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PipeFitPro Evolution PipeFitPro was first developed for AutoCAD in the year 2000, as an add-on program that could draw pipes, fittings and flanges. The idea was to do away with pipe charts and complicated block libraries, while providing useful drafting tools for all AutoCAD users - at an affordable price.
Due to the importance of the AutoCAD drawing file in many industries and organizations, the development of PipeFitPro always focused on using standard AutoCAD objects and simple command automation, ensuring all drawings made were free of compatibility issues for the present and future. Today PipeFitPro V5 is an evolution from versions 3 and 4 released in 2003 and 2006 respectively, and allows designers to draw 2D or build 3D models that are stable and compatible with all versions of AutoCAD released in Windows.
PipeFitPro V3 (see below) included 32 commands and introduced AutoCAD users an easy way to draw ANSI pipes in a simplified 2D form.
Also included were all the butt welding fittings, flanges and various views. Sizes were limited to DN 600/NPS 24, by use of a metric or imperial toolbar (see below), and a free CustomPipe plug-in allowed users to draw any pipe size, however with limited functions.
PipeFitPro V4 grew to 45 commands and provided new pipe conversion tools, and more choices for drawing pipes and fittings.
In version 4, CustomPipe grew and added the ability for custom size fittings and flanges. These functions were an introduction to the new Version 5 where fittings and flanges can be customized and saved for each pipe size.
3D PipeFitPro was developed in 2006 and for the first time all the ANSI piping fittings, flanges and pipes found in PipeFitPro were replicated and available in 3D (see below). This gave designers the chance to move into the 3D world of piping with the benefit of their past AutoCAD experience and AutoCAD drawings. 3D CustomPipe emerged with only piping and flanges, but it again was to be the initial step towards the Current Version of PipeFitPro.
The decision to develop PipeFitPro Version 5 meant there would no longer be a Size Toolbar (see below) The size toolbar proved to be an important aspect to choosing a piping command, however it was not flexible when custom sizes were required and 3D commands used a duplicate toolbar in red.
The 2D & 3D Size Toolbars have been replaced by a command toolbar in version 5 (below). Previously released PipeFitPro commands are available (or are have been simplified) and are included in the new toolbar.
After selecting a piping command, a Size dialog box incorporating ANSI and Custom Sizes (see below) appears. Size selection can be done with one click on the ANSI Sizes, or picking the 'Custom Size' button allows Custom Size piping and fittings to be drawn in 2D or 3D.
The Custom Size list (see below) can be double clicked for selection and added to by the + and - buttons (see below).
All commands can now draw center lines where required. The PipeFitPro V5.0.3 update introduces another new feature called Pick Size, which allows you to pick existing pipes or fittings for size selection, saving you the time of measuring fittings.
Flange selection now allows you to mirror and copy flanges, while allowing for for gaskets and valves. ANSI Plate flange thickness can be specified and Version 5.0.3 incorporates buttons for quicker selection.
As with all fittings, PipeFitPro V5 Custom Flange geometry can be defined and saved as presets for each pipes size. These presets are used to draw all 2D views and 3D models instantly. The idea is to save every data input you make and therefore save you time drawing or block searching.
All selections are saved so Enter can be used to accept options. Below the Elbow fillet command has been selected and the Custom button is highlighted as it was used the last.
We are regularly asked by customers if PipeFitPro can draw valves. Version 5 can draw triangles to represent valves.
Ten preset valve face to face dimensions can be saved for each pipe size (ANSI or Custom Sizes).
The new User Parts command allows you to add proprietary items such as control valves, flanged rubber lined fittings, couplings etc. All parts can be saved with a description, and inserted by double clicking on the image.
PipeFitPro V5 now incorporates all the 3D PipeFitPro commands. As in 3D PipeFitPro V1, the 3D commands draw all pipes fittings and flanges to exactly the same geometry as the 2D commands. This enables you to easily move design geometry between 2D and 3D, saving time and repetitive work.
PipeFitPro V5 download includes all the S9 titles for free. This allows you to benefit from all our technology in one easy download. All the free titles are demand loaded, meaning that the programs will only load into AutoCAD when used, saving loading time and PC resources. PipeFitPro Basic provides an inexpensive way of purchasing PipeFitPro V5, as it includes all the 2D piping commands. Customers can choose to upgrade to the Full version at any time and only pay the difference.
To this day PipeFitPro is providing a unique combination of 2D and 3D piping tools, with flexible commands and many free utilities that can streamline drawing design. We continuously test and fine tune all programs to ensure smooth running and to ensure AutoCAD compatibility. We're committed to help customers maintain a competitive advantage. |
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