How To Create mvparts

Want to learn how to create these mvparts yourself? It can be a little tricky and very time consuming, but if you are interesting in giving it a shot, following these instructions will hopefully save you a little time and headache.

Note: These instructions are for AutoCAD MEP 2008-2009 running on Windows XP (though they may apply to other versions of AutoCAD on other operating systems too).

1. Create a 3D Solid model of the part(s)



2. Define a block for the solid model(s) you just created (Tip: name the block(s) with the Manufacturer, Model, and Size of the Part for easy differentiation)



3. Click Menu > CAD Manager > Content Editing > Content Builder (Tip: If you don't have the CAD Manager Pulldown menu, click Menu > Windows > Pulldowns > CAD Manager)
4. Select the "Multi-view Part tab" Part Catalog, browse to the correct location for you part, click on "New Block Part" (Tip: You may want to add a sub-folder to help organize your parts)
5. Fill in the Name and Description of your part, click OK
6. Select the type, Layer Key, and Subtype for your part, click Next
7. Click on the "Add part size" button, select each block you created (Tip: Select the blocks in order of Size)
8. Click on the "Generate Blocks" button, click on the "All Directions" button, click OK, click Next



9. Either select a previously drawn image for your part or generate one from an Isometric view, click Next (Tip: A simple google image search for the part is helpful, resize the part to be 200px by 200px)
10. Right-click on the Part Name and select "Add ___ Connector", specify the Name, Flow Direction, Shape, etc. for the connection, click OK
11. Right-click on the connection(s) you made and select "Edit Placement"



12. Modify the Position (P) and Normal (N) for each connection you made
13. Specify the Size(s) and Connection Type(s) for each connection, click OK, click Next



14. Click on the "Edit Properties" button
15. Click on the "New" button, select "Custom Data 1", specify name of property, click OK
16. Modify the Description, Data Storage, Data Type, Units, and Visibility for each property you create



17. Change to the "Values" Database, modify the values for each property you created that has a "Constant", "List", or "Table" Data Storage
18. Change to the "Calculations" Database, modify the calculations for each property you created that has a "Calculation" Data Storage, click OK, click Finish



19. Insert your new mvpart and verify all is working correctly