8. Tools

SuCri Tools – Overview and Functions

The tools window provides specialized commands for the maintenance, analysis, and correction of piping models. It supports users in repairing connections, correcting weights, and performing geometric evaluations directly within Autodesk AutoCAD Plant 3D efficiently.

Detailed Functional Overview of the Tools

8.1 Rebuild Connection

This command automatically recreates StubEnd and gasket connections within the drawing. The tool is particularly useful if existing connections are damaged or if the project configuration has fundamentally changed. You can find the function in the ribbon under the Tools button.

8.2 Weight Adjustment

With the weight adjustment, the weight properties of components are recalculated based on the linear weight from the project catalog (.acat file). It is accessed via the ribbon under Extras > Weight Adjustment or via the command PiCriWeight.

8.3 Repair Component Link

This tool restores the link between components in the 3D model and the corresponding entries in the Plant 3D project database (RAW class). This is necessary if components have been moved in the Spec Editor or if referenced database entries have been broken.

8.4 Pipe Length Export

This tool generates a detailed Excel report containing pipe lengths as well as other geometric parameters such as outer diameter, wall thickness, surface area, and volume. The export can optionally be performed for a single drawing or the entire Plant 3D project.

8.5 3D View on Isometric

Places a 3D wireframe representation of the piping in a defined area on the isometric drawing. This significantly facilitates the spatial understanding of complex piping layouts and serves as a valuable reading aid in technical documentation.

8.6 Connect

The function detects open pipe ends, missing stub ends or gasket components, as well as flange pairs without bolt sets. The tool closes these gaps within an adjustable tolerance in a single operation, ensuring a consistent data model.

8.7 Transfer Properties

Transfers line numbers and line group properties from a source object to one or more target objects. The mode of operation is similar to the AutoCAD MATCHPROP command, but is specifically optimized for the complex data structures of Plant 3D objects.

8.8 Match Geometry

Aligns geometry values between two user-defined components (Custom Parts). In contrast to the standard property brush, the geometry parameters stored in the Python script are specifically synchronized here.

8.9 Line Number Overview

Lists all assigned line numbers of the current drawing or the entire project in a clear overview. An integrated magnifying glass function allows for direct zooming to the corresponding line in the 3D model to ensure fast navigation within the project.

8.10 Assign Color

Enables domestic coloring of pipes and objects based on any property values such as pipe class, medium, or nominal diameter. This function serves visual inspection and works independently of the project's global color settings.

8.11 Detect High and Low Points

Automatically determines the highest and lowest coordinate points of a drawing or a specific line number. The extreme points are highlighted in red in the 3D model to effectively support the planning of drains or vents.

8.12 Detect Pipe Pockets

Identifies local low points (pockets) within a line where medium cannot drain independently. The tool highlights these spots visually in the model, as such areas can be critical for operation in process plants.