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Routing tube components with integral compression fittings

Question asked by David Plis on Jun 9, 2017
Latest reply on Jun 12, 2017 by Peter De Vlieger

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I am confused how to use routing with valves that have built in compression fittings. It appears that all routes start with a fitting but in this case, the fitting is part of the component. I used Routing Library manager to modify a component defining R points and C points. This worked but it does not allow me to first mate the component into the assembly before doing the routing. I also tried creating a ferrule which I thought could be added to the component to start the route. The ferrule I created works but it does not snap in-line to the valve. There must be an easier way to do this. Any ideas?

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Peter De Vlieger Jun 12, 2017 2:34 AM
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David,

Have you thought about creating a ghost part, a part that has no other use then to be used to start a routing.
That part needs all the needed information, Rpoint, Cpoint + all data needed to determine the tubing itself (in other words diameter, material, DN, whatever is needed to select the pipe/tube that needs to be connected to it.)

That way you can start the route with a fitting that will select what tube your route will be.

Have a nice one
Peter
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- David Plis @ Peter De Vlieger on Jun 12, 2017 9:11 AM
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  Peter:
  I created a tube ferrule as my dummy part and properly set it up within Routing Library Manager. My problem is that it wont snap into position when I go to use it. 2 C points were defined along with R point and Routing Library Manager says that it is complete.
  
  If it wont snap in-line to the valve fitting, I am not sure how to place it since you can't use mate to align its starting position.
  
  This aside, there has to be a simpler way since components with tube fittings are very common.
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  - Peter De Vlieger @ David Plis on Jun 12, 2017 9:23 AM
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    David,
    
    I don't think we're on the same channel, so to speak.
    When you have the ferrule as your dummy part then the idea is to use that part as the starting point of everything.
    In other words, you don't make the ferrule snap to the valve fitting nor should you expect that to happen.
    You should be able however to make the valve snap to the route created by the ferrule.
    
    Steps
    1. create an ASM, name it and save it in the location you want
    2. drop in your start part, this will in turn ask you about what size (if you have put configurations in it) as well as bring up the properties screen (normally on the lefthand side) in which you set up what pipe/tube you want to be using as well as bends/elbows, etc.. and even what the routing sub-asm will be called and where it's going to be saved
    3. it places not only the starting part but also a stub of tube/pipe on which you can continue to draw the route as well as drop on fitting(valves)
    
    Now if your problem is that you have a location that the starting part has to snap to then I would first look into the mate references of that start part.
    
    Hope this helps.
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    - David Plis @ Peter De Vlieger on Jun 12, 2017 9:51 AM
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      I can see how that would work but it seems backwards. Picture a number of panel mounted valves with tune fittings. Logically, you would place the valves in their desired locations using mates then come back and run the tubing between the ports. It would be hard to do a layout by first starting with the tubing and then placing the valves.
      
      What is the difference between my ferrule and a pre-defined fitting. The pre-defined fittings do snap to location and align themselves with the port on the valve in question?
      
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Peter De Vlieger Jun 12, 2017 10:22 AM
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David,

I rarely have a use for tubing but do use piping extensively and in my line of work, the location of the valves are determined by all kinds of factors (ease of reach, location of pumps, branches, measurement devices, etc.) which means that for me I don't put a pipe where one places a valve but put the valve in function of where the pipe gets placed.

Now you have to choose, either you use the valve as something that actual functions as a start for the tubing (and determines the tube size etc) or you use the valve as something that a part has to snap to and then that part determines the start or end of a tube.
In other words, don't give your ferule 2 CPoints but only 1, don't think of it as a union but as a flange, if that makes any sense.
If you give the ferule only 1 cpoint then you should be able to snap the ferule's Rpoint side to the valve.

Did you have any training in the routing module and if not I strongly advise you to get it because unlike lost of other things in Solidworks, routing isn't something one can just pick up in an hour watching some youtube video's (although there are lots of good youtube video's around to help you comprehend the intricacies of routing)
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Routing tube components with integral compression fittings

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