AutoCAD vs. Autodesk Advance Steel: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Design Needs

July 12, 2024

| Advance Steel, Autodesk Collections, Autodesk Products

AutoCAD vs. Autodesk Advance Steel: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Design Needs

Imagine you’ve just spent hours meticulously designing a product in AutoCAD, only to realise there might be a more efficient tool for your specific needs. You’re not alone. With the ever-evolving landscape of computer-aided design (CAD) software, many professionals find themselves at a crossroads, wondering if they’re using the optimal solution for their projects.

Enter the AutoCAD vs. Autodesk Advance Steel debate. These two Autodesk powerhouses each bring unique strengths to the table, but which one is right for you? Whether you’re an architect sketching the next skyline-defining structure or a steel fabricator planning intricate industrial components, choosing the right CAD software can dramatically impact your workflow and output.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of AutoCAD and Autodesk Advance Steel, comparing their features, applications, and market positions. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tool aligns best with your design needs, potentially saving you countless hours and resources in the long run. So, are you ready to optimise your CAD experience? Let’s get started.

Understanding the Basics

AutoCAD is renowned for its versatility, catering to a broad user base that includes architects, engineers, drafters, and designers across diverse industries such as construction, manufacturing, and product design. It offers robust 2D and 3D CAD capabilities, making it a go-to solution for professionals who require flexibility in their design work and need to create detailed technical drawings across different disciplines. AutoCAD’s general-purpose nature allows it to be used for a wide range of applications, from architectural blueprints to mechanical parts design, making it an essential tool for many design professionals.

Autodesk Advance Steel is a specialised software designed for structural engineers, steel detailers, and fabricators working on steel construction projects. It excels in creating detailed 3D models of steel structures, generating fabrication drawings, and producing bills of materials with high efficiency. The software’s automated features and steel-specific tools significantly reduce design time, making it invaluable for large-scale steel fabrication projects. By focusing on the specific needs of steel fabrication, Advance Steel offers features that streamline workflows and improve accuracy, ensuring that steel projects are completed efficiently and to exact standards.

Key Differences Between AutoCAD and Autodesk Advance Steel

1. Purpose and Specialisation

AutoCAD is a general-purpose 2D and 3D CAD software used across various industries for drafting and modelling. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from architectural design to engineering and product development. In contrast, Autodesk Advance Steel is a specialised software designed specifically for steel fabrication, detailing, and structural engineering. This specialisation allows Advance Steel to provide tools and features tailored to the needs of steel professionals, ensuring that projects are completed with precision and efficiency.

2. Modelling Capabilities

AutoCAD offers both 2D and 3D drafting and modelling tools, making it a versatile choice for professionals in various fields. It can handle everything from simple sketches to complex 3D models, providing flexibility for different design needs. Advance Steel, however, is purpose-built for 3D modelling of steel structures and components. It adheres to global steel standards, ensuring designs meet industry requirements. This focus on steel modelling allows Advance Steel to provide more accurate and efficient tools for creating detailed steel structures.

3. Automation and Efficiency

While AutoCAD provides some automation features, much of the drawing and detailing work is done manually, which can be time-consuming for large projects. Advance Steel, on the other hand, offers extensive automation specifically for steel fabrication. It can automatically produce detailed fabrication drawings in minutes, significantly reducing project timelines from weeks to days. The software includes a library of common connections and allows users to save custom connections for future use, enhancing efficiency and consistency across projects.

4. Drawing Production

In AutoCAD, most drawings and details are created manually, which can be labour-intensive and prone to errors. Advance Steel utilises purpose-built templates for creating drawings, tailored for steel fabrication. These templates account for different styles, processes, and views, streamlining the drawing process and ensuring consistency. Users can modify these templates to match their company standards, enhancing the software’s adaptability and efficiency.

5. Ease of Use for Steel Work

Advance Steel simplifies steel modelling with user-friendly features. Basic steel modelling is as straightforward as drawing lines in AutoCAD, with the added benefit of automated setup of layers and organisation of elements. This ease of use maximises efficiency in steel detailing, allowing users to focus on design rather than software intricacies. AutoCAD, while versatile, may require more manual setup and management, making it less efficient for steel-specific tasks compared to Advance Steel.

6. Integration and Workflow

Both AutoCAD and Advance Steel can be used in conjunction, but they follow different workflows. Models created in Autodesk Advance Steel can be exported and imported into AutoCAD or Autodesk Inventor for further work in mixed design environments. This integration allows for seamless collaboration between different software, enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring that all aspects of a project are covered. AutoCAD’s general-purpose nature makes it adaptable to various workflows, but Advance Steel’s specialised features offer a more streamlined process for steel projects.

7. Learning Curve

AutoCAD, with its broad application scope, may require more time to master all its features. Its versatility means that users must familiarise themselves with a wide range of tools and capabilities. Advance Steel, being more specialised, can be learned more quickly for steel-specific work. Some users report being able to handle significant projects after just a few days of training, thanks to the software’s focused feature set and user-friendly design.

8. Document Management

Advance Steel offers more integrated document management for steel projects. Changes made to parts can be quickly updated in parts lists using the “Force Update” option, ensuring that all project documentation is accurate and up to date. This level of integration simplifies project management and reduces the risk of errors. AutoCAD, while offering robust documentation capabilities, may require more manual updates and management, making it less efficient for complex steel projects.

Practical Applications and User Scenarios

AutoCAD’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for professionals who work on diverse projects across multiple industries. Whether you are an architect designing residential buildings, an engineer drafting mechanical parts, or a product designer creating prototypes, AutoCAD provides the flexibility and comprehensive toolset needed for a wide range of applications. Its general-purpose capabilities make it an invaluable asset for any professional who requires a reliable and adaptable CAD solution.

Advance Steel is the go-to solution for professionals focused on steel fabrication and structural engineering. Its specialised tools and efficiency are unmatched for those involved in large-scale steel construction projects. Structural engineers, steel detailers, and fabricators benefit from its ability to create detailed 3D models, generate fabrication drawings quickly, and produce accurate bills of materials. Companies that require interoperability with other Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and need to conform to global steel standards will find Advance Steel particularly beneficial.

AutoCAD or Autodesk Advance Steel, Make the Right Choice For Your Needs

Choosing between AutoCAD and Advance Steel ultimately depends on your specific needs and the nature of your projects. Both AutoCAD and Advance Steel are powerful tools within the Autodesk suite, each designed to cater to distinct professional needs. By understanding their unique capabilities and how they align with your project requirements, you can make an informed decision that enhances your design process and overall productivity.

That said, if you’re involved in large-scale steel construction, our recommendation is Autodesk Advance Steel, as its specialised tools can drastically reduce design time and improve workflow efficiency.

If you want to learn more about Autodesk Advance Steel and Autodesk’s other fabrication tools, click here.

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Advance Steel Automation: How to Save Time and Improve Accuracy

July 5, 2023

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| Advance Steel, Revit, Structural Steel

Advance Steel Automation: How to Save Time and Improve Accuracy

Advance Steel is a powerful CAD software program that can be used to automate the design and detailing of steel structures. By automating repetitive tasks, Advance Steel can help engineers save time and improve accuracy.

Parametric Connection Library

The parametric connection library in Advance Steel is a powerful tool that can be used to automate the design of steel connections. The library contains a wide variety of connections, which can be customized to meet the specific requirements of a project.

Using the parametric connection library can save engineers a significant amount of time. Instead of manually creating each connection, engineers can simply select the desired connection from the library and modify it as needed.

Porta Building

The porta building tool in Advance Steel is a powerful tool that can be used to automate the design of prefabricated steel buildings. The tool includes a variety of features that allow engineers to quickly and easily create porta buildings, including:

A library of prefabricated components
A wizard that guides engineers through the design process
The ability to create custom components

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Folded Plate and Stairs

Another way Advance Steel automation is demonstrated is the folded plate and stairs tools which are powerful tools that can be used to automate the design of folded plate structures and stairs. The tools include a variety of features that allow engineers to quickly and easily create folded plate structures and stairs, including:

A library of prefabricated components
A wizard that guides engineers through the design process
The ability to create custom components

Ladders and Rail Tools

The ladders and rail tools in Advance Steel are powerful tools that can be used to automate the design of ladders and rails. The tools include a variety of features that allow engineers to quickly and easily create ladders and rails, including:

A library of prefabricated components
A wizard that guides engineers through the design process
The ability to create custom components

Revision Control

Revision control is a system for tracking changes to a design. Advance Steel includes a built-in revision control system that allows engineers to track changes to drawings, parts, and assemblies.

This Advance Steel automation can be helpful for ensuring that the correct version of a design is always used. Additionally, revision control can be used to track the history of a design, which can be helpful for troubleshooting problems.

Generating DXF and NC1 Files

DXF files are a common file format for exchanging CAD data. Advance Steel automation can be used to generate DXF files for a variety of purposes, such as sharing designs with other CAD users or exporting designs to manufacturing software.

Generating DXF files with Advance Steel is a quick and easy process. Simply select the desired objects and click on the “Export to DXF” button.

NC1 files are used to control the operation of CNC machines. Advance Steel can be used to generate NC1 files for a variety of steel fabrication processes, such as punching, cutting, and bending.

This can save a significant amount of time, as it eliminates the need to manually create NC1 files. Additionally, Advance Steel can ensure that the NC1 files are accurate and up-to-date.

Dynamo

Dynamo is a visual programming environment that can be used to automate tasks in Advance Steel. With Dynamo, engineers can create custom scripts that can be used to automate repetitive tasks, such as generating drawings, creating NC1 files, and generating DXF files.

Dynamo can be a powerful tool for automating tasks in Advance Steel. However, it is important to note that Dynamo is a complex tool and requires some programming knowledge to use.

Synchronisation with Revit

Advance Steel can be synchronised with Revit, which allows engineers to automate the import and export of structural BIM and fabrication models. This can save engineers a significant amount of time, as they can avoid having to manually create and update models in both software programs.

The synchronisation between Advance Steel and Revit is bi-directional, which means that changes made in one software program are automatically reflected in the other software program. This ensures that both models are always up-to-date.

Advance Steel Features

Advance Steel has all the tools of AutoCAD plus:

Document Manager System with revision control to check status, update drawings, track changes and rename drawing numbers.
Structural steel beam and column library
Folded plate and flatten tools
Building Grid
Cut Beams and Plates
Place bolts, anchors, holes, and shear studs
Create welds
Connection library – Create, copy and customise
Stairs, handrails and cage ladder tools
Portable/Gable Frame Tool
Mono-pitch Frame tool
Bracing tool
Purlins, joist and truss tools
Cladding tools
Clash Check
Camera views
Automated drawings (requires configuration)
2D Shop Drawings (GA and part)
Parts List
Export to DXF
Export NC1 (CNC Machine)

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Connected Structural Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

April 11, 2023

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| Advance Steel, AutoCAD, AutoCAD, Autodesk Collections, Collections, Construction, Navisworks, Revit, Revit, Structural Steel

Connected Structural Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

The construction industry has seen a significant transformation in recent years with the adoption of new technologies and software. Structural engineering is no exception, as it plays a crucial role in the success of any construction project. Autodesk Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry Collection is a suite of powerful software tools that enable structural engineers and fabricators to streamline their workflows and improve collaboration.

In this blog post, we will explore how Advance Steel, a software tool within the AEC Industry Collection, works with other applications such as Revit, Autodesk Docs, Robot Structural Analysis, Navisworks, and more to create a connected design process. We will also discuss the benefits of this approach for structural engineers and fabricators on construction projects.

How Does Advance Steel Work With Other Applications in the Collection?

With the AEC Industry Collection, structural engineers can create detailed designs, collaborate with architects and other stakeholders, and analyse their designs for efficiency and safety. Fabricators can use the software to create shop drawings and CNC files, and contractors can use it to manage construction projects and ensure that they stay on schedule and on budget.

Advance Steel is a software tool within the AEC Industry Collection that provides 3D modeling and detailing for steel structures. It is designed to streamline the design and fabrication process for steel structures, making it easier for engineers and fabricators to collaborate and ensure accuracy.

Advance Steel can be used to create detailed steel models in 3D, including connections, plates, and bolts. It also provides tools for creating drawings, bills of materials, and NC files for fabrication. With Advance Steel, engineers and fabricators can ensure that their designs are accurate and meet industry standards.

How Advance Steel works with other applications in the AEC Industry Collection

One of the key benefits of the AEC Industry Collection is that it provides a connected design process. This means that engineers and fabricators can use multiple software tools in the collection to streamline their workflows and ensure accuracy.

Here are some of the ways that Advance Steel works with other applications in the AEC Industry Collection:

Revit: Advance Steel can be used with Revit to create detailed steel models that include all of the necessary information for fabrication. Revit can also be used to create detailed architectural and MEP models, which can be linked to the steel model in Advance Steel for coordination.
Autodesk Docs: Autodesk Docs is a cloud-based document management platform that can be used to store and share project information. With Autodesk Docs, engineers and fabricators can collaborate on design files, RFIs, submittals, and more.
Robot Structural Analysis: Robot Structural Analysis is a software tool that can be used to analyse steel structures for safety and efficiency. With Robot Structural Analysis, engineers can perform finite element analysis (FEA) on their steel models to ensure that they meet industry standards.
Navisworks: Navisworks is a software tool that can be used for project coordination and clash detection. With Navisworks, engineers can import steel models from Advance Steel and other software tools to check for clashes and ensure.
Other Applications: The AEC Industry Collection includes a wide range of other software tools that can be used in conjunction with Advance Steel. For example, Fabrication CADmep can be used to create detailed ductwork and piping models that can be linked to the steel model in Advance Steel for coordination.

Benefits of Connected Design for Structural Engineers and Fabricators

The connected design process enabled by the AEC Industry Collection provides several benefits for structural engineers and fabricators. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Collaboration: By using multiple software tools in the AEC Industry Collection, engineers and fabricators can collaborate more effectively. They can share design files, coordinate different aspects of the project, and ensure that everyone is working from the same information.
Streamlined Workflows: The connected design process also streamlines workflows by reducing the need for manual data entry and rework. Engineers and fabricators can move seamlessly between different software tools, and the data is automatically synchronised.
Increased Accuracy: By using software tools like Advance Steel, engineers and fabricators can ensure that their designs are accurate and meet industry standards. They can also perform analysis and simulations to ensure that the structure is safe and efficient.
Faster Time-to-Market: The connected design process enables faster time-to-market by reducing the time needed for design and fabrication. This can help construction companies stay on schedule and avoid delays.
Cost Savings: Finally, the connected design process can also lead to cost savings by reducing the need for rework and minimising errors. This can help construction companies stay on budget and avoid costly mistakes.

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How Dynamo is Revolutionising Structural Design with Advance Steel and Revit

Dynamo is a visual programming tool that is transforming the way structural engineers and designers work. When combined with software tools like Advance Steel and Revit, it offers several benefits that can help streamline workflows and increase efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using Dynamo with Advance Steel and Revit for structural design.

Automating Repetitive Tasks

One of the main benefits of using Dynamo with Advance Steel and Revit is the ability to automate repetitive tasks. For example, Dynamo can be used to automatically create connections between steel elements in Advance Steel based on predefined rules. This can save time and reduce errors, allowing engineers and designers to focus on more complex tasks.

Enhanced Collaboration

Dynamo also improves collaboration between different teams involved in the structural design process. By using a visual programming language, designers and engineers can easily share scripts and workflows with other team members, regardless of their level of technical expertise. This helps to improve communication and ensures that everyone is working from the same information.

Increased Accuracy and Quality

Using Dynamo with Advance Steel and Revit can help improve the accuracy and quality of structural designs. For example, Dynamo can be used to automatically calculate loads and reactions for a structure, or to optimize the size and shape of steel members. This can lead to more efficient and cost-effective designs, as well as better structural performance.

Streamlined Workflows

Dynamo helps to streamline workflows by eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the potential for errors. By automating repetitive tasks and using a visual programming language, engineers and designers can move seamlessly between different software tools, saving time and reducing the potential for delays and mistakes.

Improved Visualization

Finally, using Dynamo with Advance Steel and Revit can improve visualisation of the design. With Dynamo, engineers and designers can create complex geometry and parametric models, allowing for greater flexibility and better visualisation of the structure. This can help identify potential issues and make design decisions more effectively.

Features	AutoCAD	Advance Steel	Revit
2D Drafting	Comprehensive set of 2D drafting tools, including line, circle, polyline, arc, and text tools	Limited 2D drafting tools, including line, circle, and text tools	Limited 2D drafting tools, including line, circle, and text tools
3D Modeling	Offers basic 3D modeling tools, including extrude, revolve, and loft tools	Offers more advanced 3D modeling tools, including parametric modeling tools and the ability to automatically generate steel elements	Offers advanced 3D modeling tools, including parametric modeling tools and the ability to create complex geometry
Steel Modeling	Limited steel modeling tools, including the ability to create steel elements manually	Offers more advanced steel modeling tools, including the ability to automatically generate steel elements and parametric modeling tools	Offers basic steel modeling tools, including the ability to create steel elements manually
Steel Detailing	Limited steel detailing tools, including the ability to create drawings of steel elements	Offers more advanced steel detailing tools, including the ability to automatically create part drawings, DXF and NC1 files, and CNC data export	Offers basic steel detailing tools, including the ability to create drawings of steel elements
Connection Design	No connection design tools	Offers comprehensive connection design tools, including the ability to create and analyze connections	Offers limited connection design tools, including the ability to create basic connections
Structural Analysis	No structural analysis tools	Offers more advanced structural analysis tools, including the ability to analyze and optimize steel structures	Offers basic structural analysis tools, including the ability to analyze and check steel structures
Fabrication	No fabrication tools	Offers comprehensive fabrication tools, including the ability to create shop drawings, CNC data export, and automatic creation of bills of materials	Limited fabrication tools, including the ability to create shop drawings and bills of materials
Collaboration	Offers basic collaboration tools, including the ability to share drawings and collaborate on design	Offers more advanced collaboration tools, including the ability to connect to Dynamo and synchronize with Revit models	Offers advanced collaboration tools, including the ability to connect to Dynamo and synchronize with Advance Steel models

AutoCAD offers a comprehensive set of 2D drafting tools, including line, circle, polyline, arc, and text tools. It also offers basic 3D modeling tools, such as extrude, revolve, and loft tools. However, it has limited steel modeling and detailing tools, connection design, structural analysis, and fabrication tools.

Advance Steel offers more advanced steel modeling and detailing tools than AutoCAD. It can automatically generate steel elements, create part drawings, DXF and NC1 files, and export CNC data. It also has comprehensive connection design and fabrication tools. Advance Steel is specifically designed for steel design and fabrication, making it a powerful tool for structural engineers and steel fabricators.

Revit offers advanced 3D modeling tools and basic steel modeling and detailing tools. It can connect to Dynamo and synchronise with Advance Steel models, which makes it an excellent tool for collaboration with architects and other stakeholders in the building design process.

In summary, the choice between AutoCAD, Advance Steel, and Revit depends on the specific needs of the project and the users. AutoCAD is a general-purpose drafting tool, while Advance Steel is specifically designed for steel design and fabrication, and Revit is an excellent tool for collaboration and building design coordination.

Analysing Structural Designs: Advance Steel Vs Revit Vs Robot Structural Analysis

Feature	Advance Steel	Revit	Robot Structural Analysis
Finite Element Analysis	Yes	Yes	Yes
Static Analysis	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dynamic Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Buckling Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Nonlinear Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Eigenvalue Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Response Spectrum Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Pushover Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Design Optimization	Yes	No	Yes
Steel Connections Analysis	Yes	No	Yes
Concrete Analysis	No	Yes	Yes
Wood Analysis	No	Yes	Yes
Masonry Analysis	No	Yes	Yes
Design Code Compatibility	Multiple	Multiple	Multiple
Integration with Other Tools	Revit, Dynamo	Navisworks	Revit, Navisworks

Overall, all three software products offer FEA capabilities for structural analysis, including static analysis and finite element analysis. However, Robot Structural Analysis offers more advanced analysis options such as dynamic analysis, buckling analysis, nonlinear analysis, eigenvalue analysis, response spectrum analysis, and pushover analysis. Advance Steel offers the ability to analyze steel connections, while Revit offers analysis options for concrete, wood, and masonry.

In terms of design code compatibility, all three software products support multiple design codes. Additionally, Revit and Robot Structural Analysis can integrate with Navisworks for clash detection and coordination, while Advance Steel and Revit can connect with Dynamo for automation and optimization of structural designs.

Structural Design Collaboration with the AEC Collection

Structural steel design collaboration is a critical aspect of any construction project. Autodesk AEC Collection offers several collaboration tools, including Navisworks and Autodesk Docs, that can help structural engineers collaborate effectively throughout the design and construction process.

Navisworks is a project review and coordination tool that allows engineers and designers to combine models and data from various sources, including Advance Steel and Revit. Navisworks can help identify and resolve potential design conflicts, allowing for more efficient construction planning and reducing the risk of costly errors during construction.

Autodesk Docs is a cloud-based collaboration tool that allows team members to share and access project information, documents, and models from anywhere and on any device. With Autodesk Docs, structural engineers can collaborate in real-time with other team members, including architects, contractors, and owners. The tool can also help track changes, versioning, and approval workflows, ensuring that all team members are working on the latest version of the project documents.

Connected Structural Design

The Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection is a powerful suite of software programs that can help architects create better designs and collaborate more effectively with other professionals in the construction industry. By using programs such as Revit, Navisworks, and Docs, architects can create digital models of buildings and share them with other stakeholders, streamlining the design process and reducing errors. By collaborating with MEP/HVAC, Structural and Civil engineers and designers, architects can ensure that their designs are not only visually appealing but also practical and functional, resulting in better-performing buildings that meet safety and regulatory requirements.

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Connected Design with Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

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Connected Architecture Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

March 23, 2023

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| Advance Steel, AutoCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Autodesk Collections, Autodesk Inventor, CDE (Common Data Environment), Civil 3D, Collections, Data Management, Data Management for AutoCAD, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, Navisworks, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Revit, Revit

Connected Architecture Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

The field of architecture has come a long way from hand-drawn sketches and blueprints. With the rise of technology, architects now have access to a wide range of software tools that can help them design and construct buildings more efficiently. One such tool is the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) Collection, a suite of software programs designed to facilitate connected design and collaboration among architects, engineers, and other construction professionals.

Understanding Autodesk AEC Collection

The Autodesk AEC Collection is a comprehensive suite of software programs that includes tools for building information modeling (BIM), 2D and 3D design, visualization, and analysis. It includes software programs such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Docs, among others. By using the AEC Collection, architects can create, manage, and share their design data more effectively, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient design process.

The Benefits of Connected Architecture Design

Connected design refers to the process of collaborating with other professionals involved in the construction process. By working together and sharing information, architects, engineers, and builders can reduce errors, speed up the design process, and ultimately create better buildings. Connected design also enables architects to incorporate feedback from other stakeholders, resulting in a more comprehensive and effective design.

Collaborating with Revit in AEC Collection

One of the key tools in the AEC Collection is Revit, a BIM software program that allows architects to design and collaborate on building projects in real-time. Revit enables architects to create a digital model of a building, complete with all the necessary information, such as dimensions, materials, and structural details. This model can then be shared with other professionals in the construction process, such as engineers and builders, to facilitate collaboration and ensure a more efficient design process.

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Connecting with Navisworks and Docs

Navisworks and Docs are two other software programs included in the AEC Collection that can help streamline the design process. Navisworks is a project review software that allows architects and engineers to visualise and analyse their designs in 3D. This can help identify any potential clashes or issues before construction begins, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays. Docs, on the other hand, is a cloud-based collaboration tool that enables architects to share and manage design data with other professionals in real-time, from any location.

AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD Architecture vs. Revit

While all three software programs are used in the architecture industry, they serve different purposes. AutoCAD is a 2D drafting and design software program, while AutoCAD Architecture is a 3D design tool specifically for architects. Revit, on the other hand, is a BIM software program that enables architects to create digital models of buildings with all the necessary information. While each program has its own strengths and weaknesses, architects can use them together in the AEC Collection to create a more comprehensive and effective design.

Tool/Command	AutoCAD	AutoCAD Architecture	Revit
2D drafting	✔️
3D design		✔️	✔️
Walls		✔️	✔️
Doors		✔️	✔️
Windows		✔️	✔️
Stairs		✔️	✔️
Roofs		✔️	✔️
Slabs/Floors		✔️	✔️
Structural elements			✔️
MEP/HVAC			✔️
Building Information Modelling (BIM)			✔️

Collaboration with Other Disciplines in AEC Collection:

The AEC Collection also includes software programs designed for MEP/HVAC, Structural and Civil engineering and design. By working together with these professionals, architects can ensure that their designs are not only visually appealing but also practical and functional. MEP/HVAC software programs such as AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP enable architects to create accurate and detailed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. This ensures that these systems are integrated seamlessly into the building design, resulting in better performance and energy efficiency.

Structural engineering software programs such as Revit Structure and Robot Structural Analysis can help architects design structurally sound buildings that can withstand various forces and loads. By incorporating these programs into the design process, architects can create more efficient and cost-effective designs that meet safety requirements.

Civil engineering software programs such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and InfraWorks enable architects to design roadways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects with accuracy and precision. By working together with civil engineers, architects can ensure that their designs are integrated into the surrounding environment and meet the necessary safety and regulatory requirements.

Connected Architecture Design

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Connected Design with Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

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Connected Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

March 22, 2023

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| 3ds Max, Advance Steel, AutoCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Autodesk Collections, Autodesk Inventor, CADmep, CDE (Common Data Environment), Civil 3D, Collections, Data Management, Data Management for AutoCAD, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, estMEP, Infrastructure, Navisworks, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Reality Computing, Revit, Revit, Simulation, Vault, Visualisation

Connected Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

In today’s fast-paced world, the construction industry is continuously evolving with new technology advancements. As technology advances, it becomes essential to have an efficient and connected design process that incorporates design, analysis, and visualization. The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is a comprehensive suite of software programs that facilitate this process. This blog post will discuss how the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection can benefit various industries by connecting design, analysis, and visualization.

Connected Design Workflow: How Software Programs Work Together

The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection consists of multiple software programs that allow for a connected design workflow. The software programs in the collection work together seamlessly, allowing for efficient design, analysis, and visualization. The collection includes software programs such as AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and more. Each software program is designed to perform a specific task, and when used together, they create a comprehensive design workflow.

Designing with Precision: AutoCAD and Revit in the AEC Collection

The first step in any construction project is design. The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection includes various software programs that aid in the design process. AutoCAD is a widely used software program that allows for 2D and 3D drafting. AutoCAD is used to create detailed drawings, and it is compatible with other software programs in the collection. Revit is another software program that is used in the design process. Revit allows for BIM (Building Information Modelling), which helps in creating a detailed 3D model of the building. By using Revit, the design process becomes more efficient, as the software program allows for collaboration between various stakeholders.

Revit and Civil 3D: Enhancing Infrastructure and Construction Projects with 3D Modeling and Efficient Design Collaboration

Revit and Civil 3D are commonly used in the AEC industry for infrastructure and construction projects. Revit creates 3D models of buildings, while Civil 3D designs infrastructure projects. Used together, they complement each other and improve the design process by identifying potential design issues in 3D models. Changes made in one software program are automatically updated in the other. This streamlines the design process and helps identify issues early in the design phase.

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How Revit and Advance Steel Work Together to Streamline Steel Design and Fabrication

Revit and Advance Steel are two software programs that can be used together in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software that is used to create 3D models of buildings, while Advance Steel is a 3D modeling software that is used to design steel structures.

When used together, Revit and Advance Steel can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the design process. For example, an engineer can create a 3D model of a building in Revit and then export it to Advance Steel to design the steel structure. The engineer can then import the steel structure design back into Revit to ensure that it is compatible with the rest of the building design.

In addition, when changes are made in one software program, they are automatically updated in the other software program. This means that any changes made to the steel structure design in Advance Steel will be automatically reflected in the building design in Revit, and vice versa.

Using Revit and Advance Steel together can also help identify potential design issues early in the design phase. The 3D models created in Revit and Advance Steel can be used to identify clashes or conflicts that may have been missed in 2D design drawings. This can help save time and reduce the risk of errors and rework later in the project.

In conclusion, Revit and Advance Steel are powerful software programs that can be used together to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the design process in the AEC industry. The ability to export and import design elements between the two software programs and ensure that changes are automatically updated can streamline the design process and help identify potential issues early in the design phase.

Efficient Analysis with Navisworks and Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional

The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection includes software programs that aid in the analysis process. Navisworks is a software program that allows for coordination and simulation of construction projects. Navisworks helps in identifying clashes, reducing errors and rework, and creating more efficient designs. Additionally, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional is used to perform structural analysis of buildings. The software program helps in identifying structural deficiencies and optimizes the design process.

Bringing GIS Mapping and Connected Design Together: A Comprehensive Approach with Autodesk's AEC Collection

In today’s world, design and construction projects require a more comprehensive approach than ever before. With the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) Collection from Autodesk, architects, engineers, and construction professionals have access to a suite of powerful tools that can help them collaborate and work more efficiently. One of the most valuable features of the AEC Collection is its ability to integrate with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, providing a more accurate and detailed view of project sites and landscapes.

AutoCAD Map 3D is a powerful software tool for GIS mapping, which allows users to access, manage and analyse spatial data. With AutoCAD Map 3D, users can easily import and export data from various sources, such as aerial imagery, satellite imagery, and other GIS data. This software also provides a wide range of tools for data analysis, visualization and editing, making it an essential tool for GIS professionals. Some of the key features of AutoCAD Map 3D include 3D modelling and visualisation, data query and analysis, and advanced geospatial analysis tools. By leveraging these features, users can create accurate and comprehensive maps and spatial data sets for a wide range of applications.

GIS mapping is a critical component of many construction projects, particularly those that involve large-scale developments or infrastructure. By overlaying geographic data such as topography, hydrology, and geology onto a digital map, project teams can better understand the context of their projects and make more informed decisions. The AEC Collection’s integration with GIS mapping tools allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to access this data within their design software, creating a more seamless and connected workflow.

With the AEC Collection, design professionals can also collaborate with each other in real-time using tools such as Navisworks and Docs. Navisworks allows teams to integrate and coordinate models from multiple disciplines, while Docs enables document management and sharing across teams. By using these tools in conjunction with GIS mapping, project teams can ensure that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information, reducing errors and improving overall project efficiency.

Enhancing Oil and Gas Plant Design with the AEC Collection and Plant 3D

The Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) Collection is a powerful suite of software programs designed to facilitate connected design for the architecture industry. One of the key software programs in this collection is Plant 3D, which is specifically designed for oil and gas plant design.

Plant 3D is a comprehensive software program that enables users to design, model, and analyze piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) for oil and gas plants. With its intuitive interface and advanced tools, Plant 3D allows users to create accurate and detailed 3D models of plant layouts, equipment, and piping systems.

One of the key advantages of using the AEC Collection and Plant 3D for oil and gas plant design is the ability to collaborate with other disciplines in the industry, such as civil engineering and structural design. By working together in a connected design environment, designers and engineers can ensure that all aspects of the plant design are integrated seamlessly, from the initial concept through to construction and operation.

In addition, the AEC Collection and Plant 3D offer a range of powerful tools for data management and analysis, enabling users to track and monitor plant performance, optimize plant layouts, and identify potential safety hazards or operational issues.

Some of the key features of Plant 3D include:

Intelligent P&ID design and management tools
Comprehensive 3D modeling capabilities
Advanced piping and instrumentation analysis tools
Integration with other AEC Collection software programs, such as Navisworks and Docs

By leveraging these features, designers and engineers in the oil and gas industry can streamline their design processes, improve collaboration, and ensure that their plant designs are optimized for safety, efficiency, and performance.

Enhancing Visualisation with 3DS Max and InfraWorks

Visualisation is an essential part of any construction project. The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection includes software programs that aid in the visualization process. 3DS Max is a software program that allows for rendering and animation of 3D models. 3DS Max helps in creating realistic visuals, which help in selling designs to clients. Autodesk InfraWorks is another software program that helps in creating visualizations of infrastructure projects. InfraWorks allows for collaboration between various stakeholders, and it helps in creating a more efficient design process.

Streamlining AEC Projects with Autodesk Docs

Autodesk Docs is a powerful document management tool that can help streamline AEC projects when used in conjunction with the Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection (AEC Collection) software. The AEC Collection includes several software programs that are essential for building design and construction, including Revit, Civil 3D, and Advance Steel.

By using Autodesk Docs to manage project documents, stakeholders can easily access and collaborate on project files from anywhere, at any time. This can improve project efficiency and communication, as all team members can stay up-to-date on project progress and changes.

Moreover, the AEC Collection software can be seamlessly integrated with Autodesk Docs, allowing users to store and manage their project files directly within Autodesk Docs. This integration makes it easier for teams to collaborate on project files and ensures that all project documentation is stored in one place, reducing the risk of lost or missing files.

For example, Revit models can be directly linked to Autodesk Docs, allowing team members to access and collaborate on the most up-to-date model at all times. Civil 3D designs can also be stored in Autodesk Docs, making it easy to share and collaborate on complex civil engineering projects.

Overall, by using Autodesk Docs in conjunction with the AEC Collection software, AEC professionals can streamline their project workflows, improve collaboration and communication, and ensure that project documentation is secure and easily accessible.

AEC Collection in Various Industries: Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing

The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is beneficial to various industries. Here are a few examples:

Architecture: The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is used by architects to design and visualise buildings. The software programmes in the collection allow for efficient design, analysis, and visualisation.

Engineering: Engineers use the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection to perform structural analysis and design. The software programmes in the collection help in identifying structural deficiencies, optimising designs, and creating efficient designs.

Construction: The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is used in the construction industry to coordinate and simulate construction projects. The software programmes in the collection help in identifying clashes, reducing errors and rework, and creating more efficient designs.

Infrastructure: The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is used in the infrastructure industry to design and visualise infrastructure projects. The software programmes in the collection, such as InfraWorks, help in creating visualisations of infrastructure projects. InfraWorks allows for collaboration between various stakeholders, including engineers, designers, and contractors. By using the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection, infrastructure projects can be completed more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Manufacturing: The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is also used in the manufacturing industry. The collection includes software programmes that aid in the design of manufacturing equipment and machinery. Autodesk Inventor, for example, is used to design and test products before they are manufactured, reducing errors and costs.

Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection Connected Design Matrix

Software	Description	File Type	Command	Import/Export	Link
AutoCAD	2D and 3D computer-aided design software used for creating blueprints, schematics, and models	DWG, DXF, DWF	DRAWING, MODEL, VIEW, PLOT	Import: DWG, DXF, DWF, PDF, STEP, SAT, IGES, STL	Export: DWG, DXF, DWF, PDF, STL, OBJ, FBX
Revit	Building information modeling (BIM) software used for creating detailed 3D models of buildings and structures	RVT, RFA, RTE	OPEN, VIEW, EXPORT, PRINT	Import: DWG, DXF, IFC, SAT, SKP, 3DM, STL, OBJ, FBX	Export: DWG, DXF, DWF, PDF, IFC, SAT, SKP, 3DM, STL, OBJ, FBX
Civil 3D	Civil engineering design and documentation software used for designing, analyzing, and documenting civil engineering projects	DWG	CIVIL3D, C3D	Import: DWG, LandXML, Revit	Export: DWG, LandXML, Revit
InfraWorks	Infrastructure design and engineering software used for creating 3D models of infrastructure projects	IAM	OPEN, MODEL, VIEW, EXPORT, PUBLISH	Import: DWG, DGN, GIS, SHP, KML, FBX	Export: DWG, DGN, FBX, COLLADA, OBJ, IFC, KMZ
3ds Max	3D modeling, animation, and rendering software used for creating visualizations of buildings and environments	MAX	OPEN, MODEL, RENDER	Import: DWG, FBX, DAE, OBJ, 3DS, STL	Export: DWG, FBX, DAE, OBJ, 3DS, STL
Navisworks	Project review software used for 3D coordination, model analysis, and clash detection	NWD, NWF	OPEN, APPEND, EXPORT, PUBLISH	Import: DWG, DWF, DGN, IFC, SKP, FBX, 3DS, OBJ	Export: DWF, DWFx, NWC, NWF, FBX, 3DS, OBJ
Advance Steel	Steel detailing software used for creating structural steel models and fabrication drawings	DWG, DSTV	OPEN, MODEL, EXPORT	Import: DWG, CIS/2, SDNF, IFC, STEP, SAT, SKP	Export: DWG, DSTV, CIS/2, SDNF, IFC, STEP, SAT, SKP
Robot Structural Analysis Professional	Structural analysis software used for simulating and analyzing building structures	RST, RSA

AEC Collection: A Valuable Tool for Cost-Effective Design Processes.

In conclusion, the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection is a comprehensive suite of software programs that facilitates a connected design workflow. The software programs in the collection work together seamlessly, allowing for efficient design, analysis, and visualization. By using the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection, various industries can benefit from a more efficient and cost-effective design process. The collection is beneficial to architects, engineers, construction professionals, infrastructure designers, and manufacturers. The collection is continuously evolving to meet the needs of these industries, and it remains a valuable tool in the construction industry.

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Connected Design with Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

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Autodesk Portal Gets New Usage Reporting Features

February 3, 2023

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| 3ds Max, Advance Steel, Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk News, Autodesk Products, Building Connected, CADmep, Civil 3D, Collections, Construction, Defence, estMEP, Fabrication, Infrastructure, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Revit, Software, Structural Steel, Utilities

NEW Autodesk Usage Report

Autodesk have announced that there are new usage reporting features within the Autodesk Account Management Portal for Autodesk accounts.

Coming soon, this new reporting tool will be found under Usage Report. Whether your users are on Autodesk subscriptions or Autodesk Flex licenses, you can now view the product usage details for all of your users on one single page with Usage Report. All admins on all Autodesk plans will have access to the new Usage Report.

Have a look in the reporting section of your account. When the new feature is activated, you will see a snapshot of important details for both subscriptions and Flex. The information available in the new reporting tool ncludes:

Total number of Autodesk subscriptions for your team(s)
The number of active or inactive users
The number of Flex tokens used and Flex tokens remaining
The monthly average Flex token usage

You now have easy access to all of this data at your fingertips with a single report showing usage across both Autodesk Flex and Autodesk Subscriptions.

As you scroll down the report you will see a list of users with simple summaries showing:

Which Autodesk products they’re using
The average number of days they use each product per month
How many Flex tokens they’ve used.

You can use the report to differentiate between frequent and infrequent users to adjust and optimize licenses for your team. For example, you can identify light users and assign them Flex licenses.

Clicking on a user, you can drill down for more detailed information on that particular user as shown below:

Additionally, you can use filters to arrange your data and identify specific information of interest. For example, you can filter by products, teams or access type. Any filters you apply will also be carried over to the export functionality if you choose to export your data for additional analysis and insights outside of Usage Report, in Microsoft Excel or a Google Sheet for example.

The new Usage Report provides a single view of how all of your Autodesk users are using their licenses. The new Usage Report will help you identify patterns and make better decisions. For example, the new Usage Report can help you decide:

Which users might benefit from using Flex or subscription
When to buy more subscriptions or tokens,
Which inactive subscriptions you can reassign

Coming Soon

This new reporting feature is not available yet. When it is launched, you will find it in the Reporting menu as shown below:

More Information

Contact us on 1800 490 514, [email protected], by live chat or fill out the form below to get more information on how to best manage your Autodesk licenses and tokens. Our team of experts have saved our clients thousands of dollars by helping them make smart decisions around how to best structure their investment in technology for maximum return on investment. We’d be happy to audit your existing license structure and recommend any changes that you could benefit from.

End Construction Manufacturing Siloes with a Digital Fabrication Platform

November 7, 2022

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| Advance Steel, Autodesk Inventor, CADmep, CAMduct, estMEP, Fabrication, Inventor Professional, Revit, Structural Steel

End Construction Manufacturing Siloes with a Digital Fabrication Platform

Managing a construction project is challenging at the best of times, but manual and inefficient fabrication workflows can easily drag out any build.

With modern digital collaboration and workflow platforms now available, building and construction managers no longer need to play guesswork with their metal fabrication requirements.

In this blog we will look at the challenge of disparate workflows and how Design Consulting can integrate a number of tools to streamline fabrication to improve project management and overall building quality.

Fabrication Workflow Still Very Manual

Most construction projects use some amount of steel for structural members, perforated sheets for facades and tubing for balustrades.

This construction-level fabrication is a form of “construction manufacturing” and the fabrication requirements are generally unique to the project.

As a result of the unique requirements the industry is accustomed to fragmented processes with siloed technology.

For example, estimators might have their own way of requesting what is needed in a PDF or spreadsheet document; a design team might use CAD for design, but not with fabrication-level tools; and the machining team have their separate software and processes.

Then there are external stakeholders. Construction teams routinely have to send and receive designs from customers, consultants and regulators, who also might have something else to add.

Time and Quality Costs Add Up

What is all this manual work costing? Quite a lot in time and materials.

Construction industry leaders need to assess how they are doing fabrication workflow now and are the tools in use connected with team members and customers?

In the corporate world, people don’t print out a document and surface mail it to someone and then repeat the process over and over, but that’s how bad the manual processes can be with fabrication workflows.

The construction industry is overdue for a change.

Moving to Digital Fabrication Workflow

Moving to a digital fabrication workflow platform is a good example of digital transformation in the construction sector.

It is about taking the design from the start and going through to manufacture with the same data source, so there is no need to recreate anything in a different program that is disconnected.

With a modern digital collaboration platform, when a change happens it flows through to all stakeholders by connecting departments, end-users and software platforms

For example, with estimating most people use a spreadsheet and manually draw lines in PDFs. Why do that when you can extract data from a model and use design estimating tools?

The suite of Autodesk fabrication products work with its most popular CAD and analysis tools for a good level of integration.

For example, Autodesk Fabrication CADmep gives you the ability to create fabrication-intent models of piping, plumbing and ductwork systems. Construction companies can connect CADmep with ESTmep, CADduct and Revit for complete end-to-end workflows.

For more information on how fabrication workflow products integrate with each other please see the documentation on our Fabrication page

Get in Touch

DC is an authorised Autodesk Reseller providing products and services for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure and Manufacturing Sectors.

Feel free to contact us on 1800 490 514, [email protected], by live chat or fill out the form below.

Advance Steel and Revit Fabrication Workflows

October 13, 2022

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| Advance Steel, Revit, Structural Steel

Advance Steel Steel and Revit Fabrication Workflows

Synch Structural Steel Fabrication to BIM

Advance Steel is structural steel design and detailing software with parametric connections that also does folded plate design and flat patterns.

Over the years, Autodesk has developed a live synch with Revit using Revit’s structural tools, so designs made in either product can be synched to the other, modified and synched back. It started with being able to sync beams and with Revit also having a connection library the synchronisation is even better.

Advance Steel to Revit

Advance Steel allows users to import from Revit, export to Revit or Sync. By installing the Advance Steel extension (add-in) for Revit, users in Revit can import, export and sync as well.

Import/Export

Users either import or export to a .smlx file and once imported/exported, any changes made can be synchronised.

Synchronising Advance Steel and Revit

Once imported, you can synchronise changes and through the dialog box select what changes you would like to synch and the colour coded system shows the user what has be appended (added), modified or deleted

Advance Steel Features

Advance Steel has all the tools of AutoCAD plus:

Document Manager System with revision control to check status, update drawings, track changes and rename drawing numbers.
Structural steel beam and column library
Folded plate and flatten tools
Building Grid
Cut Beams and Plates
Place bolts, anchors, holes, and shear studs
Create welds
Connection library – Create, copy and customise
Stairs, handrails and cage ladder tools
Portable/Gable Frame Tool
Mono-pitch Frame tool
Bracing tool
Purlins, joist and truss tools
Cladding tools
Clash Check
Camera views
Automated drawings (requires configuration)
2D Shop Drawings (GA and part)
Parts List
Export to DXF
Export NC1 (CNC Machine)

What's new in Advance Steel 2023

Get in Touch

DC is an authorised Autodesk Reseller providing products and services for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Infrastructure and Manufacturing Sectors.

Feel free to contact us on 1800 490 514, [email protected], by live chat or fill out the form below.

Advance Steel

Autodesk Advance Steel

Structural steel and plate design and detailing software.

Advance Steel 2024 Annual Subscription
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Autodesk Advance Steel Training Fundamentals Course
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Autodesk Advance Steel Drawing Template Setup
$3,999.00
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Overview

What is Autodesk Advance Steel?

Compare

Compare the AEC Collection to Advance Steel and AutoCAD

Features

See what Autodesk Advance Steel can do.

Add-ons

Programs and plug-ins to boost productivity.

Pricing

Subscription pricing and comparison to the AEC Collection.

Blog

Learn about products, workflows and related products.

Overview

Advance Steel is 3D structural steel detailing software that has parametric connection libraries, tools for plate design and flat patterns, stairs, rails, porta buildings and other types of design tools for steel fabrication.

It can be configured to automate part drawings, DXF’s and NC1 for beamline machines.

Advance Steel is based on AutoCAD and has all the tools of AutoCAD plus connects to Revit for BIM workflows, Dynamo for visual programming and Robot Structural Analysis for FEA.

Features

Parametric steel connections

Model structural steel members with connections with a customisable Advance Steel library

Stairs and cage ladders

Tools for accurately modelling stairs and cage ladders with various options and settings.

Sheet metal and folded plate work

Create sheet metal and folded plate parts in 3D, flat pattern and export to DXF.

Dynamo for Advance Steel

Use Dynamo to visually program complex structures with Steel beams and plates. Assign materials, beam sections or user attributes from Dynamo to the generated elements.

Code checking and design validation

Validate and adhere to compliance against ASIC standards

Propagation of steel connections

Automated connection propagation ensures the right connection and holes are made for the correct steel member size.

General arrangement drawings

Customise GA styles, standard and camera views

Steel shop drawings

Automatically generate part drawings and DXF’s

Numerical Control (NC) data

Generate g-code for beam line machines

Steel shop drawings

Automatically generate part drawings and DXF’s

Hide or show detailed parts

Isolate parts and assemblies already detailed for fabrication.

Bills of Materials

Automatically generate BOM’s from elements

Bi-directional link with Revit

Sync Advance Steel and Revit models

Robot Structural Analysis interoperability

Automatically generate BOM’s from elements

Fabrication Workflows

Learn more about how Advance Steel and other fabrication products work with other software, systems and services provided by Design Consulting

Exceptional Value

Buy Autodesk Advance Steel on an Annual or 3 Year Subscription. Get more value from the Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection.

Compare

Compare the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection to other products such as Inventor Professional, AutoCAD Inventor LT suite and Inventor Professional LT.

AEC Collection
Advance Steel
AutoCAD
AutoCAD LT

	AEC Collection	Advance Steel	AutoCAD	AutoCAD LT
	$Call for Price /year	$Call for Price /year	$Call for Price /year	$Call for Price /year
2D Drafting
2D Detailing
3D Modelling
Photo Rendering
Steel members and connections
Cage and ladder tools
Stair tools
Porta building tools
Dynamo extension
Automated part drawings
NC code export
Bi-directional synch with Revit
Robot Structures interoperability
FEA Analysis
Architectural BIM Modelling
MEP BIM Modelling
Structural BIM Modelling
Civil Modelling
Clash Detection
5D Scheduling
Quantity Take Off
Cinematic Rendering
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Advance Steel Add-Ons

Check out these programs and plug-ins to boost productivity even further.

Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection
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Build – 550 CLOUD Annual Subscription
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Docs - Single User Annual Subscription
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BIM Collaborate Single-user Annual Subscription
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Contact Us

If you would to discuss Autodesk Inventor Professional, please contact us by calling on 1800 490 514, by filling out the form or clicking the live chat in the bottom right-hand corner.

AutoCAD vs. Autodesk Advance Steel: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Design Needs

Understanding the Basics

Key Differences Between AutoCAD and Autodesk Advance Steel

1. Purpose and Specialisation

2. Modelling Capabilities

3. Automation and Efficiency

4. Drawing Production

5. Ease of Use for Steel Work

6. Integration and Workflow

7. Learning Curve

8. Document Management

Practical Applications and User Scenarios

AutoCAD or Autodesk Advance Steel, Make the Right Choice For Your Needs

Contact Us

Advance Steel Automation: How to Save Time and Improve Accuracy

Parametric Connection Library

Porta Building

Advance Steel 2024 Annual Subscription