size, enter 90, select Set Size in Absolute Units, and click OK.
3 Add duct connection points:
■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Bottom.
Changing to a 2-dimensional (2D) view makes adding points to the connections easier and ensures the correct orientation of connecting segments.
■ Click (Point) on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the intersection of the supply air duct connection.
■ Use osnaps to select the midpoint of the return air duct connection.
NOTE Only one connector is required to make a valid part. However, in this lesson, you create an
air handling unit with all connectors, so that you can fully test the part in an AutoCAD MEP drawing.
4 Add pipe connection points:
■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Front. ■ Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ View.
■ Click on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the center of the drain connection.
5 Add electrical connection points:
■ Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Left. ■ Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ View.
■ Click on the Shapes toolbar, and use osnaps to select the center of the left power connection.
■ Use osnaps to select the center of the right power connection.
■ Use osnaps to select the center of the control connection.
6 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric.
7 Click View menu ➤ New UCS ➤ World to set the coordinate system to World before making a
block.
For more information about using coordinate systems, see the AutoCAD Help.
8 In the drawing area, select all of the objects.
9 On the Properties palette, verify that layer 0 is specified for Layer.
10 For Color and for Linetype, select ByBlock, and for Lineweight, select ByLayer.
This helps to ensure display control for the part size.
12 Click Format menu ➤ Blocks ➤ Block Definition.
13 For Name, enter AHU HG350-HG400 model.
This name identifies the part family and part sizes (HG350 and HG400) represented by the model block.
TIP To facilitate part identification, establish a naming convention for model blocks that includes the
part family and the part sizes. Including “model” in the name ensures automatic generation of 2D view blocks.
14 Under Base point, verify that X, Y, and Z are all set to 0.
The base point (insertion point) is used as a reference for positioning the block upon insertion. The location of the insertion point directly affects the placement of the part size when you add the part to your drawing.
15 Under Objects, click , draw a selection window around all of the objects in the drawing area, and press Enter.
The dialog closes temporarily while you select objects for the block. When you press Enter, the dialog reopens.
16 Under Objects, select Retain.
This keeps the selected objects in their original state.
17 Under Settings, verify that Millimeters is selected for Block unit.
These units are used for the part when the part is added to a drawing.
18 For Description, enter Roof Top AHU HG350-HG400.
This identifies the view block for easy retrieval.
NOTE The Block Definition dialog contains a Hyperlink button, which you can use to associate a
hyperlink with a block definition. For example, you can link to an existing file or a web page, such as a part specification sheet on a manufacturer’s web site. For more information about the Block Definition dialog, see the AutoCAD Help.
19 Click OK.
The model block is saved in the current drawing.
Create a 2D schematic symbol for a block-based MvPart
20 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Plan View ➤ World UCS. 21 Draw the symbol view of the part:
■ Click (Rectangle) on the Shapes toolbar. ■ Enter 0,0 for the first corner point, and press Enter.
■ Enter @1000,500 for the second corner point, and press Enter.
The symbol block is used as a 2D representation of the part size; therefore, you should draw the symbol block to represent the 2D symbol of the modeled object in plan view. It is automatically scaled to the size of the 3D model so you need only draw a small rectangle as the shape you want to see in a top view of a schematic representation.
■ Select the rectangle.
■ On the Properties palette, for Color and for Linetype, select ByBlock. Verify that layer 0 is selected for Layer, and verify that ByLayer is selected for Lineweight.
22 Press Esc.
23 Click Format menu ➤ Blocks ➤ Block Definition.
24 In the Block Definition dialog, for Name, enter AHU HG350-HG400 symbol.
Use a naming convention that represents the part family when you save the symbol as a block.
TIP Name the symbol block “symbol” to have the Content Builder use the symbol block as the source
for generating the 3D symbol in schematic views.
25 Under Base point, verify that X, Y, and Z are 0.
The base point (insertion point) is used as a reference for positioning the block upon insertion. The insertion point for the schematic block should be the same as the 3D model block that it represents. When you place the MvPart in a drawing, all associated blocks are part of one object; therefore, you should maintain a common insertion point.
26 Under Objects, click , select the rectangle that you added for the symbol block, and press Enter.
27 Under Objects, select Retain.
28 Under Settings, verify that Millimeters is selected for Block unit. 29 For Description, enter Roof Top AHU HG350-HG400 symbol.
This identifies the symbol block for easy retrieval.
30 Click OK.
The symbol block is saved in the current drawing.
31 Click File menu ➤ Close, and close the drawing without saving.
In this exercise, you created a 3D model and a schematic symbol for a block-based air handling unit MvPart. Each part size requires a unique 3D model block. You can have one or more model blocks in a single drawing file representing each part size in a part family. Next, you launch the Content Builder, where you define the catalog information and behavior of the MvPart.
Exercise 2: Defining Catalog Information and Behavior for a
Block-based Part
This exercise shows how to launch the Content Builder and define the catalog information and behavior for the air handling unit MvPart. You define the part behavior of a block-based MvPart by specifying the type, subtype, layer key, and method of insertion for all part sizes of the MvPart.
Dataset
My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E02.dwg
Launch the Content Builder and add the new part to the MvPart catalog
1 Click , browse to the My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools folder, select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E02.dwg, and click Open.
The Windows default location for My Documents is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\My Documents. To identify its location on your computer, right-click My Documents on the desktop, click Properties, and examine the value for Target.
This drawing contains the completed 3D model block of the air handling unit.
2 Click CAD Manager menu ➤ Content Editing ➤ Content Builder.
If the CAD Manager menu is not available, click Window menu ➤ Pulldowns ➤ CAD Manager Pulldown.
3 For Part Domain, select Multi-view Part.
4 In the tree view, select Tutorial MvParts Catalog, and click (New Chapter).
NOTE If the Tutorial MvParts catalog is not available, it has not been specified as the default MvPart
catalog for the current profile (the Content Tools profile). For information on how to specify the tutorial catalog as the default MvPart catalog, see Creating a Tutorial Profile and Tutorial Shortcut
on page 2.
5 In the New Chapter dialog, for Name, enter Air Handling Units, and click OK.
6 With the Air Handling Units chapter selected in the tree view, click (New Block Part).
IMPORTANT When you select the MvPart Domain, both the New Block Part and the New Parametric
Part icons are activated. Be sure to click the New Block Part icon.
7 For Name, enter Tutorial Air Handling Unit, and press Tab.
NOTE The name specified for the part family in the New Part dialog is used to name the files that
define the part in the catalog: the XML file, DWG file, and BMP file (if a preview image is assigned). The description specified for the part family is displayed during part selection.
8 Accept the default description, and click OK.
Define the behavior of the air handling unit MvPart 9 For Type, select Air Handling Unit.
Type refers to the main category for the part family. The part type defines unique characteristics and behaviors for part sizes, such as the ability to assign flow annotation to an HVAC part size. Types are predefined by the application and cannot be modified; therefore, select a type that is similar to the part sizes.
10 For Layer Key, click [...], select AirHandlingUnits, and click OK.
The layer key list reflects the set of layer keys currently assigned in your drawing, based on the previously selected layer standard and layer key style. Selecting a layer key that matches the part type ensures the best possible layering of part sizes.
11 For Subtype, enter electric fired.
Subtype is the subcategory for the part family; it is useful for grouping similar parts. The subtype can be used as a filter method for part selection in the MvPart Add command; therefore, you should select or enter a descriptive subtype name for easy identification.
Do not specify an insertion behavior.
12 Click Next.
13 With the Content Builder still open, proceed to the next exercise.
In this exercise, you launched the Content Builder and defined the catalog information and behavior for the air handling unit MvPart. Next, you assign additional information to the MvPart, including a name and views.
Exercise 3:Assigning Names,Views, and a Preview Image to a
Block-based MvPart
This exercise shows how to assign a part size name, view blocks, and a preview image to the air handling unit MvPart. Each topic is introduced below.
Part Size Names
If you create several part sizes, you can specify a unique name for each part size. The part size name typically reflects the actual size of the part (such as dimensions for width and height) or the total output (in L/s or cfm). It is used for part selection in the MvPart Add dialog. The part size name is also used in the part catalogs and appears as the object name when using tooltips. Therefore, you should specify a descriptive part size name for easy part identification.
View Blocks
View blocks are generated and assigned by default for part sizes assigned a 3D model block that have names ending in “model”; for example, AHU Commercial Roof 400x400 model. Unassigned view blocks display as empty fields. View blocks that display in red have been assigned a name based on the 3D model block; however, they are missing a defined block. You can assign a predefined view block or generate the missing view blocks using the Content Builder. The Content Builder generates the 6 standard AutoCAD view blocks (top, bottom, left, right, front, and back) from the 3D model block. You can assign the same view block to multiple view directions, such as front and back, depending on part symmetry. You also assign to the part family the 2D symbol block you created previously for generating a 2D symbol for each part size. The views determine how the individual part size is displayed in your drawing.
NOTE View blocks can be generated for multiple part sizes at one time. You can add multiple part sizes, and then
generate the missing view blocks for all part sizes.
Preview Image
Every part family has a graphical preview image that helps during part selection. Using the Content Builder, you assign a preview image to the part family. Typically, you create an image using visual styles before using the Content Builder, but you can also use the Content Builder to generate a preview image based on the 3D model. The preview image should be a representative image of the part family, typically a shaded model view of one of the part sizes in an SW isometric view. The same preview image is used for all part sizes of a part family.
Add a new part size and assign a schematic symbol
1 If you have not already done so, complete the previous exercise.
2 On the Blocks & Names page, for Model Block, select AHU HG350-HG400 model, and press
Enter.
The list of 3D model blocks reflects the blocks in the active drawing.
A new part size is added to the part family, and a new row appears in the table. View blocks are assigned by default when the 3D model block name ends in “model.” Assigned view blocks with associated blocks display in black. Any view block assigned a name based on the 3D model block, but missing a block, displays in red. All unassigned view blocks display as empty fields.
3 Double-click the value for Part Size Name, enter AHU HG350, and press Enter. 4 For Symbol Block, select AHU HG350-HG400 symbol, and press Enter.
The list displays the blocks in the active drawing that can be used to generate a 2D symbol block for each part size.
Assign views
5 To create the missing view blocks for block names that display in red, click Generate Blocks.
View blocks are generated and named based on the associated 3D model block. View block assignments are defined based on the standard display representations and view directions; however, you can change them as needed.
NOTE The symbol block is used in Isometric mode and is displayed as a 3D boundary box of the
model block with 2D symbology to represent the part itself.
6 Click OK.
The new part size is updated with the generated view blocks.
7 Click Next.
If Next is unavailable (shaded), information is missing on this page. Verify that each part size has a defined name and that all view blocks display in black.
Generate a preview image
8 On the Image page, click Select a previously drawn image.
9 Click [...], and browse to the following folder: My Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content
Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog\Air Handling Units Datasets.
10 Select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L01 E05.bmp, and select Open.
11 Click Next.
If Next is unavailable (shaded), information is missing on this page. Verify that you have selected a preview image for the part family.
12 With the Content Builder still open, proceed to the next exercise.
In this exercise, you named the MvPart and assigned the views and the preview image for the part. Next, you add the connectors to the part.
Exercise 4:Assigning Connectors to a Block-based MvPart
This exercise shows how to add connectors to a block-based MvPart. Defining connectors allows the part to be connected intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects in a drawing. You can define one or more connectors for each part size of an MvPart. For each connector, you can assign unique part properties, such as domain, system type, shape, and size. Generally, a part has at least one connector; however, you can create a part that has no connectors.
IMPORTANT The size and shape of every connector for a part size can be different. However, the number of
connectors must be the same for all part sizes of an MvPart. When you add or delete a connector from a part family, all part sizes are updated.
Add duct connectors
1 If you have not already done so, complete Exercise 2 and Exercise 3 in this lesson.
2 In the tree view of the part family and sizes, right-click the part family (Tutorial Air Handling
Unit), and click Add Duct Connector.
3 In the Part Family Connector Properties dialog, specify a value for each of the connector
properties:
■ For Name, enter Air Supply. ■ For Flow Direction, select Out. ■ For Shape, select Rectangular. ■ For Unsized, select False.
This prevents the connector from making valid connections with unsized segments.
NOTE The connector domain is predefined based on the type of connector selected and cannot be
changed in the dialog. The domain is defined once for the part family and remains the same for all part sizes.
4 Click OK, and in the tree view, expand Air Supply under AHU HG350 to see the values you
specified.
5 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to add a connector named Air Return that has a flow direction of In.
The values are assigned to Air Return.
Add piping and electrical connectors
6 In the tree view, right-click the part family, click Add Pipe Connector.
7 In the Part Family Connector Properties dialog, specify a value for each of the connector
properties:
■ For Name, enter Condensate Drain. ■ For Flow Direction, select Out.
■ For Gauge, verify that Undefined Gauge is selected. This allows connections to all gauge types.
■ For Unsized, select False.
NOTE The connector domain and shape are predefined based on the type of connector selected
and cannot be changed in the dialog. The domain and shape are defined once for the part family and remain the same for all part sizes.
8 Click OK.
The values are assigned to Condensate Drain.
9 In the tree view, right-click the part family, and click Add Conduit Connector.
10 In the Part Family Connector Properties dialog, specify a value for each of the connector
properties:
■ For Name, enter Power 1.
■ For Unsized, verify that False is selected.
NOTE The connector domain and shape are predefined based on the type of connector selected
and cannot be changed in the dialog. The domain and shape are defined once for the part family and remain the same for all part sizes.
■ Click OK.
11 Repeat previous step to add 2 more conduit connectors named Power 2 and Controls.
Define additional properties for the connectors
12 In the tree view, under the part size (AHU HG350), right-click Air Supply, and click Edit
Placement.
13 Specify the connector properties:
■ On the properties palette, for Connection Type, select Slip Joint.
■ To specify the location of the connector, enter p (Position), and use osnaps to select the node at the air supply connection point.
The connector position is updated in the model.
■ On the properties palette, double-click the value for Normal, enter 0,0,-1, and press Enter.
TIP When defining the direction for connecting components to be drawn, you can either select
2 points or specify the direction and a single point. You can also enter X,Y,Z values to indicate direction as provided in the table for the normal direction or flow direction.
■ For Rotation, verify that 0 is specified.
■ For Width, enter 450, and for Height, enter 1500.
The connector information is displayed in the drawing area. ■ Click OK.
14 For each remaining connector, right-click the connector in the tree view, click Edit Placement,
and use the information in the table below to define the remaining connectors. There are graphics shown on the model to visually confirm placement values such as position and normal direction.
Visual confirmation
Connectors Con-trols Power 2 Power 1 Drain Re-turn Air Con-trols Power 2 Power 1 Con- dens-ate Drain Air Re-turn Name threaded threaded threaded threaded slip joint Connec-tion type node of node of node of node of node of re-Position con-right left con-turn trols power power dens-duct con-ate con- nec-tion nec-tion nec-tion drain con- nec-tion nec-tion -1,0,0 -1,0,0 -1,0,0 0,-1,0 0,0,-1 Normal 0 0 0 0 0 Rotation 300 Width 1400 Height 25 63 63 20 Diameter 25 Nominal Diameter
NOTE Additional properties are optional and can be added after the part has been created. Lesson
2 shows how to add properties to your part.
16 Save your drawing using one of these methods:
■ (Recommended) To save the drawing with a different name from the dataset, click File ➤ Save As. Specify the directory in which to save the file, enter a unique name, and click Save. This method keeps the dataset in its original form, which allows you to reuse the dataset. ■ To overwrite the dataset with your changes, click File ➤ Save.
17 Click File menu ➤ Exit.
In this exercise, you added connectors to finish building the part. Next, you test the air handling unit MvPart to verify that it can be used in AutoCAD MEP drawings.
Exercise 5:Testing a Block-based MvPart
After you build an MvPart, you test it in a drawing to verify the insertion point, all view representations, and each connector. If you have built multiple part sizes, it is important to test each part size.
You can test part sizes in an existing drawing or create a new drawing to be used solely for testing. This exercise shows how to test a part size in a new drawing started from the Aecb Model drawing template. When you start a drawing from a drawing template, you can use the predefined display configurations to test the part representations.
Connectors are shown as graphical objects representing the size, shape, and location of connection points on a part size in your drawing. If the connection positions are assigned correctly, they match the model block geometry of the part size. If the connection positions are not assigned correctly, the connectors might appear as graphical objects floating in space. In this exercise, you verify the connection position of each connector by using Add grips to draw segments from the connection points. A valid connection should be made, and you should be able to continue to draft the run.
Testing the connection direction vectors is important as well. To do this test, you connect a valid AutoCAD MEP object to every part connector for each part size, and draft a run. You then verify that the default direction of the compass lets you lay out the AutoCAD MEP objects in the correct direction away from the part size.
Switch to the Global profile
1 Click Format menu ➤ Options.
2 In the Options dialog, click the Profiles tab.
3 Select the AutoCAD MEP (Global) profile, and click Set Current.
IMPORTANT The Global profile uses design catalogs instead of tutorial catalogs as the default catalogs.
You need to use design catalogs so you can add duct, pipe, and conduit segments to test the part.
Switch to the Tutorial MvParts catalog
Next, you specify the Tutorial MvParts catalog as the default MvParts catalog, so the custom Tutorial Air Handling Unit is available for part selection.
4 With the Options dialog still open, click the MEP Catalogs tab.
5 Click the path for Multi-view parts, click Browse, and browse to the following folder: My
Documents\Autodesk\My Projects\Content Tools\Tutorial MvParts Catalog.
6 Select Tutorial MvParts Catalog.apc, click Open, and click OK.
Insert the MvPart in a drawing 7 Click File menu ➤ New.
8 In the Select template dialog, select Aecb Model (Global Ctb).dwt, and click Open. 9 Enter mvpartadd.
10 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog, select the air handling unit that you want to test. then click ...
If you want to use ...
Tutorial MvParts Catalog ➤ Air Handling Units Datasets ➤ Tu-the dataset for this
exercise
torial Air Handling Unit L01 E05.
Tutorial MvParts Catalog ➤ Air Handling Units ➤ Tutorial Air Handling Unit.
the air handling unit you completed in the previous exer-cise
11 In the drawing area, click to specify the insertion point for the air handling unit.
12 Press Enter to accept the default rotation of 0.00, and press Enter again to end the command. Test the duct connectors
13 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric.
14 Select the air handling unit, and click the Add grip for the return duct.
15 In the Add Ducts dialog, for System, select Return.
17 Verify that you can continue to draft the duct run by adding more duct segments.
When you draw segments using Add grips, some of their properties, such as size and shape, are determined by the connectors to which you connect the segments.
18 Press Enter to end the command.
19 Repeat the process you just used to draw duct segments from the supply duct connection. In
the Add Ducts dialog, for System, select Supply.
Test the power connectors
20 Select the air handling unit, and click the Add grip on one of the power connectors. 21 In the Add Conduits dialog, for System, select Standard.
22 In the drawing, move the cursor to the left, and select a second point to end the conduit segment.
TIP Zoom into the connection points to make it easier to select the connectors using MEP snaps.
23 Verify that you can continue to draft the conduit run by adding more conduit segments.
24 Press Enter to end the command.
25 Use the process you just used to add conduit segments to the other power connection and to
the control connection.
28 In the drawing, move the cursor to the right, and select a second point to end the pipe segment.
TIP Zoom into the connection points to make it easier to select the connectors using osnaps.
29 Verify that you can continue to draft the run by adding more pipe segments.
The pipes are displayed as 2-line due to their diameter and the configuration of the Condensate Drain system.
30 Press Enter to end the command.
31 Turn on the disconnect markers, and verify that the connections are valid:
■ Click View menu ➤ Show Solution Tips.
■ Verify that disconnect markers are not displayed where the segments join the air handling unit.
■ Click View menu ➤ Show Solution Tips to turn off the markers.
Test the display configurations
32 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ Top.
33 On the drawing window status bar at the bottom of the screen, click MEP Design, and select
Mechanical - Duct - 1-Line from the list.
34 Verify that the air handling unit is represented in the Mechanical - Duct - 1-Line top view as
assigned.
35 Repeat the preceding 2 steps to verify the display of the part using the other display
configurations.
Test the isometric view
36 Change to the Mechanical - Duct - 2-Line display configuration. 37 Click View menu ➤ 3D Views ➤ SW Isometric.
38 Verify that the full 3D model block of the air handling unit is displayed.
39 Click View menu ➤ Hide.
40 Click File menu ➤ Close.
41 At the Save changes prompt, click No to close the drawing without saving it.
42 On the MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog, change the Multi-view Parts catalog for the
current profile (the Global profile) back to the default design catalog (C:\Document and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\ACD-MEP 2009\enu\Aecb
Catalogs\Global\MvParts\MvParts(Global).apc).
connector is necessary to ensure that the part size can connect intelligently to other AutoCAD MEP objects. Testing the display representations of the part size is necessary to ensure that the correct part representations have been assigned to each of the predefined display configurations.
If testing produces undesirable results, you should modify and retest the appropriate part sizes to ensure that they work correctly in AutoCAD MEP drawings. After you test each part size in a drawing to verify the insertion point, the view representations, and the connectors, you can use the part family in layouts. Next, you add part sizes to the part family.
Lesson 2: Modifying a Block-based MvPart
As your design develops and parts change, you can add new part sizes or modify existing part sizes using the Content Builder. When you add a new part size, the Wizard mode of the block-based building environment guides you through defining new part sizes. When you modify an existing part size, the Tabbed mode of the block-based building environment allows you to change only what you need to change.
For each part size, you can change the 3D model block, the schematic symbol, the part behavior, the view blocks, the preview image, the connectors, and the property information. You use the same procedures that guided you through creating a block-based part to modify it. This lesson shows how to modify the behavior and the property information associated with the air handling unit you created in Lesson 1. It also shows how to add part sizes to a part family. You add one part size using the geometry of the existing air handling unit. You add a second part size, which has unique geometry, using a new model block.
Exercise 1:Adding Part Sizes for a Block-based MvPart
Pieces of equipment, such as air handling units, typically consist of a group of unique parts with their own geometric features. Shape, size, connection points, and properties like manufacturer or material can differ. When fundamental differences exist in the geometry of 2 air handling unit part sizes in the same part family, you cannot use a single 3D model to represent both units. To add a new part size for a unique air handling unit, you need to create an individual 3D model block for the new part size.
You can create one or more part sizes from a single model block when the part sizes have the same geometry. In this exercise, you create 2 new part sizes. One part size uses the same model block you used in Lesson 1. The second part size uses a new model block, which is supplied in the dataset that accompanies this exercise. The recommended method for creating multiple part sizes for a part family is to create all of the geometry for all of the part sizes in one drawing, and then use that drawing to create all of the part sizes at once in the Wizard mode of the block-based building environment. Because this tutorial covers the creation of part sizes in separate exercises, a variation of this workflow is used: The 3D model and the schematic symbol for the new part size are added to the source drawing file for Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E01.
You can use this method if you need to add part sizes with different geometry to an existing part family. However, you must be sure to add the geometry of the new part size to the source drawing file of the part family in the part catalog.
Add a part size for the air handling unit
1 Start the software using the Content Tools Tutorial Profile shortcut.
If the software is already started, if necessary, set current the Content Tools Tutorial profile using the Profiles tab in the Options dialog.
2 Click CAD Manager menu ➤ Content Editing ➤ Content Builder.
3 In the Getting Started dialog, verify that Multi-view Part is selected for Part Domain. 4 Expand Air Handling Units Datasets, and select Tutorial Air Handling Unit L02 E01.
The 3D model and the schematic symbol for the part size you are adding is stored in the source drawing for this part.
5 Click (Add Part Size).
6 Click Next to accept the part behavior that you defined in Lesson 1 for the part family.
You work in the block-based building environment of the Content Builder to define part sizes based on the 3D model blocks you created previously. In this environment, the individual part sizes are associated with a part family in a catalog to build a library of parts. All part sizes within a part family are defined as the same type and are placed in your drawing with the same behavior.
7 Click (Add Part Size), select AHU HG350-HG400 model for Model Block, and press Enter.
8 Double-click the Part Size Name parameter for the second part size, enter AHU HG400, and press
Enter.
9 Click , select AHU HG700 model for Model Block, and press Enter.
10 Verify that AHU HG700 is specified for the Part Size Name parameter for the third part size. 11 Click Generate Blocks.
12 In the Views dialog, for Part Size Name, select AHU HG400, and click OK.
All 2D views are generated for the 3D model block.
13 Repeat the previous 2 steps for part size AHU HG700. 14 Specify a symbol for each new part size:
■ For AHU HG400, select AHU HG350-HG400 symbol for the Symbol Block parameter. ■ For AHU HG700, select AHU HG700 symbol for the Symbol Block parameter, and press Enter.
