Run Extensions > Vbo Piping > Validate Connections. Version 2.1.7 scans the model for:
The validation report appears as an HTML summary, listing exact coordinates of errors.
If you want, I can:
Streamlining MEP Workflows: A Deep Dive into VBO Piping Pro V2.1.7
Designing complex piping systems in SketchUp can often feel like a manual chore, but the VBO Piping Pro V2.1.7
plugin—developed by the KCDA group—aims to transform that workflow into an automated, efficient process. This professional-grade extension specializes in converting simple edges into detailed 3D piping systems, complete with automatic fittings. Core Features of VBO Piping Pro V2.1.7
VBO Piping Pro is designed for high-speed MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) modeling. Key functionalities include: Edge-to-Pipe Conversion
: Automatically generate pipes from edges within selected groups or components. Vertex Fitting Integration
: Automatically adds fittings such as elbows and tees to vertices. Flexible Editing Branches Modifier Vbo Piping Pro V2.1.7 Sketchup Plugin
: A dedicated tool to rotate, manually replace fittings, or add reducers without redrawing the whole branch. Live Updates
: Double-clicking a branch allows you to edit source edges; the 3D model updates automatically upon exiting the group. Pre-Built Collections
: Includes six standard material collections: Metal, PVC, HDPE, PPR, Weld, and Electrical. Automated BOM : Generates a Bill of Materials (BOM) for pipes and fittings, simplifying the estimation process. 2D/3D Visualization
: Quickly toggle between detailed 3D models and 2D schematic views using specialized layers. Why Professionals Use VBO Piping Pro
The primary draw for engineers and architects is the balance between speed and precision. Unlike manual modeling, VBO Piping Pro handles the tedious geometry of pipe bends and joints, allowing users to focus on the overall system layout. It is particularly favored for: AutoCAD Integration
: Easily export 3D models or 2D graphics to AutoCAD for construction documentation. In-House Modeling
: Users report high efficiency for modeling plumbing and mechanical systems in residential or commercial building projects. Technical Requirements Compatibility : This specific version (2.1.7) is optimized for SketchUp 2019 through 2021 Operating System : Best performance is observed on Windows 10 or higher , though some versions support macOS.
: The Pro version typically requires a license key, though a basic "Free" or trial version is often available for testing core functionalities. My work flow - SketchUp Forum Run Extensions > Vbo Piping > Validate Connections
VBO Piping Pro V2.1.7 SketchUp Plugin is a specialized MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) extension designed to automate the creation of 3D piping systems from simple 2D line networks. It allows users to convert edges within a group or component into complex pipes with automatically generated fittings at every vertex. The Story of "The High-Pressure Deadline"
In a bustling architectural firm, a senior MEP designer named Elias was facing a nightmare. A major water treatment plant project required a complete 3D piping layout for a pump station by Monday morning, and it was already Friday afternoon.
In the past, Elias would have spent hours manually extruding circles along paths using the
tool, a tedious process that required pre-planning every flange and elbow. One minor change to the pipe diameter meant starting from scratch. That’s when Elias opened VBO Piping Pro V2.1.7 The Framework
: Instead of modeling geometry, Elias simply drew a network of single lines—the "skeleton" of the system—representing the flow paths. The "Click-Click-Done" Moment : He selected his line group and clicked "Build Pipes Branch"
. Instantly, the plugin asked him for the collection (Metal, PVC, or HDPE) and size. With one more click, the thin lines transformed into robust 3D pipes with perfect elbows and T-junctions at every corner. The Last-Minute Revision
: Just as he finished, the lead engineer moved a main pump three feet to the left. In the old days, this would have been a weekend-ruiner. But Elias just double-clicked the pipe branch to edit the original lines. He dragged the vertices to the new location, exited the group, and watched as the plugin automatically updated
the entire 3D run, adjusting the fittings to match the new angles. The Final Export : Before leaving, he toggled the 2D/3D view to verify the layout against the floor plan and used the VBO Schedule integration to generate a full Bill of Materials The validation report appears as an HTML summary,
Elias walked out the door at 5:00 PM. By the time his colleagues were still fighting with manual extrusions, his plumbing plan was already exported to AutoCAD, precise down to the hundredth of a foot. Key Capabilities for Your Workflow Edge-to-Pipe Conversion : Instantly turns selected edges into pipes with fittings. Multiple Collections
: Includes presets for Metal, PVC (Class 8.5 & 13.5), HDPE, PPR, and more. Branch Modifier
: A tool to manually rotate or replace fittings, add "reduce bushes," or rename and color-code specific branches for clarity. 2D/3D Switching
: Allows for quick transitions between detailed 3D models and simplified 2D representations for cleaner technical drawings. Live Updating
: Double-click to edit the source lines, and the 3D geometry updates automatically upon closing the group. or a guide on generating a Bill of Materials from your model? Vbo Piping Pro V2.1.7 Sketchup Plugin Free - Google Docs Vbo Piping Pro V2. 1.7 Sketchup Plugin Free - Google Drive. Google Docs Easy PIPING in SketchUp With Joint Push Pull!
Open the plugin’s main dialog (Extensions > Vbo Piping > Project Settings). Define:
One of the strongest reasons to use the Vbo Piping Pro V2.1.7 Sketchup Plugin is cost estimation. Navigate to Reports > BOM. You can export a CSV file containing:
Pro tip: Import the CSV into Excel and use a VLOOKUP table to auto-calculate total project cost from your supplier’s price list.