8.5.7. Components appear unconnected (ProfileWeldedTogether)

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

Prerequisites

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

Step-by-step guide

1. Check the connection dialog

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

2. Enable the option

   In the settings dialog, look for the option ProfileWeldedTogether. Make sure that this option is enabled.

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

3. Check the global variables

   If the setting in the connection dialog has no effect, check the global variables in the program settings. Check whether the relevant variables for welded connections are set to active. If they are disabled, switch them back on.

4. Update the display

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

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

Important notes

• Default setting: Ideally, enable 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 work consistently with the same visual feedback.
• Weld seam definition: If components still 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 the "welding".
• Settings are not saved: Make sure that you have the necessary write permissions in the project database or the configuration files.