8.5.7. Components appear disconnected (ProfileWeldedTogether)

8.5.7. Components appear unconnected (ProfileWeldedTogether)

In Plant 3D or Advance Steel, components are occasionally displayed as if they are not connected to each other, even though they are correctly aligned. This guide explains how to optimize the display by adjusting connection settings and global variables.

Prerequisites

• The project is open in Autodesk Plant 3D or Advance Steel.
• The profiles are geometrically correctly aligned with each other.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Check connection dialog

   Open the specific connection between the affected profiles by double-clicking on the connection object or via the context menu.

2. Activate option

   Look for the option ProfileWeldedTogether in the settings dialog. Ensure that this option is activated.

   Expected result: The system now recognizes the profiles as a connected unit.

3. Control global variables

   If the setting in the connection dialog does not cause any change, check the global variables in the program settings. Check whether the relevant variables for weld connections are set to active. If these are deactivated, switch them back on.

4. Update display

   After making the changes, update the view or regenerate the model (e.g., with the REGEN command) so that the graphical representation is applied.

   Expected result: The components are now visually displayed correctly as being welded together.

Important Notes

• Standard setting: Ideally, activate the ProfileWeldedTogether option by default to avoid visual misunderstandings in the model from the outset.
• Project standards: Define clear welding options in your project standards so that all users consistently work with the same visual feedback.
• Weld seam definition: If components appear separated despite correct settings, check whether an explicit weld seam definition is required in the model.

Troubleshooting

• Components remain separated: Check whether there is a collision or a minimal gap between the profiles that prevents "welding".
• Settings are not saved: Ensure that you have the necessary write permissions in the project database or the configuration files.