EC+Sheet+Metal+CAD+Training+V6.1

7/22/2019 EC+Sheet+Metal+CAD+Training+V6.1

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ecsheetmetalcadtrainingv61 1/245

Student Exercises

EC Sheet Metal CAD

MEP Design toFabrication



Copyright

2005-2014 EastCoast CAD/CAM. All rights reserved. This document and the information contained within are

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY, and are the property of EastCoast CAD/CAM and may not be copied, stored, used, ortransmitted, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of EastCoast CAD/CAM.

Disclaimer

Programs are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, thewarranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. This publication could contain technical inaccuracies ortypographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in neweditions of this publication. EastCoast CAD/CAM is without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Subject

to change without notice.

Proprietary Restrictions

The information contained herein is provided subject to a non-disclosure agreement and/or contractual confidentiality obligationsand is for use by authorized employees of the parties thereto only and is not for general distribution within or outside their

respective companies.

Trademarks

Autodesk and AutoCAD and Revit MEP are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.

The following are trademarks of EastCoast CAD/CAM: EC Virtual Construction, MEP Fabrication, Design to Fabrication,

Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP, EC DuctMaker, EC-CAD, EC-Maker, Series 1000 Plasma table, Series 2000 Plasma Table.

Other trademarked products used in this book are trademarks of their respective copyright.

Patent Disclaimer

The manufacture, offer for sale, sale or use of this product is subject to exclusive patent rights owned by EastCoast CAD/CAM asclaimed in one or more claims of U.S. Patent Numbers 7,499,839, 7,917,340 and 8,335,667, entitled: Method and Apparatus forImporting Data into Program Code also known as “Design to Fabrication”, which is a trademark of EastCoast CAD/CAM.

Release Date DuctMaker PartManager Catalog Fabrication

for AutoCAD MEP

EC Start Drawing

Template.dwt

EC Schedules

and Tags.dwg

MEP Design

to Fabrication

Release V2.1 02-2010

Release V3.0 07-2010

Release V3.2 11-2010 1.0

Release V4.0 07- 2011 4.0.2 4.0.2 4.0.0 4.0.5.120

Release V4.1 12-2011 4.1.7 4.1.7 4.1.7 4.1.8.120 2.2.0.120

Release V5.0 06-2012 5.0.5 5.0.5 5.0.6 5.0.6.120 2.2.0.120

Release V6.0

08-2013 6.0.3 6.0.3 6.0.3 6.0.3.140 6.0.0 6.0.0 6.0.3.140

EC Manufacturer-Specific Catalogs for AutoCAD MEP 2014: 6.0.1.140

EC Parametric Part Wizard Templates for AutoCAD MEP 2014: 6.0.1.140

Release V6.1

02-2014 6.1.2 6.1.2 6.1.2 6.1.2.140 6.1.0 6.1.0 6.1.2.140

EC Manufacturer-Specific Catalogs for AutoCAD MEP 2014: 6.0.3.140

EC Parametric Part Wizard Templates for AutoCAD MEP 2014: 6.0.3.140

EASTCOAST CAD/CAM 33 Boston Post Road WestMarlborough, MA 01752

Phone: 800-334-2977

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





Table of Contents

About This Training.................................................................................................................. 1

Icons and Definitions ................................................................................................................. 2

General Fitting Details .............................................................................................................. 7

Part 1: MEP Setup and Basic Duct Routing ........................................................................... 8 Exercise 1: EC CAD Options (ECTOOLS) in AutoCAD MEP ......................................... 9

Exercise 2: Setting up the DWT Template ....................................................................... 13

Exercise 3: Loading a Catalog .......................................................................................... 18

Exercise 4: Routing Preferences and System Settings ...................................................... 19

Exercise 5: Routing a Duct Run........................................................................................ 22

Exercise 6: Place a Specific Fitting .................................................................................. 26

Exercise 7: Adding Taps ................................................................................................... 29

Exercise 8: Using the Properties Palette to Change Dimensions ...................................... 31

Part 2: PartManager Setup .................................................................................................... 33 Exercise 9: Catalogs in PartManager ................................................................................ 33

Exercise 10: Configuration Overview .............................................................................. 36

Exercise 11: Specifications ............................................................................................... 39

Exercise 12: Manufacturer Defaults ................................................................................. 54

Exercise 13: Sheet Parameters .......................................................................................... 60

Exercise 14: Special Instructions ...................................................................................... 63

Exercise 15: Synchronizing Specifications ....................................................................... 64

Exercise 16: Materials – Metal and Lining ....................................................................... 65

Exercise 17: Miscellaneous - Gauges, Saddles, Reinforcements, etc. .............................. 68

Exercise 18: Connectors ................................................................................................... 75

Exercise 19: Example - Creating a TDC Connector ......................................................... 77

Exercise 20: Example – Setting up Round and Oval Duct Couplings .............................. 80

Exercise 21: Undersizing Round and Oval Connectors ................................................... 84

Exercise 22: Seams and Locks .......................................................................................... 86

Exercise 23: Creating Tap Joints ...................................................................................... 90

Part 3: Using the Sheet Metal Design to Fabrication Tools ................................................ 93

Exercise 24: PartManager Shortcut .................................................................................. 99

Exercise 25: Switch Environments ................................................................................. 100

Exercise 26: Error Log .................................................................................................... 102

Exercise 27: AutoTag Manager and AutoTag ................................................................ 104

Exercise 28: Duct Fabrication Preferences ..................................................................... 114

Exercise 29: Duct Hangers Setup and Preferences ......................................................... 118

Exercise 30: Duct Schedule Data .................................................................................... 123

Exercise 31: Duct Classify .............................................................................................. 124

Exercise 32: Duct Break ................................................................................................. 125



Exercise 33: Duct Remove.............................................................................................. 127

Exercise 34: Duct Spec Override .................................................................................... 130

Exercise 35: Air Flow Direction and Swap Flow Tool................................................... 133

Exercise 36: Duct Fabrication Modify ............................................................................ 134

Exercise 37: Duct Connect (Auto Connect).................................................................... 135

Exercise 38: Duct Lock and Duct Unlock ...................................................................... 137

Exercise 39: Tap Anchor Update .................................................................................... 138

Exercise 40: Duct Hanger Tool ....................................................................................... 139

Exercise 41: Total Station ............................................................................................... 140

Exercise 42: Move Left or Move Right Tool on the Ribbon .......................................... 141

Exercise 43: Changing Specs for a Single Fitting .......................................................... 142

Exercise 44: Stretch Tool ................................................................................................ 143

Exercise 45: Volume Dampers ....................................................................................... 144

Exercise 46: Changing Out Fittings ................................................................................ 147

Exercise 47: Changing the Size of Duct ......................................................................... 148

Exercise 48: Checking for Rotated Fittings .................................................................... 150

Exercise 49: Parts Convert - MEP Design to Fabrication.............................................. 151

Exercise 50: Adding Schedules and Tags to the Tool Palette ........................................ 153

Exercise 51: Setting Vane Display ................................................................................. 165

Exercise 52: Double-Walled Duct .................................................................................. 167

Exercise 53: Insulation and Lining Display .................................................................... 168

Exercise 54: Creating Custom Tags ................................................................................ 169

Exercise 55: Inserting a Schedule ................................................................................... 174

Exercise 56: Updating a Schedule after Edit Operations ................................................ 176 Exercise 57: Schedule Customization ............................................................................. 177

Exercise 58: Modifying Schedules with Classification .................................................. 184

Exercise 59: Duct System Definitions and Layer Keys .................................................. 186

Exercise 60: Creating Cross Sections ............................................................................. 190

Exercise 61: Interference Checking ................................................................................ 192

Exercise 62: Equipment .................................................................................................. 193

Part 4: Part Numbering, Spools and Pickoffs ..................................................................... 197

Exercise 63: Duct Part Number ...................................................................................... 197

Exercise 64: Pickoff ........................................................................................................ 201 Exercise 65: Duct Spool.................................................................................................. 204

Exercise 66: Duct Number Tags ..................................................................................... 209

Exercise 67: Adding Pickoff or Spool Legends .............................................................. 209

Supplemental Exercises ........................................................................................................ 213



EastCoast CAD/CAM About This Training

Sheet Metal Design to Fabrication Training 1

About This Training

The exercises in this training guide are used during EastCoast Online, On-Site, and Classroom

training sessions. They can also be used for self-guided training. Here are some examples of the

topics that are covered during a typical EC CAD Sheet Metal training session:

Overview of EC Sheet Metal Design to Fabrication and what it provides for design anddetailing.

A general review of AutoCAD MEP 2014, as needed.

End-to-end duct layer creation using an architectural drawing, and ending with EC pickoff and spool files.

Setting up specs, allowances and manufacturer defaults using EC Part Manager.

Create routing preferences.

Drawing and modifying duct using EC CAD fittings and tools.

Changing out specs and manufacturer settings using EC CAD tools Removing short duct, numbering duct, and perform other drawing cleanup operations

using EC CAD tools.

Identifying and resolving conflicts.

Creating and modifying EC schedules.

Using MEP Design to Fabrication for automated parts conversion from generic Revit orAutoCAD MEP duct systems.

If there is time and interest, walking through pickoff creation and integration withDuctMaker.

NOTE: Although this series is not meant to train you to use AutoCAD MEP 2014, you will need

to be able to find various tools and menus to successfully complete your duct drawing.

Additional Resources

Training videos, User and Installation Guides, and Tech Docs and Videos are additional

resources for customers that you can access from the EastCoast CAD/CAM Customer Portal.

The Customer Portal is an area of the EastCoast web site available at no charge to EastCoast

Customers, providing software updates, documentation and video resources. A new customer

simply fills out a short registration form which requests access from EastCoast CAD/CAM

Customer Support. Once approved, the customer then logs in with their user name and password.

To register, copy the link below into your Internet browser:

http://eccccustomerportal.worldsecuresystems.com/register.htm

If you need assistance post training, please contact us at [email protected] .

http://eccccustomerportal.worldsecuresystems.com/













EastCoast CAD/CAM Icons and Definitions


Icons and Definitions

Part Manager

ConfigurationShow/Hide Tree View,

Specification Options

Delete the highlighted itemAdd a new item (Job, Fitting

Group or Environment)

Edit the highlighted item Clone

Export and Import Specifications Formula-based mode

Move a setting up or down Edit Coupler Information

Manage Users configuration options:

Users

Shop Standards configuration options:

Specification Manufacturer Defaults

Metal Sheet Liner Sheet

Spiral Roll Metal Coil

Special InstructionsSynchronize settings with

specifications





Allowances configuration options:

Materials

Metal Allowances Lining Allowances

Misc

Gauge Saddle

Notch Stiffener

Tie Rod

Connectors

Rectangle Connector Round and Oval Connector

Seams

Pittsburg Lock Spiral Seam

Button Punch Snap Lock Grooved Seam

Standing Seam Single Corner Seam

Double Corner Seam RL_3

RL_2 BUTT WELD

GROOVED SEAM RL-6A

RL-6B RL-7

RL-8

Joints

Rectangle Joint Round and Oval Joint





Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP for Sheet Metal

Main tools – In the Fabrication area on the Home tab, click

the Load Catalog drop down arrow to access these tools:

Load Catalog provides access to

the Part Manager database by

loading catalogs of fittings.

The Fabrication Palette provides pre-

defined tools and templates to create

pickoff files and spool drawings.

Launches Part Manager, used to

create libraries and catalogs of

pipe and duct fittings.

Switch Environment provides the

ability to change between Imperial to

metric setup environments.

The Error Log displays the errors that

currently relate to your most recent

actions. Often related to a specific tool

such as Duct Connect.

Preferences and Management options – In the Fabrication

area of the Home tab, click the Fabricate drop down

arrow to access tagging, MEP Design to Fabrication and

hanger settings.

Auto Tag Manager sets the options

for auto tagging and enables it for allnew duct that is drawn.

Duct Fabrication Preferences are used to

map specifications or manufacturer

defaults for automated conversion during a

MEP Design to Fabrication import from

Autodesk Revit MEP. Requires a separate

MEP Design to Fabrication license.

Duct Hangers Preferences allows

you to preset many of the options used

by the Duct Hangers command.

Scheduling tools – In the Fabrication area on the Home

tab, click the arrow to the right of the Duct Schedule

icon to access these tools:

Duct Schedule Data is used before

creating schedule tables, to attach the

property sets referenced in the schedule

table style to the objects and styles.

Duct Classify applies updated

classifications to duct objects in a

drawing





Spool and Pickoff tools – In the Fabrication area on

the Home tab, click the arrow to the right of the

Duct Number Tags icon to access these tools:

Duct Number Tags adds number tags

to a duct spool drawing.

Duct Part Number is used to

number duct.

Pickoff generates duct pickoffs.Duct Spool creates a spool drawing

for a selection of your duct.

Auto Tag will add auto tagging to

existing duct, based on the settings

from the Auto Tag Manager.

Duct modification tools – In the Fabrication area on

the Home tab, click the arrow to the right of the

Duct Break icon to access these tools. Many of these

commands also appear on the Duct or Duct Fitting

context ribbons once you have selected duct in the

drawing.

Duct Break divides the duct into the

duct length specified in your

specification as the Standard Duct

Length.

Duct Remove merges short

duct into fittings of your choice.

Duct Spec Override allows you to

change some data for a fitting,

overriding the specification related to

the catalog you are using.

Duct Fabrication Modify

enables you to apply new

specifications or Manufacturer

Defaults to a selected fitting.

Duct Connect allows you to select two

duct fittings or duct and select from a

list of auto connection possibilities.

Duct Lock and Duct Unlock

sets the ability to lock duct from

changes as you draw.

Stretch lets you choose whether to

move all of the duct and fittings

downstream (towards the connector

out) or letting the change be absorbing

into an adjacent fitting

Tap Anchor Update assures agood connection to the duct

after you have moved the tap

from its original placement.

and

Apply is the equivalent to

the Duct Fabrication

Duct Hangers sets up the use of

duct hangers with duct.





Modify command. It lets

you adjust the spec or

manufacturer default for a

selected section of duct or

fitting.

Flow takes the flow direction of the

selected duct section, swaps it, and

updates all other duct in the run the

new flow direction.

Add Dampers adds dampers to

selected duct or fittings

Fix Rotation identifies rotation issues

and corrects them for the selected duct

or fitting.

Spool, pickoff and estimating management tools – Open

the Fabrication Palette, and access these tools from their

respective tabs:

Creates a new spool or

pickoff category

Defines a duct spool if the Duct

Spool tab is active and a pickoff if

the Pickoff tab is active

Generates a spool legendGenerates a spool or pickoff, or

exports estimating data

Estimating tool Grid view toggle for estimating

Tree view toggle for

estimatingAttaches estimate data

Imports estimating data



EastCoast CAD/CAM General Fitting Details


General Fitting Details

The following definitions of fitting details will also help when using Fabrication for AutoCAD

MEP.

Connector: The connection used between two fittings. Connector In and

Connector Out.

Seam: The type of connection used to

join metal together within a portion of

the fitting i.e. a body made in one piecewill have one seam whereas a body

made in two pieces will have two seams

(i.e. locks, standing seams). A seam isheld together by a type of lock.

Joint: The connection used to connectseparate parts of a fitting to each other

i.e. a fitting and a tap, collar and a body.

Status Value – These terms may be

used to identify how a particular fitting

will be treated during fabrication.

Fabrication: A fitting to be cut on the plasmatable.

Label: The part only gets a label. This type mayalso be available for fabrication via the coil line

machine.

Purchase: Purchase the fitting, a label is created. Deleted: Fitting or face was removed from the

list.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Part 1: MEP Setup and Basic Duct Routing


Part 1: MEP Setup and Basic Duct Routing

The EC CAD Design to Fabrication software comes with many out of the box settings that you

can work with right away to get a feel for what you can accomplish with them. These first few

exercises explain how you set up the options within Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP. With this

in place, you can begin by drawing basic duct runs using the out of the box catalog,

specifications, and manufacturer defaults.

Design to Fabrication Overview

The typical set up and operational EC Sheet Metal CAD Design to Fabrication workflow consists

of the following:

Software Setup:

1. Create shop specific allowances, specifications, and manufacturer defaults within

PartManager.

2. Create catalogs of duct, pipe or a combination of both to use in your shop, or for specific jobsor contracts within PartManager.

3. Setup of the Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP workspace, determining what AutoCAD MEP

defaults to use, and which Fabrication templates, schedules and tags to use.

Daily Use:

4. Load a catalog into MEP.

5. Create, attach or insert working and architectural background drawings(s).

6. Optionally, use EastCoast CAD/CAM’s MEP Design to Fabrication software toautomatically convert generic duct systems from Autodesk Revit MEP, or AutoCAD MEP.

7. Refine MEP Design to Fabrication-converted systems, and draw using the Fabrication tools

included inside AutoCAD MEP.

8. Use EC Sheet Metal CAD tools to detail and refine the drawing.

9. Produce end use drawings, pickoffs, spools, schedules, and estimating data.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 1: EC CAD Options (ECTOOLS) in AutoCAD MEP


Exercise 1: EC CAD Options ECTOOLS) in AutoCAD MEP

Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP has its own tab in the Options dialog box called ECTools, which

contains licensing options, duct and pipe settings, and file path locations used by Fabrication.

To set Fabrication options:

1 Click the AutoCAD MEP

icon in the upper leftcorner.

2 In the AutoCAD menu,

click Options. NOTE: Alternatively, type

‘op’ on the Command line,

and press <ENTER>.

3 In the Options dialog box, use the right arrow

on the tab bar to scroll

to the far right to locate

the ECTools tab.

4 Click the ECTools tab,and use ‘+’ and ‘–‘

navigation controls, and

the horizontal scroll bar,to view settings.





5 Under General,

checkmark thesettings as shown to

the right.

NOTE: At your

office, you may wish

to also checkmark

Auto Load.

Database Connection String - Although these are already set correctly in the traininglab, at your shop the Database Connection String needs to point to the database location.

TIP: Keep a copy of this setting in a separate text file as a backup. NOTE: Whenever

you run a service pack update from Autodesk, you will need to re-enter this string of

information into this field. License – Your license setting needs to be set to the same setting that is used by the

licensing HASP key. Be sure you keep separate records of these settings in the event that

you need to re-enter them in the software.

Auto Load – Automatically loads the last catalog loaded each time you start AutoCADMEP. You may wish to set this option at your shop if you always use the same catalog.

Break Duct – As you draw duct, it will automatically be broken into fabricate-ablesections, as defined in Part Manager. You can also break duct later after the duct is

drawn.

Enable Spool Drawing Revisions – This will append the spool drawing every time anew spool is generated.

Auto tagging – Duct will automatically be tagged as you draw it. You can also addautotagging after the duct is drawn.

EC ToolTips - Allows you to use mouse over tooltips which give you access toadditional duct and duct fitting information.

Highlight Tags on Duct (Duct Fitting) MouseOver - Highlights tags that are anchoredto duct as you hover your mouse over a duct or fitting, which is useful in tight areas to





identify which tags relate to which duct or fittings.

6 Under Pickoff options, change the

Pickoffs Root Path to c:\pickoffs.

You can type in the new path or

click to locate a folder.

NOTE: At your shop you may

wish to specify a network serverlocation.

7 Under Duct Spool Options, leave

the settings as is, but make a note

of the locations for the first twolocations.

Duct Spool Drawing Template – You can open and customize this file, adding your own

logo and company details, and store it anywhere it is accessible by your team.

Duct Spools Root Path – This is where the spool drawings you create will be stored.

8 Under Spool General Options,checkmark Auto Legend Definition ifyou use a Spool Legend display theme

in your drawings, and would like the

display theme to be automatically

updated whenever a new spool isadded to the drawing.

9 Under Fabrication Options, if your site is

licensed for MEP Design to Fabrication,

checkmark Revit Feature Enabled.

10 If Vulcan pickoffs are needed, checkmarkVulcan.

NOTE: The Revit and Vulcan settings do

not take effect until you restart AutoCAD

MEP.

11 Under Estimate Options, if your estimatingsoftware is QuoteExpress, select this option.





12 Under Auto Tag Options, for Tags

Drawing, the root path for auto-tagging has

been already set for you.

NOTE: At your shop you should point thisto a directory on your network where your

Schedules and Tags drawing is located.

13 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 2: Setting up the DWT Template


Exercise 2: Setting up the DWT Template

For out of the box drawing and for ease of use, EastCoast CAD/CAM has included a basic

drawing template, EC Start Drawing Template (US Imperial).dwt. It includes the following:

Property set definitions that are assigned to EC objects

Labels and tags A and C Paper space, as well as Model space, setups

It is really essential that you start every job with this template drawing. We recommend that you

create a copy of the supplied EC template as your own template, and then set up AutoCAD MEP

to use this template when starting a new drawing.

The EC Start Drawing Template provides the following system definitions with routing

preferences set, which you can add to or modify.

Duct System Definition Default Routing Preference

Exhaust 2WG 5 FTMake-up Air 2WG 5 FT

Other - Transfer 2WG 5 FT

Outdoor Air 2WG 5 FT

Relief 2WG 5 FT

Return 2WG 5 FT

Standard 2WG 5 FT

Supply 2WG 5 FT

Supply – High Pressure 6WG 5 FT

Supply – Low Pressure 2WG 5 FT

Supply – Medium Pressure 4WG 5 FT

To open the EC Start Drawing Template

and save a copy for your use:

1 Start AutoCAD MEP (U.S. Imperial).

2 From the AutoCAD MEP menu,choose Open -> Drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 2: Setting up the DWT Template


2 Select the Display tab.

3 Choose Display Layout and Model

tabs, and any other preferred settings.

4 Click Apply.

To set up AutoCAD MEP to use your customized Start Drawing Template:

1 Click the Files tab, and click + to open Template Settings

2 Select

Drawing

Template

File

Location,highlight theexisting path,

and then

click

Browse.

3 In the Browse for Folder dialog box, navigate to the location for template you just created on

the desktop, and click OK .

With this set, whenver you choose AutoCAD MEP -> New -> Drawing, the Select

template dialog box will present you with the correct folder location for your template file.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 4: Routing Preferences and System Settings


NOTE: AutoCAD MEP 2014 has some additional items listed that are not routable by

Fabrication, such as Cross, Offset, Tee, and Transition – Offset. Keep these set to *NONE*.

To make your own routing preferences:

1 On the left, locate an out of the box routing

preference you can use as a starting point.

2 Right-click on it and choose Copy.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 4: Routing Preferences and System Settings


3 Highlight Duct Part Routing Preferences.

4 Right-click and choose Paste.

5 Click the name of the copied routing

preference to rename it.

6 Edit the settings on the Preferences tab as

needed.

7 Click OK to close Style Manager and savechanges.

To make system definition changes:

8 Click the Manage tab, and in the Style and Display

area, select HVAC System Definitions .

Within Style Manager, the Duct System Definitions

are listed on the left.

9 Select a duct systemdefinition, and then click

the tabs on the right

(General, Design Rules,etc.) to examine the systemsetting options.

10 Click the Routing Preferences tab,

and set the desired Routing Preference

to associate with this SystemDefinition.

NOTE: With this set, you only need to

select the system definition in the

Properties palette as you draw duct,and the routing preference gets filled in

for you.

11 Click OK to save changes, or Cancel

to discard changes.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 6: Place a Specific Fitting


4 Open the Subtype option and set it to All.

5 In the Select a part dialog box, scroll up

or down to locate EastCoast

Manufacturers Catalogs.

6 Click ‘+’ next to EastCoast

Manufacturers Catalogs.to expand thelist of fitting options.

7 Click ‘+’ to open

Rectangular, and

then open the

appropriatespecification

submenu, in this

case Tees.

8 Select one of the

Tee fittings.

NOTE: You could also limit the list of parts

shown by clicking into the Type dropdown list

and choosing ‘Tee’, in this example.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Part 2: PartManager Setup


Part 2: PartManager Setup

Your next step will be to set up the specifications, manufacturer defaults, and allowances that

you will use to create a catalog of duct fittings to use within Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP.

By spending time to set up your environment in PartManager beforehand, you will save a lot of

time in MEP. Sometimes it will still be necessary to adjust settings after job has been started.

Special procedures are necessary for specifications changes, as described in the Specifications

exercise below. The Synchronize tool assists with updating your specs to changes made to

allowances. Also, keep in mind that if you make a change in Part Manager , and if you don’t see

the changes when reloading the catalog, you should try exiting and restarting MEP.

Exercise 9: Catalogs in PartManager

In this exercise we will create a new catalog within PartManager for fittings that you will be

loading from within Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP to work with fabricate-able duct as youdraw. A catalog tells the system what specifications and manufacturer defaults you will be using

in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP. You can practice building catalogs by working with the out-

of-the-box manufacturer defaults and specifications that get installed with the software. Also, if

you have projects that will need both duct and pipe, you can build catalogs that have both

systems specified.

At your shop, a good process to follow is to create a catalog for each major project that you will

be working on, and also a company catalog that you use for quick or small jobs. In this way from

within MEP you will be able to easily switch between catalogs to set your system up (specs,

defaults, allowances) for a particular project.

To create a new catalog:

1 Start Part Manager .

You can access Part Manager from your desktop, or

from inside Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP.

The PartManager Login screen prompts for log in

information to access the application. In a network

environment, the logins allow multiple users to

access the configuration and setup area at the same

time.

Your network administrator will set up user

accounts based on each user’s required access.

2 In the classroom, click Login to use the User name

and Password already provided and present in the



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 11: Specifications


To edit settings for the

Rectangular fitting type:

7 On the left, click ‘+’

next to Fitting toexpand the tree view.

8 Click Rectangular inthe tree view at the left.

In the top right are the

out of the box rules for

this cloned specification.

In the lower right are thesettings which can be

applied at the

rectangular level. Notethat these are the same

options as for Fitting,with the addition of

Connector as an option.

9 In the top middle of the screen,highlight Rectangular.

10 In the lower middle area, under

Fitting, set the values as desired.

The settings you apply here will be

used by every single fitting under

Rectangular.For example:

- Set the typical Material used

- Set the Gauge to the lightest

setting used in your shop

- Set the typical Lock you would

use

NOTE: For special sizing cases orspecific fittings you will be able to modify

these settings later on.





To edit sub-rules:

11 In the middle area, highlight the size

parameter, Width > 36.

Notice that for this rule, when the

width of duct is greater than 36, the

connector will be changed from Slip

and Drive (as set for the top level

Rectangular setting) to TDC.

12 Click Depth > 18 and examine the

Connector setting below for this aswell.

13 Highlight the first Largest Side rule.

Notice that every rule is check

marked, except for the Connector rule,

which has already been specified inthe Rectangular, Width and Depth

specifications above.





To add a sub-rule to a rule:

1 Highlight the rule you just added.

2 From the upper right area, click Add

.

3 Click into the first drop down thatappears and choose Length.

4 Click into the second drop down andchoose ‘<’ (less than).

5 Enter 30 as the value.

6 Click the checkbox at the end ofthe row to finish editing.

7 With this new sub-rule highlighted,

edit the fitting settings below asfollows:

Set the Gauge to 24.

Change the Lock to SM PITTS.

To set individual specifications for each type of

part:

1 At the left, click ‘+’ next to Rectangular to viewthe list of parts that can be selected.

All of the rules that were set for Rectangular are

adopted by the duct and fittings, but can be

changed at the duct type and fitting level. 2 Click ‘+’ next to Duct.

3 Highlight Rectangular Duct.





every tap, you can set it here. Or

you can insert it later in MEP.

To set specs for special fittings (turning

vanes and access panels):

3 On the left, click the plus ‘+’ next to

Special.

4 Select each fitting and set

specifications for this fitting as

needed.

To save your spec:

5 When satisfied, click Done.

The process of saving the specification will take a few moments.

To rename a specification:

1 Locate the new specification, called ‘2

wg 5 ft (1)’, listed at the end of the listof specification names.

2 Highlight ‘2 wg 5 ft (1)’.

3 Click Edit .

4 Click into the name field to rename itto ‘Training Specs’.

5 Click Edit again to turn off Editmode and save your changes.





Add a rule to the10

round elbows, to set

any fitting withLargest Diameter < 23

to have the Status

Purchase.

Click the Interior tab11 and apply settings as

needed.

When satisfied, click12

Done.

To re-order a list of specifications:

1. In the upper right corner, click Edit .

2. In the leftmost Index column, click the Up/Down icon in a row to move that item up or down in the list.

To move an item up, click the up arrow portionof the icon.

To move an item down, click the down arrow portion of the icon.

3. Click Done.

The new ordering is saved permanently.

To apply a new specification to a catalog:

1 On the main screen, click the Rectangular tab.





2 Click within a fitting row to

open drop down choices for

Manufacturer Defaults and

Specifications.

Select your newrectangular

Specification from the

right.

Checkmark Apply to all

rows.

Click Done. 4. Click the Round tab and

apply your new round

specification to all rows.

NOTE: What if you need to change a spec after you have started a job? Keep in mind that if

you were to change a spec setting in Part Manager after starting a job those changes are notapplied to the duct you have already drawn. Instead, follow these steps:

1 In Part Manager, make a clone of the spec you need to change. Add a rev number to it to

keep track.

2 Make the changes you need in this cloned spec.

3 Add this cloned spec to your catalog in MEP.

4 In MEP, update the HVAC routing preferences to use this new spec.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 12: Manufacturer Defaults


To set Defaults settings for

DuctMaker:

4 On the left, click ‘+’ to open the

tree view and go into a specificfitting to work with.

5 Click the Defaults tab andexamine the three areas on the

right side of the screen.

Settings on top of the Defaults tab are the defaults for use with DuctMaker, whenDuctMaker is not set up to use Tracking.

In the center area of the Defaults tab you can create formulas for the fitting. This isuseful for setting up fittings with certain suppliers. Ex: If you order your round from a

specific manufacturer, you can set up the defaults to work exactly as they aremanufactured. If you manufacture items yourself, you do not need formulas.

On the bottom of the Defaults tab are the hard defaults. For any geometry placed on the bottom, in MEP you get that value only and you can’t change it. TIP: It is usually better

not to put anything down here, because you need the flexibility to change values in MEP.

If you need to make adjustments to each of the three levels, use the

Up/Down arrows to move items up and down, and the edit tools

in the upper right to add, edit, or delete settings.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 12: Manufacturer Defaults


10 To edit the range of values

available within MEP for a

fitting, click into the number

for Minimum or Maximum totype in the new value.

NOTE: Regardless of the range provided here, MEP will still allow you to type in a larger or

smaller value.

11 To edit the Steps, click into the step

cell and type in a new value, such

as 2.

MEP uses the steps to determine

how many size parameters to

provide in dropdown choices for a

part when you insert it.

To edit the geometry settings on

the bottom area of the screen:

12 Click into a value and type inthe value that you will be using

most often.

13 On the left, click into each type

of fitting and set the lower areaof the Ranges and Values tab,

As you draw in MEP, these

will be the default values for

how you like to work are

picked up.

Leave settings at 0 if they need

to be determined while

drawing the duct.

The lower level of Ranges and Values are soft defaults, and can be modified from within the

Properties palette in MEP. They allow you to draw duct runs with the minimum amount of pop

up prompting. If you put these settings up on top, you will get pop up questions in MEP as

you route this type of fitting.

14 Click Done when satisfied.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 13: Sheet Parameters


Width – Keep in mind that this is essentially automated through the machine.

Length – Out of the box value is 120 (10’). Enter the length of the spiral roll in yourshop. NOTE: It is very important to set the Length value accurately.

To set up the metal coil:

11 In the left pane, under Sheet Parameters,

click on Metal Coil .

NOTE: If the coils in your shop are the same length as your metal sheets, the following

metal coil setup is not needed, and the Metal Sheet dimensions will be used instead.

12 You can edit the one existing coil line parameter, or add additional coil line parameters.

To add another Metal Coil parameter, drag the Metal Coil icon from the left anddrop it into the editor on the right.

13 Click Edit in the upper left corner to start editing:

Name – Although this field cannot be edited directly, it will update to reflect the gaugeand width once you have clicked Done.

Gauge –Select a new gauge from the dropdown list. This list of choices comes from the

Gauges allowances configuration.

Material – Select a new material from the dropdown list. This list of choices comes fromthe Metal allowances configuration.

Width – Enter the width of your metal coil.

14 When finished, click Done to exit Configuration.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 14: Special Instructions


Exercise 14: Special Instructions

Within PartManager you can add supplemental notes, called Special Instructions, which can be

applied to your Specifications, and accessed or set within Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP’s Duct

Spec Override command. These special instructions are included in DuctMaker pickoffs, for

inclusion on ticket label and reports to communicate special notes to the shop or out in the field.

To set up special instructions:

1 Click Configuration .

2 In the left pane, click ‘+’ to open Shop Standards, if

needed.

3 Locate the Special Instructions category at the bottom of the list of Shop Standards.

4 Click Special Instruction .

5 In the right pane are many out of the box special

instructions that you can edit and use.

NOTE: You can alternatively

drag and drop a new special

instruction into this list. It will

be added to the bottom of thelist and called ‘Special

Instruction <number>’.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 16: Materials – Metal and Lining


4 Drag the Metal icon fromthe left into the Metals in the

middle area of the Configuration

screen.

A new row displays on the table,

‘Metal 1’.

5 In the upper right, click Edit .

6 Click into the ‘Metal 1’name field, backspace to

clear it, and type in a new metal name, ‘PVCCoated’.

To change the Color display setting:

7 Double click the color block in the Color column for the new

metal, PVC Coated.

A color chart displays.

8 Click a new color, such as Sea Green.

NOTE: The color you specify is used within DuctMaker in

the Fitting Editor.

To re-order the list of metals:

9 In the leftmost Order column, repeatedly click the Up

arrow within the Up/Down icon to move the new metal to thetop of the list.

NOTE: Re-ordering items help you locate your most

commonly referenced items within a long list within

PartManager.

To edit liner settings:

10 On the left, under Materials,

click Lining .

On the right, the Liners

configuration screen displays

with several default out of the boxliners set up.

11 Add or edit lining settings as follows:

Create a new liner by dragging and dropping the Lining icon from the left into the



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 16: Materials – Metal and Lining


center of the screen.

NOTE: You can also alternatively double-click the Lining icon to create a new

liner. The new liner will be created with .5” additional increment in the Name field, but

you can edit the Thickness setting and then change the Name field as needed.

Edit liner settings by clicking the Edit button in the upper right corner, then clicking

into a field to change its value. NOTE: The

color you specify is not used in Fabrication

for AutoCAD MEP, but is used withinDuctMaker in the Fitting Editor.

12 When satisfied with your changes, click Done to save the new metal, list re-ordering, and

lining edit.



EastCoast CAD/CAMExercise 17: Miscellaneous - Gauges, Saddles, Reinforcements, etc


Exercise 17: Miscellaneous - Gauges, Saddles, Reinforcements, etc.

Within Allowances is a section titled Misc that includes setup for gauges, saddles, notches,

stiffeners, and tie rods. Out of the box, these miscellaneous settings have many preset values,

which you can customize or add to.

To edit miscellaneous settings:


2 If necessary, click the + next to Allowances to

expand the list.

3 Scroll down to ‘Misc’. 4 Click on the setting to edit.

To set up a 24 gauge, for use with a 48

width (4’) sheet:

5 Under Misc, click Gauge .

On the right, the Gauges configuration

screen displays.

NOTE: These gauges are used in the Sheet

Parameters setup.





13 Under Sheet Parameters, click Metal Sheet

.

14 Drag and drop the Metal Sheet icon fromthe left into the center of the screen, to create a

new one.

The system makes a new gauge using settings

that have not yet been utilized

15 Click Edit .

16 Click into the cell for the gauge in new row.

17 Select ’24 4’ from the dropdown list.

18 Click into the Width cell, backspace to clear thedata, and enter ‘48’.

19 Click Edit again to closeediting mode.

The name for the new metal sheet

is updated to reflect the material

and the gauge.

To view or edit Saddles:

1 If necessary, click the + next to Allowances to expand the list.





2 You can add or edit notch settings as follows:

Create a new notch by dragging and dropping the Notch icon from the left into the

center of the screen. NOTE: You can also alternatively double-click the Notch iconto create a new notch.

Edit notch settings (Name, Angle, and Depth) by clicking the Edit button in the

upper right corner, then clicking into a field to change its value.

To view or edit Stiffeners:

1 Under Misc, click Stiffener .

On the right, the Stiffeners configuration screen

displays, with the four out of the box

configurations:

1 Angle Iron

1.5 Angle Iron

2 Angle Iron

3 Angle Iron

2 You can clone (copy existing), add a new, and

edit any bar stiffener settings.

The easiest method for creating a similarstiffener to an existing one is by highlighting

the similar stiffener and then clicking the

Clone tool in the upper left corner. Youcan then edit the newly cloned stiffener toadjust its settings.

Create a new stiffener with blank settings by

dragging and dropping the Stiffener icon from the left into the center of the

screen. NOTE: You can also alternatively

double-click the Stiffener icon to createa new stiffener setting.

Edit Stiffener settings (Name, and Properties) by clicking the Edit button in the



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 18: Connectors


Exercise 18: Connectors

Connectors are created in the Allowances area of Configuration. A large number of basic

rectangular, round and oval connectors, such as Slip and Drive, TDC, DUCTMATE, and so on,

are provided out of the box. What you might want to do is change the naming conventions of

these so that they use the names you use in your shop.

To view out of the box Connectors:


2 On the left, click ‘+’ to open Allowances, ifnecessary.

3 In the Connectors section, click Rectangle

Connector .

4 On the right, double-click any connector to

open the Connector Editor.

5 Examine the settings on the left and the 2D and

3D views on the right.

6 On the bottom left, click into each side’s tab(Left, Right, Top, and Bottom) to view specific

settings for that side.

7 Click Done to close the Rectangle Connector

Editor.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 19: Example - Creating a TDC Connector


Exercise 19: Example - Creating a TDC Connector

In this exercise you create a TDC connector.

To create a TDC connector:

1 In the Connectors section of Allowances, click Rectangle

Connector .

2 Drag the Rectangle Connector icon from the left screen to the list on the right.

NOTE: Alternatively, you could double-click on the connector icon.

The Connector Editor configuration screen appears. Under Name, you’ll see that the new

connector is given the default name, ‘Rectangle Connector1’.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 19: Example - Creating a TDC Connector


4 On the lower right, click on one of the side

tabs (Left, Right, Top or Bottom).

Left and right are the actual drive. Check

the Growth value on these tabs. That will

listed be on DuctMaker reports. On the Top

or Bottom, you’ll set the values for yourslips.

Notice that now the Type field on the left now

becomes an editable field. (Type is greyed out

on the All tab.)

5 Click into Type, and choose TDC/TDF from the dropdown list.

6 This provides additional Nuts Bolts and

Clips parameters.

7 Assign the number of Nuts, Bolts, or Clipsthat are used in the fitting, for that side.

Nuts and Bolts can be assigned all

on one tab, or as required for each

side. This information will be used

to calculate the nuts and bolts used

on the TDC report in DuctMaker.

Clips should be assigned per side,

and are assigned per foot, based on

the fitting dimension.

8 Repeat the above two steps for each side of the connector, using the tabs on the lower right

(Left, Right, Top or Bottom).

9 Click Done to finish editing.



EastCoast CAD/CAMExercise 20: Example – Setting up Round and Oval Duct Coupling


10 On the Rectangle

Connector screen, you

can click Edit and

use the Up/Down

arrows to move your

TDC Training connectorup to the top of the list.

Exercise 20: Example Setting up Round and Oval Duct Couplings

You can control when couplers are added to connections for round or oval duct or fittings, by

setting up parameters in the Round and Oval Connector allowances. After setting up couplers in

Round and Oval Connectors, you also need to set up a bead/gap setting in Manufacturer Defaults

for Round and Oval Duct and Fitting Couplings.

Once the Duct Coupler table is set up, couplings are then automatically placed as you route duct

in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP. All of the out of the box duct catalogs have typical default

settings for Duct Couplers.

To set up the coupling to connector relationships:

1 Within Configuration , under Allowances, select

Round and Oval Connector .

2 Click Edit Coupler Info on the rightside of the screen.

In the Coupler Info Editor table, you click into a cell to select the connections you want to use,

depending on the fitting. Match the type of coupling with the type of connector, Couplings will

be placed between the connector types that are selected.

A Duct Coupling is used to join two

lengths of duct, where the coupling fits

inside the duct.

A Fitting Coupling joins two fittings,

where the coupling fits outside the duct.



EastCoast CAD/CAMExercise 20: Example – Setting up Round and Oval Duct Coupling


To set up couplings specifications:

10 On the left, under Shop

Standards, click Specification

.

11 Click a round spec, such as ‘2 inPositive Round’.

12 On the left, click ‘+’ to drill down

into Round, and highlight

Couplings.

13 On the lower right, verify that

the correct Connector isspecified.

Click into the Connector field

to make a different selection

from the dropdown list, if

needed.

14 Click Done to finish editing

this specification.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 21: Undersizing Round and Oval Connectors


Exercise 21: Undersizing Round and Oval Connectors

Undersizing can be specified for round and oval connectors, so that the small end of a fitting will

be smaller, by a value set in DuctMaker, then the big end of the fitting that is connects to. The

system comes with one out of the box connector, SMALL END U, that is already set up for your

use as undersized, but you can create or set additional connectors to be undersized.

NOTE: The specific value that is used for used for undersizing is set in DuctMaker, with a

default set to .25 inch for all gauges and all nominal sizes.

To apply undersizing while defining a new

connector:

1 In Part Manager, click Configuration .

2 Click the ‘+’ next to Allowances, and locate

Round and Oval Connectors.

3 Click and drag the Round and Oval

Connectors icon into the right

pane.

4 In the Connector Editor, for Size, clickthe default setting, ‘Nominal’, and

change it to Undersized from the list of

choices.

5 Make any other adjustments to the

connector, then click Done.

To apply undersizing to an existing connector:

1 In the Configuration editor,

select a connector, then click

Edit .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 22: Seams and Locks


Exercise 22: Seams and Locks

Seams and locks can be specified for fabrication. Seams, locks and joints are important because

they are used to insert collars for example inside clinch collars in round duct. From the list of 15

standard options that are based on SMACNA standards, you can select and customize a seam or

lock to suit your needs.

To view or edit existing Seams and

Locks:


2 On the left, click ‘+’ to open

Allowances.

3 Scroll down to the Seams section.

4 Click once on any pre-set seam or lock

icon on the left.

5 On the right, examine the list, notingthat the first column shows you the

style of seam or lock being used, and

the second column, Name, shows youthe actual description of how that style

has been implemented.

NOTE: It is the Name field that will be used in Specifications to give you choices

for Seams and Locks.





To rename a seam or lock:

6 Locate the three seams that are used by tap

joints:

I.C.C. – Inside clinch collar

1 I.C.C. – 1 in. Inside clinch collar

OCC – Outside clinch collar

7 Click Edit .

8 Click into the Name

field I.C.C., and

change it to ‘I.C.C.

used by tap joints’.

9 Press <ENTER>.

These seams are used by shops that fabricate Taps. They need a male and a femaleend, to give the tap the correct sizing for burning on the cutting machine.

10 Click Edit again to close editing for the Name field.

11 Double-click on therow for SM PITTS on

the right.

The SM PITTS lock

is opened for editing

in the Seam Editor.

12 Use the Directional tool to viewall orientations of the lock, and click

each tab (All, Male, and Female) to

examine Height and Edge settings oneach tab.

13 You can make any changes to this lock

in the Seam Editor.

14 Click Done to return to SeamAllowances configuration and applythe changes.





To create a custom Pittsburg Lock:

15 On the left, click the Pittsburg Lock

icon and drag it into to the right

pane.

The Seam Editor opens immediately

with the Pittsburg Lock type ready for

editing.

16 In the Seam Editor, locate

the tabs in the lower leftarea to switch between All,

Make and Female settings,

and choose All.

17 Use the arrows on the Directional tool

to view all sides of the seam in 3D, and the +

and – symbols to zoom in and out.





18 On the left, under General, click next to each

setting and make changes similar to these, either by

typing in new information or selecting from a drop

down list:

Name – Enter a descriptive name (size limitis 256 characters).

Edges – Click ‘…’ and choose from Simple,

Classic, or Advanced.

NOTE: Depending on the choice for Edges,

additional settings may appear.

Left/Right/Top/Side Notch Depth - Enter values if needed.

Left/Right/Top/Side Notch Offset - Enter values if needed.

19 Continue making changes to the lock on the Male and Female tabs as needed.

20 Examine the changes in the right viewing

panes. Notch and offset changes arevisible in the face view to the right.

21 Click Done to exit the Seam Editor.

The new lock is now available for use in Specifications setup.

22 Click Done to exit Configuration.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 23: Creating Tap Joints


Out of the Box Round and Oval Joints

6 On the right, double-click on a Joint to edit any

the preset values, or drag and drop to create anew one.

For Rectangle Joints, you can set up all four sides of

the rectangular joints independently. You can alsoapply the Lock Cut Back angle and Depth, in order

to notch the lock back from the joint.

In the Joint Editor, click the tabs on the left

to set different Male or Female allowances

(for Round and Oval joints).

Click the tabs on the bottom to edit eachface (Left, Top, Right, or Bottom), orchoose All to apply the same settings to all

four sides (for Rectangle joints).

Edit the values for Name, Height, Edges,and Lock cutback angle and depth values,

as needed (for Rectangle joints).

7 Click Done to save changes to the joint andreturn to the main Configuration screen.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 23: Creating Tap Joints


To apply a Tap Joint to a Tap specification:


2 On the left, click ‘+’ next to Shop Standards.

3 Click Specification .

4 Click the ‘+’ symbol on the left to open the Tap

fitting.

5 On the lower -right, locate and

click the Tap Joint drop-down

arrow to select the type of jointto use.

6 Click Done to save the

Specification.

7 Click Done to exit Configuration.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Part 3: Using the Sheet Metal Design to Fabrication Tools


The Properties palette is used to access textual

display and editing for the characteristics of a

selected object or object.

To start Properties:

1 From the Home tab, open the Tools

dropdown menu, and choose Properties

.

2 Work with the Design, Display, and

Extended Data tabs and scroll bars in

the Properties palette to locate

information about a selected object in thedrawing.

Click in the upper left corner to close the

palette.

Context ribbon menus appear

automatically once one or more objects are

selected in a drawing. Fabrication

commands appear on context menus that

appear when duct or pipe has been selected.

To open a context menu:

1 From the Home tab, Build area, click Duct .

2 Pick two points in the drawing, then press <ENTER>.

3 Click on the duct to select it, and examine the context menu which appears.

4 Press <ESC> to de-select the duct, and notice that the context menu is replaced by the

standard menu.





Right-click menus allow fast access to

frequently-used commands as you select and

work with objects in the drawing. The

commands may be context-sensitive. For

example, after selecting a duct, the right-click

menu includes commands to edit vanes, duct

systems, and duct fittings.

To access a right-click menu:

1 Select an object, and then click the right

button on your pointing device.

2 Highlight the command in the menu list,and then click again to start the command.

Command names can be typed in, on the Command Line. Depending on the options selected, a

dialog box may appear.

To type a command on the command line:

1 Type pickoff , and then press <ENTER>.

2 Enter m to modify a pickoff, then press

<ENTER>

3 To cancel a command in progress, press<ESC>.

The Options dialog box contains settings that control the operation of Fabrication, found onthe ECTools tab.

To access ECTools Options:

1 Click the AutoCAD MEP icon in the upper left corner.

2 In the AutoCAD menu, click Options.

3 Use the right arrow to locate and click the ECTools tab.





4 Scroll down to view the

options on this tab.

5 Click OK .

Here are some AutoCAD MEP

workspace settings to make note of:

Ensure that you start the programwith the appropriate units settings.

Example: ‘US Imperial’ setup.

In the lower right area, use the Workspace

menu to set it to HVAC.





In a drawing or template, click in

the lower right area to set the

display to MEP Basic 2-line.

If you notice while working that the visual display of duct objects are not shown correctly, you

might try setting the following:

6 SETENABLEPROGRESSIVEUPDATE option set to NO on the command line.7 Use Objrelupdate All as needed to refresh the display.

Objrelupdate into as many Fabrication commands as possible to improve the user

experience, but you may need to run this command yourself as you work, as well. This

problem has been reported to Autodesk. Working in drawings created in earlier releases, or

editing xrefs in the current drawing may contribute to this problem.

MEPFabCheck Display Theme

The MEPFabCheck display theme is provided, and will display any duct in your drawing that has

short pieces of duct or short fittings. This can be helpful when used with MEP Design to

Fabrication, the Revit Extension.

By default the short duct setting is set to

identify any duct sections less than 56”, and

any short fittings less than 6”.

You can change the length values to check for

by editing the Length Checker property set

definition in either ECDuctSystemData (orECDuctFittingBOM if using the older setup).



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 25: Switch Environments


3 Login as usual.

To continue working in MEP:

4 Exit or minimize PartManager when

finished.

5 Reload the catalog to pick up any changesyou made in PartManager.

Exercise 25: Switch Environments

The Design to Fabrication system supports UK Metric, Global Metric, US Metric and US

Standard installations of AutoCAD.

To work within a specific environment:

1. Load the measurement version of AutoCAD MEP that you require (US Imperial, US Metric, UKMetric, Global, etc.).

2. Open the Start Drawing Template for the units setting you will be working in. Two are provided:

EC Start Drawing Template (UK).dwt

EC Start Drawing Template (US Imperial).dwg

3.Specify the appropriate Spool Template to work with (in Options, on the ECTools tab).

Spool Template (US Imperial).dwt



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 26: Error Log


8. Load the desired Catalog.

Exercise 26: Error Log

While completing various actions you may encounter an error displayed in the command line.

Or, if you are not getting the desired results with a duct or fitting, there might be a problem with

how it has been constructed. You can see the full details with the Error Log tool.

To create an error that you can use to view the error log:

1 Select one section of duct.

2 From the Duct context ribbon, click Duct Fabrication , and make an edit that isnon-standard to duct, such as modifying rectangular duct to use a round spec.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 26: Error Log


3 From the Fabrication area on the Home

tab, click to open the Load Catalog

dropdown menu.

4 Choose Error Log .

NOTE: If there are errors, the number

of errors is listed in parentheses in the

dropdown menu.

Within the Error log the first column shows the handle number for the fitting, followed by the

warning or error. On the top of the Error Log you can type in the handle number to have the

program zoom to the fitting in the drawing.

5 Select the first log item.

6 Click Go To.

The view zooms in on the

item with the error in the

drawing.

7 You can proceed to correct

the error while the Error

Log is open, using standardediting or modification

tools.

The error log will stay on screen while you are running a secondary command. For example,when bringing in a Revit file (using MEP Design to Fabrication), the error log stays populated

until another xml file is imported.

8 As each problem is corrected, it is removed from the log.

9 Click on each logged error to determine what fittings may have an issue.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 27: AutoTag Manager and AutoTag


10 To save the error

log to a file,

click Save.

11 Enter anyadditional notes

to the log in the

text editor, and

save it.

After saving the error log to a text file and re-loading it, you can use the jump to handle feature

to have the program zoom to the fitting.

12 Click Close.

Exercise 27: AutoTag Manager and AutoTag

You can tag a duct run in one operation using the Auto Tagging feature, controlling their

location, shape, and type of tag. AutoTag can be set up on the ECTools tab in Options to add

tags as you draw a duct run (referred to as Automatic Autotagging), or you can run the Auto Tag

command at any time after the duct run is already drawn (referred to as a Manual AutoTag

operation).

Fabrication comes with several out of the box preset AutoTag profiles that you can use as is. By

default these profiles tag Size and Elevation on the start of a duct run, and on a Transition. Also,

the Duct Length tag will only tag non-standard lengths. You can customize these profiles (or

create your own) using the Auto Tag Manager command, to control which tags are applied foreach type of duct, and control the location and layer for the tags.

NOTE: Each tag can be set to its own a unique layer specified, but be sure to first create the

layer where you would like the tag to be placed before setting the layer in the Auto Tag

Manager.

You can also choose to include turning vanes for

Square (mitered) Elbows in autotagging. The AutoTag

Manager provides 9 different vane size options for

elbows.

NOTE: If you plan to use AutoTag, be sure to turn off AutoCAD MEP’s default labels, found

on the Manage tab > Duct Preferences.





To set up Auto Tag so that tags are automatically placed whenever you draw duct (Automatic

AutoTag):

1 Click the AutoCAD MEP icon in the upper left corner.

2 In the AutoCAD menu, click

Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, use the

right arrow on the tab bar to scroll

to the far right to locate the

ECTools tab.

4 Click the ECTools tab. 5 Under General, click to add a

checkmark to Auto tagging.

6 Scroll down to the very bottom of

the EC Tools tab to locate the Auto

Tag Options section

7 Under Tags Drawing, specify thetags drawing file location.

NOTE: The property set

definitions that are in your tagdrawing are the same as those in

your start drawing template.

8 Click OK .

Tags will be added as you draw

duct runs.

To set up Auto Tag formatting options:

1 Open your start drawing template to save these

settings for use in any drawing. 2 From the Fabricate area on the Home tab, click

the Load Catalog dropdown menu .





3 Select Auto Tag Manager .

You can create multiple profiles for

AutoTag. This can be useful if you want

to have different setups for tagging, such

as running AutoTag midway throughdetailing to catch detailing errors while

routing the duct, such as flow direction,

and then running AutoTag again with

another profile after detailing to add

final tags to complete the project. [1352]

Out of the box, Auto Tag ships with profiles to support the new style of tags to use with new

drawings/new jobs, as well as the pre-existing tags which upgrade customers will need to use on

ongoing projects:

ECDuctSystemsData – 3/8” Scale (US Imperial units)

ECDuctSystemsData – ¼” Scale (US Imperial units)

ECDuctSystemsData – 1:50” Scale (Metric units)

ECDuctFittingBOM – 3/8” Scale (US Imperial units)

The default Auto Tag profile has been set to ECDuctSystemData - ¼” Scale. Metric users they

will need to set the ECDuctSystemsData 1:50” Scale as the default profile.

To create a tag profile:

1 In the Tags dialog box, click the

Profiles button.





2 In the AutoTag Profiles dialog box,

click Add to add a new profile.

3 Highlight the default profile name

and replace it with the name for the profile, then press ENTER.

4 Checkmark the new Profile to set itas the current one to use.

5 Click OK .

NOTE: At this time it is not possible to copy an existing profile to create a new one. Customer

Support can assist you if you need assistance building multiple profiles.

To set up a tag in AutoTag Manager:

1 In the Tags dialog box, click Library and

choose Rectangular.Choices are: Rectangular, Round, Oval or

Multishape.

2 Click Type and select Duct.

Choices include: Duct, Transition,

Elbow, Endcap, and Takeoff .

3 From the list of tags, select the

Aecb_Duct_Length_Right tag.











4 Drag the

Aecb_Duct_Length_Ri

ght tag to the lower right

red dot on the diagramthat is shown on the

right side of the dialog

box.

The red dot will enlargeto indicate engagement.

NOTE: At any time, if thediagram looks crowded, you can

click the lower right corner of

the AutoTag Manager dialog

box to resize it larger.

5 Under Rules, checkmark

General Tags so that this tagwill appear for each duct andeach fitting.

NOTE: If you do not check offanything under Rules, the tag

will not be added to any duct.





6 Under Tag properties, set the

following:

Offset Horizontal to 1.5

Offset Vertical to 2.5

Flow

toIndependent

Rotation to Horizontal

Orientation to Up/Down

7 Click into the Layer dropdown

and choose G-Anno-Std-Labl

By entering values under Offset Horizontal, and

Offset Vertical, the tag will be moved away from

its default position. Enter absolute units away from

the fitting. A positive value moves the tag up, and a

negative value moves it down.

Within the sample profile provided out of the box,

the new Connector tags are set to a no plot layer, G-

Bgrd-Std-Scm-Nplt. All other tags are set to G-

Anno-Std-Labl. [1

655

8 Click Type and select Elbows.

9 Select each tag to examine the Tag

properties and Rules assigned to

it.

10 In the center are the turning vanes tags. Depending on the size of the elbow, the vanes will





display in Large, Medium, or Small size.

11 Click on one of these vanes tags and then view the

Rules section.

You can control when these vanes added for each

size within the Rules.

After the drawing is auto tagged, if you want to

remove vanes for certain elbows for fabrication,

you can select them and use DuctSpecOverride to

do so.[1537]

NOTE: At this time you still have to place turning

vanes manually on Tees.

12 Click OK .

To use Auto Tag:

If Auto tagging is enabled inECTools Options, you can simply

draw a duct run to see the tagging

that you just specified.

If you do not have auto tagging enabled

in ECTools options, or you have pre-

existing duct in the drawing that you

want to tag, you can still use the auto

tagging feature by selection set:1 Select the duct.

2 From the Fabricate area on the

Home tab, click to open theSpool and Pickoff tools drop-

down.

3 Select Auto Tag .





4 Select the duct run in the

drawing to add tags to.

The tags are added to the selected run.

NOTE: If you see tags that are not reporting properly (i.e. show wrong or 0 values), run the

Duct Schedule Data command. If you still see problems with them, run the AutoCAD MEP

OBJRELUPDATE command on the command line.

If AutoTag vanes aren’t being drawn, check the Properties palette setting for Vanes. If

Vanes=No in Properties, that have not been enabled in Part Manager for this type of elbow, so

they will not get tagged in MEP.

For customers who use Version 5.2 or earlier

versions, if you still find that the tag has

jumped back to its original location after

running another command, you could release

the anchor on the tag using the Right-click

menu Tag Anchor option, and then click and

drag the tag, or delete the tag and manually

place the tag.

To add EC tags manually:

1 Open the HVAC tool palette, and click

the EC Duct Tags tab you created earlier.

2 Select a tag to try it with duct in adrawing.

3 Follow the commands on the command

line to place the tag, selecting one or

more objects at one time.





Notice that some tags have locational ororientation controls built into them.

How AutoTag Handles Changes to Duct

Starting with Version 6.1, AutoTag functionality has been improved by changing its behavior in

the following ways: [1808]

Auto-tagged items can be relocated by the user without having the tags ‘jump back’ totheir predefined location.

The only time the softwarereapplies AutoTag items to a ductor fitting automatically is if the

fitting geometry has been modified

within the Property Palette, whenrunning the Duct Break

command, or when removing short

pieces with the Duct Removecommand. This behavior is

referred to as an Automatic Auto

Tag function.

Annotations or other anchoreditems on a fitting that were added by another command or the

customer are not updated or

removed by AutoTag. To removenon AutoTag-placed annotation or

other anchored items, select them

and then manually delete them.





You can still override any changesmade to AutoTag-placed tags and

replace the tags according to the

AutoTag setup by manuallyrunning the Auto Tag command.

This will not remove any manually

placed annotations or othermanually placed anchored objects

on the fitting. This is referred to as

a Manual Auto Tag function.

NOTE: Running Auto Tag

manually will place any existing

Auto Tag tags at the location as

defined currently by the auto tag

manager.

Auto Tag recognizes when there is

a DuctSpecOverride setting forVanes and will apply or remove

vanes as needed based upon the

override.

Rotate Tag Indicator - Tagging Rotated Fittings

Fittings that are rotated 180 degrees are tagged and scheduled correctly, including Transitions,

Elbows with top change or bottom change, or Tees and Wyes with top change or bottom change

dimensional parameters. 1844/1845]

NOTE: For fittings in a riser you should manually tag them instead of using AutoTag.

Rotate Tag



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 28: Duct Fabrication Preferences


2 Open the template or drawing. Attach an xref

architectural or other drawing, as desired.

3 From the Fabrication area on the Home tab, open

the Fabricate drop down menu and select Duct

Fabrication Preferences .

4 If not expanded, click the + symbolnext to Rectangular to expand that

section of the preferences list.

To populate the entire Rectangular

section with the same Default or Spec:

5 Click the grey portion of the headerthat reads *Varies* in the first

empty column.

6 Select the desired ManufacturerDefault from the dropdown list.

7 Click once within any empty cell

in that column to populate the

same setting for all parts in the

list for that shape (Rectangular,Round, etc.)

NOTE: Any fittings that are not present in the currently loaded catalog will remain empty.

8 Complete the settings for that shape bydoing the same in the Spec column:

Click on the far right header row andselect the desired specification from the

drop down list.

Click once below that column to

populate all the rows in that column.

You can repeat these steps for each duct type (Round, Oval, etc.)





To make unique Default or Spec selections for each type of duct or fitting:

9 Click into a cell.

10 Select the desired Manufacturer

Default or Spec from the dropdown

list.

To save these settings for later use:

1 Click Save.

2 In the Save DuctChange Preferences

dialog box, enter a File name.

3 Click Save again.

The file is saved with a .dcpref file

extension.

To reload duct fabrication preferences

1 Load the catalog you plan to use in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP.

2 Open the template or drawing. Attach an xref architectural or other drawing, as desired.

3 Click Duct Fabrication Preferences .

4 Click Load.

5 In the Open DuctChange Preferences dialog box, Navigate to the folder where the

preferences are saved, and select the .dcprf file.

6 Click Open.

To define the mapping of Revit fittings to Design to Fabrication fittings:

1 Type

revitductmapping on

the command line.





2 Click into any cell in

the Target column to

make alternative

choices for themapping. This list is

based on the all of the

available of fittings provided by Design to

Fabrication.

NOTE: To remove

mapping for a fitting, click

to select a blank line.

3 To see an unfiltered list of available fittings, uncheck Filter Targets in

the lower left corner of the dialog box.

4 Click OK when finished.

To set other Revit MEP import options:

1 Type revitmepsystemsimportoptions at the command line.

The following options can be set to True or False:

1 flex Determines whether to bring in flex duct. Defaults to

True.

2 aird Determines whether or not to bring in air devices.

Default is True.

3 useductpreferences Determines whether or not to use duct preferences. If you

set this to False, the mapping will not use the

Manufacturers Defaults specification. Default is True.

4 add mapping errors The system will report errors on items that it does notsupport. You can specify to limit error prompting during

the import process. For example, you might encounter

errors on items that aren't currently supported. Default is

True.

2 Enter an option number to toggle it to False.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 29: Duct Hangers Setup and Preferences


NOTE: You can enter the option number again to toggle it back to True.

3 Press <ESC> to end the command.

To review Revit Diffusers and Dampers mapping that takes place during import:

1 Type

revitelementsmappingon the Command line.

2 In the Elements

Mapping dialog

box, click eitherthe Diffuser or

Damper tab to

view or edit themapping which

takes place during

import.

3 Click OK .

Exercise 29: Duct Hangers Setup and Preferences

The Duct Hangers Preferences command in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP allows you to

determine and pre-set options based on size range and hanger style. This streamlines the Duct

Hangers command so that when placing hangers you supply fewer inputs and can use the Duct

Hanger command just once to populate a run that has mixed duct types or hanger requirements.

Design to Fabrication provides hangers and rods in PartManager that can be added to your

catalogs. Before using the hangers in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP, you should check the out

of the box default settings, and make sure that hangers and rods have been added to your catalog

in PartManager.

To add duct hangers and rod to your catalog in Part

Manager:

1. In Part Manager, select the catalog you want to addhangers and rod to.

2. Click the Pipe tab.





NOTE: Hangers are listed under Pipes because they are more easily managed in Part Manager as

fittings, similar to piping parts.

3. On the bottom of the screen, click the

Hangers tab.

4. Examine the hangers and rods listedon the left, and the fitting groups forwhich they are already set up on the

right. These fitting groups can be

used out of the box.

To make a copy of an out of the box duct hanger fitting

group:

To edit existing values for duct hangers with an existing fitting

group, first make a copy of an existing hanger to edit hanger

settings, and then use that duct hanger for the fitting group.

1 Click on a hanger name on the left to highlight the row.

2 Click the down arrow at the far right for that row, and

then move the cursor just below New Group, into a row for

an existing group.

3 Click Edit Group .





4 In the far right area of Part Filter

Editor, click Edit .

5 Click Copy and Paste tocreate a new duct hanger which can be edited.

To edit the settings for the new fitting group:

6 Use either the center row view or righthand

columnar view to locate and change settings.

7 Be sure to enter a descriptive name for thisgroup in the Name field.

8 Click Edit again to close the editingoperation.

9 On the left, you can use the filter settings to filter out the original duct hangers, if necessary.

10 Click Done.

TIP: Any fixed information that you always want attached to your hangers, such as nuts and bolt

quantities, can be added to the hangers in Part Manager as Custom Attributes.

To specify a fitting group to use with your catalog:

1 Select the hanger, then click

2 Add a checkmark next to each fitting group that needs to beincluded for the hanger, then click Done.

3 Be sure that Rod, Threaded has also been added to a fitting

group as well.

4 Load or reload this catalog in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP to

see the changes you just applied.





To set up duct hanger settings in Fabrication

for AutoCAD MEP:

1 From the Fabrication area of the Home tab,

click the Fabricate drop down arrow.

2 Click Duct Hangers Preferences.

3 Click Add Preference .

4 Click onto the default name, Preference 1, to

rename the new preference.

5 On the right, click the Options tab.

6 Click the tab for the type of duct to set preferences

for (Rectangular, Round, or Oval)

7 On the right, make a selection

for Size is to define what

dimension from the duct to use

for the sizing of the hangers

The Half of Perimeter size option is available for Rectangular, Round and Oval duct, to allow

for gauge changes due to duct size changes or hanger spacing. In the past you could only addsize breaks based on the Width of the duct. Half of Perimeter is a better calculation method for

size of hanger/gauge as it uses both the width and height to determine the type of hanger to

insert. This parameter allows you to set up hangers based upon SMACNA table 5-1 standards.





8 Make selections for the new

preference, such as the Hanger

Style, Rod Style, any offsets,and so on.

9 Enter a value for Distancefrom End.

This value is used whenever a

connector or tap is

encountered. The hanger will

be placed back from a

connector or tap by that

amount. The next hanger will

use the Distance Between

parameter.

10 For threaded rod, you can

choose Circle of Influence

block to include above the topof the hanger rods, to

determine how much room is

needed to use a wrench to

install it, or to assist withinterference checking. The

system comes out of the box

with four cylindrical Circle of

Influence blocks, 4” through10”, but you can create as

many as you need: [969

Offset Left and Offset Right

allow you to control how faryou want the rod to be

positioned from the end of pipe

or duct.

11 If needed, click Add Size Range toadd another size range to the

preference.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 30: Duct Schedule Data


12 Click into each of the Rectangular,

Round, and Oval tabs to specify

distinct preferences per the type of

duct.

13 Click the ExtendedData tab to checkmark

only those setting you plan to use, and to

supply default settings by clicking into eachfield. Some choices are drop down lists, and

others are type in fields.

NOTE: The fields listed are defined in the

ECHanger Property Set Definition in Style

Manager.14 When finished, click OK.

Exercise 30: Duct Schedule Data

The Duct Schedule Data command applies all the parameters for your duct (width, height,

specifications etc.) and prepares it for use in schedules and tags. You should run Duct Schedule

Data after all detailing is completed on a project, or whenever new duct objects are added to a

drawing.

As you tag or add schedules to the ductwork, if you notice that data is missing, or question marks

‘?’ or old sizes for duct appear in schedules, this indicates the need to run Duct Schedule Data.

To add duct schedule data to the drawing:

1 From the Fabricate area on the Home

tab, click Duct Schedule Data .

2 On the command line,type ‘a’ for Attach.

3 When prompted to select objects, enter ‘all’ for All.

4 Press ENTER once again.

5 Save the drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 32: Duct Break


Exercise 32: Duct Break

As you are working on your drawing, AutoCAD MEP will draw with full, long lengths of

ductwork. You can use the Duct Break command to split duct into fabricate-able segments. The

Duct Break command uses your specifications and allowances that you have set up for your

connectors. For example, for a 60 inch sheet of metal, it reads the allowances off of theconnectors and deducts that amount from the 60 inch sheet of metal for the in and the out, and

gives you a full joint. Duct Break can be used after the automatic duct run is completed, or can

be set up in Options on the ECTools tab so that it is applied as the duct run is drawn.

NOTE: The standard AutoCAD MEP ‘Duct Break ’ option within the Duct Lengths command is

not in any way associated with your specifications and allowances, and should not be used.

To set up Duct Break to break

duct as you draw it:

Start the Options command.1

Click the ECTools tab.2 Checkmark Break Duct.3 Click OK .4

To break duct after it has been drawn (i.e.

when it is not enabled in Options):

1 Select the duct in the drawing.

2 From the Duct context menu, click Duct

Break.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 32: Duct Break


The duct breaks as the intervals set by your

specification.

You can then use the modification tools within

Fabrication to then move left or right, merge,

or transform short pieces of duct.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 33: Duct Remove


NOTE: If the dropdown menu lists two of

the same type of duct or fitting, the first part

listed will be the closest fitting. You can also

open the Modify dropdown menu and

click Show part to have the system zoom

into the selected part.

4 Click Modify .

The short duct is absorbed into the adjacent

fitting.

To select the length of the fitting and split it between the 2 fittings on either side:

1 Select another short piece in the drawing.

2 From the dropdown list of choices,choose the first duct or fitting that you

want to absorb some of the short piece.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 33: Duct Remove


3 Examine the dimensional value(s) (Length, Straight In,

Straight Out, etc.) just below the dropdown menu.

This information identifies the amount that needs to be

absorbed into adjacent duct or fittings.

4 Enter a partial value for this first operation. In this

example, we’ll enter ‘6’.

5 Click Modify .

The short piece is reduced by that amount, and the adjacent

elbow enlarged by that amount

6 From the dropdown list of choices, choose the other

adjacent duct or fitting from the list.

7 Click Modify .

The remainder of the short

piece is absorbed into the

adjacent transition.

NOTE: The fitting dimension

that will absorb the short duct

cannot be a secondary

parameter.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 34: Duct Spec Override


Exercise 34: Duct Spec Override

Once duct has been drawn, modifications to base specification settings (connectors, locks,

mount, tie rods, etc.) can be done to duct or duct fittings on the fly with the Duct Spec Override

command.

To examine settings on a piece of duct which Duct Spec Override can modify:

1 Select a duct or fitting in the drawing, right-click, and choose Properties.

2 On the

Properties palette, click the

Extended Data tab.

3 Scroll down toview the

PROPERTYSETS FROM

STYLE section.

To use Duct Spec Override:

1 Select a Duct or Duct Fitting in the

drawing.

2 From the Duct or Duct Fitting context

ribbon, choose Duct Spec Override

.





NOTE: Alternatively, you could first select the Duct Spec

Override command from the Fabrication area on the

Home tab, and then select the duct or fitting to change.

3 In the Duct

Specification

Override dialog box,click into

Connector1 to

choose a differentconnector.

4 Change the Gauge to a heavier or

lighter gauge.

5 Change the

Material to

Aluminum.

6 Click OK .

7 Select the duct and

view the changes

made on theProperties palette,

Extended Data tab,

DuctStylesOverride

section.





To override specification settings for tie rod reinforcements:

1 Select a duct or duct fitting that uses stiffeners or tie rods.

2 Edit the settings in the Reinforcement area.

3 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 35: Air Flow Direction and Swap Flow Tool


Exercise 35: Air Flow Direction and Swap Flow Tool

You can set the air flow direction in the Properties palette, and use the Flow tool from the duct

and duct fitting context menu to allow you to swap the flow direction of a run of duct. [1539/122

The Flow tool assists customers who do not use the Normal and Reverse flow options on the

Properties palette as they draw duct, or who have to correct the flow direction from time to time.

Flow takes the flow direction of the selected duct section, swaps it, and updates all other duct in

the run the new flow direction. Using connector tags can help to identify flow direction issues in

your run.

To draw duct using the correct air flow

direction:

1 Set up individual supply and return

specifications in PartManager.

2 Within these specifications, verify that for teesand taps that connector 1 and connector 2 are set

up correctly.

3 Use these specs as you draw duct systems.

4 Set the Flow Direction to Normal or Reverse

in the Properties palette as you draw a run.

If a run is already created in the reverse direction, select it and use the Swap Flow tool to correct it.

To swap the flow direction of arun to duct:

1 Select one section of duct.

2 From the context ribbon, click

Flow .

NOTE: The Flow command is not connected in any way with the internal AutoCAD MEP flow

direction.

Swap Flow and AutoTag Arrows

The way the Flow command locates the arrow tags is slightly different than where AutoTag places

them. So if you have already Auto Tagged the drawing, you may wish to re-position the arrow tags

after using Swap Flow. For this reason the best practice may be to:

1 Use an AutoTag profile for only tags that help you route, which are set to the centerline position,such as the C1 and C2 tags, elevation and duct size.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 36: Duct Fabrication Modify


2 Set the flow direction, using this tool.

3 Use another tag profile for the remaining tags to ready the drawing for printing or

coordination.

Exercise 36: Duct Fabrication Modify

If you need to change the current specifications or manufacturer settings in a drawing you don’t

have to redraw the duct. The Duct Fabrication Modify command does the work for you. You can

change this for large groups of duct or for the entire drawing. This will allow you to alter the

specifications for mixed groups of fitting types. If the metal changes, it will re-break it all to the

right lengths, and change the connecters.

This type of modification typically requires some review and re-selection of fittings afterwards.

If the duct was tagged, you will have to retag it if the breaks are different for a different sheet

size.To change the specification or default for a large number of duct or fittings, or the entire

drawing:

1 If it is not already loaded, click Load Catalog to load the catalog which contains thedesired specifications and/or manufacturer defaults.

2 Select a large group of duct run and

fittings.

3 From the Multiple Objects context

menu, in the Modify area, select

the Duct Fabrication .

4 In the Modify Duct Fabrication dialog

box, click the Specifications tab, and use

the drop down lists to select the newspecifications for fitting types.

5 Click the Manufacturer Defaults tab and

use the drop down lists to make new

selections there.

6 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 37: Duct Connect (Auto Connect)


The selected fittings and duct will be assigned the

new specs and manufacturer defaults. These

changes can be viewed by selecting fittings and

viewing in the Extended Data tab on the Properties

palette, or by hovering on a fitting.

Exercise 37: Duct Connect Auto Connect)

When you select two unconnected duct or fittings, or equipment and duct or fittings, Fabrication

can automatically insert a fitting between the unconnected items to complete the connection,

while also taking into consideration these factors:

Elevations, locations

Different fitting shapes, ducts and fittings

Liner

This is the best way to connect disconnected runs of duct with a single fitting. You can use DuctConnect while in the Z direction of a fitting, for example, if you had duct going across in a top

view and then going down, and you wanted to Duct Connect the elbow. Some limitations apply

that are related to the distance between duct, or the total change in elevation. Fittings with

controlling parameters, such as Lengths and Radius dimensions, will not be able to connect using

Duct Connect because they will not be able to resize as required by the command. This can occur

for fittings that have a secondary parameter fixed or calculated dimension, as set in the lower

portion of the MD in the Default menu in Part Manager. The ability to connect offset duct runs

with single fittings (transitions, multi-shapes, elbows, & offsets) is also limited.

To connect two unconnectedpieces of duct or fittings:

1 Click on each end of the run

– selecting only the two

pieces of duct or duct fittings.

NOTE: Be sure to select

outlet then inlet in the rightdirection so that the correctflow elbow will be placed.

On the Duct Objects context

menu, the Duct Connect toolmenu displays.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 37: Duct Connect (Auto Connect)


2 From the top drop down

menu, select the type of

fitting (or duct) that will be

used to connect the two runs.

3 From the second drop down menu, select the manufacturing default you require. 4 From the third drop down, select the specification to apply against the new duct or fitting

being inserted.

5 Click Apply. .

6 The selected fitting is placed.

NOTE: Determining whether to addliner during Duct Connect is based

on the first piece of duct that you

select during the Duct Connectoperation. If the first selectioncontains liner, the new section will

also be created with liner.14

To automatically connect Xtra Straight

fittings:

1 Select two pieces of unconnected duct

sections.

2 From the Duct Objects context

ribbon, click into the topmost DuctConnect drop down, and choose

Rectangular Transition, X-Str.

3 Click Apply .

NOTE: You can also automatically connect duct to equipment.

[1359

]



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 38: Duct Lock and Duct Unlock


Exercise 38: Duct Lock and Duct Unlock

Fabrication provides the ability to lock and unlock duct sections to prevent automatic updates of

size or layout. Duct Lock can be used to ensure that the length of your duct segments remain

unaffected by modifications to the drawing or placement of additional fittings. For example, if

you have a finished run of duct, and the next step is to turn a 90 degree elbow, you can lock that

finished duct piece just before the elbow, so that it will not be resized by the elbow. After turning

the elbow, you can then go back and unlock it the duct.

To lock duct:

1 Select a Duct section in the drawing which you do not want to be affected by a modification

in the run.

2 On the Duct context ribbon, click Lock .

3 Move the duct run as needed.

4 Select the duct section again, and click Unlock .

NOTE: When using Lock Duct, the system treats those pieces that are locked as fittings, and

therefore they may not behave exactly the same as other duct in your tags and schedules.

Although it is possible to modify your property sets so that they the behavior will be the same for

locked and unlocked duct (i.e. review the Duct Length Tag, which will display the correct length

for both locked and unlocked duct), we recommend that you instead unlock those duct pieces

after the edit or drawing run operation is complete.

To draw a duct section:

1 From the Build area Home tab, click Tools

.

2 Click the Duct tab on the HVAC tool

palette.

3 Click Duct .

4 In the Properties, specify the system, width and height for the duct section.

5 Click to start drawing the section of duct, and click again at the length you need, then press<ENTER>



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 39: Tap Anchor Update


Exercise 39: Tap Anchor Update

Tap Anchor Update assists with changes to the justification and location of a tap.

To make adjustments to the location or justification of a tap:

1 Select the additional section that is automatically added to the tap, and press the <Delete>

key to delete it.

2 Select the tap.

3 Click Tap Anchor Update

from the Duct Fittingcontext menu.

4 If the Properties palette is not

visible, right-click and choose

Properties.

5 On the Design tab, scroll downto ADVANCED, and click

Takeoff Position.

6 This option is only available

after running the Tap Anchor

Update tool on the selected tap.

7 In the Takeoff Position dialog

box, click in the cell just below

Side and choose Right.

8 For Justification, click and

change it to Bottom.

9 Make any other changes, then

click OK

The tap is updated in thedrawing to the new position.

.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 40: Duct Hanger Tool


Exercise 40: Duct Hanger Tool

The Hanger command adds Hangers to your duct run. It will continue past equipment (MVParts)

such as valves or VAV boxes in either a duct. The system uses duct connectors to identify

whether it can continue past equipment as it adds hangers to the run. The hanger command

moves past branches, but does not go down the branches. Repeat the command and select the

branch to add hangers to it.

To draw Duct Hangers:

1. From the Fabricate area on the Home tab,

click to open the Duct modification

tools drop-down.

2. Select Duct Hangers .

3. Select the duct run or a specific duct fitting to add the

hangers to.

4. In the Duct Hangers dialog box,

set these options as desired:

o Selection Style – Single,

Along Run, or Selected part

forward.

o Insertion Style – Unlimited

(fill out the entire run) or

Limited (specify a fixedquantity in the Quantity

field).

o Under Slab Elevation

determines the height ofattachment for the hanger

strap or rod. The value you

set needs to be higher thanthe top of the duct. You can

also modify individual

hanger under slab values on

the Properties palette, asneeded.

o Quantity – The number of hangers needed, when Insertion Style is set to Limited.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 41: Total Station


o Preference – Choose the Duct Hangers Preference.

o Offset From Start – The distance from the start of the run.

o Two options for Trapeze hangers, Additional Offset Left and Additional Offset Right,

allow you to enter offset values to determine how much bigger to add the trapeze hangerto one side or the other of the duct. Although these settings are visible for other types of

Hangers, they are only relevant for Trapeze hangers

o Any other extended data settings included with this Duct Hangers Preference, such as

Upper attachment, Vibration, and so on.

5. Click OK .

NOTE: Hangers do not get added to tap and tee

branches coming off a duct run, but will be addedfor wye or bullhead tee. Hanger placement will use

best practices at elbows and transitions, using the

offset value to determine their placement before

the elbow or connector.

Hangers Circle of Influence Block

Hangers can be set up to include a circle of influence block

above the top of the hanger threaded rods, to determine how

much room is needed to use a wrench to install it, or to

assist with interference checking. This is set up in Duct

Hangers Preferences. [969]

Exercise 41: Total Station

After adding hangers to duct, you may wish to export the hanger locations for use with a Trimble

Total Station system.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 42: Move Left or Move Right Tool on the Ribbon


To export data points to Total Station:

1. From the Fabricate area on the Home tab,

click either the Duct or Pipe Export

dropdown menu.

2. Click Total Station .3. In the drawing, select the objects to export,

and then press ENTER.

4. In the Export to Total Station dialog box,

specify the File Name to use for the export.

NOTE: You can also click to browse toa folder location.

5. In the Export area, checkmark the point

data that you want included.

Duct Hangers or Pipe Hangers – Picks up the top of strap or the top of the hanger rod

location for duct and pipe hangers.

Duct Center Points – Picks up a center point on the connection end of each duct

section.

Duct Top and Bottom Corners Points – The top and bottom corners of duct.

Pipe Points – Picks up the center point on the ends of the pipe at every connection.

6 In the Numbering start values – Enter unique number formats for Ductwork, Mechanicaland Plumbing data.

7 Click OK .

The .mep Trimble export file is ready for use by Total Station units.

Exercise 42: Move Left or Move Right Tool on the Ribbon

After breaking duct or making other transformations to duct, you might find that a short piece of

duct is left in the center area of a duct run or where it conflicts with a transition. You can move



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 45: Volume Dampers


Exercise 45: Volume Dampers

Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP provides flexibility in how you decide to work with dampers.

You can set up dampers in PartManager so that they are automatically included with fittings,

such as taps. You can also select fittings and add volume dampers in MEP on the fly.

You also have control over the location for

damper in the fitting, and there are options

for how they will be fabricated, such as

what holes to burn on the fitting that they

are applied to.

To set up dampers fabrication and default settings in PartManager


2 Click Specification .

3 Click ‘+’ to open the Dampers

category, and choose a damperto edit.

4 Edit the specifications settings

for each damper.

For example, for a SingleBlade Damper, you can specify

the Mount settings (Shop orField), and the Diameter Hole.

5 Click Done.

6 Click Manufacturer Defaults

.

7 Select a damper, and then click

the Ranges and Values tab

8 Specify the geometry for the

damper. Control is provided tosetup the handle and/or control

geometry for the dampers.





9 Set the Minimum Required Straight field in the Manufacturer Defaults.

When this parameter is made a secondary parameter on the Ranges and Values tab, then the

value specified will be applied to the fitting’s straight out when the fitting does not have the

minimum value already. [1393]

This functionality works with dampers

that are added to fittings from the Add

Dampers context ribbon command. All

of the volume dampers in the out of the

box Manufacturer Defaults have been

set to behave in this way.

If the minimum required straight is not secondary, then it will have no effect in MEP.

To add Volume Dampers to fittings in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP:

1 Select the duct piece to add the damper to.

The Duct context ribbon appears.

2 Enter the Damper Offset value.

3 Click the Location dropdown to specify where

to place the damper (Inlet or Outlet).

4 Click the Degrees drop down to specify the rotation of the

damper.





5 Click the Damper Type drop down and select

the type and specification for the damper.

6 Click Add Damper .

The damper is added to the duct.

NOTE: Undersizing settings for dampers are specified in DuctMaker.

NOTE: As you draw duct with dampers, there is a

Volume Damper tag also available for use with

Auto Tagging. This has been set up with the out of

the box DuctSystem profile, or the tag can be

inserted manually.

Damper settings can be viewed on the Extended Entity tab in the Properties palette. Use

DuctSpecOverride to change fabrication settings for them as needed.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 46: Changing Out Fittings


Exercise 46: Changing Out Fittings

If you decide to use a different type of fitting, or the specifications change and you must change

fittings, use the tools from Fabrication on the Duct context menu to apply the new fitting.

To change a radius elbow to a

Square elbow:

1 Select the fitting to modifyand press <DEL> erase it.

2 Select the two duct sections

that are adjacent to it.

3 From the Duct Objects contexttab, use the drop down choices

under Modify to select a new

fitting.

4 Click Apply .

The duct that is inserted will come

from your duct system

preferences setup.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 47: Changing the Size of Duct


Updating Fittings to new Database Fitting Templates

When a new release of the software provides new and updated fitting template within the

database, you can decide whether to update the fittings within your current project drawings to

take advantage of the improvements to the fitting. You have two options:

1. If the drawing is already coordinated, and you are just picking it off or buildingschedules, you can leave the fittings in your drawing as is. Just realize that those fittings

will not be using the latest version of the template in the database, so they may not lookas good, for example. If you are not making modifications to any of the dimensions for

these fittings (i.e. radius, width in or width out, etc.), you don’t need to update them. All

the schedule parameters will still work and there was no change to these in the new fitting

template.2. If you want the better display for these fittings for coordination or need to make

modifications to the dimensions for the fittings, go ahead and update the fittings by

double-clicking on the empty picture in the Properties palette (in the Part field). In theSelect a Part dialog box, select the new fitting that is listed, and then select OK. NOTE: If

you don’t see the new fitting, you must first go into PartManager and make them visiblein your Manufacturer Defaults, and then add that default to your catalog.

Exercise 47: Changing the Size of Duct

The Properties palette allows you to make sizing modifications to duct.

To change the size of duct, also adding a transitional fitting:

1 Select a section of duct.

2 Right click and select Properties

3 In the Properties palette, enternew values for Width in,

Depth in, or Width out.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 47: Changing the Size of Duct


4 If the Multiple Part Sizes

Found dialog box appears,

select the best option, then

click OK .

The system may add a

transitional duct fitting toaccommodate the change. The

duct will come from your

original preference setup.

5 Hover over the duct with your cursor to see the information.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 48: Checking for Rotated Fittings


Exercise 48: Checking for Rotated Fittings

Version 6.1 provides significant improvements that virtually eliminate the fitting rotation issue

that customers have encountered in earlier releases. In most cases fittings will no longer be

rotated when drawing new ductwork or using AutoConnect. The only situation where you will

still encounter rotation is in vertical duct.

To assist upgrading customers with fittings that are rotated in older drawings, a Rotate tool on

the menu and a command line tool have been provided in this release. Fix Rotation will indicate

whether the fitting is rotated, and by how much, and provides the ability to fix the rotation.

NOTE: After fixing a rotation with either command, you will still need to run the AutoTag

command on these fittings to update their tags.

To use the Rotate tool

1 Select an EC duct or duct fitting that could be rotated, such as a transition, elbow, or

duct sections.

2 View the Modify area of the context ribbon

menu.

3 Examine the color and degree indicator ofthe Fix Rotation image

4 If the FixRotation color

is Orange or

Red, press the

button tocorrect the

duct or fitting.

5 Save the

drawing.

Rotation Color: Description:

Green No rotation issues found, and no action needed.

Orange The fitting is rotated, but the tags will still workcorrectly. You can optionally press the Fix Rotation

button.

Red The fitting is rotated.

When you see Red you should always press the Fix

Rotation button to fix the fitting.

To correct fitting rotation issues for a selection set:

Type fixfittingrotation on the command line.

The command will prompt to select duct, and it will fix anything in that selection set. [



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 49: Parts Convert - MEP Design to Fabrication


Exercise 49: Parts Convert - MEP Design to Fabrication

Drawings created using generic (imperial) AutoCAD MEP fittings can be updated in one

operation to replace those fitting with fittings from your EC catalog, using EastCoast’s MEP

Design to Fabrication software, saving valuable time. Your office can choose whether to obtain

a license for MEP Design to Fabrication.

The MEP Design to Fabrication Parts Convert command uses Duct Fabrication Preferences

mapping to automatically convert each fitting from a generic fitting to your catalog fitting, and

applies all the related specification and manufacturer default sizing as well. Here is an overview

of the steps that are used in this process:

Load the appropriate EC catalog using Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP.

Set up the Duct Preferences.

Open the AutoCAD MEP drawing that uses generic duct.

Apply the Duct Preferences using the Parts Convert tool.

Review any error messages, and edit the drawing to create a fabrication ready

solution.

NOTE: Currently the AutoCAD MEP Parts Convert command does not work with metric

systems.

To update a generic AutoCAD MEP file:

1 Open the drawing to be updated to custom

fittings. Hover over duct to note the imperial

(generic) fittings in the drawing.

2 Click Load Catalog from the Fabricationarea of the Home tab to load the EC catalog of

choice.

3 From the Fabrication area on the Home tab,

open the Duct Modification drop down menu

and select Duct Fabrication Preferences .

4 In the Duct Fabrication Preferences dialog box,

map the manufacturer defaults andspecifications that you want to apply to the

generic drawing from the catalog of

information you just loaded.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 49: Parts Convert - MEP Design to Fabrication


5 Select all the fittings to be modified. Larger

drawings may be more easily managed in

smaller groups.

6 In the Duct Modify context menu, select Parts

Convert .

The system will automatically convert the fittings

to use those selected in the Duct Fabrication

Preferences.

A progress bar displays your results.

Any issues with mapping the generic fittings to

your catalogs fittings will be displayed in the error

log.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 50: Adding Schedules and Tags to the Tool Palette


Exercise 50: Adding Schedules and Tags to the Tool Palette

A full selection of tags and schedules is provided in the EC Schedules and Tags drawing that is

included in the installation of Fabrication. Each schedule has been set up to group fittings by

type, and to include totals. EastCoast duct tags are set up to work in 3D views. You can add the

schedules and tags from this drawing into your HVAC tool palette, using drag and drop, so theyare easily accessible in any drawing session.

To add Fabrication provided tags and

schedules to your work environment:

1 Open the EC Schedules and Tags

drawing. This drawing is installed into

the \Program Data\EastCoast\Fabricationfor AutoCAD MEP\Styles folder.

2 Zoom in to the duct tags in the drawing.

3 From the Build area on the Home tab,

click Tools to open the HVAC tool palette.

4 On the HVAC tool palette, click the tool

palette Properties icon, and select New

Palette.

5 Type in EC Duct Tags, and press

<ENTER>.





6 Select a tag in the drawing, in this case

the top change (TC) tag, by clicking on

the fitting to show the measurement. You

must select the tag without enabling agrip.

7 Drag and drop the tag into EC Duct Tags

tab. A horizontal bar appears on the

palette during the dragging operation.

8 Continue drawing and

dropping each duct, andsteel tag you plan to

use.

9 To reposition a tag in

the tool palette, clickand hold while

dragging the tab up ordown to the new position.

To add Fabrication-provided schedules to your

work environment, the steps are nearly identical

to the above steps for tags:

1 Open the EC Schedules and Tags drawing.

2 Zoom in to view the duct, spool, hanger, andequipment schedules you may wish to use.

3 If not already open, open the HVAC tool palette.

4 Create a new tool palette called ‘EC Schedules’.





5 Drag and drop each of the schedules

you plan to use from the drawing

into the tool palette.

The tags and schedules are now ready

for use with any EC drawing.

Remember that the tags and schedulesyou added refer back to the EC

Schedules and Tags drawing, so be sure

to keep the name and the location of

EC Schedules and Tags in a secure and

unchanged.

Duct Tags Reference

EastCoast duct tags are set up to work in 3D views as well. The following are the new duct tags

provided in this release:

Tag Name Old Name Description

C2ANGLE AN Displays the Connector 2 Angle of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Angle of an Elbow.

C1RADIUS RAD Displays the Connector 2 Radius of the Duct Fitting. Thistag is generally used to display the Radius of an Elbow.

C1STRAIGHT SI Displays the Connector 1 Straight of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Straight In of a

Transition or an Elbow.

C2STRAIGHT SO Displays the Connector 2 Straight of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Straight Out of a

Transition or an Elbow.

C2SETTOP TC Displays the Connector 2 Top Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Top Set of a Transition

or of a Drop Cheek Elbow.

C2SETBOT BC Displays the Connector 2 Bottom Set of the Duct Fitting.

This tag is generally used to display the Bottom Set of a

Transition or of a Drop Cheek Elbow.





C2SETLEFT LS Displays the Connector 2 Left Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Left Set of a Transition.

C2SETRIGHT RS Displays the Connector 2 Right Set of the Duct Fitting.

This tag is generally used to display the Right Set of a

Transition.

C3SETTOP Displays the Connector 3 Top Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Top Set of a Tee or of a

Cross.

C2SETBOT Displays the Connector 3 Bottom Set of the Duct Fitting.

This tag is generally used to display the Bottom Set of a

Tee or a Cross.

C3SETLEFT Displays the Connector 3 Left Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Left Set of a Tee or a

Cross.

C3SETRIGHT Displays the Connector 3 Right Set of the Duct Fitting.

This tag is generally used to display the Right Set of a Tee

or a Cross.

C4SETTOP Displays the Connector 4 Top Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Top Set of a Tee or a

Cross.

C4SETBOT Displays the Connector 4 Bot Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Bot Set of a Tee or a

Cross.

C4SETLEFT Displays the Connector 4 Left Set of the Duct Fitting. This

tag is generally used to display the Left Set of a Tee or a

Cross.

C4SETRIGHT Displays the Connector 4 Right Set of the Duct Fitting.

This tag is generally used to display the Right Set of a Teeor a Cross.

C2 – C4

SETTOPADV,

SETBOTADV,

SETLEFTADV,

and

These are a series of tags that displays the original tag

correctly even if the fitting is rotated 180 degrees.





SETRIGHTADV

DuctLength

DuctLength

DuctLength

LN-Ftg Displays the length of a piece of Duct or Locked Duct.

This tag is provided in three alignment options (left, center,

and right) depending on where you need this tag to be

placed when setting this up in the AutoTag Manager.

Fitting Length

Fitting Length

Fitting Length

LN-D Displays the length of a Duct Fitting between Connector 1

and Connector 2. This tag is provided in three alignment

options (left, center, and right) depending on where you

need this tag to be placed when setting this up in the

AutoTag Manager.

WXD Displays the size horizontally of a piece of Rectangular

Duct. Note this is identical to C1Size Tag but will only

work for Rectangular Duct.

W

X

D

Displays the size vertically of a piece of Rectangular Duct.

C1SIZEDisplays the size of connector 1 horizontally of a piece of

Rectangular Duct.

C2SIZEDisplays the size of connector 2 horizontally of a piece of

Rectangular Duct.

C1 Static tag that is used to show Connector One of the pieceof Duct or Duct Fitting.

C2Static tag that is used to show Connector Two of the piece

of Duct or Duct Fitting.

C3Static tag that is used to show Connector Three of the piece

of Duct or Duct Fitting.

C4

Static tag that is used to show Connector Four of the pieceof Duct or Duct Fitting.

SETDisplays the Top or Bottom Set of a fitting along with a

graphics display of the flow direction. ToggleFlowArrow

and ToggleFlowArrowText on the property palette will

change its behavior. Flow direction needs to be set





manually.

SET

Displays the Top or Bottom Set of a fitting along with a

graphics display of the flow direction. ToggleFlowArrow

and ToggleFlowArrowText on the property palette will

change its behavior. Flow direction needs to be set

manually.

ROTATED Static text used to display if a transition is rotated. Tag will

always display red and insert on a no plot layer.

TopBotChangeAdv Displays the original tag correctly even if the fitting is

rotated 180 degrees.

LeftSetAdv Displays the original tag correctly even if the fitting is


RightSetAdv Displays the original tag correctly even if the fitting is


Displays a graphics display of the flow direction.

ToggleFlowArrow and ToggleFlowArrowText on the

property palette will change its behavior. Flow direction

needs to be set manually.

EC Static tag that is used to show a Volume Damper.

VD Static tag that is used to show an End Cap.

TODBOD

TODBOD

TODBOD

Displays the elevation of a piece of Duct. This tag is

provided in three alignment options (left, center, and right)

depending on where you need this tag to be placed when

setting this up in the AutoTag Manager.

DiamDisplays the size of a piece of Round Duct. Note this is

identical to C1Size Tag but will only work for Round Duct.

Ma/Mi Displays the size horizontally of a piece of Oval Duct. Note

this is identical to C1Size Tag but will only work for Oval

Duct.

DXWDisplays the size horizontally of a piece of Rectangular

Duct. Note this is identical to C1Size Tag but will only

work for Rectangular Duct. Note: The width and depth





have been reversed for use in an elevation view.

D

X

W

Displays the size vertically of a piece of Rectangular Duct.

Note: The width and depth have been reversed for use in an

elevation view.

All of this information is also found within the EC Schedules and Tags drawing.

Connector Tags

Connector tags (C1, C2, C3, and C4) to show

the air flow direction. These tags can be used

to ensure that you routed your entire duct

with the proper flow direction. For example,

in a slip and drive run, this helps the

fabricator identify what sides to put the slips

on in the shop. These are assigned to a layer

that is set to No Plot, G-Bgrd-Std-Scm-Nplt, so that they are visual-only.

Connector tags use the Flow Direction

setting in the Properties palette to determine

how the tags are inserted.

Set Arrow tags

Set Arrow tags can be used manually or with AutoTag to show the set direction from the top or

bottom duct. [1538]





The arrow tag shows the direction of the

set. By default the tag reports the top of

the duct. But keep in mind that the Sets do

not update if you manually flip the Set

Arrow.

Duct Schedules

Duct schedules use abbreviated parameters from ECDuctSystemData (CSizeAbbr,

C2SizeAbbr, C3SizeAbbr, and C4SizeAbbr) to keep the schedules more compact. For

example, instead of 12.00 x 12.00, the schedule data will display as 12x12.

Schedule Name Description

EastCoast CAD Download Schedule The EastCoast CAM Downloads schedule has been

provided in the EC Schedules and Tags drawing in this

release. It can assist with the handoff of pickoffs to

DuctMaker, to help verify that everything was

imported successfully. This schedule includes the

following:

Quantity

Item Number – Part number

Name –

Alias System - FABPartNumbering

Spool# - DuctSpoolID

Material

Gauge

Lining Seam - Lock

DoubleWall –

True or False





EastCoast Duct Fitting Quantity This abbreviated schedule reports the following

information for Duct Fittings of all shapes:

Quantity Alias

# - Number

System

Gauge

Size

Angle

EastCoast Duct Quantity This abbreviated schedule reports the following

information for Duct of all shapes:

Quantity Alias

# - Number

System

Gauge

Size

Length





Damper Schedules

The following Damper Schedules have been provided with this release in the EC Schedules and

Tags drawing. To use these damper schedules, open the EC Schedules and Tags drawing found

in \ProgramData\EastCoast\Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP\Styles, and drag the schedules you

wish to use into your Tool palette.

NOTE: Upgrading customers should also run the ImportSystemPropertySets command oncein each working drawing to bring in new property sets, and run the DuctScheduleData

command to apply the new property sets to the duct run in each working drawing. [1931]

Name Description

Backdraft Dampers This schedule reports the following information for

backdraft dampers:

Quantity

Name

Specification

Sleeve Size

Sleeve Length

Sleeve Connector 1 and Connector 2

Balance/Control Dampers This schedule reports the following information for

balance or control dampers:

Quantity

Name

Type

Specification

Barometric Dampers This schedule reports the following information for

balance or control dampers:

Quantity

Name

Specification

Sleeve Size

Sleeve Length


Fire Dampers This schedule reports the following information for fire

dampers:

Quantity

Name





Type

Length

Fire and Smoke Dampers This schedule reports the following information for fire

and smoke dampers:

Quantity

Name Specification

Sleeve Size

Sleeve Length


Smoke Dampers This schedule reports the following information for

smoke dampers:

Quantity

Name

Specification Sleeve Size

Sleeve Length


Duct Estimate Schedule

A Duct Estimate Schedule has been provided in the EC Schedules and Tags drawing provided

with this release. This schedule uses the ECEstimate and ECDuctSystemData property set

definitions. To use these damper schedules, open the EC Schedules and Tags drawing found in

\ProgramData\EastCoast\Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP\Styles, and drag the schedules you wishto use into your Tool palette. [1930]

Name Description

Duct Estimate This schedule reports the following estimate information for Duct:

Quantity

Alias

Zone

Floor

Phase System

Job

Fab

Total Fab

Install

Total Install

Labor Cost

Total Labor Cost

Material Cost

Total Material Cost Other

Total Other

GrandEach

Total GrandEach

Notes



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 51: Setting Vane Display


Exercise 51: Setting Vane Display

Vanes can be added visually on the drawing by enabling vanes with the Add Vanes tool, but the

actual vanes for fabrication are set in Part Manager. To send vane information to fabrication,

you need to be sure that the fitting has vanes specified in Part Manager.

To include vane information

in pickoffs for fabrication:

In PartManager, edit the

Specifications for theelbow, and specify that it

has Number of Vanes set

higher than 0.

To verify this inFabrication for AutoCAD

MEP, select the elbow

and go into the

Properties palette. Click

the Extended Data tab

and scroll down to verify

that Vanes has been set.

To add visual representation of vanes in the

drawing:

1 Select the elbow to add vanes to.

2 From the Duct Fitting context menu, choose

Add Vanes .

3 Follow the command line instructions to selectstart point of vane path or type ‘S’ to enter

[Settings] to adjust width, number of vanes,

and other settings.

4 When prompted, select the end point of vane path.

NOTE: Ortho Mode may need to be turnedOFF to insert at the correct angle



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 51: Setting Vane Display


5 When finished, press <ENTER> to complete the command.

Vanes are added to all vanes of the same size on your drawing.

NOTE: To improve their appearance in the drawing, right after

you place the vanes, right-click, and choose Settings. Then, on

the Command Line you will be able to apply settings for vanes –

the radius, angle of arc, the number of vanes, etc.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 52: Double-Walled Duct


Exercise 52: Double-Walled Duct

Double-walled duct can be drawn in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP and sent as pickoffs to

DuctMaker for fabrication.1078]

To draw double-walled duct:

1 From the Home tab, Build area, click Duct

.

2 Click a point in the drawing to begin the duct.

3 On the Design tab, scroll

down to the Advanced section, and click the

Double Wall option.

4 Choose Yes.

5 Click Lining Thickness,

and type in 1”.

6 Collapse or move the

Properties palette off tothe side, and continue

picking points in the

drawing to add the duct

run.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 53: Insulation and Lining Display


Exercise 53: Insulation and Lining Display

You can control the visibility insulation based on the views. For example, you may wish to see

the insulation when looking at the run in an isometric view, but not when looking at the run in

plan view.

To adjust insulation visibility in planview:

1 Select a duct section that has

insulation applied, right-click, and

choose Properties.

2 In the Properties palette, click the

Display tab.

3 Click the current setting for Display

component to open up a list ofoptions.

4 Click the light next to Insulation to turn it off.

This change will apply to the entire duct within

that system in the drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 54: Creating Custom Tags


5 Select the duct, right-click, and

choose Object Viewer.

6 The insulation is still present, and

viewable in any other view otherthan plan view.

Exercise 54: Creating Custom Tags

Fabrication provides a wide selection of property sets that can be used to identify and tag duct

data in a drawing. You can create your own tags from scratch, and EC Fabrication tags can be

customized and then added to your HVAC palette. To share customized tags with your work

team, place your custom schedules and tags in a drawing that is accessible to everyone.

To create a new tag that will show whether a tap has a damper or not:

1 On the Home tab, Annotation area, select Text .

2 Click two points in the drawing to create a text box.

3 In the Text Formatting dialog box,

select the text style EastCoast.

4 De-select Annotative to makethe text non-annotative.

5 Set the Height at 1”.

6 Set the Justification to Left-

justified or your desired setting.





7 Type in ‘Damper:’, and

then click OK .

Zoom in to see the text

if necessary.

8 Repeat the Text command and create another text box just to the right of the word‘Damper’ in the drawing.

9 With the same format options, type in ‘t or f’, and then click OK . This text will be replaced

by the Property Set for whether a tap has a damper or not.

10 Use the Rectangle command to draw a framearound the tag

11 From the Home tab, click next to Annotation and

select Create Tag .

12 Following the prompts on the command line, select the

two text items and frame in the drawing.

13 Press ENTER.

14 In the Define Schedule Tag dialog

box, for Name, type in ‘with

damper’.

15 In the row for the Label ‘t or f’:

Click in the Type field and select Property from the drop down list.





Click into the Property Set field and select ECDuctSystemData.

Click into Property Definition and select With Damper .

Once you select the Property Definition, the Label field gets updated automatically.

16 Click OK .

17 For the insertion point, select the lower left corner of the

frame, or the desired insertion point.

18 Save the drawing or template file.

The tag is ready for use.

To use the tag:

19 Select the new tag and add it to the EC Duct tool palette

by clicking on the tag, grabbing the dotted lines in it,

and dragging it to the Annotations tab.

20 Set the Annotation Scale in yourdrawing back to 3/8”=1’.

21 Test the tag with some duct, selecting

taps that have and do not have dampers

in them.





NOTE: While inserting a tag, click

OK when prompted to edit

Property Set Data

By default Tags are only visible in Plan

view.

To make tags visible in other views:

1 On the Tool palette, right-click on the tagand choose MultiView Block

Definitions.

2 On the left, scroll down to locate With Damper.

3 On the right, click the View Blocks tab.

4 Under View Directions, checkmark Other.

5 Click OK .





6 From the Manage tab, click Display Manager .

7 On the left, click ‘+’ to open Configurations, andthen ‘+’ to open MEP Design.

8 Select MEP Design Model.

9 On the right, click the Display Representation Control tab.

10 Scroll down to locate the Multi-View Block Reference row.

11 Scroll across to checkmark all the Display Representation checkboxes for that row.

12 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 55: Inserting a Schedule


Exercise 55: Inserting a Schedule

In this exercise you work with the EC Schedules and Tags that you added to your HVAC tool

palette earlier, to insert schedules and tags into a drawing. After two commands are applied to

attach Fabrication property set data, the schedules and tags will automatically fill in with the

data.

To use a schedule:

1 Open your working drawing.

2 Open the HVAC palette and click the EC

Schedules tab you created earlier.

3 From the EC Schedules tab, locate and click the

name of the schedule you wish to insert in yourdrawing.

4 Follow the prompts on the command line to

select the fittings to add to the schedule. You canenter ‘a’ to select all in the drawing.

5 Press <ENTER> to complete the selection.

6 Click to place the upper left corner of the

schedule in the drawing.

7 Draw a window to the right to place thelower right corner of the schedule.

The first time the schedule is inserted in a

drawing, the data needs to be connected to

the EC fitting information:

1 Right click the schedule and select Add

All Property Sets. This adds connection

to EC Property Set information.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 55: Inserting a Schedule


2 From the Fabrication menu, click Duct

Schedule Data .

3 At the command line Enter ‘a’ for Attach.

4 Select the duct and duct fittings or enter‘a’ for All.

5 Press <ENTER>.

6 Select the schedule, and click Update

from the Schedule Table contextmenu, then press <ENTER>.

To add new duct to an existing schedule in

the drawing:

1 Add another rectangular duct to the

drawing.

2 Click the schedule, and then choose Add

from the Schedule Table contextmenu.

3 Select the new duct, and press<ENTER>.

The data for the new duct is added to the

schedule.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 56: Updating a Schedule after Edit Operations


Exercise 56: Updating a Schedule after Edit Operations

EC Schedules can be set to update automatically after any editing operations that changes the

data that the schedule is reporting. Alternatively, you can manually update a schedule whenever

a change is identified by the system.

To set up a schedule to automatically

update:

NOTE: This option may slow down

drawing performance.

1 Open the Duct palette and click the EC

Schedules tab you created earlier.

2 From the EC Schedules tab, right-

click on any schedule, such as the ‘ECDuct Schedule’.

3 Choose Properties… from the right-

click menu.

4 In the Tool Properties dialog box, set

Update automatically to Yes.

5 Click OK .

NOTE: You can also set this on yourmaster schedules and tags drawing by

editing the properties of the schedule.

A slash through a schedule in your drawing

will identify that it needs to be updated,

when Update automatically is set to No.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 57: Schedule Customization


To update a schedule:

1 Click to select the schedule, and choose

Update from the Schedule Tablecontext menu.

2 NOTE: You could instead right-click andchoose Update Schedule Table.

3 Press ENTER to de-select the table.

The table is updated.

Exercise 57: Schedule Customization

You can edit the formatting and contents of schedules, either in your current drawing session, or

more permanently and for shared use, into your master Schedules and Tags drawing.Fabrication Schedules use the ECDuctSystemData, ECEquipmentSystemData and

FABPartNumbering property sets provided with the software.

The property sets utilize all of the standard parameters for duct and fittings in the database. For

example, C1Depth stores the connector 1 depth for every fitting that it applies to, and so on, so

that the software can obtain the correct value from every fitting for schedules and tags. A

complete listing of each parameter value used by each part in the database is available in the

Content Developer Kit, available for download from the EastCoast CAD/CAM Customer Portal.





To create your own custom property set

definitions, be sure to place these in the custom

property sets (ECDuctCustomData and

ECEquipmentCustomData) so that you will

retain your customization from release to

release.

NOTE: To assist customers with upgrading,

starting with Version 6.1, two commands have

been provided that import custom and system

property sets from the EC Tags and Schedules

drawing that is specified on the ECTools tab in

the Options command, into the current

drawing. These commands are run from the

Command: line in AutoCAD MEP.

ImportCustomPropertySets

ImportSystemPropertySets [1

To add a new column of information to a

Schedule already inserted in a drawing:

1 Open the EC Schedules and Tags

drawing located in your training folderon the desktop.

2 Click the AutoCAD MEP icon in theupper left corner, choose Save As, and

enter Training Schedules and Tags asthe filename.

3 Click Save.





4 Locate the EastCoast Duct Quantity

schedule, right-click on the schedule

table, and choose Edit Schedule Table

Style.

To add a new column:

5 In the Schedule Table Style Properties

dialog box, click the Columns tab.

6 Click the Add Column button.





7 In the Add Column dialog box, click the

Categorized tab, and scroll through the

list to locate the ECDuctSystemData

category. Click the + to expand thiscategory, if necessary.

8 Scroll down within this category and

select the item to add. In this example,we will add the Material to this schedule.

9 On the right, under Heading, enter a new

value which will be the title for the

column in the schedule.

NOTE: You can also edit the data format

and other display options for the column.

10 Under Column Position, select Insert

After, and choose the location from the

Column dropdown list.

11 Click OK twice.

12 Save the drawing.

13 If not already open, click Tools to

open the HVAC tool palette. 14 To avoid confusion, delete any schedules

that this one is replacing from the tool

palette.

15 Drag the customized EC Duct Fitting

schedule into the tool palette.





Remember to keep this schedules and tags drawing with the same name and file location, as it is now

in use by your system to generate this new schedule.

To Modify a table style that is in use in a

drawing:

1 Insert the EastCoast Duct Quantityschedule into your working drawing.

2 Select the schedule that is in the drawing,right-click and choose Edit Schedule

Table Styles…

3 On the left side of Style Manager, verify

that EastCoast Duct Quantity is selected

from the tree view of schedule tablestyles.

4 On the right, click the Columns tab.

5 Click and drag the heading ‘System’ to the left so that it is located just after ‘Alias’.





6 Select the column ‘Qty’ and click the

Modify button.

7 In the Edit Quantity Column dialog box,

click Override Header Format.

8 Change the Rotation to vertical.

9 Click OK three times.

The header formatting changes in the

schedule table and in all insertedinstances in the open drawing.

If you like this change to the schedule and wish to use it with all drawings, use Style Manager to copy

the schedule table style to your master Schedules and Tags drawing, and any new property sets that it

uses.





To update the schedule table style used by each

detailer, after it has been customized in the master

schedules and tags drawing:

1 Open the HVAC tool palette.

2 Select the schedule you want to update in the tool palette, right-click, and choose Properties.

3 Examine the Style location string.

4 You can either:

Make note of the existing location for Style, and

use Windows explorer to replace it with the

updated schedules and tags drawing.

Click the down arrow to open the Style location

and change it for this drawing.

5 Right-click the schedule, and choose ‘Re-import <schedule name> Schedule Table

Style’.

NOTE: EastCoast uses property definition names with spaces in them. When creating

Schedules, you cannot use any property definitions that have spaces in the name when using the

definition in a formula. To work around this, you can create a formula property set and then call

these out directly in the schedule.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 58: Modifying Schedules with Classification


Exercise 58: Modifying Schedules with Classification

If you need to build a schedule to a particular shape or fitting type, you can do so by copying an

out of the box schedule, and editing the Schedule Table Style. Go into the Classifications to

make selections. For example, to limit a schedule to a particular shape, you could checkmark the

shapes to include within the DuctFitting List Classification.

To see how to edit the classifications for

a schedule:

1 Open the HVAC tool palette.

2 Right-click a schedule and choose

Schedule Table Styles.

NOTE: These Classifications may

take several moments to display in

Style Manager.

3 In Style Manager, click the schedule

you wish to work with on the left side.

4 Click the Applies To tab. Review the items that are

checked off as the type of object to consider, both inthe middle of the dialog box, and on the far right.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 58: Modifying Schedules with Classification


The duct classification DuctFitting ECType can be

used to help you fine tune schedules to report only the

type of fittings you need within a schedule. The

ECType classification has a closer match to the types

of fittings provided with Fabrication than the

AutoCAD MEP DuctFitting Type classification.

For example, if you did not want to see Duct in a

schedule, you could uncheck it here.

Also, starting with Version 6.1, a classification for

the Status of the ductwork, with options for

Purchase, Label, and Fabricate is also available for

use with EC schedules. Whenever DuctScheduleData

is ran then this classification will read the status of

the ductwork and set itself. [

5 Click several schedules on the left to see their

unique settings for Applies To.

6 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 59: Duct System Definitions and Layer Keys


Exercise 59: Duct System Definitions and Layer Keys

Duct System Definitions give you the ability to fine tune the appearance and layer management

of duct objects. Using Layer Keys is the best way to manage layer, linetype and visibility settings

for duct systems. For everyone on your team to use a new system or layer key settings, you can

save these settings into your start drawing template. You can also use Style Manager to move

these settings from one drawing file or template to another.

To add a new duct system definition to use when

drawing duct:

1 From the Manage tab, open the Style Manger drop

down, and click HVAC System Definitions .

2 In the tree view on the left, click + to

open HVAC objects, and then Duct

System Definitions.

3 Right click on Duct System Definitions

and choose New.

4 On the General tab, enter a

name and description.

5 On the Design Rules tab,

enter an abbreviation, selectDUCT as the System Group.

6 For Layer Key, choose M-SY-DUCT-

SUPPLY_SPECIAL.

The layer key defines the

layer the color, the linetype,

the lineweight, and the plot

styles.





7 Click each of the remaining

tabs to examine the settings

available.

8 Click OK .

To adjust layer, color or linetype settings for the

system you created above:

1 From the Manage tab, click Style Manager .

2 Click the ‘+’ to open Multi- Purpose Objects, andthen Layer Key Styles.

3 Select MEP Object – AIA 256 Color.

4 On the right, click the Keys tab.

5 Scroll down to locate the M-SY-DUCT layer keys.

6 Highlight’ M-SY-DUCT-SUPPLY_SPECIAL’, and click the color box to open up a SelectColor dialog box.

7 Click a new color, and then click OK .





8 In the same row, click in the Linetype cell,

on ‘Continuous’ to bring up the Select

Linetype dialog box.

9 Click Show Linetypes in File, and selecta linetype name from the Linetype

column.

10 Click OK .

11 Click OK to apply your changes.

The M-SY-DUCT-SUPPLY Layer Key is mapped to the HVAC System Definition you created

earlier.





12 Draw duct, and set the System Definition

in the Properties palette to the system you

created in this exercise, to draw with the

color and linetype settings you made tolayer key styles.

Layer Key Styles and MvParts

Starting with Version 6.0, MvParts in the Design to Fabrication database can now use layer key

styles when using automated commands, such as Add Hangers or Add Dampers. These parts

include hangers, dampers, and valves. In the EC Start Drawing Template provided with this

release, the default layer key style has been set to the EastCoast layer key style, so that all of the

EastCoast mvparts come in on the correct layer.

Because the layer key style provided in AutoCAD MEP do not consider these types of parts, we

have created a new layer key style called EC - MEP Object - AIA 256 Color. This layer key

style is built based on the MEP Object - AIA 256 Color layer key style that ships with AutoCAD

MEP. If you need to modify the layers and layer properties of the layer key styles, you can open

up Style Manager -> Multi-Purpose Objects -> Layer Key Styles and select the EC – MEP

Object – AIA 256 Color to modify the layers and layer properties of the layer key styles \ in

your start drawing template, or in your project drawings. They are currently set up in a 'generic'

configuration that matches the AutoCAD MEP out of the box items.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 60: Creating Cross Sections


Exercise 60: Creating Cross Sections

You can create a cross section to help visualize the system within the architectural space.

To create a cross section:

1 Open the Annotation tab on the HVAC tool palette.

2 Select Section Mark A2T to create a 2D section. This

adds a mark to your cursor.

NOTE: You can also use Title Mark and Elevation

Mark A2 to create sections.

3 Draw a line across the area you want to face in the

section view.

4 Press <ENTER>.

5 Drag from the line to create a box around the objects

you want to view

6 Press <ENTER>.

To place a callout on the current drawing:

7 Select Current Drawing to place the section view

on the drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 60: Creating Cross Sections


8 Move cursor to where you want it on the drawing,

and click down to place the cross section.

9 Update the tag notation by double clicking on the

words you want to change.

10 Edit them as required.

This information is added automatically, if you set

up the overall project.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 61: Interference Checking


Exercise 61: Interference Checking

You can check for any conflicts between duct and other architectural elements from the Analysis

tab using the Interference Detection tool. Once you know where the conflicts are, you would use

the Fabrication and MEP tools you have learned about to correct the issue.

1 From the Analyze tab on the

ribbon, click Interference

Detection .

2 Select the items to be

analyzed from MEPObjects, Building Elements,

and Clearances.

3 Click Start Interference Analysis

in the bottom left corner of theitem list.

Items are analyzed.

4 Interferences are identified in the

dialog box and are displayed in Red

within the drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 62: Equipment


Exercise 62: Equipment

Included with Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP are equipment (mvparts) and also templates that

are connected to the Parametric Part Wizard, so that you can populate these with the

manufacturer-specific values you need for a particular project. Templates that are provided

include: Air Handling Unit, Air Terminal, Roof curbs (1 and 2), Roof-mounted Exhaust

Ventilation, Sidewall Grille, Round and Rectangular Louver, and VAV Boxes (with and without

coils). Also, generic equipment catalogs are available in the EastCoast MvParts Catalog.

NOTE: If you do not see these options in the software, you may need to re-run the Design to

Fabrication setup program to install them.

Detailed PDF files are available for all Parametric Part templates included with the software.

These PDFs can be accessed from the EastCoast Support ribbon. 1753]

Once you select a

template from the menu,

the PDF itself shows the

part and also the notes to

assist with the Parametric

Part Wizard.

To set up EastCoast MVParts Equipment for

specific manufacturer content:

1 From the Home tab, Build area, click the Tools

dropdown menu.

2 Click Parametric Part Wizard .





3 Verify that Part Domain is set to Multi-view

Part.

4 For Part Type, select one of these choices:

Air Terminal

Air Handling Unit VAV Box

Fan

Custom – For roof curb templates

Coil

Louver

5 Click into the Part Template dropdown,

locate the EastCoast Custom MvParts

2014 category.

6 Select the template to work with from this

category.

7 In the top right,

enter the Name and

Description for the part.





8 In the lower area, enter

values for dimensions

and non- dimensional

values for the part,according to a specific

manufacturer cut sheet.

9 Continue adding

dimensions for each partsize needed in each row.

10 Click OK .

The equipment is nowready to be used for

this project and any

future projects thatrequire the same type

of equipment.

To use any of the following

manufacturer-specific

equipment catalogs:

Round neck square face ceiling diffuser

Square neck square face ceiling diffuser

Coil

Round Inlet Fan Powered Box

Round Inlet Fan Powered Box with Inlet Reheat Coil

Rectangular Inlet VAV Box

Rectangular Inlet VAV Box with Reheat Coil





Round Inlet VAV Box

Round Inlet VAV Box with Reheat Coil

Rectangular Face Sidewall Grille

Rectangular and Round Louvers

1 From the Home tab, Build area, click Equipment .

NOTE: You could alternatively type mvpartadd on thecommand line.

2 In the Add Multi-view Parts dialog box, scroll to the top

and click ‘+’ to expand EastCoast MvParts 2014.

3 Click ‘+’ next to Mechanical.

4 Click ‘+’ next to any

category available, andthen select the part to

work with.5 Click in the drawing to

insert the part..



EastCoast CAD/CAM Part 4: Part Numbering, Spools and Pickoffs


Part 4: Part Numbering, Spools and Pickoffs

For the final preparation for a job to prepare it for fabrication, apply part numbers, generate spool

drawings, and export pickoffs. Estimation data can also be added to the drawing, and exported to

estimating software.

Exercise 63: Duct Part Number

The Duct Part Number command prepares the duct runs and branches ready for fabrication by

applying numbering according to your fabrication process. The command can also optionally add

number tags to the drawing. There are many options available to control the behavior and display

of the duct numbers. The Duct Part Number command works as a filter, allowing you to control

how duct gets numbers, and which duct to number. You can number different types of duct using

different frame styles.

Apply numbering to duct after the duct has been broken into fabricate-able segments and after

using AutoTag. The duct part numbers added to the drawing are used when creating duct

pickoffs for download to DuctMaker. Settings made in Duct Part Number are saved in the

software; they are not set per drawing.

To add duct numbering:

1 Select Duct Part Number from the Fabrication menu.

2 On the command line,

press <ENTER> toattach the numbers on

the duct.

3 In the Number dialog box click the topmost grey dropdown menu to specify what portion of a duct run to number.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 63: Duct Part Number


Choices include:

Duct – to make piece by piece

selections

Duct Run

Duct Run with Branches

Duct Branch

Duct Branch with Branches

4 Select Duct Run with Branches.

5 Click into each subsequent field to

determine what shapes to number:

Fitting Shape – Set Rectangular to

True and Round and Oval to False to

only number rectangular duct.

Fitting Status – Set Label (coil line)

and Fabricate (plasma cutter) to

True.

6 In the Number area, you can enter a name in the System field which can then be used forfiltering the pickoff, and for identification in DuctMaker. Examples: return, supply,

exhaust, exhaust ef1, AHU2, etc.

7 For Start, you can enter a piece number to start at, if needed. Keep in mind that the

software will automatically remember the last number that was used, even when you shut

down and reopen the drawing. 8 For Override, be sure set this to True so that any duct spec overrides will be considered

in the numbering.

9 For Digits, you can determine the number of digits used for the duct numbering. For

example, if you enter 2, your numbering will show as 01, 02, 03, and so on.

10 Click into Frame and choose from

the available shape options.





These shapes are stored in the Part Numbering Tags.dwg file in the Styles folder.

TIP: You can use a different frame option to label low pressure one shape, and then run Duct

Part Number again to label high pressure another shape, etc.

11 Click into Orientation to choose

how the numbers are placed on the

duct (Horizontal, UpDown, or

DownUp).

12 For Sort, you have two options:

Set Sort to False to have a unique number assigned to each piece in the selection.

Set Sort to True to have identical types of duct given the same number.

13 Set the Place tag option to True or

False.

If set to False, the command will

not add duct part number tags to

the drawing, so that customers can

optionally use the AutoTag

command to add number tagsinstead.

Regardless of whether Place Tag is set to True or False, the Duct Part Number will still

apply the numbers the specified duct. You will still be able to see the numbering on the

Properties palette. One benefit to using AutoTag to place part number tags is that is

avoids the problem of AutoTag removing Duct Part Numbers. But AutoTag is not able to

tag all duct with part number tags, so you will have to manually add certain part number

tags after running AutoTag. Another benefit is that Auto Tag provides more control in for

the placement of the part number tags in the duct. They can be offset from center, for

example.





14 If the Numbering setting at the top is

set to Duct Run with Branches, under

Special, specify whether to number

Caps, Taps, and Couplers (True orFalse).

15 Click OK .

16 Click on any piece in the duct run.

Numbering is added automatically

throughout the entire run.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 64: Pickoff


Exercise 64: Pickoff

Pickoffs can be generated for use by DuctMaker and for Vulcan Quickpen systems. You control

what type of fitting data that gets included in the pickoff, based on whether it has been

numbered, the shape, system, and you can also set its status (whether it will be fabricated,

labeled, or purchased). The Vulcan option can be enabled in Options, on the ECTools tab.

To generate a DuctMaker pickoff that includes all fitting shapes and only fittings that will be

fabricated:

1 Working with your training drawing that includes

numbered duct, save the drawing.

2 From the Fabricate area of the Home tab, open the

Load Catalog drop-down menu, and click

Fabrication Palette .

3 On the Fabrication Palette, select the Pickoff tab.

4 Working from the top of the Pickoff tab to the

bottom:

Highlight the pickoff file name.

Click the DuctMaker checkbox.

Click Pickoff .

NOTE: Alternatively, you can choose

Pickoff from the Home tab, Duct Fabrication

dropdown menu, and then press ENTER.

5 In the Pickoff dialog box, make choices to determine

what to include.

Selection set – Click the topmost greydropdown list to choose Duct from the

options on what to include.





Number Status – Choose

Numbered to include only duct

that has been numbered in the

drawing.

Fitting Shape - Rect, Round and

Oval to True Fitting Status:

o Fabricate set to True

o Label and Purchase set to

False

NOTE: If you used a system number when you numbered your duct, you can supply in the

System Number field to filter the pickoff to just those duct that have that system number.

You must enter the system number exactly how it was entered when numbering the duct.

6 Click OK

7 Follow the command line instructions to

select duct objects in the drawing.

8 Press <ENTER>.

The pickoff drawing icon displays on theFabrication palette.





9 Right click on the Pickoff file name and

click Generate.

The pickoff file is created in the

C:\Documents and Settings\Training\MyDocuments\Pickoffs, or the folder you

specified in the ECTools tab of the

Options dialog box.

Pickoff Copy and Paste

Currently any fittings that are copied and pasted

will retain their pickoff association. To work

around this issue, be sure to un-define the fittings

from the pickoffs. This is also true when copying

fittings from one drawing to another . [735]

To remove the fittings from the pickoff, on the

Fabrication palette, right-click on a spool andselect Modify. Modify provides an option to add

or remove fittings from the spool.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 65: Duct Spool


Exercise 65: Duct Spool

The Duct Spool feature lets you create tagged isometric views of portions of your drawing,

including equipment, to clarify how a portion of the duct is drawn, with schedules. The view and

schedules can be modified as needed. The spool drawing is based on the Duct Spool Template,

located in the Template folder. Schedules and general setup can be modified to meet your needs.

To create a Duct Spool:

1 If not already visible, open the Fabrication Palette from the Load Catalog drop-down in the Fabricate area

of the Home tab.

2 On the Fabrication tool palette, select the Duct Spool tab.

3 Right click the file name in the tab and select Define.

4 Select the items to be spooled in the drawing.

5 Press <ENTER> at the command line. The spool drawingicon displays on the Fabrication Palette. A spool drawing

named <filename>-001 displays in the Fabrication Palette.

6 Right click on the spool file name, and click Generate.

NOTE: If you need to generate more than one spool, you

can use CTRL and SHIFT keys to select them.





7 Right click the spool name on the Fabrication

palette and click Open.

The spool drawing opens which has been created

using paper size that is set as the default sheet in

your spool drawing. Schedules have been added,

the selected duct is added, and the numbering isoriented on the spool. Whichever Duct Number

Shape is set in the main drawing will also be used

in the Duct Spool drawing.[776

8 Right-click on the duct and choose Object Viewer

to change the view inside the spool drawing.

9 Click Duct Number Tags from the Fabricatearea of the Home tab to re-align the numbering.

TIP: If you will be creating multiple spools from the working drawing, use the New Category

option to create sublevels in order to organize the spools.

To verify and update Spools:

If you make changes to the main drawing that

affect your spool, you can right-click on the spool

drawing from the Fabrication palette, and use the

Verify option to see what spools have been

affected.

To only update spools which have been modified,

select Update If Modified. It will only put the

revision numbers on spools that have been

modified, and will update only those spools. [979]

Use the Update command to update all spool

drawings to reflect any changes.





Additional Duct spool commands include:

You can add dimensions to your spool by

choosing the Duct Dimension or Duct Dimension

All commands from the middle Duct menu on the

ribbon. The Duct Dimension All command will

dimension from the end to end, end to tap, end tocenter, and the tap distance from bottom or top to

center.

You can adjust the offset location for dimensions

by typing in the ductdimoffset command on the

command line. You can enter fractional offset

value, from a minimum of .5 as the offset factor.

You can set the view plane for the dimensions by

typing in the ductdimensionuseviewplanes on the

command line. You can set this variable in your

Spool Template Drawing the way you normally

would like to view the dimensions.

o Type ‘1’ to align the dimensions based on the viewing plane of the duct.

o Type ‘2’ to not add dimensions based on the viewing duct.

To set and customize the spool templates:

1 Open one or more of the spooltemplate drawing templates (DWT)

that you wish to edit, located in this

folder:

c:\ProgramData\EastCoast\Fabrication

for AutoCAD MEP 2014\Templates

Duct Spool Template (UK Metric).dwt – Used for duct spools, Metric units Duct Spool Template (US Imperial).dwt – Used for duct spools, US Imperial units

2 From the four plot layout tabs listed, choose the layout you plan to use:





New customers and Upgrading

customers working on new jobs

should work with A Size and C Size

to take advantage of new features

provided by the newer schedules and

Property Set improvements.

Upgrading customers working on

ongoing projects should work with A

Size-Old and C Size Old, to ensure

compatibility with their existing

drawings. These use the older style

schedules.

NOTE: If you don’t see the layout

tabs, you must first go into Options and enable Display Layout and

Model tabs. This setting is in the

Display tab in the Options dialog box.

3 Make any changes to the layout and content of the template.

4 Be sure to be on the correct tab before saving. When you generate a spool, the size will begenerated based upon what was set as the default tab in the spool template.

5 Save the changes to the template drawing.

6 Close the template file.

7 When you generate a spool, the size will be generated based upon what was set as the default

in the spool template.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 66: Duct Number Tags


Exercise 66: Duct Number Tags

After generating a Duct Spool, if you decide to change the view direction or zoom magnification

of the duct in the spool drawing, you can update the tags very easily with the Duct Number

Tags command.

To update the tags in the spool drawing:

1 Click Duct Number Tags from theFabricate area of the Home tab.

The tags are realigned with the duct.

Exercise 67: Adding Pickoff or Spool Legends

A legend can be added to a drawing that identifies using color what duct has already been

assigned to a pickoff or spool. To make this display theme automatically update whenever a newspool is added to the drawing, set the Auto Legend Definition option in ECTools.

To create a legend showing two pickoff areas in the

drawing:

1 First define two or more pickoffs in your training

drawing.

The naming convention for pickoff files uses a defaultsetting that displays the file path as ###. If you are

using Project Navigator, this location will be

automatically entered with your projects location.2 On the Fabrication palette, at the top level of the

pickoff list, right-click and select Generate.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise 67: Adding Pickoff or Spool Legends


3 From the Fabricate area of the

Home tab, click Pickoff .

4 On the command line, enter ‘l’ toselect the Legend option.

5 Click to place the table on the drawing.

6 Select the legend table, and click Apply

Display Theme from the Display Themecontext menu.

The colors of pickoffs in the drawing are

updated to the legend colors.

7 Select the Legend table again,

and click Edit Style .

8 Click the Design Rules tab.

9 Change the colors that will be

used to display each pickoff

10 Click OK .

11 Save the drawing.





To add a Duct Spool Legend to a drawing:

1 Before use you must make sure that your start drawing template has the ECDuctSpoolTheme

Display Theme Style and the DuctSpoolID property set in your ECDuctSystemData Property

Set Definition.

2 Open a drawing and generate one or more spools.

3 From the Fabricate area on the Home tab,

click Duct Schedule Data .

4 On the command line, type ‘a’ for ALL.

5 Type ductspool on the command line.

6 Enter ‘l’ for

Legend.

7 Pick a point to the side of the run where you want thelegend to display.

8 From the Display Theme context ribbon, click Apply

Display Theme .

9 Press <ESC> to deselect the legend.

The Legend is added, and each spool section in the

drawing is colorized according to the legend.

You can toggle the colorization on and off by clicking on

the legend and choose Disable Display Theme

from the context ribbon. Other options on the ribbon

allow you to edit the colors that the legend is using.

NOTE: If the duct in the drawing does not change to legend

colors, you may need to edit the ECDuctSpool Theme in

Style Manager further. On the Design Rules tab, and change

the property set definition to ECDuctSystemData, and the

Property to DuctSpoolID for each duct spool. Then update

your template by going to the Fabrication palette, Duct Spool

tab, right-clicking, and choosing Update. Toggle the display

theme setting off and on again by clicking the Display theme

legend in the drawing, and from the context ribbon, choose

Disable Display Theme , and then Apply Display

Theme .





Setting up the Spool ID Property Set Definitions and Spool Theme

The Duct Spool ID Property Set Definition and EC Duct Spool Theme are used by the Duct

Spool Legend command. The Duct Spool ID is also included in pickoffs and used by

DuctMaker. For upgrade customers, you will need to add these to your start drawing template

and get them from the EC Start Drawing Template provided by this release.]

To set up Spool ID and Spool Theme for Duct Spool Legends:

1 Open the ‘out of the box’ EC Start Drawing

Template that is provided with this release,located in the Program

Data\EastCoast\Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP

2014\Template folder.

2 Open the start drawing template that you use.

3 From the Manage tab, click Style Manager

.

4 In the EC Start Drawing Template provided with

this release, click ‘+’ to open Documentation

Objects > Display Theme Styles.

5 Copy ECDuctSpoolTheme and paste it into yourstart drawing template.

6 In your start drawing template, click ‘+’open Documentation Objects > Property SetDefinitions > ECDuctSystemData.

7 In the upper right, click Add tocreate a new Definition.

8 Name the new definition

‘DuctSpoolID’.

9 Set the Type to Text.

10 Make sure there is a checkmark forthis definition in the Visible column.

11 Click OK .



EastCoast CAD/CAM Supplemental Exercises


Supplemental Exercises

Exercise A: Working with Environments

The Design to Fabrication system supports UK Metric, Global Metric, US Metric and US

Standard installations of AutoCAD MEP and Revit . If you need to produce work in alternate

units (metric or US Imperial) using your shop standards, you can convert your catalog to those

units and switch to that environment in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP. Shops that outsource

fabrication of their CAD drawings will be able to set up configuration environments to match the

various shops that they use for fabrication. If needed, the out-of-the-box Metric environment

contains a base set of connectors and UK SMACNA DW144 specifications to build upon that

can then easily create a new US Imperial environment from that setup. Another use for the

environment feature is to archive your settings.

You use Part Manager to create multiple environments for separate configuration setups in the

same database. Each environment retains all the settings that are made in Configuration, such as

pipe configuration settings, allowances, specifications, mfg. defaults, and so on. For piping,system Content, custom Content and Joints are common across all environments.

To load an Environment:

1 Start Part Manager, and click Configuration

.

2 In the lower right corner of theConfiguration screen, click to openthe Environment drop down arrow.

3 Choose the Environment to load:

US Imperial (Standard)

New installations have this option.

UK Metric (Metric)

New installations have this option.

Configuration (Standard)

Upgrade customers will see this option, which

stores their pre-existing environment.

Any other environment you previously created or

imported.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise A: Working with Environments


The currently loaded environment displays on the lower right corner of the Configuration screen.

Note to New Customers: EastCoast recommends that new customers start out by making a copy

of the out of the box default environment (US Imperial or UK Metric), and customizing that

copy to meet your needs.

To make a copy of an Environment:

1 Load the environment upon which you wish to base your new environment.

2 Click New Environment .

3 In the New Environment dialog box, entervalues in each field, as follows:

Name – Enter a descriptive name for the

environment. Ex: ‘JC Co Metric’

Description – Enter information about this

environment. Ex: ‘This is our metric config

based on our preexisting US config settings.

Feb 12 2014.’

Unit – Choose from Standard or Metric.

Copy of current – Choose True.

NOTE: If you choose False, the new

environment will not contain any settings from

the currently loaded environment. This option

is useful if you plan to later import an

environment from another database, or if you

prefer to setup your environment from scratch.

4 Click OK

This process can be used to create a Metric environment based upon a pre-existing Imperial

environment, and vice versa. Or use this procedure to create an archive copy of your

environment before making changes to it.

To edit the name or description for an

Environment:

1 Click to open the Environment drop downarrow.

2 Hover over the environment you wish to export

to reveal the Delete, Edit and Export icons to the

right.





3 Click Edit .

4 Type in any changes to the Name or Description

fields.

5 Click Done.

To export an Environment to use in a

different fabrication shop (DuctMaker):

1 Click to open the Environment drop

down arrow.

2 Hover over the environment you wish to

export to reveal the Delete, Edit and

Export icons to the right.

3 Click Export .

4 In Configuration Export

Properties, click a

checkbox to select or de-

select a property toexport.

You can also click

UnCheck All to

remove all checkmarks.

5 Click OK .

6 Choose the location and

type in a descriptive file

name.

7 Verify that EC DuctMaker

Configuration file (*.ecc) is set at the Save as type.

8 Click Save.

You can now distribute the file to other DuctMaker installations.





To work within a specific environment in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP:

1 Load the measurement version of AutoCAD MEP that you require (US Imperial, US Metric, UK

Metric, Global, etc.).

2 Open the Start Drawing Template for the units setting you will be working in. Two are provided:

EC Start Drawing Template (UK).dwt

EC Start Drawing Template (US Imperial).dwt

3 From the AutoCAD MEP menu, click Options.

4 Click the ECTools tab.

5 Scroll down to Duct Spool Options, and specify theappropriate Duct Spool Template to work with:

Duct Spool Template (US Imperial).dwt

Duct Spool Template (UK Metric).dwt





6 Scroll further down to

AutoTag Options, and

specify the appropriate

Auto Tag drawing towork with.

EC Schedules andTags(UK)

EC Schedules andTags.dwg

To set the environment from the Fabrication area of

the ribbon:

1 Open the Load Catalog drop down menu.

2 Choose Switch Environment.

3 In the Switch Environment

dialog box, choose the

environment you wish to use.

4 Click OK .

5 Click Load Catalog toload the desired Catalog.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise C: Example - Setting up Taps in PartManager


Exercise C: Example - Setting up Taps in PartManager

To set Manufacturer Defaults

for Taps:

1. Open Taps from the tree

view in the left pane.Open Rectangular Tap,2

Normal.

On the lower right, select the3

Ranges and Values tab.Set the fitting values for4

Minimum, Maximum, Step

and Length to what you need

for this fitting.Click Done.5

To set Specifications for Taps:

As with other fitting types, you can edit the Specification Configuration for each type of tap to

assist with automation.

Set taps to Mount Field or Mount Shop:





Field - taps will download to the new standalone tap fittings.

Shop - taps will download attached to the duct body and will cut the hole for the tap (as in prior

versions).

Additional specification control for taps to support how they will be fabricated in

DuctMaker, such as setting their bodies to Fabricate status and collars to Label

Only. You can also adjust which faces get the female side of the locks vs. the male

side in the fitting settings. [1390]

To set Joint Allowances for Taps:

Joints are used with Taps, and for any internal taps or body to

body connectors that are part of a fitting.

You can set up all four sides of the rectangular joints

independently. You can also apply the Lock Cut Back angle

and Depth, in order to notch the lock back from the joint. [800

and 814 and 824]





Use and edit any of the preset Joints, or dragand drop to create a new one.

In the Joint Editor, click the tabs on the leftto set different Male or Female allowances

(for Round and Oval joints).

Click the tabs on the bottom to edit each

face (Left, Top, Right, or Bottom), orchoose All to apply the same settings to all

four sides.

Edit the values for Name, Height, Edges,

and Lock cutback angle and depth values,

as needed.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise D: Adding an Architectural Background


Exercise D: Adding an Architectural Background

Open your drawing and add the background drawing provided by the architect or engineer. We

will use drawings in the Training folder on your desktop in this example.

Add the architectural drawing background included in your training

drawing by adding each xref you need

of the architectural drawing:

1 From the Insert ribbon menu, click

Attach.

2 Browse for the xref file.

3 Select the xref layer name.

4 Click Open.

5 On the Attach External Reference

select:

Reference Type = Overlay

De-select Specify Onscreen

Path Type = Relative

6 Click OK . The xref will be added to

your drawing file.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise D: Adding an Architectural Background


Repeat to add the ceiling and the

lights, and any other relative xref

levels:

7 Double click the ceiling. TheReference Edit menu opens. From

here you separate the ceilings portions.

8 Click OK . The reference portions

are added to your drawing.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise E: Adding Ceilings


Exercise E: Adding Ceilings

To add ceilings to your drawing, select the Ceiling Grid

from the Architectural tools:

1 Click the tool palette menu Open the Architectural tool

palette.

2 If not already open, right-click in an empty area of the

drawing and choose Properties .

3 Click on the Design tab, and scroll down to select Ceiling

Grid.

4 To place the ceiling on an existing drawing, locateBoundary on the Design tab in Properties, and

choose Select Object… from the drop-down list.

5 Click on the initial corner of the ceiling placement.

6 Click the opposite corner for placement.

7 Press <ENTER> to place the ceiling.

Edits can be made to the ceiling by selecting it and

using commands from the Ceiling Grid context menu.



EastCoast CAD/CAMExercise F: Importing a Revit MEP XML file using MEP Design to Fab


Exercise F: Importing a Revit MEP XML file using MEP Design toFabrication

MEP Design to Fabrication can takes the generic engineering Revit HVAC systems and

automatically applies specifications and manufacturer information to them for further refinement

in Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP. After MEP Design to Fabrication conversion is complete,you can then review the system design, add further refinements, and apply finish detailing to

make them fabrication ready. Your office can choose whether to obtain a license for MEP

Design to Fabrication.

MEP Design to Fabrication working within Revit follows these steps:

1. Select the data to extract in the engineering design from Revit, selecting either a specific

area or a complete run.

2. Export the information using MEP Design to Fabrication.

3. Save out any background drawing data for use in AutoCAD MEP.

4. Using Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP, prepare AutoCAD MEP for the Revit download:

a. Load the appropriate EC catalog

b. Set up the Duct Fabrication Preferences

5. Download the file, review any error messages, and edit the drawing to better allow for

fabrication.

Once the Revit MEP duct has been exported and the file saved, the XML file is imported

into Fabrication for AutoCAD MEP as follows:

1 Start AutoCAD MEP .

2 Open your base drawing or template file.

3 Load any available xref files related to the

Revit drawing.

4 Load the desired catalog .

5 Review the Duct Fabrication Preferences

. This information will be applied to the

Revit fittings.

6 From the Insert tab on the ribbon, click Revit MEP .



EastCoast CAD/CAMExercise F: Importing a Revit MEP XML file using MEP Design to Fab


NOTE: If you do not see this option, you have not yet enabled the Revit feature.

7 Select the Revit.XML file you saved in the MEP

Design to Fabrication Export steps.

8 Click OK . Follow the progress bar in the command

line. As the information is imported, the DuctFabrication Preferences are applied.

If there are diffusers or dampers

in the Revit export file, as the

file is being imported, a RevitMapping Master Elements

dialog box appears to assist with

the select source and target

equipment options.

To work with diffusers and

dampers:

9 Click the Diffuser or

Damper tab.

10 For each Source type, click

into Target to open the pull

down and map the Revitdamper/diffuser source

content to the AutoCAD

MEP damper/diffuser target

content.



EastCoast CAD/CAM Exercise G: Backing up your Fabrication Database


Exercise G: Backing up your Fabrication Database

The SQL Database provided with the Design to Fabrication system contains all of the content,

specifications and manufacturing content used by AutoCAD MEP Fabrication and DuctMaker.

We recommend backing up this data before any type of upgrade, and as often as possible to

ensure that any changes that have been made to the data are secure. It is very important to always back up your database before every upgrade.

NOTE: Please contact EastCoast Technical Support by emailing [email protected] to

obtain assistance with upgrade or backup procedures.

Database Components

The database contains at least one data file and one transaction log file. SQL Server stores the

data physically in the data file. The transaction log file stores the details of all the modifications

that you perform on your SQL Server database and the details of the transactions that performed

each modification. Over time the log file can grow to exceed 1,000,000KB or 1G in size.

We recommend shrinking the database before backing it up to make it easier to transfer and

store. Please refer to the Shrinking the SQL Database for Backup section on page 234 below

for a walkthrough of this process.

Backup Procedure

The process to back up the SQL database involves detaching the database, using Microsoft SQL

Server Management Studio, and copying the database files to a remote location.

Step 1: Detaching the database from SQL Server

Before you can make a copy of the database files you will need to detach the database from the

SQL Server Instance.

Begin by opening, and connecting to SQL Server

Management Studio Express.

To open Management Studio:

1. Click Start > All programs > Microsoft SQLServer > SQL Server Management Studio

Express









2. Verify that you are connecting to the correct

SQL Instance, and then click Connect.

3. Expand the databases by selecting the plus (+)sign next to Database.

4. Right-click the name of your fabrication

database, and select Tasks Detach.

5. From the Detach Database window click OK .

With the database detached from SQL Server6

you can now create a copy of the data and log

file.

Step 2: Copying the database files

1. Use Windows Explorer to open the default location of the databasefiles:

C:/Program Files (x86)/Microsoft SQL7

Server/MSSQL.1/MSSQL/Data





2. Select the following files and copy them to a

new location:

[yourdatabasename]_Data.mdf

[yourdatabasename]_Log.ldfNOTE: The name of your database may differ

from the example on the right.

With the database backed up, you can now need to re-attach the database to the SQL Server instance.

Step 3: Re-attaching the database

Begin by opening, and connecting to SQL Server


To open Management Studio:

1. Click Start > All programs > Microsoft SQL

Server > SQL Server Management Studio

Express

2. Verify that you are connecting to the correct

SQL Instance, and then click Connect.





3. Right-click on Databases and select Attach.

4. From the Attach Database dialog box, Click

ADD.





Begin by opening, and connecting to SQL

Server Management Studio Express:

1. Click Start > All programs > Microsoft

SQL Server > SQL Server Management

Studio Express.

2. Verify that you are connecting to the

correct SQL Instance, and then click

Connect.

3. Right-click on your database, and select

Properties.





4. From the Database Properties dialog box,

under Select a page, click Files.

5. Verify that the Owner parameter on the

right is populated with a value:

If the database already has an Owner

assigned to it, click OK.

If the database has no Owner, Type“sa” into the field, and then click OK .

6. You can now exit SQL Server


Shrinking the SQL Database for Backup

We recommend shrinking the database before backing it up, to make it easier to transfer and

store. Shrinking the database reduces the size of the log file down to 1,024KB / 1MB.

Database log size before shrinking.

Database log size after shrinking.

Begin by opening, and connecting to SQL

Server Management Studio Express.

To shrink the database:

1. Click Start > All programs > MicrosoftSQL Server > SQL Server Management

Studio Express



EastCoast CAD/CAM NOTES


NOTES

EC+Sheet+Metal+CAD+Training+V6.1

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