Version 2008.1 introduces the new Tubing functionality that supports the creation of Pipe Works in the think3 application. The process of Tubing involves covering a predefined path (called the Network) with Tubing elements (like tubes, elbows, flanges, connectors, etc) stored in the thinkparts catalogs. The creation of tubing can be done automatically covering in one shot the whole path, or by filling the path by making insertions piece by piece. All tubing elements can be chosen from a specific library. The user is provided with a standard library containing the frequently used tubing elements. Also, specific and custom-made objects can be added to the library. The Tubing functionality demands the following workflow:
All the Tubing elements are saved in the thinkparts Tubing catalogs. To view the Tubing catalogs, choose thinkteam
thinkpartsCatalog Browser command from the menu bar; the thinkparts - Catalog Browser window is displayed, as shown in the image below.
In case the Tubing catalog is not present and you start a Tubing command, a warning will be displayed instructing you to import the catalog.
thinkparts provides the user with a library of tubing elements. This library includes both geometric values and specific attributes for each tubing element. All tubing elements can be chosen from a specific catalog. The user can update the tubing library with custom made tubing elements.
| Note The Lines index contains the Line Specification, and not tubing elements. The Line Specification acts as an interface between the library and the Tubing commands. Each Line Specification is related to a specific catalog containing predefined tubing element catalogs associated to it. When the user selects one of the Line Specifications (during the Tubing command's application), only the tubing elements associated to it are applied along the tubing path. |
The tubing path is defined by a profile made only of straight line entities. You can make use of either a 2D or 3D profile to define the tubing path. In case you select a non-linear profile as the tubing path, the command is applied only along straight lines, with the display of the following warning.
The program analyzes the tubing path and applies the appropriate tubing elements along it to form the complete tubing network. You can also define independently each tubing element to be placed along the tubing path. The following image shows a typical example of tubing path and the resulting tubing network.
You create the tubing network by inserting the tubing elements along the predefined path. You can carry out this process in the automatic covering or single element insertion mode. The tubing commands are present in the Tubing toolbar, as shown below.
The Tubing toolbar can be activated directly from the toolbar list that you can open with a right-click in an empty zone above the graphics area.
The Tubing Network command inserts automatically all tubing elements needed to cover a given profile. When you start the InsertTubingNetwork command from the menu bar, the program displays the Tubing Network selection list.
Now you need to select the tubing path and then make the line specification based on which all the tubing elements will be applied along the tubing path. The program creates one component for each element. Individual components can be redefined later, if needed.
As per the selected Line Specification, the different tube element options associated to it are displayed in the selection list. By clicking the node symbol (
), the corresponding catalog with all its data is displayed in the form of a dialog box. From this catalog, you can make the selection of the tubing element with the required configuration. Now, the program automatically chooses all other necessary tubing elements for the network, such that consistency is maintained among all of them.
Once the path gets covered with all the required tubing elements, you can apply the command to generate the tubing network. Each component inserted along the tubing path to form the network is displayed in the Model Structure.
| Note It is not possible to apply the standard assembly component modification commands on Tubing components. These include Make X-Reference, Break Component, Unlink Component etc. If tried, a suitable warning is displayed informing you that these operations are not allowed on standard parts. |
The Insert Tubing Part command enables you to insert one part at a time along the tubing path to complete the network. When you start the InsertTubingPart command, the Tubing Part selection list is displayed. In the Type drop-down list, you can select the type of Tubing element (Tube, Flange, Elbow, etc) to be inserted on to the path. Depending on the type of element to be inserted, a suitable anchor point has to be selected for the Anchor selector as shown in the table below:
| Element | Anchor | Inserted Component |
| Tube |  Line element |
 |
| Flange |  Endpoint |
 |
| Elbow |  Corner |
 |
| Tee |  Perpendicular line |
 |
| Cross |  Crossover line intersection |
 |
| Socket |  Meeting point of two collinear lines |
 |
After inserting each component you can Apply (
) the command and continue inserting more components till the tubing network is completed.
All the tubing elements are managed by thinkparts. Hence, the modification or creation of new tubing elements has to be done by updating the Tubing catalogs. To do so, use the Catalog Manager. Using the Catalog Manager commands you are enabled to customize your library by creating new indexes, new catalogs and modifying the dimensions of the existing tubing elements.
You can also create and customize the Line specification. When you do so, you have to ensure that there are corresponding tubing elements available in the catalog for the new Line Specification.
Refer to the Creating New Tubing Elements document in the Online Documentation for more details.