Using Routing applications > Routing Logical

Standard assembly structure

A Routing Logical diagram is an assembly. Each symbol is a component, manageable by standard assembly operations. Symbols are connected by routing segments, to which stock may be assigned as component stock pieces. Standard NX parts lists may then be generated.

2 1/2 D diagramming

Routing Logical creates diagrams in true 3D space (NX modeling space), which allows different symbols to be placed at different Z values. True modeling geometry can be used as background referenced geometry (scaled if necessary) to produce a topological diagram, where symbols are located relative to the product structure.

Drawing creation

The process of creating a drawing from a Logical diagram is the same as for an NX assembly drawing. Using the Drafting module, a view of the Logical Assembly, typically the TOP view, is placed onto a drawing sheet. Standard drawing template and annotation tools are then available.

Special annotation tools

Annotation tools, beyond the standard Drafting tools, are made available to support diagram creation:

Tabular Label — delivered as a Drafting tool but developed for diagram creation. Allows a label (a note with a leader) to be comprised of a table, with column or row names, with the boxes dynamically populated by the values of attributes of any modeling object. Formats may be created on-the-fly or standard formats may be saved and retrieved.
Logical Label and Run Note — Routing-specific, implemented by a Routing Place Part callback (so they may be modified).
- Logical Label places a label automatically after a symbol is placed, with the note text populated by the value of the characteristic REFERENCE_ID assigned to the occurrence of the symbol part. The symbol is required to contain a point named NOTE_ORIGIN and a point named LEADER_ORIGIN. If either point does not exist, or the symbol does not have the REFERENCE_ID characteristic, a note is not placed.
- Run Note automatically places notes along the segments belonging to a run when the run is defined. The only requirement is that the program be properly configured.

Run Navigator

A navigator provides intuitive interaction with defined runs. Creation, management, editing, and deletion of runs are all performed through the Run Navigator interface. The Run Navigator options are identical in the Routing Mechanical and Routing Logical applications. It is similar in many respects to the Assembly Navigator familiar to most NX users.

Run types

Routing Logical provides the capability of assigning line font, width, and color based on an assigned Run Type. Custom configuration allows customers to define the types of runs available (such as Piping, Instrumentation, HVAC, and so on). As a run is defined during diagram creation, you select the Run Type, which has a predefined Line Style associated to it — immediately adjusting the line font, width, and color accordingly.

Run definition

A highly intelligent method of defining a run (often called a Pipe Line in piping applications) is available for both Routing Mechanical and Routing Logical. You only need to identify the From Items and To Items of the run; the system then identifies all members of the run based on the connectivity of the model. An attribute is assigned to each member item, available for any downstream applications that may require such identification.

Flow direction

The direction of flow in a run is ascertained from the definition of the run, being always away from a From Item and towards a To Item. If flow cannot be determined automatically for certain portions of a run, a user interface allows manual assignment. Flow Direction arrow annotations are then easily added to a diagram.