This is the first part in a multipart series of adding custom parts to Plant 3D.

In this part, we are focusing on the advantages, parts, and programs we going to need,

The reason I am writing these as it’s a bit hard to find some of this information,

Though, before I get into the topic, we need to ask a question or two:

What is the advantage in coding these in?

Why not use the AutoCAD Block option with the Spec Editor?

The answers, Size, Editability ,Flexibility,

By adding in everything as Block or 3D model,

We may significantly increase the size of our project, each one can be in the MB range

most of the time, most of the data that is not even relevant to that project,

We are also then limited by the 3D geometry that has been provided to us.

Whereas a script is extremely small, normally a hand full of KB,

It can be multi-functional and parametric.

The major drawback being the time and effort that goes into programming and testing.

The programs are divided into two major areas,

.py for pipe components, Nozzles, Supports.

.peqx for .equipment models

To edit these, we will need the following:

A text editor –                                   any will do, I use Notepad++

Compression Program –                7-zip or similar

xml editor –                                        currently using XML Notepad though there are many others

Guid is a unique identifier –          https://www.guidgenerator.com/

As you noticed, there are two separate areas in the parts,

The next blog will focus on editing the .py files in python.