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AutoCAD Plant 3D: What's New in 2012

This is a very exciting release of Autodesk's Plant offerings.  We are going to look at some of the new product features and enhancements as well as the new upcoming Plant Suite packages for 2012.
 
The new features and enhancements focus around the following:
 
1.      Project Features
2.      3D Modeling Features
3.      Reporting
4.      Specs and Catalogs

Project Features

Project Database

First up, users have the option of creating new projects using the SQLite local database (a file-based DB) as done previously, or choosing to use SQL Server Express. This new database structure will improve data reliability in a multi-user environment - including boosting the performance for all users.

The option can be found on page 5 of the Project setup wizard (Figure 1.1.1).  Here you will be asked to make your database selection. There are additional settings if SQL Server Express is chosen.

Figure 1.1.1

In reviewing the figure above, you will see the option to select the project server and the ability to test the connection.  Once the connection is tested, a prefix can be entered in the field above, or the "Generate Name" button can be selected allowing the program to generate the name automatically.

Lastly, Windows or SQL Authentication can be selected. Windows Authentication does not require users to enter any information as it depends on the user’s domain login; if SQL is chosen, you must enter a username and password.

Renaming Project Drawings

The next item is the ability to rename drawing files in the Project Manager (PM), also renaming the file in the windows environment.  The renaming of project drawing files in the project manager is no longer just a virtual change within the project.  Figure 1.2.1 shows the original drawing name in the PM and the renaming dialog.

Figure 1.2.1

Once renaming is completed, the image (Figure 1.2.2) shows the file renamed in the windows environment as well.

Figure 1.2.2

This is applicable to both P&ID and Plant drawings. If used, one should note the following:

• Any xrefs must be reattached afterwards.
• Any related files are updated with the new filename the next time you open them.
• If Plant ortho's, the files are updated with the new file name.
• All off-page connectors in the renamed drawing are updated.
• All properties of the renamed drawing, with the exception of the Title property, are maintained.
• A user who renames the drawing sees the new name in the PM immediately. Other users working on the same project must refresh the PM to see the new name.

Adding Multiple P&ID symbols in a single operation

The last project feature is the ability to add multiple block libraries in a single operation, which saves a lot of time when customizing out-of-the-box (OTB) industry P&ID standards.  This applies to new users about to customize their company Project Template for the first time, or for those who constantly do consulting work or design for multiple clients.

The scenario:  A company has a valve block library utilized for years that they want to integrate with the OTB PIP standard library.  As an existing block library and class definitions defined in the PM, this will be a one step function.  Since valves are to be added, simply click on the Inline Assets Class in the PM under P&ID  Class Definitions, and then click on the "Add Symbol" button (Figure 1.3.1).

Figure 1.3.1

This action will bring up a new dialog in 2012, allowing the user to browse and select the drawing(s) containing the desired blocks to open and displaying all the blocks to be integrated.  This is done by simply moving the block from the left side to the right side of the dialog (Figure 1.3.2).

Figure 1.3.2

Once the blocks have been selected, click next - then choose the subclass they belong in along with all other default behavior symbol settings desired (Figures 1.3.3). To select the subclass, click the browse button (with the dots) and choose the type or class of valve it is to be.

 

Figures 1.3.3

This saves a tremendous amount of time when customizing the project setup by reducing the amount of dialog boxes required, the browsing, and overall effort.

Remote Editing of Drawings (Editing offline)

You are no longer required to remove a drawing from the project to edit the drawing at home or offsite.  For example, you can copy a drawing to a jump drive or a laptop and make the edits elsewhere.  Once you copy the drawing back and overwrite the original and the drawing is opened in the project environment, all changes made offline will be merged into the database.

3D Modeling Features

Isometric Drawings

The production of Isometric drawings has been streamlined. Isometric output has been improved to take full advantage of AutoCAD features such as tables, dimensions, and multi-language (unicode) support.

Figure 2.1.1

Additional configuration options are available and easier to use. For example, you can easily set up the title block to customize a bill of material. You can add tables for weld lists and spool lists easily and have them placed and sized automatically in the table area.

Figure 2.1.2

You can precisely control the area to create isometric objects in the drawing by defining Draw and No-draw areas.

You can also control the dimensioning and appearance of certain types of piping using Isometric Themes. For example, small-bore piping can be placed on a single layer and dimensioned minimally.

Precise Placement of Welds

Specify points in piping for welds, or specify pipe length to automatically place welds (Figure 2.2.1).

Figure 2.2.1

Connect to Piping and Nozzles from Other Programs

You can connect to Autodesk Connection Points (ACP) that are attached to objects created in other programs, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Figure 2.3.1

You can also create ACP objects at open ports and nozzles to allow other programs to connect to drawings created in AutoCAD Plant 3D. The ACP objects contain port properties such as size and pressure class.

Improved Display Performance

Additional system variables have been added to improve display performance. You can now access these settings from the Ribbon.  Balance display detail and display performance from the Ribbon (Figure 2.4.1).

Figure 2.4.1

Dynamic Pipe Spec Tool Palette

The current piping specs are now loaded into the Dynamic Pipe Spec tool palette (Figure 2.5.1).  When you change the spec in the parts panel of the ribbon, the Dynamic Pipe Spec Tool Palette is updated to that spec instantly, and always in-line with the spec you are currently routing.

Figure 2.5.1

Reporting

New Report Creator Tool

This new tool is external much like the Spec & Catalog Editor. It provides the ability to generate Material Lists, BOM's, or Specification Sheets, using data from P&ID or Plant 3D. I have many figures below showing the flexibility and customization available in this tool.
 
Figures 3.1.1 show the initial Report Generator interface. This allows you to select the project and the report configuration (also editable).  When editing the configuration chosen, you have the option to output to one Project, Drawing, or to a single Object report.  There are also many file formats to choose from including excel, pdf, HTML and others.
 

Figures 3.1.1

In the Report Configuration dialog, you can also edit the query to suit the project needs to extract the exact data needed for your reports (Figure 3.1.2).

Figure 3.1.2

Lastly, you have the ability to edit the report layout (Figure 3.1.3). This feature allows you to customize the report layout, add logos, etc.

Figure 3.1.3

Once you have the settings configured, you can preview the report to make sure there are no additional modifications to be made prior to generating the report (Figure 3.1.4).

Figure 3.1.4

It is important to note that you can still use the Data Manager to import/export reports with this method as well.  You can review additional information as to when you might want to use one or the other reporting methods.

Specs and Catalogs

Content Migration and Location

Change the catalog folder after installation and migrate custom content from previous versions.

You can now change the catalog folder location and migrate custom components from AutoCAD Plant 3D 2011 catalogs.

Convert Specs and Catalogs

In the Spec Editor, you can migrate specs or catalogs from AutoPLANT or CADWorx to AutoCAD Plant 3D. Third-party specs convert to Plant 3D specs, and third-party catalogs to Plant 3D catalogs.

Now let's look at the New Plant Design Suites offered in 2012:

Autodesk® Plant Design Suite provides comprehensive plant design, modeling, and review software in a convenient, cost-effective package.  Building on the power and familiarity of AutoCAD and Autodesk NavisWorks, the software suite adds plant-specific content and features to drive greater productivity and better project coordination.

Autodesk Plant Design Suites 2012
Standard	Premium	Ultimate
AutoCAD 2012	AutoCAD 2012	AutoCAD 2012
AutoCAD P&ID 2012	AutoCAD P&ID 2012	AutoCAD P&ID 2012
Showcase 2012	Showcase 2012	Showcase 2012
SketchBook Designer 2012	SketchBook Designer 2012	SketchBook Designer 2012
	ACAD Plant 3D 2012	ACAD Plant 3D 2012
	Structural Detailing 2012	Structural Detailing 2012
	Revit Structure 2012	Revit Structure 2012
	NavisWorks Simulate 2012	NavisWorks Manage 2012
		Inventor 2012

I hope you are as excited as Hagerman & Company is about the new features, enhancements and Plant Design Suite packages. Thank you for taking the time to read about the 2012 release. Please check out our website for upcoming webinars on the new features of Plant 3D.
 

 

This page last edited on Friday, September 09, 2011