Overview

AutoPIPE Vessel allows users to automatically generate both 2D and 3D drawings in various industry-standard formats. This article outlines the supported file types, software requirements, and steps for exporting drawings.

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📤 Supported Drawing Formats

AutoPIPE Vessel supports the following formats for drawing generation:

⚠️ Note: AutoPIPE Vessel does not support AutoCAD/BricsCAD Lite versions.

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🛠️ Software Requirements & Preferences

1. DWG Generation (AutoCAD/BricsCAD):
   • As of version 45.00.00.133, users no longer need an AutoCAD or BricsCAD license to generate .dwg files.
   • To generate .dwg files without AutoCAD/BricsCAD, select DWG as the CAD software in the Preferences dialog.
2. DGN Generation (MicroStation):
   • Users can select MicroStation in Preferences to generate .dgn files.
   • Even without a MicroStation license or installation, drawings will still be generated because MicroStation is the default CAD option and uses embedded libraries within AutoPIPE Vessel.
   • Generated .dgn files can be opened using Bentley View, a free viewer.
3. Using Installed CAD Software:

• • If you have AutoCAD, BricsCAD, or SolidWorks installed, specify the CAD software and its executable path in the Preferences dialog.
  • When using the Execute > Generate Drawing command:
    • AutoPIPE Vessel will export the formatted file.
    • It will automatically launch the specified CAD software using the provided path.
    • The exported drawing will open directly in the selected application.

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📂 Locating Exported Drawings

If no CAD software is specified:

• Navigate to the folder containing your AutoPIPE Vessel model.
• Locate the exported .dgn or .dwg file.
• Open the file using a compatible viewer or CAD application.

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🎥 Video Tutorial

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on generating and exporting drawings from AutoPIPE Vessel:

In addition, see YouTube Video here, First Model: #4 Final, starting at 4:37. 

Question:

How to generate detail / component drawings?

Answer: 

To generate component drawings, please select the Component Drawing option in the Drawing window. Refer to the image below for guidance.

 

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How to generate 3D AutoCAD file from AutoPIPE Vessel

1. In AutoPIPE Vessel, click File>Preference.
2. Select the appropriate CAD Software Name (AutoCAD 2014 64 bits selected in this case)

3. Click on Set Default Data tab.
4. Check Create 3D drawing

5. Click OK.
6. With the file open, click on the drawing generation icon:

7. Click OK in the Drawing window that pops up.
8. Once the drawing generation activity is completed by the program,
Check the folder containing the file, the created 3D AutoCAD file should be in the folder.
9. Open the AutoCAD 3D file to confirm the file has been created successfully.

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💡 Feature Requests

If you need support for additional file types or want to suggest new compatible CAD applications:

• Submit your ideas in Bentley IDEA Portal, Follow the instruction given here with detailed requirements and use cases.