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What's New in MPDS4 and MEDUSA4 Version 5.0? |
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With a new skin, major functional enhancements, new dynamic editing and modelling tools, significant P&ID enhancements, and a new Project Data Manager for MPDS4 plant design, the software has never been easier to use or more productive. Some of the highlights are listed below:
| New in MEDUSA4 Drafting |
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| New in MEDUSA4 3D |
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| New in Other MEDUSA4 Add-On Products |
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| New in MPDS4 |
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| New in MPDS4 Add-On Products |
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| New in all MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 Products |
New in MEDUSA4 2D Drafting
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| MEDUSA4 version 5.0 user interface: enhanced for optimal usability |
New dimensioning options provide enhanced usability and greater flexibility. Enhancements include new chamfer and thread dimensioning options; more flexibility in displaying dimension texts; new arc and radial dimension properties; and new isometric scaling options.
CADConvert™ – Dimension Element Mapping
The CADConvert DXF/DWG interface now also maps dimension elements, and mapping of special characters has been further improved.
New Tools and Usability Enhancements
A wide array of usability enhancements include new printing options and layer selection tools, as well as additional options for handling info text on sheets. It is now even easier to create multi-sheet parts lists. There are also new line trimming options.
Back to topNew in MEDUSA4 3D
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| Enhanced import and export options for DXF, DWG, STEP and IGES |
The MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 3D interfaces have been further enhanced, including a multitude of colour mapping options for imported STEP models, and simplified import of 3D STEP, IGES, DXF and STL models in MPDS4.
Back to topNew in Other MEDUSA4 Add-On Products
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| Version 5.0 of CAD Schroer’s intelligent P&ID software |
The P&ID module for MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 users has been given special attention, with significant enhancements in most areas, including use of layers; reporting; CSV export; and P&ID line editing. There are new tools for filtering, grouping, selecting, loading, placing and dynamically moving symbols. Administrative functions and customisability have also been extended.
MEDRaster™: New Tool for Inverting Raster Colours
A new tool now allows users to invert the colours of any imported raster image incorporated in their design.
MEDUSA4-Teamcenter® Integration: New Automatic Sheet Header Update Controls
The Teamcenter interface now offers new controls for automatically updating MEDUSA4 sheet headers based on the Teamcenter document status.
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New in MPDS4
New MPDS4 Project Data Manager
The MPDS4 Project Data Manager is a new front-end tool for browsing, administering and gaining an overview of current MPDS4 projects. A dialog presents the most important data for each project, and offers different viewing and editing options based on a user’s role. The tool allows Administrators to quickly create new projects, determine user access privileges, and copy or back up project databases. Authorised users can quickly launch and view a project with MPDS4. Non-CAD users can access management summaries detailing a project’s status or the types of equipment used. Those with CSG JustView or the MPDS4 REVIEW software installed can launch single sheets or 3D models (MPDS4 REVIEW files) directly.
Dynamic Drag and Drop Route Editing
MPDS4 now provides dynamic drag and drop editing of routed components, such as pipes, ductwork or cabletrays, for all plant design disciplines. Users can select a point or segment and move it dynamically or by a pre-defined increment. The tool automatically maintains and repositions bends or connections with other components.
Dynamic Moving and Rotating of 3D Components
A new tool allows users to move or rotate 3D models or components dynamically (using drag handles that follow the object’s or its connection points’ orientation) or by pre-defined increments or angles. Connected components, such as pipes or ducts, automatically adjust to the new position.
New Bulk Import Tools for all Plant Discipline Catalogs
New catalog tools provided in all the MPDS4 plant discipline modules (Piping, Steel, Ducting etc.) allow users to bulk import geometry as well as specification data from external sources.
Transparency of Individual Model Objects
Transparency can now be assigned to individual components of a model. Glass components or windows in a machine, for example, will then appear transparent when viewed with MPDS4 or MPDS4 REVIEW.
New Model Descriptions
Individual descriptions can now be added automatically to any model file. Each description is displayed in the MPDS4 Equipment Library dialog when a model is imported into the design.
Extended Model Colour Assignment
Enhanced options in the Equipment Library dialog now allow users greater flexibility and control over display colours for imported models. Users can choose for models to automatically inherit the colour of their subsystem, or select the appropriate colour from a colour table.
Back to topNew in MPDS4 Add-On Products
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| The MPDS4 plant design software introduces dynamic 3D drag & drop route editing |
A new user-configurable routing tool for all the routing disciplines, such as piping, ducting and cabling, automatically calculates all possible paths, allowing users to choose the preferred route before automatically creating the component. All affected components in a larger assembly are automatically re-routed. The auto-routing tool provides options for creating several routes (e.g. pipes) at once.
MPDS4 PIPING DESIGN™: Visualisation of Pipe Insulation
After users define the thickness of insulation for each piping subsystem (which is then automatically considered by clash detection) the insulation can now be visually represented with transparency in the 3D design – an option that can then be turned on or off as required.
MPDS4 FACTORY LAYOUT™: New 2D Dynamic Instancing Tool for Mechanical Handling
A new tool in MPDS4 FACTORY LAYOUT allows designers wishing to work in 2D to select and edit components from the 3D Mechanical Handling catalog. The system automatically produces six views on the sheet, allowing selection and dynamic placement of one view as a factory layout symbol on the sheet. The components positioned in 2D are automatically loaded as 3D components in MPDS4.
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| The MPDS4 PIPING DESIGN software automatically routes and creates pipes |
The 3D COMPONENT DESIGNER, which allows users to build parametric catalog components, now supports many new model features for increased flexibility in component creation. These include user defined profiles with holes inside; sliding objects; full and partial volumes of revolution; support for conditions; and a Wizard for creating basic parametric shapes.
MPDS4 STEEL DESIGN™: Expanded Steelwork Plate Details
A new tool now allows users to add triangle or t-shaped plate stiffeners to steel beams.
MPDS4 ELECTRICAL DESIGN™: Enhanced Cable Creation Tool
The cable creation tool in the electrical design module now includes an automatic cable numbering option, as well as the ability to list all cables in a plant which match certain cable naming conventions.
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MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 User Interface – New Skin
The MEDUSA4 and MPDS4 user interfaces have had another face lift to further enhance usability, including new colours, improved dialogs and optimised icons.
Back to topFor more detailed information, please consult the product release notes and documentation.