MTO on the drawing – incorrect display of profiles

In this article you will learn how to ensure a correct evaluation of profiles on your drawings by choosing the right bill of materials templates and configuring filters. This is crucial in order to avoid an unwanted mixing of pipes and steel components in the material list (MTO).

Prerequisites

  • You work with AutoCAD Plant 3D and use the MTO function directly on the drawing.
  • You use profile systems (e.g. Sikla) or Python profiles in your project.

Step-by-step guide

To correct the incorrect display of profiles, please carry out the following steps:

  1. Choosing the correct template: For steel components and profiles, always use the steel bill of materials template instead of the pipe template. Result: Plant 3D only evaluates components that are assigned to the correct profile class.
  2. Adjusting the filter (for Python profiles): If you use Python profiles that are technically assigned to the Support class, you must open the filter settings of the bill of materials. Click on Set filter.
  3. Restricting object classes: Configure the filter so that only the Supports class is displayed and the Pipes class remains explicitly hidden. Result: The list now only shows the desired profiles without the associated pipes.
  4. Updating project templates: Check your drawing templates (DWT files) and store the correct bill of materials templates there for the respective evaluation.

Important notes

  • Automation: If the pipe bill of materials template is used, Plant 3D automatically pulls in all components of the pipe class – this is the main cause of faulty lists.
  • Best practice: Define standards in your project team so that the steel bill of materials is used consistently for steel or support profiles.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: Profiles do not appear in the list despite the steel template.
    Solution: Check the class assignment of the component in the catalogue or in the model. Components must be defined as Steel or Support.
  • Problem: The bill of materials on the drawing does not update.
    Solution: Run the command to synchronise the bill of materials manually or place the table anew.