Flex duct convert from spline in 3D?

ksotus

I try to find any plugin or lisp to make flex duct simply. Could anyone help me in this queston ?
I checked many website and forum to find one but there is 2D version mostly.

James Maeding

wow, how to have safe flex duct, almost misread your post.
You need to explain more.
I do a similar thing for civil engineering pipelines, and the method is to make a 3d pline of the center of the duct, then run SWEEP on that, using a circle or whatever shape. That gives a smooth pipe though, not corrugated like a flex pipe.
I'd have to think how to get the corrugations.

Richard Webb

Try making one duct "segment" and then running an ARRAYPATH for the segment along the pline. Then run a sweep of the circle of the lesser diameter along the same pline to dress it up and fill in the gaps. It's not perfect but it gets the idea across.

ksotus

Thanks answers. I will try out that way.
dear James, just there is a solution that AX3000 use. Build flexduct to spline.
This is complicated and time-consuming.
For example there is Cadvent by lindab. you mark two point on any spiro pipe and make connection automaticlly.

muzznrae

ksotus
Since V19 I just draw flexible duct from the start using circular profile from BIM profiles or create my own to suit. This ensures that the flexi will at least have a chance of fitting. I presume you are talking about converting an existing 2D drawing to 3D. I too, a few years ago I used to create the required profile and extrude along a spline but was data hungry.
Typically now I start duct from cushion head and another off duct spigot if tricky. BIMFLOWCONNECT then automatically gives several options to connect two ducts. Using MEP connectors and a light colour [9 on our CTB] gives quite a nice render and does give some flexi looking bends. I have recently started added materials to flexis which looks ok but WIP.
Cheers
Muzz