Quick answer
Select a sequence of straight pipe cylinders and run 3DPconnect. Choose a smooth or segmented elbow, select the bend radius and let 3D Pipe Tools trim the straight segments and create the connecting solids automatically.
The pipe cylinders should be selected in run order. Their axes do not need to meet perfectly because the command calculates connections between consecutive centerlines.
Prepare the straight pipe run
- Check that each cylinder represents one straight segment.
- Select pipes from the first segment to the last segment.
- Use consistent diameters through a connected elbow run.
- Keep copies when comparing alternate elbow configurations.
Create the elbows
- Run
3DPconnectand select all cylinders in run order. - Choose Normal for a smooth swept elbow or Segmented for a mitered elbow.
- For segmented elbows, choose the number of miter sections.
- Choose Short, Long or Custom bend radius. Short uses 1D; Long uses 1.5D.
- Inspect the rebuilt straight segments and elbow solids.
Choose the correct elbow type
Smooth elbow
A circular profile is swept along a fillet arc to create a smooth toroidal solid. Use it for standard elbows and clean as-built or BIM-style geometry.
Segmented elbow
A segmented path produces a lobster-back or mitered solid. Increase the segment count for a smoother appearance with more fabrication cuts.
Create a T-joint
Run 3DPTjoin and select the main and branch pipes in either order. The command detects the main run, moves the nearest branch end to the main centerline and rebuilds the branch cylinder.
Add reducers and flanges
Reducer
Run 3DPreducer and select two cylinders of different diameters. Circular profiles are placed at their nearest ends and lofted into a reducer. Collinear axes produce a concentric reducer; offset axes produce an eccentric loft.
Flange
Run 3DPFlange and select a cylinder. The command places a disc flange perpendicular to the pipe axis at its base end.