In this article, you will learn how to optimize the Material Take-Off (MTO) output to ensure a clear separation of piping and profiles on your drawings. Correct configuration prevents components from being incorrectly listed in the wrong list.
Prerequisites
You are working in an AutoCAD Plant 3D project and are creating a Material Take-Off (MTO) directly on a drawing derivation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Select Correct Template
Always use the Steel MTO Template for profiles and structural components. If you use the Pipe MTO Template, Plant 3D automatically pulls all components assigned to the Pipe class, which leads to incorrect display.
Expected Result: A clean report containing exclusively profiles.
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Adjust Filters for Python Profiles
Since Python profiles technically fall under the Support class, they can appear in a pipe MTO. Click on table properties and select the Filter Settings. Set the filter to display only the Supports class and keep Pipes hidden.
Expected Result: The list contains only the desired support components despite using the pipe template.
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Check Project Templates
Check in your drawing templates (DWT) which MTO templates are stored as default. Adjust the templates if necessary so that the correct template is automatically loaded for the respective report (Pipe vs. Steel).
Expected Result: Consistent default settings for all project team members.
Important Notes
- Maintain Separation: The Steel MTO should always be preferred for steel or support profiles.
- Consistency: Define project-wide standards so that the entire team uses the same filters and templates.
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Pipes appear in the Steel MTO.
Solution: Check the class assignment of the components and ensure that no piping components have been incorrectly defined as structural steel classes.