Most of the equipment is created in OpenPlant using 3D solids. We employ levels to manage different elements within the equipment. If this is not done, it would not be possible to create a foundation drawing showing only the equipment's bolts and grouting details. Given that there is no way to create components within each equipment based on named expressions, there is really no other way. We too import models from Pro-E, but we require that they be broken up properly and delivered so that we can define different parts within the model. Basically, having the entire equipment on a single level is a bad idea for our business.
Named expression for piping ->
I am using the following for piping:
"BY_TEMPLATE:OpenPlant\Piping\" & PIPELINE_KKS_NUMBER & PIPELINE.SUB_SYSTEM_CODE & "\:Model"
I am using the following for piping centerline:
"BY_TEMPLATE:OpenPlant\Piping\" & PIPELINE_KKS_NUMBER & PIPELINE.SUB_SYSTEM_CODE & "\:Centerline"
I am using the following for piping insulation:
"BY_TEMPLATE:OpenPlant\Piping\" & PIPELINE_KKS_NUMBER & PIPELINE.SUB_SYSTEM_CODE & "\:Insulation"
Within the Element Templates I defined folders like this:
OpenPlant>Piping>Model>MBPA, then set Level to -> Piping
OpenPlant>Piping>Centerline>MBPA, then set Level to -> Piping Centerline
OpenPlant>Piping>Insulation>MBPA, then set Level to -> Piping Insulation
The level Insulation already created within the .dgnlib has been set to be 50% transparent.
Below is a very quick video showing how I implemented transparency with Element Templates and Named Expressions:
