What's New in M4 P&ID FX Version 7.1?

User-dependent Standard Attributes for Line Labels

The P&ID tool for pipe labelling now allows the definition of user-dependent standard attribute values. The user can define standard values for the currently used attributes within a session. This allows the user to temporarily change the standard attribute values within a project and thus further accelerate the pace of design.

Optimization of the renumbering tool

M4 has supported the renumbering of complete drawings since the version 6.3. This function makes it possible to renumber many copied elements in a drawing so that no components with the same name are used. In version 7.0 this function has been extended to instrumentation, so that the used instruments are now renamed correctly.

Extension of the sheet connector dialog

M4 allows the connection of several drawing sheets into one design project. The lines are connected logically between the individual drawings by sheet connectors. With version 7.0, the Sheet Connector dialog now shows the user which connections are not yet paired in a selection dialog; so the “not yet connected” lines can be easily selected and continued on the current sheet.

Custom Subtypes for Components

M4 offers a default structuring of all components, by types and subtypes; whereby a simpler structuring and parts list generation is made possible. As of version 7.0, the subtypes of the components can be freely edited and individually selected. Direct entry of a new subtype is also possible.

Symbol Favourites

Starting with version 7.0, M4 now offers the option of saving individual P&ID symbols into a favourite’s area of the symbol tab. This is done conveniently via the context menu, where the currently selected symbol is added to the favourites. Favourites created in this way are used to generate diagrams even faster, thus saving design time.

Use of connection points for equipment placement

M4 now allows changing of the datum when placing a component. The individual connection points can be used as alternative datums. The selection can be made conveniently from the context menu.

Customizable Scaling of Different Symbol Types

In M4, the P&ID symbols are displayed as a preview in a clearly arranged dialog. The size of the symbols in the preview could be adjusted, but for all symbol types at the same time. Starting with version 7.0, M4 now offers the option of individually scaling the symbol sizes for each category. For example, symbols for equipment can now be displayed smaller than those for instrumentation.

Define nominal size for connection points

As of M4 Version 7.0, the connection points on the P&ID symbols can be provided with nominal diameters. These can then either be output in a report or used in 3D piping design to place the appropriate components; previous to Version 7.0 nominal diameters were only inherited from attached pipelines.

Move symbols by double-clicking them

As of version 7.0, symbols or line labels can be moved in M4 by simply double-clicking on the corresponding symbol. The current symbol is selected and the appro-priate move function is activated. This results in a significant reduction in user input and a decrease in design time; P&ID’s are amongst the most edited of drawings.

Automatic Creation of Symbol Legends

As of version 7.0, symbol legends can be generated in M4 for individual P&ID flowcharts or complete projects. These are generated either on the current sheet or on a new sheet. During generation, the user can decide exactly what the legend should contain. The user can decide between the current sheet, the entire project or an area in the catalog. The position and size of the legend can also be adjusted. This function eliminates the tedious manual creation of symbol legends, as these can now be generated project-specifically with just a few clicks.

Extension of the P&ID Administration

As of version 7.0, the P&ID administration includes additional options. For example, individual symbols, groups od symbols or complete symbol catalogs can be displayed or hidden from users. It is very common to use alternative symbol sets for different customers; this makes that very simple.

Better generation of parts lists

The generation of BOMs has been further improved in version 7.0. The dialog for generating BOMs has been simplified. Options for configuring the parts lists are now only visible when the user has logged in as admin. Parts lists, placed as table on a sheet, can be updated now rather than repalced. In addition, the BOM configurations are now stored in separate files, making it easier to exchange them between users.

Improved connection of instrument lines to P&ID symbols

In M4 P&ID FX version 6.3, further improvements have been made to the connection of instrumentation lines to symbols. This makes it easier for the user to place instrumentation and speeds up the design process.

New search function in the P&ID symbol manager

M4 P&ID FX V6.3 now includes a new search function in the P&ID Symbol Manager. This allows you to search through the current catalogue for symbols using keywords or pre-defined filters.

M4 P&ID FX for 64 Bit only

As of version 6.3, M4 P&ID FX is only available for 64-bit systems. This means that the software can be used optimally on modern computers. In addition, the software offers higher performance with a 64-bit system.

Enhanced movement of existing symbols

The movement of individual symbols along a process line has been further enhanced in the new version. Symbols can now be mirrored when moved, or aligned to a predefined point. These enhancements make it quicker and easier to edit P&IDs.

Automatic renumbering

With version M4 P&ID FX V6.3, you can now renumber components on a P&ID. This functionality is particularly useful when a region of a diagram has been copied and pasted onto the same diagram or onto other diagrams. Automatic renumbering can be applied to a single P&ID or to a complete project containing multiple P&IDs. It increases design quality by ensuring that all components are uniquely numbered.

Improvement of the P&ID symbol browser

M4 P&ID FX version 6.2 comes with an improved P&ID symbol browser. Symbols are now displayed more efficiently and in greater detail. As a result, individual symbols can be selected and placed more easily and quickly.

Optimization of P&ID symbol generation

M4 P&ID FX contains a new optimized process for P&ID symbol generation. As a result, individual symbols can now be created and processed into individual catalogues.

Pipeline layout improved

In version 6.2 of M4 P&ID FX, the pipeline tool has been optimized based on customer feedback. The pipeline tool now automatically completes when a connection is made to a second symbol. Also, pipeline connections can be made at any point along a pipeline. This makes the drafting of pipelines with M4 P&ID FX faster and more effective.

Move tool optimized

The move tool in M4 P&ID FX ensures that selections of symbols and lines can be quickly and intelligently repositioned. In version 6.2, the tool has been further enhanced to ensure the optimal alignment of interconnected lines.

New 2D decor line styles

In M4 P&ID FX version 6.2, several new décor line styles have been added, namely the cloud, dotted-cloud, tack, jagged and deep-wave line styles. These styles are available to annotate and improve the readability of P&IDs.

Customer-oriented optimisation of the software

The new version of M4 P&ID FX includes many performance-related enhancements to the software. Particular emphasis was placed on feedback from CAD Schroer’s customers, which is reflected in the new functionality.