Aveva E3d Macros

Mastering AVEVA E3D Macros: The Ultimate Guide to Automation and Efficiency

Why Use Macros Instead of Just Typing?

1. Speed: Execute 50 commands in the time it takes to type one.
2. Consistency: Ensure every nozzle, beam, or ladder is created with the exact same spec, position, and orientation.
3. Training: Help junior modelers avoid "syntax errors" by giving them a double-clickable solution.
4. Batch Processing: Modify hundreds of elements while you go for coffee.

The Solution:

Use the recorder as a cheat sheet. Perform the action once, stop recording, then open the .mac file. Delete the junk (view redraws, system checks) and extract the 3-4 real commands you need.

Step 2: Write the commands.

-- Macro: Create_Vertical_Vessel.pmlmac
-- Purpose: Creates a simple cylindrical shell at origin.
-- Set current element
NEW EQUIP
EQUIP NAME 'VESSEL-101'
EQUIP PURPOSE 'VERTICAL-STORAGE'
-- Create the cylindrical shell
NEW PRIMITIVE
PRIM TYPE CYLINDER
PRIM DIAMETER OUTER 3000
PRIM HEIGHT 8000
PRIM ORI VERT
PRIM POSITION E 0 N 0 U 0
PRIM DONE
-- Set graphical representation
RPRES MASTER
-- Zoom to fit
ZOOM FIT

4. Create a Master Macro Menu

Build a macro that presents a text menu:

PML TEXT '1. Create Vessel'
PML TEXT '2. Create Pipe Support'
PML TEXT '3. Run Clash Report'
DEFINE CHOICE PROMPT 'Enter choice: '
IF (CHOICE EQ 1) THEN $M create_vessel.mac ENDIF

The Technical Framework: How They Work

E3D Macros are built on the Programmable Macro Language (PML), AVEVA’s proprietary coding language. Unlike standard scripting languages, PML is deeply integrated into the E3D database architecture.

There are two primary forms of PML used in E3D development:

1. PML1 (Command Line Macros): This is the older, command-line-based version. It functions as a sequence of instructions executed in the command window. While largely superseded, it is still used for simple automation and legacy support.
2. PML2 (Object-Oriented Programming): This is the modern standard for E3D customization. PML2 supports object-oriented concepts such as classes, methods, and inheritance. It allows for the creation of complex graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and sophisticated logic structures that interact directly with the 3D model database.

Part 5: The Macro Recorder – A Double-Edged Sword

Pitfall 1: "Unknown command" Error

Cause: You typed a command in the macro that exists in E3D Design but not in the current module (e.g., using DRAFT commands in the MODEL module). Fix: Precede with MODULE DRAFT or MODULE DESIGN.