Python Valve

When you want add actual lifelike looking valves into your Plant3D model, you have two choices. Either you use the standard Plant3D geometry, which looks a bit odd sometimes. Or you import some geometry from other 3D software. But in this case you will soon run out of your computer power, because these step, iges, or even the inventor files are not optimized for repeated usage in Plant3D. You might need to insert the same valve dozens or hundreds of times in the same model. A third very boring option is to make Autocad blocks for each valve-type and size. But if you have 10 types and 20 sizes for each, then we are talking about two hundred different blocks.

For this problem I am offering a solution with my Python Valve App. By installing my app you will be able to create python based valves. These valves are all parameter based. Thus you can customize them by changing their parameters. Therefore you can use them the same way as the original valve geometries provided by Autodesk. But they will look more life-like without the need of huge computer-power.

This new app is very similar to my older apps which are for cable trays, pipe supports and lined pipe segments.

Installation

Just run the installer and then start Plant3D and run the PLANTREGISTERCUSTOMSCRIPTS command and close Plant3D.

After this you are ready to use all the new scripts. The installer placed all these new scripts inside your Plant3D Content folder in the CPAK Common\CustomScripts\Python_Valve folder. Moreover in the CPAK Common\Python_Valve you will find a sample catalog and a sample drawing. You can start using these files immediately.

Using Python Valve in Spec Editor

In the Spec Editor you just need to open one of the the actual project's spec sheets and open the newly got sample catalog and add the new valves to this spec. After refreshing the spec in Plant3D you can start inserting your brand new valves into your 3D model. You can see the the whole process in the below video:

Customizing Python Valve

First it is important to create a copy of my sample catalog. You should do it because otherwise a reinstall will overwrite the sample catalog. Meaning all changes and work will be gone. Once you made the copy, you can start changing the parameters of the valves and joints. For example if you are using a very similar butterfly valve standard as I have created you just need to change maybe one or two parameters. After that you are ready to go. For creating a completely new valve type I recommend using the "Export to Excel" and "Import from Excel" buttons. Because they make your work much faster. The Spec Editor can do its job. But entering many-many parameters is much better in Excel. I show all the customization process below: