In the realm of fabricated steel structure, precision, accuracy, and efficiency are critical. The advent of advanced technologies has introduced a game-changing tool for steel fabricators – Autodesk Advance Steel. This software has redefined the processes of steel structure design, fabrication, and erection, elevating them to a state-of-the-art level of 3D modelling. Join us at Weldform Structures as we delve into the advantages of harnessing Advance Steel on Autodesk for fabricating steel structures.
What is Advance Steel on Autodesk?
AutoCAD 3D on Autodesk
AutoCAD 3D, developed by Autodesk in 1982, is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software program known for its applications in architectural design and mechanical engineering. This software boasts an extensive array of commands and functions, primarily geared toward 3D modelling.
Advance Steel
Advance Steel, as a 3D structural steel detailing software integrated with Autodesk, boasts a range of features and tools tailored for steel fabrication. These include parametric connection libraries, plate design tools, flat patterns, and a suite of design resources for steel structures such as stairs, rails, and porta buildings. Advance Steel operates as an extension of AutoCAD, encompassing all of its capabilities, with added connections to Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, Dynamo for visual programming, and Robot Structural Analysis for finite element analysis (FEA).
What sets us apart at Weldform Structures is our proficiency in utilising Advance Steel, employing in-house trained users. This enables us to harness the software’s capabilities for:
- Automatic generation of drawings: Create a range of drawings, including arrangement drawings, marking plans, isometric and part views, shop details, and fabrication drawings.
- Automatic generation of cutting files: NC file support for Beam Line machines, DXF files for laser cutting plates and profiles, and DSTV files for plates and members.
Benefits of Advance Steel for fabricated steel structure
Enhance collaboration and coordination
The primary advantage of Advance Steel software lies in its ability to foster collaboration between engineers and steel detailers. This collaboration leads to improved coordination, clearer design intent, and a reduction in rework. As a result, you can achieve smooth and detailed workflows for projects in Building Information Modeling (BIM). This enhanced coordination facilitates a fast transition from steel design and modelling to fabrication, effectively streamlining the steel erection process for fabricated steel structures.
Streamlines workflow to improve efficiency
Advance Steel software integrates with a range of complementary tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Robot Structural Analysis, and Autodesk Docs. This facilitates the sharing, refinement, and synchronisation of design data. For instance, the synchronisation with Revit enables engineers to automate the import and export of structural Building Information Modeling (BIM) and fabrication models. This bi-directional connection ensures that changes made in Advance Steel are automatically reflected in Revit and vice versa, guaranteeing that models remain consistently up-to-date. In essence, this integrated workflow enhances operational efficiency in project delivery, resulting in high-quality infrastructure, while simultaneously reducing the risks of errors and rework.
Precision, accuracy, and time efficiency through automation
Advance Steel is a powerful tool for automating the design and detailing of fabricated steel structures, offering significant time savings and improved accuracy. This is made possible through a range of features, including:
- Parametric connection library: Automates the design of steel connections, which can be customised to meet specific project requirements.
- Porta building tool: Automates the design of prefabricated steel buildings
- Folded plate and stairs: Automation for the design of folded plate structures and stairs
- Ladders and rail tools: Automates the design of ladders and rails
- Revision control: Engineers can easily track changes to drawings, parts, and assemblies. This feature maintains a detailed history of the design, helping to troubleshoot problems and ensuring the use of the correct design version.
- Generating DXF files: To facilitate the sharing of designs with other CAD users or exporting designs to manufacturing software
- Generate NC1 files: To control the operation of computer numerical control (CNC) machines for steel fabrication processes
- Dynamo: Automates repetitive tasks and simplifies the generation of complex structures in fewer steps
Ultimately, the software streamlines the fabrication and installation processes of fabricated steel structures.
Automatically generate Bills of Materials (BOM)
Advance Steel streamlines the creation of Bills of Materials (BOMs) by automating the process based on the elements in the design. This eliminates the necessity for manual counting and measurement, guaranteeing that steel fabricators acquire the exact quantities of materials and components needed. As a result, this approach minimises waste and leads to significant cost reductions.
Fabricated steel structure at Weldform Structures
At Weldform Structures, we build our advanced steel detailing, fabrication, and final erection on Autodesk AutoCAD to provide you with accurate and reliable drawings for your project regardless of scale. As a highly skilled structural steel company, we offer comprehensive in-house services, including drafting, manufacturing, and installation. Contact us today, and we look forward to the opportunity to support your project.