by Alex Campbell-Brunton, SOLIDWORKS Technical Consultant

SOLIDWORKS Routing is an add-in that allows you to completely automate the process of routing pipework, tubing or even cabling, saving you many hours of modelling against traditional methods. Sound interesting?

In this article we want to show you the benefits of using this package. We know that projects often have tight deadlines so saving time at any stage can take some pressure off. SOLIDWORKS Routing is a package that is available with all Premium Licenses.

How does it work?

A Route path is driven from a 3D sketch, so what is the software doing in the background? SOLIDWORKS Routing is driven from a database, once you have selected the correct schedule you are using it will automatically pick up the relevant parts to that schedule, for example if you use an edge flange Sch40 all the pipes and elbows will be the same schedule. It then assigns the relevant routing components to the 3D sketch.

Can I not just use tradition sketching methods to create piping?

Your alternative method to create Pipework would involve using 3D sketches with a series of sweeps and custom made flanges to connect the relevant pipes. Using this method you will not get a bill of materials produced on your drawing with the correct piping information and can add a significant amount of time onto creating your models.

In SOLIDWORKS Routing once you have completed your pipework, you will have the option to output the model into a 2D drawing along with a Bill of materials that will list the correct pipe information i.e. cut lengths of pipes. This option will not be available if you have created it manually. Another advantage is the ability to easily define Spool segments and it will capture the correct detail when brought into a drawing.

SOLIDWORKS Routing has a fantastic ability to auto route between the given routing points, but if for example your route needs to follow a wall you have the option to route along geometry.

What makes up a routing component?

For a Part to be considered a routing component it needs to contain certain attributes (Route points and Connection points), and these are easily added though the Routing Component wizard for custom parts and are already present in the Design library or any standards you may download through solidworks content. Connect points (C-points) will connect the component to the 3D sketch and Route Points (R-points) define the direction and position that your pipe tube or cable will start.

Importing P&ID

Engineering projects are rarely run by a single person. For example you are working on a plant layout, the project manager will be able to feed back the locations of the equipment (via a .xml file) SOLIDWORKS is able to automatically route between the components.

What’s the difference between the types of routes?

• Piping – is rigid and often follows straight pipework with 90 or 45 degree elbows to change directions.
• Tubing – you could imagine a rubber hose, which is controlled by a spline to get free form shapes and routes.
• Cabling – acts in the same manner as Tubing but is used for electrical.

Validation?

If you have previously created your pipe layouts in a 2D format you have no way of finding out if your system will work correctly, another advantage of using SOLIDWORKS Routing is you’re able to run flow simulation on your routes.

The image above is representing a flow summation run on a basic pipe layout, and has been presented to show areas of high and low pressure, allowing you to modify and validate your piping routes.

NT CADCAM

NT CADCAM is the UK's most established SOLIDWORKS reseller in England, Scotland and Wales. Offering a fully supported CAD and CAM product portfolio and high levels of expertise internally, makes NT CADCAM unique within the SOLIDWORKS community, giving customers the confidence and assurance they need that their support issues will be dealt with both promptly and efficiently. As a SOLIDWORKS Certified Training Centre, NT CADCAM provides clients with fully certified and accredited trainers who are experienced engineers. NT CADCAM is part of the Solid Solutions Group.