Item Property

Understanding Your ITM Content
Martin Schmid, P.E. – Autodesk

Andy Robins – Autodesk
MSF7757-L ITM content is the backbone of the Autodesk Fabrication products. This manufacture-
specific and real-world content is what helps you better prepare for fabrication and installation. In this
lab, you’ll learn about Autodesk’s approach to ITM content, including how we create it and why it is
delivered the way it is, how to build your own content or add additional pieces to your library, best
practices when using connectivity, and how to mix-and-match Autodesk’s and your own content in your
services.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this class, you will be able to:
• Create fabrication content using the same tools Autodesk does
• Understand why content is setup and delivered the way it is
• Build your own content and add pieces to your library
• Understand connectivity, including how to use existing definitions
About the Speakers

Martin Schmid, P.E. a recovering electrical engineer, has worked for Autodesk for nearly 10
years. He joined Autodesk in early 2005 in He recently became Product Manager for Revit
MEP.
After spending three years living in Germany, he has been reunited with his drum sets that have
been sitting silent in a government storage facility. His wife serves in the USAF, which explains
the frequent relocations over the last 15 years. Martin has two daughters, ages 5 and 8, who
consume most of his free time, partaking in activities such as horseback riding, roller skating,
swimming, piano lessons, Lego building and mashing (both the real and virtual Xbox variety).
[email protected]
Andy Robins is the software development manager for the Autodesk Fabrication products. Prior
to the MAP Software acquisition Andy played a major role in the product development of the
renowned CAD-Duct and CADmep+ (now Autodesk Fabrication CADmep) AutoCAD-based
applications, taking its development from a ‘2D Lisp’ based program to a full 3D c++ ObjectARX
application.
Beginning his tenure in 1990, Andy has over 20 years’ experience in software development in
the MEP sector, being heavily involved in the development of the whole MAP Software product
line focused on fabrication from the onset and helping end users generate the greatest value out
of their software packages.
[email protected]
Contents
Learning Objectives .................................................................................................................1
About the Speakers .................................................................................................................1
Materials..................................................................................................................................3
Exercise ...............................................................................................................................3
Inspecting Service Items and Masters..................................................................................7
Making a Pipe Fitting Elbow .................................................................................................8
Template Items, Catalog Items, and Product Lists .............................................................12
Create a Product List .........................................................................................................12
Connectors ........................................................................................................................16
Self Exercise ......................................................................................................................19
Male / Female Connectivity ................................................................................................19
Materials and Connectivity .................................................................................................26
Duct Fitting.........................................................................................................................31
Dimensions - Dependency and Calculation ........................................................................36
Wrapped Parts ...................................................................................................................37
Appendix / Reference ............................................................................................................38
Connectivity Logic ..............................................................................................................38
End Draw Types - Round ...................................................................................................40
End Draw Type – Rectangular ...........................................................................................44
End Draw Type – Oval .......................................................................................................48
Solutions ............................................................................................................................49
Content Resources ............................................................................................................50
2
Materials
When creating pipe fittings, the overall geometry is influenced by the material assigned to the
fitting. For example, the overall size of a PVC fitting is generally larger than a copper fitting.
The first set of exercises will expose you to the dimensional information associated with
materials, and walk you through creation and inspection of a simple elbow fitting that
demonstrates this concept.
Exercise
1. Launch CADmep.
2. Select the Imperial Content V3.01 configuration when prompted.
3. Within CADmep, select the Edit Main Database button (or enter the command EDITDB) (see
Figure 1).
Figure 1
4. In the Database editor, click the Fittings button (see Figure 2, #1)
5. Make sure the Materials node is selected (see Figure 2, #2).
6. Make sure the Main button is selected (see Figure 2, #3).
7. From the Material drop list, select Pipe Systems > PVC (see Figure 2, #4).
3
Figure 2
8. Double click ASTM D1785 (20’), and note the Pipe OD for the 4” diameter pipe (see Figure 3).
9. Click Close
10. From the Material drop list, select Pipe Systems > Copper.
11. Double click ASTM B88 (20’), and note the Pipe OD for the 4” diameter pipe (see Figure 3).
12. Click Close/OK to dismiss the dialogs.
4
Figure 3
Note that the PVC OD (4.500) is larger than the Copper OD (4.125). We will build a basic 4”
pipe fitting elbow, and compare the differences in materials.
Click the Specifications item in on the left (see Figure 4).
5
Figure 4
We’ve looked at materials and taken note of the OD. Note that specifications also have OD
definitions (see Figure 4) for legacy reasons. If material has OD, then it is used… if material
has no OD, it uses that which is in the specification. Using the OD on the material has a
significant reduction in file size of each ITM vs. legacy content which had copies of the full spec
and all associated material ODs.
For straight segments, length is defined in multiple places. The Material (Length, see Figure 3),
the Specification (STD Straight, see Figure 4), the straight item definition, and the item instance
all have a length property. These are used for different purposes.
Material drives the length for linear nesting (minimum cuts from minimum segments). When
determining how multiple non-standard length parts will be cut from a single straight segment,
Figure 3 indicates all sizes will be based on a 20’ length.
Specification drives the straight optimization (minimum segments along a straight run) when the
item instance’s length is set to Auto. Also, when laying out segments, they will be coupled at
the specified length. Figure 4 indicates a standard length of 21’.
When the item definition’s length is set to:
• Auto - default lengths and optimization of the segment come from the specification.
• Value - this is used as the default length of the segment, and is used as the basis of straight
optimization.
6
Inspecting Service Items and Masters
When creating a part, you need to determine which pattern to base the part on. You can do this
by inspecting the properties of existing service items, and items in the folders hierarchy.
1. Enter the command FOLDERS

2. Expand Item Folders > Imperial Content > zMasters > Mechanical > Systems
3. Right click on CID2523 – (Elbow 90), and select properties.
Note on the Pattern Template tab: “(Based on Pattern 2523)” (see left side of Figure 6)
4. Click Cancel.
5. If the service drop list and item view is not visible, open it with the command USESYSTEMS (see
Figure 6)
6. From the Service drop list, select ADSK – Hydronic > Process Chilled Water Supply.
Figure 5
7
7. Right click No607 Elbow 90 (C), and select Properties > Copper: ……ITM.
Note on the General tab: “(Based on Pattern 2523)” (see right side of Figure 6)
Figure 6
After confirming the pattern number of the item to create, you are now ready to start creating the
item.
Making a Pipe Fitting Elbow

In this case, we are going to make a fitting based on pattern 2523
1. Enter the command MAKEPAT

2. At the prompt, enter 2523
There are four main tabs of information that define the part.
• Dimensions – defines the general geometric size of the part

• Options – has a variety of settings that may be related how the geometry is defined, or how the
part is fabricated.
• Item – a variety of other settings such as specification and material, insulation, service.
• Other – defines connectors (C), seams (S), and dampers (D).
8
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the properties available on each tab.
Patterns have a number of settings that can affect how the dimensions affect the overall
geometry. Your familiarity with these settings will develop over time. Pattern 2523 in particular,
on the Options tab, has an option called Leg Lengths, which affects the input dimensions as
shown in Figure 7.
Compare each option to the manufacturer image in Figure 7.
Which option correlates to the Manufacturer’s provided dimension A?
Leg Lengths Option Manufacturer
Length Includes
No Yes
Extensions
Figure 7
3. On the Options tab, set:

• Number of Segments = 16 (gives the part a smoother appearance).
• Leg Lengths = Yes
4. On the Dimensions tab, set:
• Diameter = 4
• Angle = 90
• Bottom Extension = 0
• Top Extension = 0
• Btm Length = 5.5
• Top Length = 5.5
5. Lock all the dimensions (see Figure 8)
Note: For this exercise, we are locking the dimensions to ensure when we insert the part, these
dimensions are used. Otherwise, in some cases, previously used dimensions may take
precedence when inserting the part.
9
Figure 8
6. Click OK.
You will be prompted to save the file.
7. Browse to Item Folders > Imperial Content

8. Right click Imperial Content, and click New Folder…
9. Enter the name MSF7757-L, and then click OK
10. When prompted to create the folder, click yes.
11. In the Filename box, enter My Elbow and then click Save
12. If the FOLDERS window is not open, enter the command FOLDERS to open it.
13. Within the Folders window, browse to MSF7757-L
14. Double click My Elbow
15. On the Item tab, set (see Figure 9)
• Specification = General Piping
10
• Material = Pipe Systems > PVC > ASTM D1785 (20’)
Figure 9
16. Click OK, and place an instance in the drawing area.

17. Copy the fitting just created.
18. Double click the copied instance.
19. On the Item tab, set
• Material to Copper ASTM B88.
20. Use the DIST command to confirm that the OD at the openings of the fitting are according to the
material definition as shown in Figure 3.
11
• 4.5 for PVC

• 4.125 for Copper
Template Items, Catalog Items, and Product Lists

The part we have defined thus far is a template item. Typically for fabricated rectangular sheet
metal ductwork, template items will have most of their dimensions left unlocked so they can be
set as necessary for each instance. Other types of parts such as pipe fittings are produced by
manufacturers at specific sizes. The 4” pipe fitting we defined could be modified to make it a
Catalog Item, however, typically there are a series of sizes that are produced from a
manufacturer that has similar characteristics. In such cases, a Product List is defined.
Create a Product List

1. In the Folders view, right click My Elbow, and select Create Product List (see Figure 10).
12
Figure 10
2. On the Item tab, set:

• Specification = General Piping
• Material = PVC ASTM D1785 (20’)
3. Click OK, then click Save to update the ITM definition.
4. Click Yes to overwrite when prompted.
5. Insert another instance of the part.
6. Double click the copied part in the model. Notice that you can no longer modify the Material on
the item instance (see Figure 11)
Figure 11
7. Click OK to dismiss the window.

8. In the FOLDERS view, right click on My Elbow again, and select Edit.
9. On the Dimensions tab, unlock:
• Diameter
• Btm Length
• Top Length
10. Click the Edit Product List icon (see Figure 12)
13
Figure 12
11. Click the Green new button next to the Save (disk) icon (see Figure 13)
• For Column Type, select Dimension.
• In the Select Which box, select Diameter
• Click OK.
12. Repeat the previous step to add:
• Btm Length
• Top Length
13. Add the two rows of data as shown in Figure 13.
14
Figure 13
14. Click OK to dismiss the Edit Product List dialog.

15. Click OK to dismiss the item dialog.
16. If prompted, save the item file, overwriting the previous definition.
17. Use the item to add a 2” and 4” instance to the model.
Next, we’ll add the hub, creating the connection from scratch. First, one final modification to the
part dimensions:
18. Edit the My Elbow Item definition

19. On the Dimensions tab, set and verify locked:
• Bottom Extension = Auto
• Top Extension = Auto
20. Click OK
Setting the extensions to Auto will force them to be the exact length required for the hub. Figure
14 below shows the same fitting with a connector added, the left with an Extension of 0, the
right with an Extension of Auto.
15
Figure 14
Connectors
Connectors define the geometry of the connector, the engagement length, and have definitions
which limits the ability for connectors to connect to each other. We will now enhance the fitting
we’ve been working to incorporate the connector.
1. Right click on the My Elbow item, and click Edit.

2. Select the Other tab.
3. Click the triangle in the #1 C2 row (see Figure 15)
16
Figure 15
4. Click the new button.
Figure 16
17
5. Set the name to My PVC Female

6. Expand the End Draw Type, and make note of the options.
See Appendix | End Draw Type – Round to see details related to each End Draw Type.
7. Make sure Standard is selected from the list.

8. Click the Breakpoints button.
9. Enter the values as shown in Figure 17
Figure 17
10. Click OK to close the breakpoints window.

11. Click Close to dismiss the connector window.
12. Click OK to dismiss the edit database window.
13. Click the Redraw button to update the part (see Figure 18)
14. Set #2 C3 to No Group > My PVC Female. Notice when doing so the lock automatically engages.
15. Redraw again.
16. Right click in the part preview area, and select Save as Icon (see Figure 18)
17. Click OK.
18
Figure 18
Self Exercise
1. Add a 6” elbow to the list, setting Top Length and Btm Length to 5”
2. Create an instance. What is missing? Correct the part.
3. Use the following dimensions as reference
a. B Extension = 3.0
b. D Body Thickness = 0.281
c. E Body Length = 3.0
d. What should C Snap Offset be?
Tip: You can fix an instance of the part in the model by clicking the Redraw button, then clicking
OK.
Male / Female Connectivity

Next, we will create a simple short filler pipe segment to be used as an elbow-to-elbow coupling
to demonstrate male/female connectivity. We will build a simple part to represent a short
segment of piping, then modify an out of the box service to include the fitting we created
previously, along with this new segment, to demonstrate how couplings will automatically be
placed where necessary.
There are two properties of the connector that determine whether one connector can connect to
another connector.
19
End Type
• Male can connect to connectors with end type set to Female or None.
• Female can connect to Male or None.
Connectivity
• Two connectors have to have the same connectivity value to be allowed to connect to each
other. For example, in the figure below, any of the connectors defined as Tube&Fittings |
Female can connect to any of the Tube&Fittings | Male connectors. The grouping of the
connectors has no impact.
• Empty values only connect to other empty values.
Figure 19
Note: Only parts based on the coupling patterns 2522 (piping), 522, 1112, 1113, (duct) and
3522 (electrical) will be automatically inserted where two otherwise incompatible connectors are
connected.
TIP: 1112 and 1113 are round and oval couplers with fat sheet developments, for use by
companies that manufacture their own.
1. Create a new part based on pattern 2522.

2. Accept all the defaults, and click OK.
3. Browse to the MSF7757-L folder, enter the name Male Coupling, and click Save.
4. Create a Product List
5. Lock the following properties:
• Collar = 0
• Offset = 0
• Right Collar = Equal
20
• Right Diameter = Equal

6. Edit the product list, and add the following dimensions:
• Diameter
• Length
7. Add the values as shown in Figure 20
Figure 20
8. Click OK to dismiss the product list window.

9. On the Item tab, set Material to PVC ASTM D1785
10. On the Other tab, click the Triangle to edit C1.
11. Create a new connector (click No if prompted to create a copy of another connector).
12. Set:
a. Name = My PVC Male
b. Connectivity = My PVC
c. End Type = Male
d. End Draw Type = Standard
We don’t need to enter anything in breakpoints, as this represents the end of the raw pipe.
13. Click Close.

14. Click OK.
15. On the Other tab
16. Set C2 = My PVC Male
17. Click OK
18. Save the part if prompted.
19. Right click on My Elbow, and click Edit.
20. On the Other tab, click the triangle to edit #1 C2.
21. Right click My PVC Female, and click Edit.
22. Set:
a. Connectivity = My PVC
b. End Type = Female
23. Click Close
24. Click OK to dismiss the connector list.
25. Click OK to close the elbow.
21
Modify a Service and Test

We will now modify an existing service to test the placement of the coupling when we place two
elbows back to back.
1. Close and restart CADmep. If you don’t, your MSF7757-L folder won’t be available in step 6
below. You don’t need to save your drawing.
2. Select the ADSK – Hydronic | Process Chilled Water Return service.
3. Click the Edit Service Database button (see Figure 21)
Figure 21
Figure 22
4. Click the Service Information button (see Figure 22)

5. Make sure the Item Folders tab is current on the left side of the window.
6. Expand Imperial Content > Drag the Coupling to the end of the button list (see Figure 23)
7. Drag the Elbow to the end of the button list.
8. Move the elbow and the coupling as shown in Figure 23. The location is somewhat arbitrary.
9. Click OK to close the service template.
10. Click OK to close the service.
22
Figure 23
11. Place two elbows back-to-back and confirm that the Male Coupling inserts between them. See
Figure 24
Figure 24
More Complex Connectivity

Connectivity can take into account multiple conditions. In the prior example, we connected PVC
to PVC. In Figure 25 below, the adapter/coupling is connecting a threaded female connection
on the stab-in to the male plain end on the copper tube. These components are from the
23
Process Chilled Water supply. The main pipe is on the Welded tab, as is the threaded stab-in.
The copper pipe is on the Soldered tab, as is the CxM adapter.
The net result is when the user places a copper tube on the stab-in, the adapter is automatically
inserted.
Figure 25
Note how the adapter (row 2) connects the female threaded stab-in to the male tube.
Number Item Connector Item’s Item’s Material

Connector
Name Connectivity End Type Connectivity Material Connectivity
1 Stab-In WEL_Female Pipe Thread Threaded Female N/A Carbon Steel <Empty>
(Female Pipe
Thread)
2 No604 – GRC_M_MPT (ASME Threaded Male None Copper <Empty>
Adapter B1.20.1)
(CxM) GRC_M_C-WCU (ASME Tube&Fittings Female None
B16.22)
3 Pipe-B88- GRC_Tube_Plain End Tube&Fittings Male N/A Copper <Empty>
CU-L(PE) (ASTM B88)
24
Figure 26
The next example, when placing a flanged valve on the end of a pipe, connectivity can
automatically insert the required weld and flange on the pipe end, as shown in Figure 26. In this
case, two intermediate parts are inserted (#2 and #3 in Figure 26). The software will figure out
up to four intermediate parts.
Open the dataset file “Connectivity Sample 1.dwg”, and fill in the details of the connectivity
below by inspecting the connector properties of the various objects. Note particularly the
matching connectivity and male/female pairs.

Connector
1 Pipe-A53- GRC_Tube_Bevelled Welded Male N/A Carbon Steel <empty>
CS(A-ERW)-
SCH40-
BLK(BV)
2 Shop Weld – GRC_Butt Weld (Shop) None Carbon Steel <empty>
CS-A53 None
3 Weld Neck None Carbon Steel <empty>
Flange RF None
4 F-2 Gate N/A Carbon Steel <empty>
Valve
25
Materials and Connectivity

Another property of materials, called Connectivity, affects the coupling logic, allowing different
couplings to be matched depending on the material of the parts. This allows, for example,
dielectric unions to be automatically inserted according to material definitions.
When configuring the connectors on a coupling part (e.g., patterns 2522, 522, 3522), there is
the option to populate the Connectivity, as shown in the Figure 27.
Figure 27
Why is connector data locked?

If an error is found in the data, Autodesk can we can safely update. As we know the data is
being used in the way intended. If you see problems, report to us, and we can fix it. Data
based on real parts should not need to be modified… if one user needs to modify, all need it…
we want to make sure all users have the correct data.
When using connectivity on couplings, the Connectivity property of the material must be
populated. An empty value (as shown in Figure 28) only matches other empty values.
Connectivity between different materials is allowed, as long as they have the same Connectivity
value.
26
Figure 28
If you were to configure the connectors on the nipple and union, how would you populate the
empty values from the table below?
27
Figure 29

Connector
1 Stab-In WEL_Female Pipe Thread Threaded Female N/A Carbon Steel
(Female Pipe
Thread)
2 No320 – Pipe GRC_MPT (ASME Carbon Steel
Nipple (Sch B1.20.1)
40) GRC_MPT (ASME
B1.20.1)
3 Dielectric WAT_Female Pipe Thread Carbon Forged Steel
Union 3001A Steel
WAT_Soldered Copper
4 Pipe-B88- GRC_Tube_Plain End Tube&Fittings Male N/A Copper
CU-L(PE) (ASTM B88)
We’ll now build a coupling that will use connectivity to connect Copper to Cast Iron.
12. Right click My Elbow, select Copy.

13. Right click and select Paste.
14. Rename the copy My Elbow – Copper
15. Make another copy.
16. Rename the copy My Elbow – Carbon Steel
28
For connectivity, we need to assign a connectivity string to the material. In our case, the
material is owned/locked data. To reconcile this, we’ll make a copy.
Why is the Material data locked?

If an error is found in the data, Autodesk can we can safely update. As we know the data is
being used in the way intended. If you see problems, report to us, and we can fix it. Standards
should not need to be modified… if one user needs to modify, all need it… we want to make
sure all users have the correct data.
17. Right click My Elbow – Copper, and select Edit.

18. On the Item tab, click the Material text.
19. Select Copper from the Material drop list
20. Click the Add New Material button.
21. When prompted to copy the current material, click Yes.
22. Set:
• Name = My Copper
• Connectivity = Cu
23. Click OK to close the material window.
24. Make sure the material is set to My Copper | ASTM B88 (20’)
25. On the Other tab, set:
• #1 C2 = Generic Mechanical | GRC-M_C-WCU (ASME B16.22)
• #2 C3 = Generic Mechanical | GRC-M_C-WCU (ASME B16.22)
26. Click OK to close the item.

27. Repeat the above to set the My Elbow – Carbon Steel fitting’s material as My Carbon Steel, with
connectivity = CS.
28. Set the Material to My Carbon Steel | ASTM A-53.
29. On the Other tab, set
• #1 C2 = Weldbend | WEL_Female Pipe Thread
• #2 C3 = Weldbend | WEL_Female Pipe Thread
30. Click OK to close the item.
Now, we need a coupling to connect the copper to the carbon steel.
31. Copy/Paste the Male Coupling

32. Rename as My Dielectric Union
33. On the Other tab, set:
• C1 = Weldbend | WEL_Male Pipe Thread
• C2 = Generic Tubes | GRC_Tube_Plain End (ASTM B88)
34. Place a 4” My Elbow – Carbon Steel then a 4” My Elbow – Copper
29
You will be prompted to change the connector on the fitting… this isn’t what we want. We want
the Dielectric Union to insert… but it didn’t.
35. Click Cancel.
What change do you need to make to the My Dielectric Union to get the union to insert between
the copper and carbon steel elbows?
Figure 30
36. Make the required changes, and re-test to confirm you have it working.
30
Duct Fitting
Close/Restart CADmep, using the Metric configuration.
In this next example, we will build a duct fitting, and look at a few additional best practices.
1. Find an appropriate template – may take some trial and error with various patterns to find
something suitable.
2. Translate the manufacturer’s dimensions to the template dimensions – use a sketch and
spreadsheet to track your work. There may be some dimensions you need to confirm w/ the
manufacturer.
3. Next review the manufacturer data to see if there are any rules that affect how the part is built.
In this case, we will build a fitting based on the top-left image in Figure 31, using pattern 160.
The top-left image is the diagram from the manufacturer. The top-right image are the default
dimensions provided by pattern 160. Note that the manufacturer diagram is missing info related
to the length of length D. The bottom-left image shows the dimensions once length D is
resolved.
Figure 31
31
Figure 32
1. Restart CADmep, and use the Metric configuration.

2. Use the MAKEPAT command, and enter 160.
3. Click OK.
4. Make MSF7757-L under Item Folders as done previously in the Imperial configuration.
5. Save the part in the MSF7757-L folder as My Reducing Tee.
6. Right click on My Reducing Tee, and click Create Product List.
7. On the Dimensions tab, set:
a. E = Auto (and lock)
b. F = Auto (and lock)
c. I = 90 (and lock)
d. L = Auto (and lock)
e. M = 0 (and lock)
f. Lock N through S.
8. Click Redraw.
On the Item tab (see Figure 32), there is an option for Centerline Input. Using this option results
in the dimensions shown in the lower-right image of Figure 31. The table below shows a
comparison of the two options, translating the dimensions in the pattern to the manufacturer
dimensions.
Centerline Input No Yes
32
A D1 D1
B D2 D2
C L1 – D L1 – D
D (A – B) / 2 (A – B) / 2
E Auto Auto
F Auto Auto
G D3 D3
H L3 – A/2 L3
I 90 90
J L4 – G2 L4
K 0 0
L Auto Auto
M 0 0
9. On the Item tab, check the box for Centerline input.

10. Click the Redraw button.
11. Click the Dimensions tab.
12. Click the Edit Product List button.
13. Add dimensions in the order shown in row 1 of the spreadsheet in Figure 33, note particularly
the D) prefixes.
That the order of the parameters in the Product List window matching the order in the
spreadsheet to makes it easy to copy/paste between applications
The next step is to build up a spreadsheet using formulae as appropriate to populate values.
14. Use the Figure 33 to fill in the required formulae in “Reducing Tee - Start.xlsm” in row 3.
15. Use Excel’s Fill Down (CTRL+D) function to fill in the formulae for rows 4 & 5.
33
Figure 33
16. Copy the range of cells shown in the spreadsheet in Figure 34.
17. Paste into the product list as shown in the spreadsheet in Figure 34.
18. Click OK to close the product list.
19. Click OK to close the item dialog.
Figure 34
Now, we’ll build up the connector for the fitting.
In this case, the manufacturer provides a table that defines the size of L2 based on the
component’s diameter. Noting this, we can use the connector to drive these extensions, instead
of defining on the part itself. We have already set the associated parameter values to Auto.
Adding these lengths in a connector results in less data in the product list for each part in the
group of manufacturer parts. Additionally, if, for whatever reason, the connector details change,
this can be done centrally, instead of in each fitting definition.
In the Folders view, right click on My Reducing Tee, and select Edit.
1. Select the Other tab.

2. Click the > in the C1 row.
3. Click the green new button.
4. Enter the name XYZ Male
5. Set Connectivity to Round Duct
6. Set End Type to Male
7. Click Breakpoints
8. Enter the values shown below
34
Manufacturer Data Breakpoints Table
D (mm) L2 (mm) A Diameter B C Snap

Extension Offset
71-224 40 224 40 -80
250-355 60 355 60 -120
400-630 80 630 80 -160
710-1000 100 1000 100 -200
1120-1600 120 1600 120 -240
9. Click OK
10. Click Close
11. Right click on XYZ Male (at the top, under No Group), and select Change Group
12. Set the group name to XYZ.
13. Click OK
14. Click OK
15. In the Name column, set C2 and C3 to LBF Male, note that all assigned connectors are locked.
16. Click OK, saving/overwriting if prompted.
It is possible to import the data directly, instead of having to copy paste.
17. Edit the part again.

18. Click the Import button (see Figure 35).
19. In the dataset folder for this class, select the Reducing Tee - Import.csv and click open.
20. Click OK to dismiss the product list and item editor.
Figure 35
35
Dimensions - Dependency and Calculation

It is possible to have dimension values that are dependent or calculated from other dimension
values.
As an arbitrary example, you can define the length of a part to be dependent on the diameter as
shown in the Figure 36.
Dependency works similar to breakpoints. The way the definition below is interpreted, for
example, when the diameter of the part is >100 and <= 200, then the Length will be 1000.
Calculated values are similarly derived from other parameters. The figure below right is
interpreted as the Length of the duct calculated as 2x the Diameter.
To define a Dependency or Calculation, you click on the letter associated with the value (shown
blue in the images below). Once you have defined the dependency and/or calculation, you
select which to use in the Value column, by selecting Dependent or Calc.
Note that it is only possible to have dependency and calculated values based on dimensions;
you can’t, for example, have a dependency on a setting on the Options tab.
Figure 36
36
Take a few moments to explore the usage of Dependency and Calculation settings.
Wrapped Parts
You can use the command Convert3DModel to define non parametric items, they may be 3D
blocks, or 3D geometry objects.
Refer to the help topic for this command for more info.
The help topic refers to a ConnDef block. You can find this block in the default configurations:
• C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Fabrication 2015\Metric
Content\V7.01\Blocks\Annotation Blocks\ADSK Annotation Blocks.dwg
• C:\Users\Public\Documents\Autodesk\Fabrication 2015\Imperial
Content\V3.01\Blocks\Annotation Blocks\ADSK Annotation Blocks.dwg
After you have created your item, use the SAVETOFOLDER command (right click > CADmep >
Utilities > Save Item to Folders) to write it to your configuration folders.
37
Appendix / Reference
Connectivity Logic
Connectors are allowed to connect based on a series of checks related to the material,
connector connectivity, and connector end type. A summary of the logic is shown in Figure 37,
and locations in the UI are shown in Figure 38.
Figure 37
38
Figure 38
39
End Draw Types - Round

The various End Draw Types from a connector defintiion (see Figure 39) are shown in Figure
40.
Figure 39
40
Standard Blank Step Down
Hex End Square Push Fit
Figure 40
The main difference between Push Fit and Standard is the Swage starts on the extension body
on the push fit.
The definition of the parameters in the breakpoints table (see Figure 41) are defined below.
Figure 41
A Diameter – The nominal size of the fitting, used to match the connector to the fitting.
B Extension – How long to make the connection beyond the end of the pipe
C Snap Offset – how far from the end of the fitting the next fitting will be placed. The
definition is a carryover from duct… this was historically the gasket
thickness… half applied to each end. For piping, this is very counter
intuitive, in that you specify a negative value, and twice the required
distance. Typically set to 2x E Body Length.
41
D Body Thickness – How thick to make the

wall. Related to “Extension Includes Diameter”, which in our case, should
be no, so we are specifying only the wall thickness. If “Extension Includes
Diameter” is set to yes, you’d have to account for OD to get the proper
dimension, which since the material is driving the overall diameter, could be
cumbersome to work with.
E Body Length – This is how long to make the hub, using the D Body Thickness
F Body Set Back – Distance away from end of fitting to start the body, would typically be
negative for a slide on flange.
G Swage Set Back – How far from the end of

the connector body to start the swage. (For Push Fit, the swage starts at the
start of the body).
H Swage Length – How long to make the swage
Note: There is no control over the width of the swage, it is proportional to the length.
As an example, Figure 42 shows step-by-step how the parameters affect the geometry.
42
100 mm diameter segment 200 mm long
B Extension = 100 mm
D Body Thickness = 50 mm
E Body Length = 50 mm
F Body Set Back = 50 mm (slide on flange, could use as

negative value)
G Swage Set Back = 10 mm
H Swage Length = 10 mm (for Push)
Figure 42
43
End Draw Type – Rectangular

The rectangular end draw types are detailed below. See Figure 43, Figure 44, Figure 45, and
Figure 46.
Figure 43
44
Standard Blank
Step Down Coupling Plate
Figure 44
Sample dimensional variation of Standard/Blank/Step Down settings
45
100x100 duct w/ 25 mm D Line 1
+25 mm D Line 1 + 25 mm E Line 2
25 mm F Line 3
25 mm G Line 4
Figure 45
46
Sample dimensional variation of Coupling Plate settings (used for bus bar), using D Sides = All
All values 0
10mm E Horizontal Inset + 20 F Length
20mm G Thickness
10 mm H Vertical Width
Figure 46
47
End Draw Type – Oval

Oval end draw type characteristics are similar to round, with width and depth properties, instead
of just round. See Figure 41.
48
Solutions
Connector
1 Pipe-A53- GRC_Tube_Bevelled Welded Male N/A Carbon Steel <empty>
CS(A-ERW)-
SCH40-
BLK(BV)
2 Shop Weld – GRC_Butt Weld (Shop) Welded Female None Carbon Steel <empty>
CS-A53 GRC_Butt Weld (Shop) Welded Female None
3 Weld Neck GRC_Butt Welded Welded Male None Carbon Steel <empty>
Flange RF GRC_Flange – Class 150 Flange 150 None None
RF
4 F-2 Gate MIL_Flange – Class 150 Flange 150 None N/A Carbon Steel <empty>
Valve

Connector
1 Stab-In WEL_Female Pipe Thread Threaded Female N/A Carbon Steel CS
(Female Pipe
Thread)
2 No320 – Pipe GRC_MPT (ASME Threaded Male Carbon Carbon Steel CS
Nipple (Sch B1.20.1) Steel
40) GRC_MPT (ASME Threaded Male Carbon
B1.20.1) Steel
3 Dielectric WAT_Female Pipe Thread Threaded Female Carbon Forged Steel Any
Union 3001A Steel
WAT_Soldered Tube&Fittings Female Copper
4 Pipe-B88- GRC_Tube_Plain End Tube&Fittings Male N/A Copper Cu
CU-L(PE) (ASTM B88)
49
Content Resources
• Content lists: available and identified for development

o http://aec-projects.com/autodesk-fabrication/search-itm-content/
• Download content
o http://www.building3dcontent.com/
• Feedback Alias
o [email protected]
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Understanding Your ITM Content

Martin Schmid, P.E. – Autodesk

About the Speakers

Click the Specifications item in on the left (see Figure 4).

When the item definition’s length is set to:

Inspecting Service Items and Masters

1. Enter the command FOLDERS

Making a Pipe Fitting Elbow

1. Enter the command MAKEPAT

• Dimensions – defines the general geometric size of the part

Compare each option to the manufacturer image in Figure 7.

Which option correlates to the Manufacturer’s provided dimension A?

Leg Lengths Option Manufacturer

3. On the Options tab, set:

You will be prompted to save the file.

7. Browse to Item Folders > Imperial Content

• Material = Pipe Systems > PVC > ASTM D1785 (20’)

16. Click OK, and place an instance in the drawing area.

• 4.5 for PVC

Template Items, Catalog Items, and Product Lists

Create a Product List

2. On the Item tab, set:

7. Click OK to dismiss the window.

14. Click OK to dismiss the Edit Product List dialog.

18. Edit the My Elbow Item definition

1. Right click on the My Elbow item, and click Edit.

4. Click the new button.

5. Set the name to My PVC Female

7. Make sure Standard is selected from the list.

10. Click OK to close the breakpoints window.

Male / Female Connectivity

1. Create a new part based on pattern 2522.

• Right Diameter = Equal

8. Click OK to dismiss the product list window.

13. Click Close.

Modify a Service and Test

4. Click the Service Information button (see Figure 22)

More Complex Connectivity

Number Item Connector Item’s Item’s Material

Number Item Connector Item’s Item’s Material

Materials and Connectivity

Why is connector data locked?

Number Item Connector Item’s Item’s Material

12. Right click My Elbow, select Copy.

Why is the Material data locked?

17. Right click My Elbow – Copper, and select Edit.

26. Click OK to close the item.

Now, we need a coupling to connect the copper to the carbon steel.

31. Copy/Paste the Male Coupling

35. Click Cancel.

1. Restart CADmep, and use the Metric configuration.

Centerline Input No Yes

9. On the Item tab, check the box for Centerline input.

Now, we’ll build up the connector for the fitting.

1. Select the Other tab.

Manufacturer Data Breakpoints Table

D (mm) L2 (mm) A Diameter B C Snap

71-224 40 224 40 -80

250-355 60 355 60 -120