In the context of building equipment, a "feature" is a primitive or custom shape added to an equipment element to define its physical form. Creation Workflow : You navigate to the module, select your equipment object, and use the menu to add primitives like cylinders, boxes, or nozzles. Sub-Equipment
: Features can be organized into sub-equipments to maintain a clean hierarchy (Site > Zone > Equipment > Sub-Equipment > Feature). 2. Key Software Features in Version 3.1.x
AVEVA E3D 3.1.x introduced several high-level features designed to improve interoperability and drawing production: MultiCAD Feature
: Allows the direct import and processing of CAD files from over 30 external systems (e.g., Solidworks, Revit, AutoCAD) into the E3D model database. This can be done via the Interfaces tab or command line. Drawings in Model
: Starting with E3D 3.1, you can create and view 2D drawings directly within the
module. This allows for real-time updates—when the 3D model is modified based on drawing comments, the changes are instantly visible. Advanced Sectioning Location Detail View
feature to define planes by selecting points, which automatically generates updated section views for pipe racks or equipment layouts. 3. Writing Custom Features (PML/Command Line)
For power users, "writing" a feature often means scripting a custom object or automation using the Programmable Macro Language (PML) PML Objects
: You can write a PML object to handle batch imports or automate the creation of recurring geometric patterns. Command Line
: Many features, such as equipment creation or MultiCAD imports, can be executed through direct commands if you prefer a keyboard-centric workflow over the Ribbon UI. PML code snippet for creating a geometric feature, or are you looking for a technical write-up on one of these modules? AVEVA E3D Design Releases aveva e3d 3.1.6
A feature for Aveva E3D 3.1.6 could be:
Automated Clash Detection and Reporting
This feature would enable the software to automatically detect clashes between different design elements, such as pipes, equipment, and structural components, and generate a detailed report highlighting the clashes. This would help designers and engineers identify and resolve potential issues early in the design process, reducing the risk of costly rework and improving overall project efficiency.
Some potential benefits of this feature include:
Some potential functionality of this feature could include:
This feature would be a valuable addition to Aveva E3D 3.1.6, as it would help designers and engineers create more accurate and coordinated designs, reducing the risk of errors and improving overall project outcomes.
Would you like me to come up with another feature?
Here are some more:
The release of AVEVA E3D Design 3.1.6 marks a significant step in the evolution of 3D engineering, moving beyond simple modeling toward a more integrated, data-centric ecosystem. This update focuses on enhancing the "Digital Twin" journey by refining how multi-disciplinary teams interact with complex project data. 1. Enhanced Integration with AVEVA Connect In the context of building equipment, a "feature"
Version 3.1.6 doubles down on cloud collaboration. By tightening the link with AVEVA Connect
, teams can now synchronize design data more fluidly across global locations. This reduces the "data silo" effect, ensuring that a change made by a structural engineer in one region is instantly visible to the piping team in another, maintaining a single version of truth. 2. Improved Graphics and Performance
One of the most noticeable "under-the-hood" upgrades is the optimization of the Draw and Design
engines. Handling massive point clouds and high-fidelity laser scans has become smoother. For brownfield projects, this means less lag when overlaying new designs onto existing "as-built" data, which is critical for clash detection and spatial coordination. 3. Advanced Automation via Lexicon and Programmability The 3.1.6 update introduces more robust hooks for PML (Programmable Macro Language) and .NET customizations. Automated Drawing Generation:
Improvements in the automatic drawing production engine reduce the manual cleanup required after a drawing is generated. Attribute Management:
Enhanced Lexicon tools allow for deeper customization of UDA (User Defined Attributes), making it easier to track lifecycle data (like carbon footprint or procurement status) directly within the model. 4. Structural and Piping Enhancements
Specific discipline updates have focused on "Quality of Life" improvements:
More intuitive routing tools and better handling of slope piping. Structural:
Enhanced steelwork detailing capabilities that bridge the gap between initial design and fabrication-ready models. Why This Matters for the Digital Twin Improved design accuracy and integrity Reduced risk of
The shift from 3.1.x series isn't just about new buttons; it's about Data Integrity
. By improving the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) export/import and building better bridges to AVEVA Asset Information Management
, 3.1.6 ensures that the 3D model remains a valuable asset long after the construction phase ends.
Are you looking to migrate your current project to 3.1.6, or are you interested in specific PML script compatibility for this version?
For teams migrating from PDMS 12.1, E3D 3.1.6 offered a non-disruptive transition. The database structure remained based on the classic XXX project hierarchy (Site / Zone / Element), but the UI introduced contextual ribbons (similar to Microsoft Office). Power users could still launch command-line PML (Programmable Macro Language) terminals, but new users found the icon-based positioning tools more intuitive.
The decision to upgrade to 3.1.6 depends largely on your current environment:
You should prioritize upgrading to 3.1.6 if:
You might hold off if:
E3D is well-known in the 3D printing community for their high-quality hotends and extruders, which are crucial components in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) or Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. These components are responsible for melting and extruding the filament to create the printed object.
Structural steel modeling received a "Smart Copy" function. If you model a flare platform column with beam stiffeners and bolt patterns, you can replicate that entire spec with one click, automatically adjusting for height differences based on terrain data.
Ship designers utilized the hull surface modeling tools to create fairing surfaces. The ability to maintain a relational database between compartments (e.g., engine room vs. crew quarters) streamlined classification society reviews (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s).
