Connection Points
A connection point (CPoint) is a point in a fitting (flange, elbow, electrical connector) where a routing segment (pipe, tube, or wire) begins or ends. A routing segment can only be generated when at least one end is attached to a connection point. Each fitting part must contain a connection point for each port, positioned where you want the adjoining pipe, tube, or cable to begin or end.
All routing components (except clips and hangers) require one or more connection points. (Eccentric reducers have two CPoints.) Connection points are used to:
- Mark a component as being a routing component (piping or electrical).
- Identify the type of connection (pipe connection, electrical connection).
- Identify the sub-type. For example, a ribbon cable is a type of electrical component.
- Define additional attributes such as pipe diameter or specification.
- Mark the start and end of pipes. For example, you can position a pipe to penetrate a fitting by placing a connection point the required distance inside the fitting.
For electrical connectors, use only one CPoint, and position it where the wires or cable exit the connector. You can add one CPoint per pin, but you must then use the CPoint Schematic Pin ID to define the pin number. See Electrical Connectors.
For piping components, add one connection point for each port. For example, a flange has one connection point and a tee has three.
The Routing Component Wizard can help you validate a part or add connection points. You can also define CPoint placement behavior after placing a part. You can set it to add all possible connection points, add none, or prompt for which connection points to add. However, if you are using a From-To List, this setting is ignored.
The wizard does not list valves or sieves. However, like reducers, valves and sieves have two connection points and a route point, so you can use the reducer setting to validate a valve or sieve.
Route Points
A route point (RPoint) is a point in a fitting (such as a flange, elbow, or electrical connector) that you use to position the fitting at an intersection or endpoint in the route sketch. In the case of clips, route points help define the path of flexible routes.
In a fitting with multiple ports (such as a tee or cross), you must create a sketch point at the intersection of the axes of the fitting before adding a route point.
Assembly Connection Points
An assembly connection point (ACPoint) is a point where a route can be joined to an assembly. It serves the same function for an assembly that a connection point does for a fitting.
Assembly Route Points
An assembly route point (ARPoint) is a point that positions an assembly on or at the end of a route. It serves the same function for an assembly that a route point does for a fitting. For example, a filter assembly can have an assembly route point to show how it fits along a segment of pipe.