16 - Creating Custom Equipment in OpenPlant Modeler

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating custom equipment in OpenPlant Modeler using MicroStation solids. By following these steps, you will learn how to build a simple tower with multiple solid components and convert it into a smart solid, allowing for further modifications and integration within your projects.

Step 1: Access the Equipment Ribbon Menu

• Open the OpenPlant Modeler application.
• Navigate to the “Equipment” ribbon menu.
• Under the “User Defined” group, select the “Solids” command to enable MicroStation solids.

Step 2: Create the Base Solid

• Use the solid “Slab” to begin building your tower.
• Define the dimensions:
  • Length: 6500 mm
  • Width: 3000 mm
  • Height: 2250 mm
• Use the AccuDraw features to position the solid slab:
  • Press F to rotate to the front plane axis.
  • Press T to rotate to the top plane axis.
  • Press S to rotate to the side plane axis.
• Place the slab by clicking the left mouse button and dragging the cursor to the desired direction (West).

Step 3: Add Additional Solids

• Repeat the process to place another solid on top of the existing slab.
• Define the new dimensions as needed.

Step 4: Chamfer the Edges

• Select the “Chamfer” command from the ribbon menu.
• Change the method to “Distance and Angle.”
• Input the desired distance and angle for the chamfer.
• Left click on each edge that needs to be chamfered, repeating for all sides.

Step 5: Model Additional Components

• Add another solid component without defining specific values.
• Utilize the "AccuDraw" and "AccuSnap" features to set the necessary dimensions dynamically.

Step 6: Convert to Smart Solid

• Highlight all modified solids (e.g., those that have been chamfered).
• Select the “Convert to Solid” button and then choose “Smart Solid.”
• Your components are now converted to smart solids, ready for assembly.

Step 7: Create Custom Equipment

• Use the Control key to select the various objects that will form your custom equipment.
• Be cautious not to select any underlying components.
• Switch back to the OpenPlant Modeler workflow and navigate to the Equipment ribbon menu.
• Select the “Create Equipment” icon and choose the equipment class (e.g., "Generic").
• Click the “Create” button and fill out any necessary properties in the dialog that appears:
  • Name the equipment (e.g., “CE” for custom equipment).
  • Define additional component properties if needed.
• Click the “Apply Changes” button and close the dialog.

Step 8: Modify the Custom Equipment

• Use the "Element Selection" tool to select your newly created equipment.
• Right-click and choose the “Modify Component” command to change properties as necessary.
• To make further modifications:
  • Right-click and hold on the equipment.
  • Select the “Drop” command to enable editing of components.
• For example, extend a solid by 500 mm as needed.

Step 9: Regenerate and Finalize Equipment

• After modifications, the solids need to be regenerated.
• Highlight the modified components again and return to the “Create Equipment” dialog.
• Change the class if necessary and select the “Update Existing” button.
• Be careful to select only the components of the custom equipment, avoiding the box that holds the intelligence.
• Select the box to grab the intelligence and confirm your selection.
• The command line will indicate that the “Create custom component is done,” completing the process.

Conclusion

You have successfully created and modified a custom piece of equipment in OpenPlant Modeler. You can now integrate this custom equipment into your projects and make further adjustments as needed. For future projects, consider exploring more complex designs or utilizing different solid components to enhance your models.