To Work with PCF Files

You can create PCF files without creating Iso drawings. You can also create Iso drawings directly from PCF files.

When you generate an isometric drawing from the model, a Piping Component File (PCF) is automatically created. Even if you are not generating an isometric drawing, you can export a PCF if you need one for the stress engineer or pipe fabricator.

You can later import the PCF file to create an isometric drawing. You can also import a PCF file that is created from another program.

To export a PCF file

1. On the ribbon, click Isos tab Export panel PCF Export.
2. In the Export PCF dialog box, select the Line numbers to export.
3. Click Create.

   A separate PCF file is created for each line number selected.

To create an Iso drawing from a PCF file

1. On the ribbon, click Isos tab Iso Creation panel PCF to Iso.
2. In the Create Iso from PCF dialog box, click Add.
3. Specify one or more PCF files to create isometric drawings from.
4. Click Create.

To import a PCF file into the 3D model

1. On the ribbon, click Home tab Part Insertion panel PCF to Pipe.
2. Specify one or more PCF files to import (for example: \Isometric\Live Preview\Sample PCF\SampleIsoPreview.pcf) and click Open. The PCF to Pipe dialog box displays.

   

3. If spec unavailable displays in the Status column do the following:
   • Click the settings button. The PCF to Pipe Settings dialog box displays.
   • In the Plant 3D Spec column, click on a project spec to match the PCF spec.
   • Repeat until all Plant 3D specs are assigned.
     Note: The placeholder spec is used for any PCF specs not mapped (spec unavailable).
   • Click OK
   • If you prefer not to import a PCF file that could not map to a project spec, click the Remove button.
4. Click Create Piping.

For example, the PCF used in the Live Preview adds piping, fittings, and valves to the model.