In general, user-defined features (UDFs) help you capture and save a group of features and/or components to the disk. You can then place these features in other models by defining attributes and picking adoptive references. When coupled with Pro/PIPING, using the UDF functionality is an efficient way to expedite creation of pipeline assemblies. Not only does this approach eliminate the need for manual pipeline construction, but it also yields several productivity-enhancing benefits:

• Pipeline data reuse

• Primitive pipeline configurations

• Pipeline standardization

• Increased flexibility through manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic replacement

• Capture of detailed pipeline information such as multiple line stocks, corner types, and fittings

• Ability to place pipelines while not in Pro/PIPING.

To make pipeline UDFs a part of your day-to-day modeling activities, follow these simple instructions.

1. Design the reference/base pipeline

A pipeline under consideration for a UDF should be designed thoughtfully. Taking special care at this stage helps to ensure the pipeline has the flexibility to be used in many product lines. Some issues to consider when building reference pipelines:

• Characterize the pipeline’s references accurately. Reuse reference geometry when designing the pipeline. This will reduce the number of reference prompts required during UDF creation, thus simplifying the installation process. In addition, make sure that any references used in base pipeline creation are typical. For example, if all target products require pipelines that exclusively reference datum coordinate systems on one side and datum axes on the other, build the base pipeline relative to a coordinate system and an axis.

• Isolate the pipeline. Isolating the base pipeline expedites feature selection. Simply pick the first referenced line stock, the last fitting (or pipe segment), and all features in between. If you model pipelines concurrently—i.e., at the same assembly level—their features become intermixed. This complicates feature selection during pipeline UDF creation. To avoid accidentally selecting features that belong to multiple pipelines, check out each feature with the Global Reference Viewer.

Here is a model tree of a well-planned reference pipeline, displaying the feature content and order that make pipeline UDFs flexible and robust. Routing features have been renamed for clarity. (Click to view model tree)

2. Create the pipeline UDF

Once you have characterized pipeline references, geometry, and anatomy, you may begin defining the UDF. You can create pipeline UDFs while in either Pro/PIPING or the Standard assembly.

1. Choose Feature, UDF Library, Create.

2. Enter the name for the pipeline UDF (ex: <100_to_200_line_generic>).

3. Determine whether the UDF will be dependent on the reference assembly. Choose Subordinate, Done to make it dependent, or Standalone, Done to make it independent. Note: You will not be prompted to create a reference part as you would with a part UDF.

4. When asked to choose the features to make up the UDF, pick the first line stock, the last fitting, and every feature in between. In this example, you would capture all the geometry shown in Figure 2. If you choose to include solid pipe segments in your UDF, you would capture the geometry shown in Figure 3.

5. Choose Done Sel, Done, Done/Return.

6. The system now requires you to enter reference prompts. In this example, the pipeline references coordinate systems on both models. Enter a descriptive name for each external reference (e.g., “Motor port”, “Vessel port”). Choose Done/Return to finish prompt definition.

7. If more than one feature references a given entity, the system will display the PROMPT menu. Choose Single, Done/Return to enter one prompt for all referencing features. Choose Multiple, Done/Return if you want to enter an independent prompt for each referencing entity.

At this point, you have defined all required elements. You can, however, increase the pipeline UDF’s flexibility by taking advantage of these optional elements:

• Var Elements. Allows you to redefine the feature/component elements during placement.
— Routing Feature. Can generally change references.
— Fittings. Can change position and orientation.

• Var Dims. Lets you enter values for designated dimensions during placement. All variable dimensions will act as “Normal” dimensions in the target model.

• Fam Table. Allows you to create a catalog of pipelines with variable dimensions, features, components, and parameters. The system prompts for the desired instance during
placement.

• Pro/PROGRAM. Allows logical statements to drive the configuration of pipeline UDFs. (Only available for subordinate UDFs.)

Once you’ve defined all required and optional elements, choose OK to create the UDF. The system saves the file to your hard disk with a .gph file extension.