Every component in a Plant 3D Catalog has a data field called SKEY. This is hard-coded by the manufacturer or the catalog creator.
Let’s walk through a real-world example: You need a custom "Gear Operated Gate Valve" symbol that looks different from the standard handwheel valve.
This is where the magic happens. In the Project Setup (Isometric Styles), there is a mapping system. autocad plant 3d iso symbol skey
Even experienced users run into trouble. Here is the checklist for when your symbol doesn't show up correctly.
Sometimes you don't need to draw a new symbol; you just need to tell Plant 3D that a specific part in your Spec sheet should use an existing SKEY. Every component in a Plant 3D Catalog has
For example, you might have a "Jacket Gate Valve" in your spec. By default, its SKEY might be blank. You want it to look like a standard Gate Valve (GV).
If you manage a team of designers or work with multiple clients, chaos can ensue if everyone uses different SKEYs. Even experienced users run into trouble
Unfortunately, SKEYs are not completely universal, but AutoPLANT and Plant 3D share a common heritage. Here is a table of the most common SKEYs you will encounter in a standard Plant 3D project.
| SKEY | Component Type | Typical 2D Symbol | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | GV | Gate Valve | Diamonds | | BV | Ball Valve | Solid Circle | | CV | Check Valve (Swing) | Circle with a line or hinge | | GL | Globe Valve | Butterfly shape | | DV | Diaphragm Valve | Double line | | FL | Flange (WN/SO) | Two short vertical ticks | | EL | Elbow 90° | Quarter circle arc | | TR | Tee (Reducing/Equal) | T-shaped branch | | RC | Reducer (Concentric) | Converging lines | | RE | Reducer (Eccentric) | Eccentric converging lines | | SG | Strainer (Y-type) | Diagonal line with circle | | TG | Thermometer | Circle with T | | PG | Pressure Gauge | Circle with P |
Use standard AutoCAD drawing commands.