3D piping objects

[Keith W]

I keep hoping to use piping objects, but I never get anything other than 2d display (that is, lines) of the objects. Is there any way to change them to actually display/render with the dimensions assigned? Or would I need to use cylinders or some such if I wanted actual 3D display of pipes and fittings?

The issue is, when designing complex MEP layouts, I'd like to actually see/show piping "fit" in 3D. Additionally, I need to design a "scaffold" of 2" tubing that could be done more descriptively with a 3D representation/render.

Thanks for any help!

Keith

[Keith W]

I subsequently saw another recent thread on this in the general forum. Looks like I'm not the only one.

Keith

[islandmon]

It's pretty easy to convert a bunch of lines into paths for ExtrudeAlongPath Piping runs.

1) Join >Lines

2) Compose > Lines=Poly

3) Poly > NURBS

4) Circle > NURBS

5) PolyNURBS + CircleNURBS = ExtrudeAlongPath

You can duplicate and edit the Path & Profile for different scenarios.

[Keith W]

Thanks IM,

I'm curious: I've done ExtrudeAlongPath with circles and lines -- why would I need to convert them to nurbs, what's the advantage? Does that get me my radius bends or something? In any case, I don't think I can start with a "piping run" object...

Keith