After you define the pipe route, you can begin to place components using the commands on the Place menu or the Place toolbar.
The placement of most components works in much the same way: select the required component object, place it on a section of pipe, and then slide it into position. Although you can place all components fitting to fitting, that is, they do not require sections of pipe between them, components that force a change of direction, such as offsets or bends, can only be placed at an open end of an existing fitting or section of pipe. You can only place components that are out of network, such as supports, bolts, and additional materials, on other existing components, meaning there is no actual connection.
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To indicate that it is permissible to insert the component in the specified location, the cursor changes to
. If you cannot place a component in that location , the cursor changes to 
.
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You can also place components using the commands on the Place menu.
Automatically place components
While creating the pipeline model, you can make use of some powerful tools that help automate the sketching process. For example, you can assign bolt sets automatically and place gaskets and flanges automatically.
Item code assignment
Item codes are determined by the configuration of your specification. Whenever you place a component, including when routing or changing bore, the software uses the following rules to determine item code assignment.
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If there is only one candidate in the specification, the software uses it.
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If there are multiple candidates in the specification, the software uses the default choice (if there is one)
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If there are multiple candidates in the specification but no default choice, the component becomes generic.
In instances where the software does not assign an item code, you can assign one manually. You can also use manual assignment to override the item code assigned to the component by the software when it was initially placed.
Default choice
The specification to which your project is connected acts as a filter that reduces the number of components in a catalog to a small, relevant set. However, for any given group (flange, valve, instrument) and configuration (angle, tee, inline), more than one choice can arise. If the specification contains information on a default choice, the software automatically assigns the correct item code. This default choice information is contained in the Default Choice reference table, which is created and managed using Material Editor. For example, if there are a number of 4" flanges in the specification, the default choice table allows you to specify which flange the software should use.
If only one choice is available, the software automatically selects that component.
In either case, the software automatically assigns the item code as you place the component. The component displays green in the sketch, which is the default color for a fully specified component.
If there is no choice available, the software places a generic component, which has no item code, and consequently, no other catalog information, such as dimension. Generic components display as blue in the sketch, which is the default color for no defined length.
After placement, you can reposition components within the pipe
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When placing components, the default behavior is for the software to remain in place mode so that you can continue to place additional objects of the same type without re-selecting the command.
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Although most components in Smart Isometrics are explicitly placed, some components can also be implied as the pipeline is routed:
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Bends/Elbows are implied when a change in direction is drawn.
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Reducers are implied when a change in size in the same direction is drawn.
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Tees are implied when a branch is drawn from another line.
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