Check the component properties in your 3D model using the properties palette. Verify that the SKEY matches your XML mapping exactly. Check for typos. Issue: The Symbol is Rotated or Scaled Incorrectly
If you are expanding your symbols library further, let me know:
If your company uses proprietary symbols or needs to modify standard isometric representations, follow this workflow to build and map custom configurations. Step 1: Edit the IsoSymbolStyles.dwg
An SKEY is a unique, hard-coded or user-defined string attribute embedded within a Plant 3D part ( .pcat or .pcf ) that the IsoConfig.xml file reads to determine which block to insert and how to orient it during isometric generation. autocad plant 3d iso symbol skey
SKEY codes follow a structured naming system. Knowing this structure helps you quickly identify or modify components. First Two Characters: Component Type
Understanding the standard naming conventions used by Autodesk helps you quickly identify or modify components. Common Component Identifiers (First Two Characters) Elbow TE: Tee RE: Reducer VT: Ball Valve V0: Gate Valve V1: Globe Valve V2: Check Valve FL: Flange CO: Coupling PL: Plug Common End-Type Identifiers (Last Two Characters) FL: Flanged BW: Butt Welded SW: Socket Welded SC: Screwed/Threaded PL: Plain End GL: Glued 3. How Plant 3D Maps SKEYs to Iso Blocks
Once an SKEY is set in the catalog, you must ensure the system knows how to draw it. Here is the step-by-step process to build the visual representation for that SKEY. Check the component properties in your 3D model
| Problem | Root Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | SKEY in part does not exist in IsoConfig.xml | Add a mapping to IsoConfig.xml OR change the part's SKEY via Plant 3D spec editor. | | Wrong Symbol (e.g., ball valve looks like gate valve) | Two different SKEYs map to the same BlockName | Create a unique block or adjust the <BlockName> mapping. | | Symbol Points Wrong Direction | The base block's 0-degree orientation does not match Plant 3D's flow convention | Redraw the block so that flow enters at 0,0 (left) and exits at 0,1 (right) in WCS. | | Annotation Missing | The SKEY exists, but the <Annotation> tag is empty or wrong | Add VALVE or INST to the <Annotation> tag in IsoConfig. |
A: Yes. Since Spool Drawing Generation (SDG) uses the same isometric engine and configuration files (the PCF format), custom symbols mapped correctly via SKEY will automatically appear in your generated spool sheets.
Open IsoConfig.xml , locate the scale factor settings, or redraw your custom block using a standard 1/8" or 3mm scale baseline. Summary Reference Table Component Name Sample SKEY Iso Symbol Type Expected Iso Graphic Result Gate Valve Flanged V0FL VALVE Standard gate valve body with flanged joints Ball Valve Socket-Weld VTSW VALVE Ball valve symbol with socket weld dots Concentric Reducer BW REBW REDUCER Concentric slope reduction with weld lines 90-Degree Elbow BW ELBW ELBOW Sharp or curved 90-degree pipe turn Blind Flange FLBL FLANGE Flange face closed out with a flat end-line Issue: The Symbol is Rotated or Scaled Incorrectly
The SKEY is a that acts as a precise graphical instruction.
Understanding the basics is just the beginning. The real power of SKEYs is revealed in more complex scenarios.
Place the valve in a 3D model. Generate an ISO. Your custom symbol appears.
Let's walk through the complete process of configuring a new isometric symbol, using a flange as our example. The same principles apply to other components like valves, fittings, and instruments.
