Autocad 2010 MEP 3D objects are not reconized by standard O-snaps...

[Jadeous]

Hello,

 

I am new to using MEP to draw 3D piping.

 

I am trying use regular object snaps, i.e. (quadrant, end point, middle) on MEP drawn piping. So far only the "MEP" snaps work. Giving me only the center of the pipe. I am drawing with insulation and I need the pipes to be 6" apart from edge of insulation to egde of insulation. Without basic grips like "quadrant" I cannot make this happen without doing allot of math each time I branch off the main.

 

Just moments ago I saw my co-worker use the quadrant snap on his drawing, so I know it is possible. But when we closed and reopenned the drawing the object snaps no longer worked again.

 

I have looked throught the MEP object snap menu and I do not see where I can add the kind of snaps I need.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[tzframpton]

MEP snaps consist of only two types, the "connector" and the "curve" snap (which is basically the centerpoint of the object). You can also use the normal AutoCAD snapping tools but you have to be careful. 1st off, when you use the normal snaps, be sure the OSNAPZ is turned on (little icon on the bottom right of the interface, a Z with a lightbulb, to the right of the Elevation setting). This locks everything you snap to in the Z location so when you snap to a corner of a pipe's insulation, and use OTRACK to place it 6" off something else, it won't knock the elevation off. It's really frustrating at times actually.

 

When you're in a 3D orbited mode, then you can't have the OSNAPZ variable on. So you have to be really careful how and what you're snapping to when you're in 3D space and not in a Plan view. Hope this helps.