Heat Metering Unit Configurator
Valtec approached VirTex with a request to develop a configurator for floor-level heat metering units. The configurator needed to be integrated into the client’s website, allowing users to customise a unit using Valtec’s product catalogue while ensuring compliance with layout rules. Additionally, the configurator had to enable users to download the configured unit in PDF and DWG formats and export a specification list.
Valtec is a well-established brand in the engineering plumbing market, renowned for developing modern solutions and demonstrating expertise in heating and water supply systems.
VirTex’s Approach
VirTex specialists developed a comprehensive solution consisting of the configurator embedded on the client’s website and AutoCAD plugins that generate DWG-format drawings.
To facilitate drawing generation, we developed dynamic blocks for all unit components (valves, filters, etc.), simplifying the workflow for both the plugin and the end user.
The final plugin version not only generates a visual representation of the unit but also allows users to download a technical datasheet containing specifications and characteristics.
Challenges and Solutions
1. Generating Unit Images and DWG Files
Our competitor analysis revealed that most solutions do not create new drawings dynamically but instead use pre-generated images or files based on user-selected settings.
Initially, we considered this approach, but we soon realised it did not meet our requirements. Our configurator supports nearly 400 million possible unit configurations, corresponding to 8 million unique images. Preparing and storing such a vast number of files was impractical, making real-time drawing generation essential.
We evaluated two options: generating the drawing on the backend and providing it as a downloadable file or developing an AutoCAD plugin that enables users to create the drawing themselves.
We chose the second option, as it required no additional setup from the client and offered future expansion opportunities, such as integrating a product catalogue.
2. Implementing Dynamic Blocks and Image Assembly
To enable plugin functionality, we created a library of dynamic blocks—each unit component is a block, with different sizes managed through visibility switching. These same blocks are used to generate a preliminary drawing on the website.
The unit image is assembled in the browser from multiple smaller images. Initially, we were concerned that generating an accurate drawing in a browser might be unfeasible, given the configurator’s large number of elements with varying geometries and parameters that significantly alter the overall structure.
To address pixel-perfect alignment challenges, we developed a segmentation system that divides the canvas into blocks. Within each block, images are aligned relative to one another before being placed at predetermined positions on the canvas.
Additionally, we partially implemented automatic dimensioning and component labelling—features that initially seemed unachievable within a browser environment.
Results and Impact
By leveraging our innovative solutions, we successfully delivered a highly functional configurator that meets all project requirements.