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Command line: USERCREATE
Misc toolbar: 
This routine allows the user to create any symmetrical or non-symmetrical user shape component. Symmetrical shapes require an outline to be drawn that can be used to create the special user component. Non-symmetrical shapes required a block or an object completely drawn in 2D and 3D that represents the complete component. A symmetrical object can be converted from 2D to 3D Mode, or vice versa, using the mode convert routines. It does not allow double-line to single-line conversion in the 2D mode. Non-symmetrical shapes can only convert between isometric and solids (CONVERTISO or CONVERTSOLID).
The user must first create the component and then modify the specification. Once that is complete, simply come back to the following toolbar and select the user shape program button. User shape components can also be tagged as optional components in the specification. This allows for an indefinite number of additional components.
For symmetrically shaped components, draw a 2D polyline indicating the shape's outline. The symmetrical shape is limited to straight lines between vertices in the polyline. In other words, there cannot be a fillet radius on any corner of the polyline. If they exist, the routine will draw them with chamfered corners. Draw only half of the shape on one side of the centerline. We recommend preparing an outline before trying to draw the polyline. For example, draw the component using standard AutoCAD methods or CADWorx Plant components and then draw a polyline around the contour.
Note: For symmetrical shapes, the polyline may overlap as shown in the example below for 2D (drawn to each indicated point, PT1, PT2, etc.). For use with 3D solids, the polyline cannot overlap (there cannot be a PT4 or PT7). If the polyline overlaps, an ACIS error will occur indicating the object cannot be revolved.
For non-symmetrically shaped components, a 2D and 3D representation must be created first. It needs to show all the required details of the component. The 3D representation will be used when in the 3D drawing mode and it can be used for orthographic and model type representation. The 2D representation will be used when in the 2D isometric drawing mode. This mode was primarily designed for use with automatic isometrics.
After the polyline or components are complete, run the USERCREATE function (toolbar under pulldown Plant>Toolbars>Misc) to initiate the routine. This will create a data file in the required directory with the required file name. For non-symmetrically shaped componets, it will also create two drawing files – a 2D and 3D drawing. The drawing names will have append in square brackets, the size and drawing mode (i.e. [4.0-3D]). The file name must be unique. A sub-directory called \USE in the <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_I, <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_M, and <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_MM is provided for this purpose. This function will also create a directory if it does not exist.
Make sure to have a default size and specification set. USERCREATE will have to be run multiple times for creating components with different sizes. From the toolbar under Plant>Toolbar>Misc in the pulldown, select Create icon to start the process.
Note: With the use of optional components, a specification file can have an unlimited number of user shapes.
The following information will be prompted.
Command: USERCREATE
[] <Create new file>:
This option is used to append to an existing file. The user will not be asked to "Enter short description" because the file and description already exist. For example, it can be used to create a 6" flexible coupling after the 4" in this example. This is true for symmetrical and non-symmetrical shapes.
This option creates a new component and file. As mentioned above, non-symmetrical shapes will have three associated files while symmetrical shapes will have only one.
Enter name of library directory <USE>: enter USE or hit enter
Enter name of file, no extension <COMP>: enter FLEX
At this point, if the specification is not set an error will occur. This specification is used only as a default and does not have to be the same specification that the component is going to be placed with.
Specification or size is not set, please set and try again.
If a specification is set, it will ask for confirmation. Just accept it.
Enter specification <150>: enter to accept the specification
The next prompt will ask for the long description for the component. It is only a description for use within the data file. Further explanation on entering the component into the specification with a more complete description will be covered in the next section.
Enter long annotation: enter FLEXIBLE COUPLING
Next, the user will be prompted whether to create reducing components.
Make component reducing [Yes/No] <No>: hit enter for no or type Y for yes
When yes is entered, additional prompts appear later. For example, creating a 4"x3" flexible coupling is possible.
Note: Do not mix reducing and non-reducing components in the same file.
Enter weight: enter real number (ex: 130)
Enter density: enter 0.283 for steel
This next prompt allows points to be picked, selection of a polyline outline or selection of a pre-drawn block with assembled entities. The Block option can be constructed from individual entities or it can be an inserted block with attributes. Pick the Select polyline option for the example below.
Enter an option []:
This option is used with symmetrical components. It asks for the selection of each point required to form the shape. First, reference points (starting and ending points) must be selected.
Pick reference point: pick point pt1
Pick end point: pick point pt37
Hit enter when finished...
Pick first point: pick point pt1
To point: pick point pt2
To point: pick point pt3
To point: ...
To point pick point pt36
To point: pick point pt37
To point: enter to end
This option is also used with symmetrical components. It is very similar to the prompt above except it asks for the selection of a polyline. It will automatically extract all the points from the selected polyline. First, reference points (starting and ending points) must be selected.
Pick reference point: pick point pt1
Pick end point: pick point pt37
Select polyline: select polyline drawn through the points
Note: For the Pick points and Select polyline option above, the points picked or the polyline selected must lay in an X-Y plane. This will be clearly visible when the reference points are pick above. If the X and Y UCS icon indicators are not showing, then the object needs to be drawn in an X-Y plane. The easiest way is to draw your polyline or pick your points in a world coordinate system.
This option is used with non-symmetrical components. If the component is created on layer 0, it will inherit the specification color when inserted. This option requires a fully developed component drawn to the correct size with AutoCAD or CADWorx Plant. Even if the assembled components used have extended entity data attached, this function will remove it.
Enter an option [] <Both>:
This option is similar to the Both option below except it creates the 2D portion of the component only.
This option is similar to the Both option below except it creates the 3D portion of the component only.
This option allows both 2D and 3D non-symmetrical components to be built. The components must be fully constructed, ready for use, and viewable on the screen before entering this function. The next prompt requires start and end reference points. These points do not necessarily need to be connection points, which will be discussed later.
Pick 2D reference point: pick start point
Pick end point: pick ending point
Pick connection point: pick point
Next connection point: pick point
Next connection point: pick point
Next connection point: enter to finish
Start with 2D representation...
Select objects: select the 2D objects
Select objects: enter to end the selection process
At this point, the reference point can be reselected. This is useful when drawing a 2D and 3D component. It allows the two components to be separated for easier selection.
Reselect reference point [Yes/No] <Yes>: enter to reselect
Pick new reference point: pick start point
3D representation...
Select objects: select the 3D objects
Select objects: enter to end the selection process
The next prompt asks whether the present size is set correctly. If not, change it to the required size at this prompt.
6" main size [Yes/No] <Yes>: enter for yes, type N for this example
By entering no, the size can be changed at this point. If a reducing component was requested above, an additional prompt regarding the reduction size would be requested here.
Nominal main size: 4
Finished...
This symmetrical example created a file in <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_I\USE\FLEX.USE. The contents of the file will be similar to the following, where pt1 would be the x,y locations of the first point and pt37 would be the x,y location of the last point.
FLEXIBLE COUPLING
=====================================================
(4.0 4.5 130.0 (pt1)(pt2)(pt3).....(pt35)(pt36)(pt37))
If the component is less than 1/16" long (2 mm when in metric mode), the associated xdata will be in an inserted block named "XATB". It will be located on the default layer named "SYSTEM" instead of the "CL" layer so that it will not plot or be visible while this layer is turned off.
If the component is a non-symmetrical type, located at the start point will be an inserted block named "NATB". This block, like the "XATB" block will contain all the associated xdata and will act as any other component. When a 2D representation of a non-symmetrical component is not present (only the 3D representation option above was used) and the component is converted to the 3D mode, the "NATB" will remain. This block can be converted to 2D but will not have any graphics in the 3D mode. This "NATB" and "XATB" block can be moved and controlled just as any other CADWorx component. If the 2D representation of a non-symmetrical user shape is not present, all that appears in an automatic isometric will be this "NATB" block. The bill of material will still treat it as a CADWorx Plant component.
Note: With the use of optional components, a specification file can have an unlimited number of user shapes.
The next step required is to add the user shape to the desired specification with the Specification Editor.
Command: SPECEDIT
From this dialog, find the USER SHAPES group on the left side. With the Add button, add USER1 to the list box on the right. Use the Edit button from the bottom of the main dialog box and browse for the <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_I\USE\FLEX.USE file. Enter the Short description: CLPG, FLEX and the Long description: COUPLING, FLEXIBLE, AMCE MODEL #356. The starting and ending sizes could also be modified in the appropriate boxes. CADWorx Plant created the library <INSTALL-DIR>\LIB_I\USE in the installation process. After making the modifications, select the OK button to end the specification editing process and to return to the drawing.
Next prepare the specification for use.
Command: SPEC
Specification <>: 150
Prepared E:\CADWORX PIPE\RELEASE 15\SPEC\150.SPC specification...
Reselect User Shapes from the toolbar shown previously, and select the button with the number 1 on it. This button coincides with the USER1 entry just made in the specification. For a symmetrical shape, a simple start point and direction is all this is required.
Command: USE (note: this command must be run from the pulldown menu)
Pick start point <last point>: pick point
Pick direction: pick direction
4" COUPLING, FLEXIBLE ACME MODEL #356
The example in this section provides a 4" flexible coupling as shown. The component can be used just like any other component. It allows material extraction, automatic labeling, conversion from 2D to 3D modes, etc. The user could repeat this process to create more user shapes with any other sizes.
For non-symmetrical shapes, the prompts are slightly different. Prior to picking or entering the rotation, select any of the other options to orient the non-symmetrical user shape.
Command: USE (note: this command must be run from the menu)
4" COUPLING, FLEXIBLE ACME MODEL #356
Pick location: pick point
[] <Pick rotation>:
This option rolls the component by 90 degrees. It will turn the component up if the non-symmetrical component has a branch like extrusion.
This option rolls the component by –90 degrees. It will turn the component down if the non-symmetrical component has a branch like extrusion.
This option allows the non-symmetrical user shape to be rolled at any angle. Please note that when the component has been flipped with one of the options below, the angle might need to be negative. If the rolled angle input is incorrect, just re-type the angle as a negative to correct it. In addition, when the component has been turned up or down with one of the options above, rolling will be from that location.
This option flips or mirrors the non-symmetrical user shape along the X axis. Once a shape has been flipped or mirrored, it will have an affect on all the options above. Simply running this option again can place the component back to its prior position.
This option flips or mirrors the non-symmetrical user shape along the Y axis. Once a shape has been flipped or mirrored, it will have an affect on all the options above. Simply running this option again can place the component back to its prior position.
This option flips or mirrors the non-symmetrical user shape along the Z axis. Once a shape has been flipped or mirrored, it will have an affect on all the options above. Simply running this option again can place the component back to its prior position.
This option requires a picked location or an angle to be entered. This option causes the command to exit and the options above would become un-available. This should be the last option chosen.
Note: Non-symmetrical shapes can only convert between isometric and solids (CONVERTISO or CONVERTSOLID)