Once the Product List data has been added to the item, the next step is to choose the specification that is to be associated with this item, and also to specify the material and gauge. These are specified on the Item tab, along with some other options that are necessary for the item.
The procedure below assumes that the material and gauge needed have already been created, and are available from the drop-down list. For instructions on how to create a new material or gauge, see Creating Material and Gauge.
To specify the specification, material, gauge and other options for the new item:
- On the Takeoff dialog, click the Item tab.
- For this example, which uses a simple 90 degree elbow part, specify the Specification, Material, Gauge, and other options as described in the following table:
Option Setting Description Specification Mechanical 
General Piping
The specification's main purpose is for use with template items. The specification will be used along with the material to determine various manufacturing requirements for the part at any given size. The following are examples of the data that can be driven by the specification: - Material Gauge: The material may be the same but the material thickness may vary depending on size.
- Standard Straight Length: Industry standards may have a restriction on the length at given sizes.
- Connectors: As the part changes in size the connector type may have to change.
- Seams: Changes in size may require different types of seam to be used.
- Stiffener: Stiffening may be required at specific size ranges to prevent/reduce vibration.
- Support: The member size/type of the supports may have to change as the size/weight changes.
- Sealant: The type of sealant may change depending on size/pressure.
- Splitter: May be required to reduce turbulence and resistance.
- Airturn: May be required at direction changes to assist in smooth flow.
For product listed items, the specification can be used in different ways. Autodesk Fabrication product's default configurations use the specification to identify which group the part belongs to; for example, Piping Systems or Drainage Systems, etc.
Note: In CADmep, attempting to connect parts with different specifications results in a warning.
Material Pipe Systems Carbon Steel
Select the appropriate material for the item. The drop-down list displays all materials that are valid for the chosen specification. If the material you require isn't listed here, check the main database to verify that the material exists, and that it is configured correctly with the required specification. Gauge ASTM A-53 Materials may be available in different types, which could be different gauges (thicknesses) or various standards, such as ASTM A-53 or ASTM B88. Configuring the material gauge allows the weight for flat sheet developments to be calculated, or defines the OD of pipe fittings when wall thicknesses apply. Service Type Set this as needed, or choose 4. Pipework. The service type has multiple purposes. The main purpose is to ensure the parts are placed on the correct layers, but also, the service type can be very useful for filtering item reports and Bill of Materials (BOMs). Choose from the list of out-of-the-box service types, or configure your own in the service database. Cut Type Pipework This option is useful for filtering various types of content. The options here are: - Draw Only
- Equipment
- Machine Cut
- Sheared
- Wrapped
Bought Out Selected (enabled) Used to determine when the item will display a cost. Generally, if the item uses a price list, the bought out setting will be enabled. - Leave the Takeoff dialog open. See Configure Connectors.
The next step is to edit the Product List.