Update component dimensions

[LouisCho]

Hi

I am sorry guys if I keep posting those noob question but I feel like I can mess things up pretty much if I do something worng!

I change a valve geometry in SpecGen. I already have some of these valve placed there and there on a line and I wanted to update those new dimension in the drawing. I ran the Update from spec function but this is only updating the descriptions, not the visual representation.

Is there any way to do that?

Thanks

[Aplant Monkey]

yes there is. ( I think ) if you go through the Piping Pull down and select Piping Tools ( i think... I am at home so I am going by memory) then select the Representations fly out. Once in the command you will see an option to REDRAW. select this and select all items .... it should then redraw it according to what you have changed.

As for you issue with the nozzle. I am not sure off the top of my head but the first question I have is WHY are you not using a PUMP symbol rather than a rectangular object. It would look better and prob behave better as well....

edit.... I will repost this pump part iin the right section. did not see that it was two sep posts

[awerning]

Actually, no. The reason is that if you insert a component (like a valve) and then use an AutoCAD stretch to make it a different length (on purpose), the last thing you would want it to do is "re-size" all your "custom" length valves based on the original spec length. AutoPLANT will NEVER change the OAL (over all length) of a component. You can, however, change the graphics BETWEEN the two ports with the method the AP Monk describes (like if you updated the .ebs file to draw the valve symbols differently or if you updated the flg_od_m dimension in the spec for that valve). Your only option will be to delete the valves (as well as the flange on one side) and re-insert.

A real ugly idea I just had would be to use the "spec/size update" tool to switch sizes and then switch back. This actually invokes all components to be deleted and redrawn per the specs and it has space allocation algorithms to move fittings around based on new lengths (like you have to consider when going up in size around a fitting make up scenario). But this tool isn't easy to use/learn and it often doesn't do what you were hoping it to do. Just a guess/idea to try though.

[LouisCho]

if you insert a component (like a valve) and then use an AutoCAD stretch to make it a different length (on purpose), the last thing you would want it to do is "re-size" all your "custom" length valves based on the original spec length. AutoPLANT will NEVER change the OAL (over all length) of a component
Ok. What I don't understand here is why taking that much time to build my specs in order to avoid to have customs components in the drawing? I was thinking that building specs would allow me to made changes without having to erease elements...


But this tool isn't easy to use/learn and it often doesn't do what you were hoping it to do.
Ouch! Kinda impressive!

I don't know how you guys learned Autoplant. I am normally a self-learning person when it comes to software but this time, I really feel like I need a proper training.

[Plant Salad]

Im with awerning on this one, I'm having to pull from memory, but I don't recall there being a way to have the component lengths change. That is a possible work around, but like he said, its not a stable one. Ideally before you start modeling, you have all the component information on hand to create the spec as accurate as possible.

AutoPLANT, IMHO, is a bit tough to learn when it comes to the ins and outs of customization. I do believe it to be a good idea for proper basic training. This site has been a REALLY great help with getting further into customization and troubleshooting once you get a good solid base with using the software.

[LouisCho]

IS it the same thing with pipe size? If I have a 4" line and I want to change it to a 3,5" I have to delete and redraw it?

[awerning]

No, then you can use the change spec/size tool. Again, it takes a little tinkering to figure that tool out. Most throw their hands up and say "forget it", but I have invested the time to figure out its quarks and find it very useful in many cases. I have learned important things like disconnecting olet welds prior to using it as well as disconnecting other fittings it chokes on. Then I just simply clean up when done running it. I find it MUCH faster than remodeling a whole line. If you get stuck...ask away. B)