To Work with Tube and Pipe Libraries and Library Parts

Content Center libraries include standard conduit parts and fittings , such as tubes, pipes, hoses, couplings, elbows, and tees. Those library parts are used to populate routes and runs, branch off rigid routes, replace existing components, or meet the appropriate design needs.

The Content Center contains a tree structure of the categories, the families, and the members. Each family has the same standard and specification. The members list all instances of library parts in the same family that have a different size, diameter, schedule number, and so on.

Access the library parts in Content Center

When an assembly or part file is opened, library parts in the Content Center can be accessed in the following ways:

• On the ribbon, click Assemble tab Component panel Place from Content Center .
• On the ribbon, click Tube and Pipe tab Component panel Place from Content Center or Tube and Pipe tab Content panel Replace .
• Right-click anywhere in the background of Model browser or graphics window and select Place from Content Center.
• Right-click a component in the Model browser or graphics window and select Replace from Content Center.
• On the ribbon, click Manage tab Content Center panel Editor .

Use the Content Center Library browser for style definition

When adding or modifying tube and pipe styles, in the Tube & Pipe Styles dialog box, Fittings tab, you can browse to and select a new compatible conduit part or fittings included in the Content Center.

1. Activate the Tube & Pipe Styles command.
2. On the Tube & Pipe Styles dialog box, click the Fittings tab.
3. Click Browse next to the Fitting Types list.

   The Library Browser dialog box filters out all conduit parts or fittings that conform to the style parameters you set.

4. Under the top part category, click the plus symbol (+) next to the part family.

   All compatible parts at the specified style criteria are displayed.

5. Highlight the part you need and click OK, or double-click the part to set the selection.

   On the Fittings tab, the Name box reflects the new part specified for the style.

Customize file naming schema for tube and pipe library parts

By default, each family in the Content Center has a file naming schema. It gives each instanced member a unique name. To verify the file name in the pipe run environment, right-click a conduit part or fitting and select Properties. The General tab of the Properties dialog box displays the file name.

You can customize the file naming schema of tube and pipe part families if you have Read/Write permission. The next instance of this library part starts using the new schema.

Note: The file naming schema of library parts works differently in Autodesk Inventor Tube & Pipe than in Autodesk Inventor Series:

• For conduit parts, when they are placed into a tube and pipe assembly using AutoDrop, the Content Center file name schema is used. When they are used to populate routes, the system always uses the Tube & Pipe-specific naming convention of <conduit_type>.<13-digit number>, where <13-digit number> is automatically assigned based on the current time of your computer. <Conduit_type> indicates pipe, tube sweeping, or hose.
• For fittings, when placed using AutoDrop or used to populate routes, the Content Center file name schema always uses <nominal_size>.ipt.

Delete published tube and pipe parts

When a custom tube and pipe part is no longer needed in the Content Center, start Content Center Editor and delete the appropriate part family. Standard library part families can also be deleted.

Once a part family is deleted, it cannot be reversed. Any tube and pipe styles or parts placed in the assembly that reference the deleted conduit parts or fittings are missing. You must make appropriate edits to accommodate the deletion.

1. Open any Inventor part or assembly file.
2. On the ribbon, click Manage tab Content Center panel Editor .

   The Content Center Editor dialog box is displayed with a merged category view of all library parts.

3. In the Target Library list, select the library containing the part family to delete.
4. Navigate to the category.
5. On the Categories and Families pane, click the part family to delete and do either of the following:
   • On the standard toolbar, click Delete Family.
   • On the Edit menu, click Delete Family.
6. In the Delete Family dialog box, click Yes to confirm the deletion.
7. Click OK to close the Content Center Editor dialog box.