5. Replace and automate the pipeline as needed

Since pipeline UDFs become groups when placed in the target assembly, they can be manipulated with standard group automation tools. One powerful technique is to replace an entire pipeline with another. You can perform this feat manually, semi-automatically, or completely automatically.

A. Manual Replacement Method

1. Choose Feature, Group, Replace.
2. Pick the pipeline UDF you want to replace from the model tree or on the screen.
3. Choose the new pipeline UDF from the OPEN dialog box.
4. Specify an option for Scale (Same Size/Same Dims/User Scale), then choose Done.
5. Choose an option for invariable dimension display (Normal/Read Only/Blank).
6. If the pipeline has solid segments as children, choose Suppress All to remove them temporarily from the model. Solid pipes automatically resume when you switch back into the original pipeline. The system now informs you that the pipeline UDF has been successfully replaced (in this case, the initial pipeline UDF in Figure 6 with that shown in Figure 7).
7. Now make the second pipeline solid (Figure 8).

B. Semi-automatic Replacement Method

1. Manually replace all groups you want to make interchangeable.
2. Choose Feature, Group, Replace.
3. Pick the current pipeline and then pick the PrevReplaced option.
4. The system lists all other interchangeable pipeline UDFs. Choose one, then pick Suppress All.
5. Repeat as necessary.

C. Fully Automatic Replacement Method

The Choose function in Pro/PROGRAM® allows you to automatically replace groups based upon a set of logical criteria and/or interactive user input. To replace a group using this method:

1. Manually replace all groups you want to make interchangeable.
2. Choose Program, Edit Design.
3. Type “choose (parameter_name)” below the relations section, where parameter_name is assigned the pipeline UDF feature identification number.
4. Write input prompts and/or relations to drive the value of parameter_name. Check the program’s model section for a list of pipeline UDF identification numbers that can be substituted for one another. For example,
   
   

   INPUT

   PARAMETER_NAME STRING

   “ENTER PIPELINE GROUP_ID NUMBER (120 OR 214)”

   END INPUT

   RELATIONS

   END RELATIONS

   CHOOSE (PARAMETER_NAME)
   
   

5. Choose File, Exit.
6. Enter Yes to incorporate changes to the program.
7. Test the program to ensure proper interchangeability. In this example, entering 120 would give you the initial pipeline UDF. Entering 214 would yield the second pipeline UDF.

Anthony D. Stewart is president of A. D. Stewart Consulting, Inc., a Pro/ENGINEER® consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas, USA. He has extensive experience with routed systems, advanced design, and automation. He can be reached at adstewart@adstewart.com.