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Unlocking the Power of Automation with iLogic and Dynamo Programming Services

August 8, 2024
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| Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Products, Autodesk Research, CAD/CAM, CADmep, CAMduct
Programming services

Unlocking the Power of Automation with iLogic and Dynamo Programming Services

Programming services

At Design Consulting, we understand the importance of efficiency and precision in today’s fast-paced design and construction environment. That’s why we specialise in enhancing these aspects through advanced programming services for Autodesk applications. Two of our standout services are iLogic for Inventor and Dynamo for Revit. In this post, I’ll delve into how these tools can revolutionise your workflow and why we are your go-to partner for implementing them.

What is iLogic?

iLogic is a powerful automation tool within Autodesk Inventor that allows you to create rules-driven designs. It simplifies complex tasks by embedding engineering knowledge and design intent directly into the Inventor models. With iLogic, you can automate repetitive tasks, ensure consistency, and reduce errors.

Key Features of iLogic:

  • Automated Design Changes: iLogic enables you to create models that automatically adjust to changes in parameters. This dynamic adaptability is crucial for custom manufacturing and product development.
  • Automated 2D Drawings: Through a set of rules, drawing sheets, views and dimensions can be automated.
  • Configuration Management: By using rules, you can manage multiple configurations of a product, ensuring each variation meets your specific requirements.
  • Integration with Excel: iLogic can read and write data to and from Excel, making it easier to handle complex calculations and data management tasks.
  • Enhanced Customisation: Build forms for configuration, automate bill of materials management, and create custom commands to streamline your workflow.

What is Dynamo?

Programming services

Dynamo is a visual programming tool that works seamlessly with Autodesk Revit. It enables designers and engineers to create custom workflows and automate tasks, enhancing the capabilities of Revit without the need for extensive coding knowledge.

Key Features of Dynamo:

  • Visual Programming Interface: Dynamo’s node-based interface allows you to create programs by connecting pre-built blocks, making it accessible even to those with no programming background.
  • Enhanced Design Exploration: With Dynamo, you can explore complex geometries and design alternatives quickly and efficiently.
  • Data Management: Automate data extraction, manipulation, and reporting processes, improving accuracy and saving time.
  • Interoperability: Dynamo scripts can interact with various data sources and applications, providing a versatile platform for complex workflows.

Benefits of Using iLogic and Dynamo

Both iLogic and Dynamo offer significant benefits to design professionals:

  • Increased Productivity: Automation reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing designers to focus on more creative and high-value activities.
  • Improved Accuracy: By embedding rules and automating data handling, these tools minimise the risk of human error.
  • Cost Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced errors translate to lower project costs and faster delivery times.
  • Customisation: Tailor the tools to your specific needs, ensuring they align perfectly with your project requirements.

How Our Programming Services Can Help

At Design Consulting, we offer specialised programming services to help you leverage the full potential of iLogic and Dynamo. Here’s how we can assist you:

iLogic Programming Services:

  • Custom Rule Creation: We can develop custom iLogic rules tailored to your unique design requirements, ensuring your models adapt dynamically to parameter changes.
  • Training and Support: Our team provides comprehensive training sessions, helping your staff become proficient in using iLogic for everyday tasks.
  • Integration Services: We seamlessly integrate iLogic with your existing systems and workflows, maximising the tool’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Dynamo Programming Services:

  • Workflow Automation: We create custom Dynamo scripts that automate tedious tasks, from data extraction to complex geometric manipulations.
  • Training Workshops: Learn how to use Dynamo’s visual programming interface through hands-on workshops led by our experienced professionals.
  • Script Development: Whether you need simple automation or complex data management solutions, we can develop scripts that meet your specific needs.

Transform Your Workflow: Embrace the Future with iLogic and Dynamo

Harnessing the power of iLogic and Dynamo can transform your design and engineering processes, leading to increased productivity, accuracy, and cost savings. Our expertise in these tools ensures you get tailored programming services that meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to automate complex workflows, enhance your data management, or simply improve your design efficiency, Design Consulting is here to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today to discover how our iLogic and Dynamo programming services can elevate your projects to new heights.

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Contact us to find out how we can help your business. Fill out the form below, by live chat, phone or email.

P: 1800 490 514 |  E: [email protected]

Connected Design

Design Consulting Autodesk Gold Partner
about design consulting Moving at the Speed of Business

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Comprehensive Comparison of BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro

August 2, 2024
| No Comments
| Autodesk 360, Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Labs, Autodesk Products, Autodesk Research, Building Design Suite
BIM Collaborate Pro

Comprehensive Comparison of BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro

BIM Collaborate Pro

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionised the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries by fostering enhanced collaboration and coordination among project stakeholders. Autodesk, a leader in BIM solutions, offers two significant tools: BIM Collaborate (BC) and BIM Collaborate Pro (BCP). Although both platforms aim to enhance project collaboration, they cater to distinct needs and offer varied functionalities. This comprehensive comparison explores the features, benefits, and use cases of these two platforms to help you determine which is best suited for your needs.

What is BIM Collaborate?

BC is a cloud-based platform available with Autodesk Construction Cloud that is tailored to streamline document management, design coordination, and project administration. It centralises project information, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly from any location. Key features include automated clash detection, design review tools, and advanced analytics, making it ideal for teams seeking robust collaboration without the need for real-time co-authoring.

What is BIM Collaborate Pro?

BCP builds on the capabilities of BIM Collaborate by incorporating real-time co-authoring and advanced collaboration tools, specifically designed for Autodesk software such as Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D. This platform is geared towards larger teams and complex projects that demand simultaneous collaboration on models, enabling multiple users to work on the same design file concurrently.

Key Differences Between BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro

Feature
BIM Collaborate
BIM Collaborate Pro
Cloud-based Document Management
Yes
Yes
Automated Clash Detection
Yes
Yes
Project Administration
Yes
Yes
Advanced Analytics
Yes
Yes
Design Review and Coordination
Yes
Yes
Robust Access Controls
Yes
Yes
Democratized Access to Design Data
Yes
Yes
Revit Issues Add-in
Yes
Yes
Sandboxed Coordination Spaces
Yes
Yes
Revit Cloud Worksharing
No
Yes
Collaboration for Civil 3D
No
Yes
Collaboration for Plant 3D
No
Yes
Real-time Co-authoring
No
Yes
Project Timeline Visualization
Yes
Yes
Valuable Project Insights
Yes
Yes

Detailed Feature Analysis and Comparison

  • Cloud-based Document Management

BC offers a comprehensive cloud-based document management system, enabling teams to centralise project data and access documents from any location. This feature ensures that all team members are working with the latest information.

On the other hand, BCP enhances document management by adding real-time collaboration capabilities. Users can work on shared documents simultaneously, facilitating quicker issue resolution and more dynamic project updates.

  • Automated Clash Detection

Both platforms feature automated clash detection, essential for identifying design conflicts before construction begins.

BC allows users to run clash detection scans and generate reports to highlight conflicts, crucial for maintaining project timelines and budgets, whereas BCP not only includes clash detection but also supports real-time collaboration on clashes. Users can view and address issues as they arise, speeding up decision-making and minimising rework.

  • Advanced Analytics

Advanced analytics tools are available in both BC and BCP, offering valuable insights into project performance and the impact of changes. BC provides comprehensive analytics dashboards that allow users to track project progress and manage resource allocation effectively. These dashboards enable teams to generate detailed reports, helping them assess the effects of changes across various disciplines. Building on this foundation, BCP enhances the analytics experience with real-time data visualisation. This capability allows teams to identify trends and address issues as they emerge, ensuring timely interventions and more informed decision-making.

  • Design Review and Coordination

Design review and coordination are crucial for aligning all stakeholders on project goals. BC features intuitive markup tools that enable users to annotate designs and track issues seamlessly. Design reviews can be conducted via a web browser, simplifying the feedback collection process and making it accessible to all team members. On the other hand, BCP takes design review to the next level by adding real-time capabilities. This enhancement allows multiple users to provide feedback simultaneously, significantly improving communication and efficiency throughout the review process.

  • Real-time Co-authoring

A standout feature of BCP is its real-time co-authoring capability, which sets it apart from BC, which requires users to check out files for edits, potentially causing delays. On the other hand, BCP allows multiple users to work on the same model simultaneously. Changes made by one user are instantly visible to others, facilitating seamless collaboration and reducing the time required for design iterations. This real-time co-authoring capability enhances teamwork and accelerates project timelines.

  • Collaboration for Specific Software

BCP offers specialised collaboration tools for various Autodesk software, making it highly suitable for complex projects. For instance, it includes cloud worksharing for Revit models, which facilitates seamless collaboration among architects and engineers. Additionally, it enhances collaboration on site designs and grading plans for civil engineering teams using Civil 3D. For industrial projects, it supports real-time collaboration on piping and instrumentation diagrams with Plant 3D. In contrast, BC lacks these specialised tools, making it less suitable for teams that rely heavily on these specific applications.

  • Robust Access Controls

Both BC and BCP provide robust access controls to protect sensitive project data. BC allows administrators to set user permissions, controlling who can view, edit, and share project information. BCP builds on these access control features by adding the ability to manage permissions in real time. This ensures that data security is maintained during collaborative sessions, allowing teams to work confidently without compromising sensitive information.

  • Sandboxed Coordination Spaces

Sandboxed coordination spaces are a feature available in both platforms, enabling teams to explore design options without affecting the main project. BC supports the creation of isolated environments for testing changes, which is particularly useful for evaluating different design scenarios. Enhancing this capability, BCP allows for real-time collaboration within sandboxed spaces. This feature enables teams to discuss and resolve issues while exploring various design alternatives, fostering innovation and improving overall project outcomes.

  • Project Timeline Visualization

Effective project management requires clear visualisation of project timelines and milestones. BIM Collaborate includes tools such as Gantt charts and milestone tracking to help teams understand deadlines and dependencies. BIM Collaborate Pro offers these same visualisation tools but with the added benefit of real-time updates based on collaborative inputs. This ensures that all team members are aware of changes as they occur, promoting better coordination and timely adjustments to project schedules.

  • Valuable Project Insights

Both platforms provide valuable insights into project performance, helping teams identify trends and make informed decisions. BIM Collaborate offers analytics tools that track common issues and assess project performance over time. In contrast, BIM Collaborate Pro provides enhanced insights with real-time data visualisation. This capability makes it easier to spot potential problems and opportunities for improvement, allowing teams to proactively address issues and optimise project outcomes.

When to Use BIM Collaborate?

BC is ideal for:

  • Small to Medium-Sized Projects: Suitable for teams that do not need extensive real-time collaboration features.
  • Document Management Focus: Projects prioritising document management and design coordination.
  • Budget Constraints: Organisations seeking a cost-effective solution.
 

When to Use BIM Collaborate Pro?

BCP is best for:

  • Large Teams and Complex Projects: Ideal for teams needing real-time collaboration and coordination across multiple disciplines.
  • Integrated Workflows: Projects involving Autodesk software applications like Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D.
  • Remote Collaboration: Organisations with distributed teams needing real-time co-authoring capabilities.

Integration with Other Autodesk Tools

Both BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro integrate with other Autodesk tools:

  • Autodesk Revit: Both support Revit, with Pro offering advanced cloud work sharing.
  • Autodesk Civil 3D: Pro facilitates effective collaboration on site designs.
  • Autodesk Plant 3D: Pro supports industrial design collaboration.
  • Autodesk Navisworks: Both can be used with Navisworks for project visualisation and coordination.
 

Make the Right Choice for Your BIM Needs

Both BC and BCP play vital roles in enhancing collaboration within the AEC industry. While BC offers a strong foundation for document management and design coordination, BCP enhances the experience with real-time co-authoring and specialised tools for Autodesk applications.

When selecting between the two, consider your project size, team structure, and specific collaboration needs. Understanding the differences and capabilities of each platform will enable teams to make informed decisions, leading to more efficient project execution and better outcomes.

Embracing a cloud-based BIM solution is a step towards modernising your project workflows and enhancing collaboration throughout all phases of construction.

Contact Us

Contact us to find out how we can help your business. Fill out the form below, by live chat, phone or email.

P: 1800 490 514 |  E: [email protected]

Connected Design

Design Consulting Autodesk Gold Partner
about design consulting Moving at the Speed of Business

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Optimising Product Designs with Autodesk Inventor Nastran

July 19, 2024
| No Comments
| Autodesk Products, Autodesk Research, Simulation
Autodesk Inventor Nastran

Optimising Product Designs with Autodesk Inventor Nastran

Imagine a world where product designs are perfected before they ever reach the prototyping stage. Engineers and designers can foresee and resolve potential issues early, ensuring their creations are innovative, reliable, and cost-effective. This is the transformative potential of simulation-driven design, made possible by Autodesk Inventor Nastran.

The importance of early-stage simulation is underscored by an Aberdeen Group report, which reveals more than half of the respondents preferred to consolidate their simulation vendors in the early stage with powerful virtual simulation tools like Autodesk Inventor Nastran. 

In this blog post, let’s delve into Autodesk Inventor Nastran, exploring its benefits, capabilities, and the ways it is reshaping the future of product development.

What is Autodesk Inventor Nastran?

Autodesk Inventor Nastran is a powerful finite element analysis (FEA) tool integrated directly into Autodesk Inventor CAD software. It enables designers and engineers to perform a wide range of simulation studies on their product designs, helping them optimise performance, reduce development time and costs, and deliver higher-quality, more reliable products.

FEA is a numerical technique used to analyse the behaviour of complex structures and systems under various loads and conditions. By creating a digital model of a product and subjecting it to simulated stresses, forces, and other environmental factors, engineers can gain valuable insights into how the design will perform in the real world.

Inventor Nastran seamlessly integrates this powerful FEA technology into the Inventor CAD environment, allowing designers to analyse and optimise their designs without leaving the familiar Inventor interface. This streamlined workflow eliminates the need to switch between multiple software tools, saving time and improving productivity.

What Types of Simulation Studies Can Be Performed with Inventor Nastran?

Inventor Nastran allows you to conduct a variety of simulation studies, including:

. Linear, Prestress, and Nonlinear Static Analysis :

Understand how your design will respond to various static loads and stresses.

. Normal and Prestress Modes :

Analyse the natural vibration modes of your design, including the effects of prestress.

. Linear and Nonlinear Buckling : 

Identify potential buckling issues that could compromise the structural integrity of your design.

. Direct, Modal, and Nonlinear Transient Response : 

Simulate the dynamic behaviour of your design under time-varying loads.

. Impact Analysis : 

Assess how your design will withstand sudden impacts or collisions.

. Direct, Modal Frequency Response : 

Understand how your design will respond to harmonic excitations.

. Random Response : 

Analyse the response of your design to random vibrations.

. Shock/Response Spectrum : 

Simulate the effects of shock and vibration events on your design.

. Multi-Axial and Vibration Fatigue : 

Predict the fatigue life of your design under complex loading conditions.

. Linear and Nonlinear Steady State Heat Transfer : 

Analyse the thermal behaviour of your design.

. Nonlinear Transient Heat Transfer : 

Simulate the dynamic thermal response of your design.

. Explicit Dynamics: 

Perform advanced simulations of high-speed events, such as impacts or explosions.

. Explicit Quasi-Static : 

Analyse the behaviour of your design under quasi-static loading conditions.

These simulation capabilities enable you to thoroughly evaluate your product designs, identifying and addressing potential issues before they become costly problems during physical prototyping or manufacturing.

How Can Simulation Studies Help Optimise Product Designs?

Simulation studies with Autodesk Inventor Nastran help optimise product designs in several ways:

1. Identifying and Addressing Potential Issues :

Simulating the behaviour of your design under various loads and conditions uncovers potential problems, such as stress concentrations, deformations, or fatigue failures, allowing you to make informed design decisions and implement necessary changes before investing in physical prototypes.

2. Reducing Over-Engineering :

Simulation studies ensure your designs are fit for purpose by optimising material use and eliminating unnecessary features or components. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also improves the overall efficiency and performance of your products.

3. Accelerating the Design Process: 

Rapid design iterations and simulations save time and resources compared to physical prototyping and testing. By identifying and resolving issues early in the design phase, you can significantly shorten the product development cycle and bring your innovations to market faster.

4. Improving Product Quality and Performance : 

Informed design decisions based on accurate simulation results lead to better-performing and more reliable products. This can translate into increased customer satisfaction, reduced warranty claims, and a stronger competitive position in the market.

5. Enhancing Collaboration and Communication : 

Simulation results can be easily shared with stakeholders, including cross-functional teams, management, and customers. This facilitates better decision-making, improves overall project management, and helps ensure that the final product meets all necessary performance and compliance requirements.

How Does Inventor Nastran Integrate with Autodesk Inventor?

Inventor Nastran is tightly integrated with Autodesk Inventor CAD software, allowing you to perform simulation studies directly within the Inventor environment. This streamlined workflow eliminates the need to switch between multiple software tools, saving time and improving productivity.

The integration also enables you to import and export results to and from other Autodesk applications, such as Autodesk CFD for fluid flow and thermal analysis, or Autodesk Moldflow for plastic part simulation. This cross-application integration ensures a comprehensive design validation process, helping you meet all necessary performance and compliance requirements.

By leveraging the synergy between Inventor Nastran and Inventor CAD software, you can create a seamless, end-to-end product development process that combines the power of simulation with the flexibility and ease of use of a leading CAD platform.

What Are the Benefits of Using Inventor Nastran for Product Design Optimisation?

Using Inventor Nastran for product design optimisation provides several key benefits:

1. Reduced Development Time and Costs :

Simulation studies help identify and address issues early in the design process, reducing the need for physical prototyping and testing. This can lead to significant cost savings and faster time-to-market for your products.

2. Improved Product Quality and Performance:

Accurate simulation results enable informed design decisions, leading to better-performing and more reliable products. This can translate into increased customer satisfaction, reduced warranty claims, and a stronger competitive position in the market.

3. Increased Innovation and Competitiveness : 

The ability to rapidly iterate and optimise designs allows you to bring innovative products to market faster than your competitors. By leveraging the power of simulation, you can explore more design options, test the limits of your ideas, and deliver truly differentiated products to your customers.

4. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication : 

Simulation results can be easily shared with stakeholders, facilitating better decision-making and improving overall project management. This helps ensure that the final product meets all necessary performance and compliance requirements while aligning with the needs and expectations of your customers.

What’s the Difference Between Inventor Professional and Autodesk Inventor Nastran?

While both products offer some similar features, there are some notable differences between them.
Linear stress analysis
Feature
Inventor Professional
Nastran In-CAD
Yes
Yes
Nonlinear stress analysis
Yes
Yes
Modal analysis
Yes
Yes
Buckling analysis
Yes
Yes
Thermal analysis
Yes
Yes
Fatigue analysis
Yes
Yes
Drop test analysis
Yes
Yes
Frequency response analysis
No
Yes
Random vibration analysis
No
Yes
Shock response spectrum analysis
No
Yes

In addition to these differences, there are also some differences in product licences. Autodesk Inventor Professional is available as a standalone product, allowing users to purchase it separately from other Autodesk software. In contrast, Autodesk Inventor Nastran In-CAD is only available as part of the Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, which is a suite of design, engineering, and manufacturing tools that also includes Inventor Professional. This means that users who require the advanced analysis capabilities of Nastran In-CAD must also purchase the entire collection, which may be a consideration for some customers.

Unlock the Full Potential of Simulation-Driven Design

Inventor Nastran is a game-changer in product design optimisation. By harnessing the power of simulation, you can unlock new levels of innovation, reduce development costs, and deliver products that exceed customer expectations.

Do not settle for subpar designs or lengthy development cycles. Embrace the future of product design with Autodesk Inventor Nastran and revolutionise the way you bring your ideas to life. Get in touch with our team to learn more about Inventor Nastran and purchase the Autodesk PDM collection.

Contact Us

Contact us to find out how we can help your business. Fill out the form below, by live chat, phone or email.

P: 1800 490 514 |  E: [email protected]

Connected Design

Design Consulting Autodesk Gold Partner
about design consulting Moving at the Speed of Business

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What is #TheFutureofMakingThings ?

February 19, 2015
| 1 Comment
| 123D App, Alias, Autodesk 360, Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Labs, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Research, Fusion 360, Hardware, Manufacturing, Maya, Product Design Suite, Simulation, Visualisation
inventor 2015 ray tracing Moving at the Speed of Business

Autodesk has launched The Future of Making Things. A vision of how they see future human and business interaction with technology when it comes to engineering, design, analysis and collaboration. At the Autodesk University Keynote address in December, 2014,  Jeff Kowalski, Autodesk SVP and Chief Technology Officer, discussed how Autodesk is looking at technology and design through the lens of…

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