Revit Structure

Revit Structure users can now leverage the full power of Building Information Modeling by synchronizing their Revit Structure models with RISA-3D and/or RISA Floor. As an Autodesk Authorized Developer, RISA Technologies has created a full-fledged bi-directional exchange link with Revit Structure.

New models can be created in either REVIT Structure or RISA software using the information available in the other program. All geometric and design information including materials, family instances, walls, slabs, openings, grid lines, boundary conditions, footings, loads and load combinations can be created/updated/deleted in either of the two programs using the information available in the other program.

The new exchange file method allows continuity of data flow throughout the exchange cycle. Users can add new elements and/or additional design to the RISA model and these changes will be retained in RISA while round-tripping.

The robust Excel based XML mapping file provides the capability to customize the processing of shapes, materials and load cases. A log file is created during every export / import operation giving a synopsis on the number of elements translated and errors/warnings encountered, if any.

CSoft Launches PlanTracer 4

PlanTracer 4 for AutoCAD is a graphical front-end to Facilities Management solutions based on industry-standard CAD applications such as AutoCAD. PlanTracer 4 represents floor plans as parametric models consisting of intelligent objects.

PlanTracer 4 converts legacy drawings to models and provides the shortest way from paper to IFC models and BIM systems. With PlanTracer 4 the time consuming and mundane tasks of converting legacy data for future needs are automated.

PlanTracer 4 offers automatic and semi-automatic conversion of data such as 2D CAD plans or raster floor and building-plans into intelligent models. PlanTracer 4 recognizes a floor plan, extracts FM data and creates ?Intelligent Objects? from vectors or from raster drawings. These objects contain all the necessary data for a FM solution database.

PlanTracer 4 delivers advanced tools for floor plan drawing and editing - automatic and semi-automatic room definition and dimensioning. FM users usually create contours for rooms according to on-site measurements. PlanTracer?s drawing technology allows for an extremely efficient way to create floor plans from from results of measurements.

PlanTracer 4 provides an open programming interface for easy integration with Facilities Management applications, databases and MS Office.

Read more on CSoft

SME announces student DDM design competition

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) called for submissions to the Design for Direct Digital Manufacturing 2008 Competition. This two-day effort will be held in conjunction with the RAPID 2008 Conference & Exposition, May 20-22, 2008 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center near Orlando.

Both university and high school students are invited to submit computer- aided design (CAD) "inventions" which capitalize on, among other criteria, direct digital manufacturing's (DDM) geometric capabilities and fit within the automotive peripherals or automotive after-market product guideline. Winning inventions or entries will be recognized by awards and other commendations and ultimately manufactured using DDM technology.

Each entry will be judged by a panel of rapid manufacturing academics, professionals, industry leaders and experts who make up the SME Direct Digital Manufacturing Tech Group. This volunteer member interest group operates within the organization's Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing Community and serves to promote greater DDM shop floor usage.

As Carl Dekker, president of rapid manufacturer MET-L-FLO, Inc. and chair ofthe DDM Tech Group explains, "DDM is fast becoming a major part of our nation's key production industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical." (See also: Manufacturing Engineering, March 2008, "Innovations That Could Change the Way You Manufacture")
More here