CadDraft - AER - Block Definition

Manual

Subject: Increase productivity

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CadDraft - AER - Block Definition

SECTION Table of Content Page

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 2
2. GENERAL .................................................................................................................................. 3
3. NO NONSENS DRAWINGS (BLACK AND WHITE) ................................................................. 4
4. TYPE OF ENTITIES ................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Lines, circles and other components .......................................................................................... 5
4.2 Text ............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.3 Dimensions ................................................................................................................................. 5
4.4 Blocks ......................................................................................................................................... 5
TH
5. ASSEMBLY (THE 5 TYPE) .................................................................................................... 7
6. LAYERS ..................................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Standard LAYERS ...................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Special assigned Layers ............................................................................................................. 8
6.3 PAGE related LAYERS .............................................................................................................. 8
6.4 Additional Colored layers ............................................................................................................ 9
6.5 Other layers ................................................................................................................................ 9
7. BLOCK DEFINITION ............................................................................................................... 10
7.1 Entities ...................................................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Attributes & Text ....................................................................................................................... 10
7.2.1 ATTRIBUTES ........................................................................................................................... 11
7.2.1.1 ATTRIBUTE TAG (TAG) .......................................................................................................... 11
7.2.1.2 TAGS & TAGS .......................................................................................................................... 11
7.2.1.3 ATTIBUTE PROMPT ................................................................................................................ 11
7.2.1.4 ATTRIBUTE MODE .................................................................................................................. 11
7.2.2 TEXT......................................................................................................................................... 12
7.2.3 Cleaver symbols (Make advantage of Lisp) ............................................................................. 12
8. ATTRIBUTE DEFINITION ........................................................................................................ 14
8.1 TAG DEFINITION ..................................................................................................................... 14
8.1.1 Specials .................................................................................................................................... 14
8.1.2 Identified OWNERS .................................................................................................................. 15
8.2 Type Definition .......................................................................................................................... 15
8.3 Dimension definition ................................................................................................................. 16
8.4 Handle Related ......................................................................................................................... 16
9. BLOCK USE............................................................................................................................. 17

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1. INTRODUCTION
This Document is all about block definition. Based on the CadDraft standard. Since Autocad is a
Handy Drawing toolbox which provided functionality to create drawings. However AutoCAD also
provide functionality which is difficult in use (not known to every draftsman) and a attack on a
proper maintenance off drawing standards (if now-a-days any known to draftsman).

CadDraft is using a very strict set-up of (own) standard to ensure / guarantee the standar and
easy detection of disruption by others.

A correct definition guarantees the proper use of VCM and the option to Automate specific func-
tionality, such as export of drawing included information as base for further use and/or quality
control purposes.

The definition of block can work much into our benefit and the overall quality of the end product,
the drawing.

A uniform setup of these Symbols provide also opportunities to convert these into other definitions
, purpose or client required .

Blocks can also be used in assemblies, where a combination of symbols and other drawing enti-
ties can be defined as a block, by exploding this block (VCM) during insert, the original blocks

Explanation of Notes
If you don’t want to put your life at risk:
NEVER EVER
do what is indicated here.

VCM Special attention case used in combination to VCM

Special attention case used in combination to SharePoint

NOTE General Note

Best practice indicated.

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2. GENERAL
Blocks can be defined in multiple way’s. As were in real life many definition are less than perfect.
The way we use to define Blocks is maybe also not perfect, but it’s standardized, to be as flexible
as possible and allow other use of the blocks.

AutoCAD specific:
A. Assign each entity to it dedicated layer
When an entity is placed in a specific layer (which entity becomes part of a block) the en-
tity will stay related to this layer once this entity becomes part of block.

B. Assign each entity to layer 0 (Zero)

When an entity is placed in layer 0 (zero, the AutoCAD predefined layer) the entity will
adapt to the layer in which the block is placed.

Both type of definitions have their advantages and dis-advantages.

However a block conform the first definition (each entity in their own dedicated layer) can be con-
verted into a block as defined as all entities into layer 0, while attributes (editable text) can remain
into their own specific layer or are also converted to be part of layer 0. This is possible when de-
fined separate, once ALL entities become part of layer 0 (or is defined as such) there is no way to
separate the entities into their dedicated layer.

The CadDraft VCM definition (making the best of both worlds)

When Block are defined conform method 1 (each entity in a related layer) a lisp routine can be
used to convert the blocks to become blocks as defined by method 2. As where filters can be
used to guide this conversion.

Should however, the conversion be non-required, then a reload of the external blocks enable the
option to roll-back the conversion either complete or partial, pending on possibilities..

This definition also enables a (LISP based) quality check routine, where the entity colours are
temporary altered to check for exploded blocks, which are NOT allowed.

Never ever explode a block, special when it’s part of VCM.

If a block is used to define a other block it’s OK, but better it’s is to include this re-
defined block in VCM. Either to replace the existing block or as a newly defined block
When a exploded block is used to define a new block, this NEW block should be de-
fined according to this Black Definition standard.

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3. NO NONSENS DRAWINGS (BLACK AND WHITE)

CadDraft delivers drawings in Black and white, the way drawings (on paper) are intended . The
use of colours is prohibited to those situations where the use of colours is present the drawing
content more clearly and/or where the use of colour defines a specific task.

While drawing internal line colours are mainly used to define / present the linewidth of the final
result on paper.

Exception Example(s)
Construction:
When a drawing contains pipes which represent a different function, such as a supply line and a
return line Where supply line often is red (hot) and the return line is blue (cold or lees hot )

Schematical:
When a drawing, such as an cable layout (cables not on actual size) contains cables carrying a
different voltage (Such as High - & low voltage).

NOTE Both types of drawings need to include a legend, explaining the use of the colours.

NOTE See document ‘CadDraft ACAD standard for more details

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4. TYPE OF ENTITIES
Roughly there are 4 types of entities. All these entities are compiled into an drawing. As where
each entity type has his unique character. The use of the correct entity type might improve not
only the quality of the drawing, but also the creation speed.

4.1 Lines, circles and other components

ALL entities part of the ‘DRAW’ menu and related menu’s like Modify & Edit, including block defi-
nition functionalities. Line type is part of the presentation of these entities. AL tough very im-
portant to the creation of a drawing, these entities can be considered as nothing special.

4.2 Text
A specific type of entity to produce text in the drawing. Case CadDraft restricted to the ISO font.
These font is used in standard predefined letter heights. Both as Standard and Annotative , where
the annotative font definition is mainly used for construction drawings, where scale is part of a
correct presentation of the drawing.

The ISO font is used since this is standard and ensures a cleary different presentation for each
character, while other fonts might present different character almost equal and NO other font is
needed to produce a correct drawing.

The use of Mtext is very restricted, only as addition to the drawing outline to include extra func-
tionality such plot date & time and the filename.

The reason for this restriction is the option to include text formatting in the text, which is unwanted
and might result is difficulties both in use and results on a later date.

The only other use of Mtext is to produce a large amount of text as part of the drawing, based on
the ISO font definitions and without the use of text formatting.

Attributes:
Still a specific type of text, special available to be part of a predefined block, while the text remain
editable, WHILE THE BLOCK ISN’T exploded.

Never use an Exotic font other than the predefined ISO font whit corresponding letter
heights.
The use of exotic fonts often comes with additional problems, such as readability
and/or the difficulty to maintain the font (if the Fontfile is non-standard Autocad Font-
file).

NOTE See document ‘CadDraft ACAD standard for more details

4.3 Dimensions
Adaptive Dimensions are mostly used as part of construction drawings will be based on an Anno-
tative text style definition, since this allows the correct presentation in multiple viewports (different
scale) without the adaption within the drawing model space.
The Dimension scale is predefined based on a ISO font-type with a letter height of 2,5mm. A dif-
ferent fontsize is a rare exception and therefore not defined.

The use of non-adaptive Dimensions can be considered as being part of non-constructional draw-
ing, such as schematics (such as Isometric drawings), were the dimension itself is not defined by
picking the distance but is a manual input. This type of drawing is also not related to scale and a
standard (non Annotative) font definition is used.

4.4 Blocks
Autocad allows the definition of two block types:

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A normal block, which can be part of the drawing and also maintain outside of the drawing. This
type is and stays the way it is defined.

Dynamic blocks, however fancy, this of block shouldn’t be used to maintain a high rate of inter-
changeability (modification by other AutoCAD look-a-like CAD programs).

Since the use of block – attributes is unknown to many (based on the time blocks are
still exploded to modify the text) the use of dynamic block is strictly prohibited.
In very many cases this type of block doesn’t add any value to the drawing only diffi-
culties, maintaining a correct standard.

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5. ASSEMBLY (THE 5TH TYPE)

An assembly is (in use with CadDraft VCM) only a temporary type). While defined in VCM
(BLOCK) the actual use is exploded. Where all entities are converted into real entities and blocks
remain blocks.

Units
Not and entity, but a variable which defines how entities act, special during insertion (of blocks).
The best units are used related to the final content of the drawing, where millimetres are the most
frequently used units scale (by far the most of construction drawings).
For schematical drawings also the units millimetres can be used (or no units definition). Working
always in these unit type may avoid funny acting during insertion since some Autocad variables
has impact on the way a block is inserted.

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6. LAYERS
ALL entities drawn COLOR BY LAYER

6.1 Standard LAYERS

Layer Name Col- Associated Purpose
our- Penwidth
co Plot/Print
0 4 The standard available AutoCAD layer isn’t used
BLKTHIN Based on the layer associated linecolor
BLKNORM
BLKTHICK
BLOCK Layer for Block Insertion Layer Color, isn’t used
ENT013 6 0,13mm
ENT018 1 0,18mm
ENT025 7 7 0,25mm
ENT035 2 0,35mm
ENT050 42 0,50mm
ENT070 5 0,70mm
ENT100 30 1,00mm Rarely used
ENT140 3 1,40mm Rarely used
NON_PRINT Non printable entities (help entities)
LAYOUTS Used for paper space entities
TXT013 0,13mm 1,3 mm Font height (only used for Legal text)
TXT018 0,18mm 1,8 mm Font height
TXT025 0,25mm 2,5 mm Font height
TXT035 0,35mm 3,5 mm Font height
TXT050 0,50mm 5,0 mm Font height
TXT070 0,70mm 7,0 mm Font height
TXT100 1,00mm Rarely used
TXT140 1,40mm Rarely used
VIEWPORTS Used for (paper space) viewports
WIPEOUTS Used for Wipeouts

6.2 Special assigned Layers

AER_TITLE_BLOCK The layer containing the AER_TITLE_BLOCK
When frozen the EPC contractor is able to use his own Title
block
AER_REVISION_BLOCK The layer containing the AER_REVISION_BLOCK
When frozen the EPC contractor is able to use his own Revision
block
CADDRAFT.NL The layer containing the CadDraft LOGO
This layer is only frozen during the creation of Official PDF’s, this
is an hidden sign to detect illegal copies of the document, e.g. a
plot direct out of the .dwg file.
EPC_TITLE_BLOCK the EPC contractor is able to use his own Title block
EPC_REVISION_BLOCK the EPC contractor is able to use his own Revision block

6.3 PAGE related LAYERS

Case Sheet based documents , the use of Layouts which are totally based on a viewport of the
complete sheet which is only part of the model space, the Layout can’t be used to collect page
(Layout) related block attributes. However moving all page related blocks to a page related layer,
during the creation of the Layout, will provide a good alternative, to extract page related Block at-
tributes, since then the layer can be used to select page related blocks as part of the page related
layer.
NOTE This is only suitable for 100% Black and White Drawings which doesn’t contain any
colour to highlight a specific system .
Modification of Lisp routines is required to incorporate these type of layers, when
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page related. (Additional Setup / Lisp modification required).

6.4 Additional Colored layers

While the use of additional layers is restricted, Layers (Clearly defined name) might be added for
coloured presentation, e.g. to indicate supply & return lines, or to add colours in schematics, there
were a colour makes the diagram more readable / avoid mistakes.
Other colours to be used are the non standard colours which are related to pen width settings.
Conversion of blocks existing in this layer, make them adapt to the layer color.

6.5 Other layers

Other layer may only exist as part of an existing used Xref, other use is prohibited.

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7. BLOCK DEFINITION
Blocks are defined on a grid with an interval of 5mm. This way, during the creation of the actual
drawing a grid of 5mm also can be used. This will result in a clear drawing where lines are drawn
on a regular interval (of 5mm minimal).

Symbols are often placed on top of a line, a simple wipeout beneath the symbol content
(draworder) can avoid a lot of work, breaking lines or other content. This wipeout will follow the
outline of the symbol, s is often drawn at last, while moved to its correct position using
“draworder”. Wipeouts will be drawn on the layer “WIPEOUTS” this enables the option to disable
the use of wipeouts (freeze laer “WIPEOUTS”, Note however that than needs to be adjusted to
incorporate symbols (blocks).

A bug in Autocad, sometimes reorder wipeouts and then wipeouts are re-positioned
on top, so hiding the block/symbols. A LISP routine (VCM) solves this Autocad Bug.

VCM LDOrderV1-2.lsp part of VCM will solve this Autocad Bug. Blocks can be moved to
top.
Likewise DrawOrderOnTopPerLayer.lsp

Normal entities like lines and so on, will be drawn on a layer “ENTxxx” where xxx is correspond-
ing with the penwidth.

7.1 Entities
(see 4.1 Lines, circles and other components)
While ALL entities are defined “COLOR BY LAYER”, entities part of a block need to be defined in
different layers than all other entities
To create the upmost flexibility of the use of blocks, three layers are used to define entities in a
multipurpose blocks.

BLKTHICK The outline of a block (used as symbol). When a clear outline is existing.
BLKNORM Normal content of the block (inside the symbol)
BLKTHIN Entities such as divider lines

Never Ever use a linetype other than “continuous”.

Hidden (- - - ) and dashed-dot (- . - . -) need to be drawn as such as where a dot is en
very short line (NOT A POINT).
This is to avoid a wrong / incorrect presentation based on the use of the linetype
scale.

7.2 Attributes & Text

All text is defined “COLOR BY LAYER”

All type of text are defined in a layer TXTxxx where xxx is pen width / font height related, either for
normal or annotative type of text. While the only Font type used is based on the ISOCPEUR font.

Attributes (variable text inside a block) and fix text are defined on their corresponding layer, main-
ly layer TXT025 and TXT018, where TXT025 is the preferred layer and textsize. The fontstyle
ISO025 (defined based on ISOCPEUR with a text height of 2,5mm) to be used for Attributes and
text definitions. Likewise TXT018.

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7.2.1 ATTRIBUTES
Defining an Attribute comes with at least two
issues You need to take care for:
Uncheck the Lock_Position, rarely the posi-
tion of an attributes remain unchanged.
When the lok_position is checked you are not
able to move the attribute (text) of an already
inserted block. Better avoid this issue.

Make sure that a valid text style is selected.

Standard might be available and the default
value for Attribute definition, but NOT the one
to use.

7.2.1.1 ATTRIBUTE TAG (TAG)

Tag values can be extracted from a drawing. This is a very useful purpose, since than the draw-
ing becomes much more than only a drawing on paper. It also can become a useful source of in-
formation. Note however, to do so, best the TAG(s) are defined in uppercase characters, since
the way TAG(s) can be approached is case sensitive. Since UPPERCASE is normaly very easy
to read, the use of uppercase Characters is REQUIRED.
Lisp routines to extract Attribute data (where specific TAG(s) are selected are than more easy to
write (no need to find out how they (the attributes) are exactly written.

7.2.1.2 TAGS & TAGS

The TAG used as a identifier for the AutoCAD attribute, shouldn’t be confused with a TAG in for
example a P&ID. Note however in the real world there are more than one type of TAG.
These Equipment Tags are sometimes used different.
An Equipment TAG in an Equipment list
A Line TAG in a linelist
A Instrument tag in a Instrument list, and so on.
Best these Attribute TAGS are defined as:

TAG General prefix, followed by an underscore and an ID to define the correct use.
TAG_EQUIP
TAG_LINE
TAG_INST
TAG_ELEC
The prefix TAG_, makes an overall selection (TAG_*) possible.
Tag Devided over two rows e.g.
TAG_LETT
TAG_NUMB

7.2.1.3 ATTIBUTE PROMPT

Always provide a clear definition of where the attribute is used for. Saidly AutoCAD is not present-
ing this prompt all the time (e.g. case properties), which doesn’t make the use of the prompt obso-
lete.

7.2.1.4 ATTRIBUTE MODE

Invisible Attributes can provide a helping hand, for instance the component which is presented by
this symbol (block), in for example a P&ID. Each symbol is presenting a specific component how-
ever the TAG (the P&ID equivalent) alone doesn’t always defines clearly what kind of component
is used.

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An Invisible TAG (Constant) can help to solve this issue. Once the information of the Attributes is
extracted, the value included in the invisible TAG can provide clarity. This way a drawing related
Equipment list and Line list can be presented e.g. used for checking.

7.2.2 TEXT
Text is rarely used inside blocks, since a change is not possible. Much better is the use of a AT-
TRIBUTE with a default value. A change of the text is then possible, should this occur.

While blocks defined for a specific purpose use the entity related layers (such as ENTxxx and
TXTxxx, where xxx is penwidth related).

Attributes

VCM ChangeLayerNameInBlock.lsp will allow the change of layer names inside blocks en-
abling the option to use the blocks multi-purpose, both as defined as will related to a
specific use (color by layer)

7.2.3 Cleaver symbols (Make advantage of Lisp)

In VCM we can make the upmost advantage of LISP (Autocad programming language – Au-
toLisp)
This allows smart assembly of blocks while meanwhile the block is placed in the expected layer,
the block is rotated, attributes are requested and so on. While this all can be done by pressing a
‘single button’, instead of preforming several manual actions.
Not only maximizing the commands executed is an option, but also acting cleaver with symbols
is an option. Explained on below P&ID example.
The core symbol setup (all in one)
BLCKNORM
BLCKTHIN = red = 0,18 mm
BLCKNORM = Yellow = 0,35mm
BLCKTHICK = 42 = Brown = 0,5mm (unused)
TXT025 = White = 0,25mm
STYLE = ISO025, FontName = NewPlexM, Height = 2.5, Align MC
ATTDEF ‘Lock Position’ = off (allow move of attribute case block is used)
The parts
The core symbol:
A wipeoout with same dimension as the circle in layer “wipeout”
A circle in layer ‘BLCKNORM’
Attributes in layer TXT025 in style ISO025 where the style is based on
NewPlexM

A single line in layer ‘BLCKNORM’

Center is centerpoint of Circle in the core symbol

Two thin lines in layer ‘BLCKTHIN’

Center is centerpoint of Circle in the core symbol

A rectangle in layer ‘BLCKNORM’

Center is centerpoint of Circle in the core symbol

Define Core Block Block

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Select centerpoint ,Pick>

Select entities
Wipeout and circle first, then attributes (the pick sequence defines what
is on top off the wipeout.

Best practice to create a circulair wipeout

Polygon 36 centerpoint<pick> Inscribed Radius
36 segments (10º per segment), is often enough a larger diameter might require a
larger number of segments, but this will have impact on performance.

Next command
Wipeout Polyline  previous created polyline <pick> Yes 
The last ‘Yes’ to erase the polyline used for creation of the wipeou, so only the wipe-
out remains.
Note: this wipeout is best created in the layer ‘Wipeout’

Autocad bug:
The way a wipeout is handled in Autocad isn’t always perfect. Sometimes the wipeout
is moved to the background (not on top) however this can be solved with a lisp routine
which moves all the symbols to the end of the database, so they will be drawn on top
of all other entities.
Work around (worst case)
Case all wipeouts are defined in layer ‘WipeOut” they can be excluded from use
(freeze layer). This case reordening of the symbols don’t provide the suitable solution.

Best practice to create a circulair wipeout

With these 4 blocks the 6 symbols on the left can be created in 1 go
(single press of the ‘button’ case lisp is incorporated).

Where:
 The actual core symbol contains the Attributes (easy for extrac-
tion purposes)
 Insertion also hide entities in the background, so lines don’t
need to be interrupted and moving the symbol will automatically
correct the ‘line-break’
 If for instance the symbols need to be layer color depended this
can be solved easily with a lisp routine. But is mainly installation
based.
 More easy to maintain the symbol library

In above example the core block is used together with maximum 2 additional blocks.

The lisp routine provide the option to use 4 additional blocks, think about the combinations possi-
ble

Think about what you can do with a valve 

Draw cleaver instead of just draw 

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8. ATTRIBUTE DEFINITION
EACH and EVERY BLOCK DEFINED will at least contain 1 Attribute starting with the prefix
‘TAG’, as where a suffix will define the Discipline to which the TAG is related to.

Exception of this rule are block which are no physical part of the drawing content, such as the
Drawing tile block and Drawing Revision Block.

ALL ATTRIBUTES ARE DEFINED IN UPPER CASE TEXT (prompt might contain a different Text
Case).

8.1 TAG DEFINITION

The TAG is defined related to the Discipline it belongs to. The TAG definition is Based on the pet-
rochemical discipline definition, which can be used in the regular world also.

Process. While mainly the owner of the TAG, this suffix is rarely use, since all TAGs are related
to other disciplines. Already TAGs are defined in the P&ID (Process & Instrumentation Diagram)
but NON of these equipment’s are MAINTAINED by the Process department / discipline. TAG
however are assigned to the discipline which will define and Maintain this piece of equipment.

Suffix Description
_PROC Process. mainly the owner of the TAGS, but not the discipline which maintains
this Equipment.
_CIVIL Civil
_MECH Mechanical
_CNTR Control (E&I) Electrical & Instrumentation, but instrumentation isn’t always
Electrical (Pneumatic and/or hydraulic), Control is therefore more suitable.

8.1.1 Specials
Special TAG definitions are defined to include the purpose and to make a more detailed extrac-
tion possible or in other cases to Extract values related to entities which are not based on blocks.

In many cases these TAGs are assigned to a Block which defines a row in a list or is assigned to
an Entity, such as a line (CABLE, PIPE, TANK) or a number of blocks defining the final drawing
component such as a Distillation Column.

While initial these TAGs belongs to a Discipline, a more detailed extraction requires a more de-
tailed Attribute name. The Attribute Name than is defined:
TAG_’Discipline’_’Catagory’(_’SubDiscipline’) (_’SubCatagory’),, where:
TAG Is the fixed prefix for a TAG
TAG_LETT Case the TAG is based on 2 attributes (Letter part)
TAG_NUMB Case the TAG is based on 2 attributes (Number part)
‘Discipline’ Is the ‘Standard’ discipline abbreviation
‘Catagory’ Is the Name to define a specific Category of TAGs
_’SubDiscipline’ When the specific Owner is a Sub discipline (often the case)
_’SubCatagory’ When the specific Category has a Sub Category / Task

During attribute extraction so called wildcards (such as ‘*’) can be used to extract TAG related to
as Specific Category which might spam multiple disciplines (Like E&I CABLES).

Case CABLEs, often maintained by E&I (Electrical & Instrumentation) which is already a combi-
nation between disciplines)
To extract Attributes ONLY related
Suffix Description
Process. While mainly the owner of the TAG, this suffix is rarely use, since
all TAGs are related to other disciplines. Already TAGs are defined in the
P&ID (Process & Instrumentation Diagram) but NON of these equipment’s
are MAINTAINED by the Process department / discipline.
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_CNTR_CABLE_x

Case LINEs (Pipe)

Suffix Description
_MECH_LINE_x Mechanical - (for ‘x’ such as ‘PIPING’ (often a own department can be used

8.1.2 Identified OWNERS

Disciplines
Suffix (4 Char.) Discipline (Owner)
PROC Process (Owner of ALL Tags, but not related to maintenance)
EANDI Control (E&I)
MECH Mechanical
CIVIL Civil

Sub – Disciplines and Sub Categories

Discipline Sub Discipline
EANDI Electrical
EANDI Instrumentation
MECH STATIC
MECH ROTATING
MECH PIPING
CIVIL Civil
CIVIL Structural

Discipline Category Sub Discipline Sub Category

EANDI CABLE ELEC Power

CABLE INST Control
Contact_xxx (where xxx
is a sequential number
with leading Zero(s)
LINE INST Control
INST Line

MECH STATIC TANK

ROTATING
PIPING
CIVL Civil

8.2 Type Definition

This Invisible attribute mainly this is the textual explanation of the symbol, the function and how
this function is performed.

Which can be part of the Attribute Extraction and later to Group Specific TAGs.

Based on this information the Manufacturer & Manufacturer Modelpart can be selected.

This Attribute isn’t displayed (invisible – Constant) since the final selected component is used in
the part-list.

Examples:
INSTRUMENTATION
Type = ‘Coupler”

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MECHANICAL
Type = Tank
Type = Centrifugal Pomp

8.3 Dimension definition

This visible attribute ‘Demension’ is mainly used where physical dimensions are indicated, such
as the diameter of a pipe or valve. Case a reduction 2 dimensions are indicated divided by a
slash “/”.

8.4 Handle Related

Unlike the entity, the entity handle is unique true out the entity life of the document. While the en-
tity might differ for each editing session the Handle will remain unique.

The attribute ‘HANDLE’ is available on those blocks which are entity related, such Lines (pipe)
and Cables. Or other entities which are an assembly of multiple blocks to define the final symbol
such as ‘Distillation Columns’.

This Attribute will be handled by VCM and is filled with the related entity identifier.

When the original related entity is removed, and the relation with this entity (included in the relat-
ed block) is lost

VCM include functionality to check this relations and correct / re-assign related block to the cor-
rect HANDLE.

Prefered therefor is to draw a line (pipe or cable as a Pline entity. Which has the following bene-
fits.

Option to add an Entity related block to a complete entity

Option to highlight (lineweight) this line even more when part of the MAIN process.

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9. BLOCK USE
Blocks are inserted in the drawing, using VCM.

Blocks are inserted in the drawing in the layer “Blocks” or for a printable colour a special as-
signed layer. Conversion (block internal to layer 0 (zero)) of the block inserted to the special as-
signed layer will adapt the block colour to the colour used for this layer.

VCM VCM will make the insertion on the correct Layer easy. However Standard AutoCAD
functionality will be helpful also (e.g. correcting mistakes.

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CadDraft - AER - Block Definition

VCM

NOTE

In principe

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