product focus
AutoCAD MEP piping is in routing preferences. We were presented with routing preferences for piping about two releases ago, but now we also have it for HVAC. The routing preferences are set up the same way as for piping.
You will also notice a wider variety of parts available when you need to transition during your change in duct while you are designing. The selection of parts is not only greater, but you’ll also see the difference in the preview screen and types of information on each part. Most of the improvements to AutoCAD MEP 2012 are to HVAC. In addition, there are improvements that carry over from AutoCAD® and from AutoCAD® Architecture that impact AutoCAD MEP. In a future article, I’ll expand on the new renovation tool, which allows you to better handle existing vs. demo vs. new layers and objects. I am very impressed with AutoCAD MEP 2012 overall. While there is not a long list of new features, the features added make
Modifying a part after you’ve created your design is also much more intuitive. Select your part (the elbow in this case), and double click on the image of the part in properties. That opens the “Select a part” dialog box that allows you to select another elbow as well as filter and sort by various part parameters. Added duct parts and tools are also available and bring even more value to the program. One new tool you’ll see on the Build panel of the Home tab is the duct transition utility. By choosing two separate pieces of duct, duct fitting, or mvpart, it will transition to another duct, fitting, or mvpart that is at a different elevation.
for a better and more consistent flow within the program for the user and standardize much between the disciplines and workspaces. This all makes it easier to use. In my opinion, that’s what it is all about.
Beth Powell owns CAD Fuel Design. She produces drawings for the fueling industry and provides training and support for AutoCAD and AutoCAD MEP. Her blog is http:// bethscadblog.blogspot.com/. She can be reached at beth@cadfuel.com.
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April 2011