Drawing as a 3D Model Template

Drawings can be used as templates for designing a 3D model. The lines of the drawing are made into guide curves that are used to model a pipeline.

For example, import the following into the Vertex G4 Plant program:

  • An entire drawing

    For example, layout, map template. File format DWG.

  • Entire diagram
Note:
  • It is advisable to remove unnecessary geometry from the drawing file before importing it into Vertex. For example, section lines, bolts (leave only one), nuts and other elements that slow down the processing of the model. Do this if you are using the drawing to add walls, profiles and pipes.
  • If you would like the texts to be visible in the drawing, change the texts into lines. Text to Lines

Opening a Drawing and Using it as a Template for a 3D Model

  1. Open a Vertex drawing or other file, such as a DWG file.
  2. Select the lines of the drawing that you will be making into guide curves.

    You can use area selection and add to or subtract from the selection by Ctrl+left-clicking lines one at a time.

  3. Select the context-sensitive function Copy to Model.

    The Limit Selection dialog box opens. The copied lines are shown in a preview image.

    Limit Selection Dialog Box

    • Projection - Select the projection in which the lines will be presented in the 3D model.
    • Layers - Select the layers from which elements will be copied into the 3D model. If you want to select particular layers, select Selected layers and Layer Selection.
    • Automatic Constraints - Vertex adds constraints automatically.

      Dimension constraints are not added. The addition of the constraints may take some time if there is a large number of lines. The following text will be displayed in the status bar during the addition: Automatic Dimensioning in Progress.

    • Guide Curve - Creates a guide curve from the lines.
    • Explode into Lines - Explodes the drawing into lines (cuts the lines into sections).
    • If you want to limit an area again, click Select Limits. The drawing is displayed in the window where you can indicate the elements in the projection with two corner points.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Do either of the following:
    • Create a new part by selecting Accept (V key). Enter the part data and select OK. The sketching mode is opened. Indicate a location for the sketch. If you selected Automatic Constraints, the addition of the constraints may take some time. Finally, the feature tree shows the feature Guide Curve.
    • Select the model window where the sketching mode is active. Indicate a location for the sketch. Zoom the window if the sketch is not visible in the window.
  6. Save.