| Feature | VBO Pro v217 | FlexTools | PipeMaker (Legacy) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Yes (Red highlight) | No | No | | Parametric flanges | Yes (ANSI/DIN/JIS) | Only rigid couplings | No | | Export to MS Excel MTO | Built-in | Requires script | Manual only | | v217 exclusive library | 1,200+ fittings | 300 fittings | 150 fittings | | Price-to-value ratio | High (Exclusive) | Medium | Low |
Unlike manual modeling, which requires tedious placement of elbows and tees, the plugin automatically detects vertices to place appropriate fittings. Intelligent Branches:
The plugin handles complex, intersecting nodes more effectively, minimizing errors in fitting calculations.
: You can double-click a branch to edit the original source edges and vertices; the plugin automatically updates the piping to match the revised path upon closing the group. BOM Generation : Integrates with the VBO Schedule vbo piping pro v217 sketchup plugin exclusive
: To accommodate varying project needs, the tool allows for rapid switching between 2D and 3D views, often managed through dedicated layers like 8_mep_piping2D .
The core of the plugin allows users to select edges and instantly turn them into pipes. The v217 version enhances this by providing:
: Editing the source edges/vertices within a group automatically updates the generated pipe branch to match the new geometry. | Feature | VBO Pro v217 | FlexTools
SketchUp Pro 2019 through SketchUp Pro 2024+ (supports both Windows and macOS environments).
I can expand the guide to perfectly fit your content strategy. Share public link
Master Piping Design: VBO Piping Pro v2.1.7 SketchUp Plugin Exclusive Guide BOM Generation : Integrates with the VBO Schedule
Always assign your generated piping networks to specific SketchUp Tags (e.g., "HVAC_Supply", "Plumbing_Drain") to manage visibility in heavy models.
The plugin automatically calculates angles and embeds correct fittings based on the trajectory changes of your lines: Standard 90° and 45° elbows Concentric and eccentric reducers Tee joints and cross junctions Flanged, welded, or threaded connection representations 📋 Custom Component Libraries
We are excited to announce the release of VBO Piping Pro v2.17 – the industry standard for parametric piping, tubing, and wire routing inside SketchUp.
: Intelligently adds appropriate fittings (elbows, tees, etc.) at every vertex or node of your drawn lines. Branches Modifier Tool