Introduction to AutoCAD MEP Training Content Editing

Introduction to AutoCAD MEP Training
Content Editing Overview

What is content?
Content, in the AutoCAD MEP setting, simply consists of any files that help you work on a project. That doesnt really tell you much does it? What you hear most often is OOTB content or Out-of-the-box content. That means the data that comes with the program to allow you to have a starting library of parts in some form. The problem with the AutoCAD MEP OOTB content is that it is very generic. While it is content created from the ASHRAE catalog, it does not have any manufacturer data and does not always show installed with some of the detail that you may need to use in fabrication. That is why you chose to use EastCoast CAD/CAM software. It provides you the content you need among many other advantages. For the most part, when you create content, you will be creating content in ECCAD Part Manager that works with AutoCAD MEP. The information provided in this lesson is to give you an overview of the different types of AutoCAD MEP content and ways to edit that when you have equipment you need to change.
What types of content are there?

Content in AutoCAD MEP is divided into Style-based content and Catalog-based content. Style-based content is generally that found under Style Manager. Many of the examples of editing content youll find in the AutoCAD MEP Help menu will be more for electrical devices or schematics, which typically dont apply to duct and piping fabrication. Stylebased content also includes the system definitions that we cover in classroom training and another webcast.
Created by: Beth Powell
Page 1 of 14
4/6/09

Catalog-based content is divided between parametric parts and block-based parts, also known as MvParts.
These types of parts are stored in catalogs. Catalogs are collections of parts just as you might have a hard copy catalog sitting on your bookshelf now. Its just data.
Page 2 of 14
4/6/09
Installing content
When you install AutoCAD MEP, you have a choice of what content you install. You can install US Imperial only and not Metric, or any combination. If you need to revise what content is installed, you can always make changes. 1. 2. 3. 4. Go to Control Panel Choose AutoCAD MEP version you want to change. Choose to change. This will take you through the installation screen again and will require the installation DVD to add additional content.
Page 3 of 14
4/6/09
By default, your catalogs are stored under Aecb Catalogs. You can tell where your catalogs are stored from Options>MEP Catalogs tab. You can have more than one catalog loaded in AutoCAD MEP 2009. You will NOT see your ECCAD catalogs listed here. They load in a different manner.
Page 4 of 14
4/6/09
In 2010, you will be able to separate out catalogs even easier.
Page 5 of 14
4/6/09

If you add other sizes to families or have additional custom catalogs, be sure to store them and name them differently from the default. Otherwise when you upgrade your changes will be overwritten.
Tools for creating and modifying parts

Before you can edit content, you will need to turn on your CAD Manager pulldown menu.
Page 6 of 14
4/6/09

The CAD Manager pulldown menu provides links to all the content editing tools.
Page 7 of 14
4/6/09
Content Builder
Content is organized into families. For example, a Parallel Fan Powered VAV box is a family that has different sizes under that family. Content Builder allows you to edit part sizes.
Page 8 of 14
4/6/09
If you already have drawn some blocks that you want to use to represent your part, you can create a new block-based part. You need to have a block defined to move forward with this step. If you want to create a new parametric part from scratch, you would select the icon for new parametric part. This is somewhat complicated and generally only recommended for highly advanced users. You will need to determine work planes to draw. You can also import a parametric part from someone who has created it in the parametric modeling tool, Autodesk Inventor.
Page 9 of 14
4/6/09
Parametric Part Wizard
The parametric part wizard is much easier to use. You are choosing the family of parts that is already created by AutoCAD MEP and simply adding some other sizes. Basically you are filling in the blanks at the bottom of the dialog box. This is the primary editing tool I would recommend for making minor dimensional changes to existing types of AutoCAD MEP content.
Page 10 of 14
4/6/09

I choose the type of part I want to add sizes to from the drop down list. There are only 12 types from which to choose.
Im going to use data from the manufacturer that Im using to create additional sizes. I provide a name and description.
Page 11 of 14
4/6/09

I cannot duplicate information within this box.
You can see the names I created. I ended up with three 6 x 6 boxes with a 4, 5, and 6 neck.
Page 12 of 14
4/6/09
Catalog Editor
The Catalog Editor is another way for you to add content. If you choose to edit a catalog, you should save a copy of the catalog.
Generally the catalog you will be using is the ECCAD Catalog and not the AutoCAD MEP catalog. ECCAD has much friendlier tools for content creation.
Page 13 of 14
4/6/09
Additional Info
There is much, much more that can be learned about AutoCAD MEPs different types of content. Visit http://www.autodeskuniversity.com to download handouts and view classes from last years Autodesk University and make plans to attend this years event.
Ive highlighted the ones that cover content and are recommended.
Page 14 of 14
4/6/09

Introduction to AutoCAD MEP Training Content Editing

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to AutoCAD MEP Training Content Editing

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction to AutoCAD MEP Training

Content Editing Overview

What types of content are there?

Created by: Beth Powell