Forums >> Revit Structure >> Technical Support >> unable to view linked CAD file with pipe

crosado

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I have linked a CAD file with duct in my project and i can see it. When i link a CAD file with pipe i can see everything in the file (pipe supports, trapezes...) except the actual pipe. I have "pipe" checked in the v/g. so what gives?

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dgcad

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Is it a 3D CAD file ?

Go to a 3D view, maybe switch to Wireframe. Do you see it there ?

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crosado

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the pipe file (and duct) is 3d cad. i tried cycling through wireframe, shaded, hidden line... and i still can not see the pipe.

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WWHub

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Joined: Tue, May 16, 2006
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Check your layers for the CAD file in VG settings - make sure the layer is not off.

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crosado

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*edit: the layers were an incomplete fix. the 3d pipes still do not show up in 3d view. for a couple of the pipes a single representive line appears but not a 3d frame. does revit have mep enablers? i know i had this issue with autocad, but then i installed an object enabler and was able to view 3d pipes.

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dgcad

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I've never done this but trying to mix 3D (AEC) AutoCAD objects with REVIT in my humble opinion is asking for trouble. REVIT uses View Range in plan views. I have no idea how view rnage would deal with non REVIT 3D elements.

The 'Object enabler' was an add-in to be used with vanilla AutoCAD when opening DWG files that contained AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP AEC smart objects. As far as I know the object enabler was specific to the DWG environment.

It appears you are caught between the RVT and DWG - 3D world. DWG files are ok in REVIT when they are flat but I would not recommend trying to use 3D, AEC DWG files.

Maybe the answer is to 'Flatten' the DWG then re-insert it ? . . . . . or better yet, get these lame DWG people into the RVT world : ) DOH !

There is also an AEC explode tool in AutoCAD to turn the smart objects back into regular vectors. That may help.

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WWHub

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There is no such thing as a 3D enabler in Revit.  We are 3D all the time. 

We only had one project with linked 3D CAD and that has no issues.

Did you look at the CAD file to see if it was really 3D?

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After reading DG's answer, I thought of this.

CAD 3D Objects may not show up if they are not completely in view.  We would import the CAD into a cuttable family and insert that.  Then the CAD was cuttable and would show in all views cut.

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