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    AutoCAD 2019

    Posted on by SolidCAD

     AutoCAD 2019 

    Autodesk has released the latest iteration of its flagship drafting application AutoCAD.  Here are some of the highlights.

     

    • AutoCAD 2019 remains on the 2018 format. Files saved with 2019 can be opened in 2018.

    DWG Compare

    AutoCAD will highlight the differences between two selected drawings.

    Shared Views

    Share a view of your AutoCAD drawing online with others. Those users are not required to have AutoCAD installed since the AutoCAD file is viewed online in their web browser.  The DWG is not uploaded to the cloud, only the shared view.  Invited participants can view, print, measure, and mark up the view.

    Apps

    Autodesk has two apps for viewing and editing online; The Web app and the Mobile app.

    Industry-Specific Toolsets

    AutoCAD subscribers now receive the following Autodesk applications in addition to AutoCAD:

    • Architecture
    • Electrical design
    • Map 3D
    • Mechanical design
    • MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing)
    • Plant 3D, including P&ID functionality
    • Raster design

     

    SolidCAD announces its new partnership with dRofus, a software company offering data management tools for the global building industry

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, March 21, 2018—SolidCAD, Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider has announced its recent partnership with dRofus, a software company offering planning, data management and BIM collaboration tools that help provide comprehensive workflow support and access to building information throughout the entire building lifecycle. SolidCAD and dRofus will work together to provide their clients with high-quality services, training and support across Canada.

    “We are excited to establish this partnership with dRofus and add another software solution to our extensive product offerings,” said Michael Rotolo, National Team Lead for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) industry at SolidCAD. “Many of our clients are looking for an end-to-end data management solution that will help support the full building lifecycle. With dRofus, SolidCAD will offer training and services that will help clients better plan, manage and maintain data for any building project. For years, SolidCAD has been dedicated to researching and partnering with technology innovators within the industry and we are pleased to become the newest associate partner with dRofus. Our goal is to put our clients first and help them achieve their goals and enhance their entire BIM workflow.”

    “We are pleased to announce our new partnership with SolidCAD to help expand our client base in Canada,” said David Patera, Managing Director for the Americas at dRofus.  “We’re excited to work with SolidCAD to build on our proven track record of being a single source of truth for managing project data on multiple P3 projects across the country.  Through this partnership we will increase awareness of how dRofus can help teams realize tangible benefits on not just P3’s but any BIM project, all with the local expertise of SolidCAD.”

    If you are interested in learning more about dRofus and SolidCAD, please visit:

    https://www.solidcad.ca/products/drofus 

    About dRofus

    dRofus was founded in 2011 in Oslo, Norway. Today we have expanded with subsidiaries in the USA, Australia, Sweden, and France. Our international customer base includes public and private building owners, designers, engineers, and contractors. The software has established a dominant position in the construction of healthcare facilities and airports.  We have an expanding portfolio of project types including, but not limited to, professional stadiums, high-speed rail systems, high rises, power plants, defense, correctional facilities and higher education.

    We are committed to Open BIM and as part of the Nemetschek Group, our aim is to deliver the best possible, most innovative and most successful AECO software solutions. www.drofus.no/en/

    Autodesk has announced the discontinuation of their product, Infrastructure Map Server

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, March 12, 2018 — As of January 7, 2018, Autodesk has discontinued the sale of new subscriptions of Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server (AIMS). The product will officially discontinue as an individual product and new subscriptions, renewals for maintenance plans or subscriptions will no longer be available.

    At SolidCAD, our goal is to help your team in managing this change, including sustainment of your current Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server (AIMS) planning the migration to Autodesk MapGuide Open Source, ESRI ArcGIS or explore available options.’

    Cooperatively, Esri is providing no-cost ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Desktop software and access to free training including Living Atlas of the World content to get you started with ArcGIS. For more information, please visit: http://www.esri.com/landing-pages/autodesk-esri-strategic-alliance-aims

    And read the official Press Release from Autodesk, please visit: https://www.autodesk.com/products/infrastructure-map-server/overview

    Autodesk is committed to continuing to provide AutoCAD Map 3D as a 3D platform, drafting, design and data management solution. AutoCAD Map 3D continues to be the spatially enabled solution for customers who want broad access to CAD and GIS data to support planning, design, and data management workflows.

    SolidCAD is committed to supporting you and your team through this technology transition.

    Infraworks 2018.2

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Infraworks 2018.2

    Autodesk has released the latest update for its Infraworks application.  You will find information about the update in the team webcast found here.  The update is not yet available as of January 2, 2018, but check your Desktop App or Autodesk Account for it in the very near future.

     

    A brief look at the new features…

    Reality Capture

    • Linear breakline extraction improvements.
    • Linear breakline editing tools.
    • Camera image lookup from point cloud scans.

    Road Modeling

    • PI and Element based modeling.
    • Element editing improvements.

    Quantities

    • Calculate drainage quantities by up to 4 depth ranges.
    • Utility and generic quantities by style.
    • QTO visualization.

    Bridge Modeling

    • Manage parametric content.
    • Use inventor assemblies.
    • Export template for use in other models.
    • Automatic bridge creation over water has been removed.

     

    Civil 3D Update 2018.2

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Civil 3D Update 2018.2

    Autodesk has released the latest update for its Civil 3D 2018 application.  You will find information about the update here.  The update can be installed with the Desktop App or by downloading it from Autodesk Account.

    Remember, these new types of releases are not simply service packs.  There are certainly fixes to defects, but there is new functionality to be had these days.

     

    A brief look at the changes:

    Various defect fixes.

    Profile Layout Direction:

    Some profile entities can now be drawn right to left as well as left to right.

    Vertical Curves in Offset Profile Slope Transition Regions:

    Vertical curves are now created in slope transition regions for offset profiles.

    Rail Turnouts and Crossings Commands:

    Create and edit rail turnouts and crossovers.

    Subassemblies:

    A variety of new PKT-format subassemblies are included in this update.

    The Use Targets On the Same Side As the Subassembly check box was added to the Set Width Or Offset Target dialog box in the AutoCAD Civil 3D 2018.1 Update.

    Pressure Network Content:

    New metric and imperial pressure network content is included in this release.

    3D Solid Crossing Appearance Control in Section Views:

    Control the appearance of 3D solid crossings that use the style option by modifying the properties of the 3D solid layer.

    Multi-Select Projection and Crossing Styles in Section Views:

    Control the appearance of crossing and projected objects and labels using Shift-select and Ctrl-select.

    Autodesk Civil Engineering Data Translator:

    Translate AutoCAD® Civil 3D® files to files that can be used in Bentley® GEOPAK® and Bentley®InRoads®, and translate GEOPAK and InRoads files to files that can be used in AutoCAD Civil 3D.

    Leading Autodesk Solutions Providers, KETIV and SolidCAD establish a strategic Partnership

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, December 5, 2017— SolidCAD, a leading Autodesk Platinum Partner and Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider, has announced its strategic partnership with KETIV Technologies, INC. SolidCAD and KETIV will work together to improve their services and access to Autodesk software to better serve their clients across North America.

    “We are excited to establish this new partnership with another Autodesk Platinum Reseller,” said Michael Kugan, President, SolidCAD. “Many of our Canadian clients have multiple offices throughout North America. This alliance allows both companies to better serve our existing customers and offer a broad range of custom professional services and product expertise. The decision to develop this relationship with another market leader will help establish our position as a Canadian national leader in the professional services industry.”

    “Both companies share a similar vision and values centered around empowering our clients through guidance, support and technology adoption, ensuring our customer’s success”, says Anthony Rodriguez, VP of KETIV. “Whether in the United States or Canada, our clients will have a seamless and consistent customer experience. That customer experience will be built around our belief that knowledge should be shared. We encourage and invite all SolidCAD customers to join our free year-round, live Autodesk learning sessions called Autodesk Virtual Academy (AVA).” To learn more about Autodesk Virtual Academy, click here.

    Autodesk and the Autodesk logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries.

    About KETIV

    Founded in 1983 as a pioneering Autodesk reseller, KETIV empowers businesses through knowledge and innovation.  As an Autodesk Platinum Partner, we provide products, consulting services and technical support that drive business success. Our deep experience encompasses the entire development process, from concept to final delivery. We are driven by a forward-looking, service-driven and knowledge-sharing culture, which influences every customer interaction. We deliver both hands-on consultation and industry-wide learning experiences, such as our Autodesk Virtual Academy. We guide, we inform, we serve. We earn trust. We make businesses better. Learn more at ketiv.com

    SolidCAD, an Approved Provider on the Autodesk Services Marketplace

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    SolidCAD, an Approved Provider on the Autodesk Services Marketplace

    SolidCAD, a leading Autodesk Platinum Partner and Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider, is excited to announce that we are now an approved provider on the Autodesk Services Marketplace. Making it easier for professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries to connect with and engage the company for convenient, custom services for Autodesk software.

    As a provider of the Autodesk Services Marketplace, SolidCAD will demonstrate expertise in products serving the AEC industries. We have a proven track record in consulting, and have competencies in professional services, software development, customization, software management and training.

    As an Autodesk Services Marketplace provider, SolidCAD is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, expert support and a broad range of custom professional services and product expertise.

    SolidCAD offers support to an extensive list of Autodesk’s AEC products, including but not limited to:

    • AEC Collection
    • AutoCAD
    • AutoCAD Architecture
    • AutoCAD Civil 3D
    • BIM 360 products including Docs, Field, Glue, Layout, Ops, Plan and Team
    • AutoCAD Electrical
    • AutoCAD Map 3D
    • AutoCAD MEP
    • AutoCAD Plant 3D
    • Collaboration for Revit
    • InfraWorks
    • NavisWorks
    • ReCap Pro
    • Revit
    • Vehicle Tracking

     

    To learn more about Autodesk Product, click here

    SolidCAD joins Autodesk Services Marketplace

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    TORONTO, ON, November 15 — SolidCAD, a leading Autodesk Platinum Partner and Canada’s premier technology solution and professional service provider, is now an approved provider on the Autodesk Services Marketplace, making it easier for professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries to connect with and engage the company for convenient, custom services for Autodesk software.

    Providers of the Autodesk Services Marketplace demonstrate expertise in products serving the AEC industries, have a proven track record in consulting, and have competencies in professional services, software development and customization, software management and training.

    “SolidCAD is excited to become an Autodesk approved service provider” states Michael Rotolo, National Team Lead for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) division at SolidCAD.  “At SolidCAD we have invested both the time and resources into growing our company. Today, we have employed one of the largest teams of industry technology experts across Canada. We are committed to providing quality services that will ensure our clients’ satisfaction in the AEC industry.”

    As an Autodesk Services Marketplace provider, SolidCAD is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, expert support and a broad range of custom professional services and product expertise. SolidCAD offers support to an extensive list of Autodesk’s AEC products, including but not limited to:

    • AEC Collection
    • AutoCAD
    • AutoCAD Architecture
    • AutoCAD Civil 3D
    • BIM 360 products including Docs, Field, Glue, Layout, Ops, Plan and Team
    • AutoCAD Electrical
    • AutoCAD Map 3D
    • AutoCAD MEP
    • AutoCAD Plant 3D
    • Collaboration for Revit
    • InfraWorks
    • NavisWorks
    • ReCap Pro
    • Revit
    • Vehicle Tracking

    “Autodesk is excited to welcome SolidCAD to the Services Marketplace. The company’s long-standing history with Autodesk serves them well in this new environment and opportunity,” said Rachel Rosenkrantz, Strategic Program Manager, Autodesk.

    To learn more about SolidCAD’s areas of expertise, visit www.servicesmarketplace.autodesk.com/provider/public/solidcad, and for more information about the Autodesk Services Marketplace, check out https://servicesmarketplace.autodesk.com.

    Achieving Super Results with Autodesk Fusion 360 and ExactFlat

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Achieving Super Results with Autodesk Fusion 360 and ExactFlat

     

    Recently SolidCAD’s own Hung Nguyen created an outstanding Iron Man mask for his son who was heading to Comic-Con. With a combination of the Autodesk Product Design and Manufacturing Collection and integrated apps from ExactFlat and Pepakura, the International Winner of the Fusion 360 Model of the Month was able to get the job done with little money and time. Hung began the process with ReCap Pro and converted human scan data to a 3D mesh model. He then refined the 3D model with ReMake and used Fusion 360 to prepare the model for production. After that, Hung created perfect flat patterns with ExactFlat Online software in a few short minutes.

    Since 3D modeling typically consist of “faces”, a piece creation step was taken to prepare the design for flattening since the faces may not align with the “pieces” that need to be cut. Hung used the ExactFlat Publisher Plugin for Fusion 360 to combine faces into pieces. The other key part of the process is optimizing the pattern for strain and sag which was done with Pre-Flatten tools in ExactFlat to generate the rough pattern. This optimization step provides a view of the pattern shape as well as highlighting areas of strain or sag in the pattern.  Knowing this before anything is cut is critical in saving time and materials.

    Once Hung had the patterns right, he used nesting software to optimize the material cost. He then generated CNC code using Fusion 360 CAM 2D profile cutting. The final step was to assemble all the parts of the custom-fit Ironman suit together, which was the perfect shape and size for his son.

     

    To learn more about Hung Nguyen, click here

    To learn more about Autodesk Product, click here

     

    Civil 3D 2018 and Large Surfaces

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Civil 3D 2018 and Large Surfaces

    If you have recently upgraded to Civil 3D 2017 or 2018 or are planning to AND you work with large surfaces (I’ll let you define what a large surface is) you’ll want to read this article!

    If you want to skip past all the history and get to the point, the short story is, 2017 and 2018 store the entire surface definition within DREF drawings and this affects performance. This option can be turned off.

    Most Civil 3D users know that a large surface should be created in one file and Data Referenced (DREF’d) to another file for use in such things as profiles and corridors. This helps reduce errors and improves performance.  2017 and  2018 are no different, but it contains a new feature which is meant to help another occasional user issue.

    When DREFs were introduced they were, and still are, susceptible to the source file being moved. If the source file is moved, not unlike an AutoCAD XREF, the source object cannot be found and the DREF drawing is empty.

    Civil 3D 2014 introduced a new feature where all Data References (except surfaces) are actually stored in the DREFd drawing file. If an alignment’s source DWG cannot be found, it’s no problem since the alignment actually lives in the DREFd file.  It’s still a DREF and it will still synchronize when the source file is found, but at least there’s something in the drawing and not a blank slate.  There is no option to turn this feature off, and you likely wouldn’t want to.

    Surfaces were not included with this feature because they can be very large and performance would suffer in the DREF file. They weren’t included, that is, until Civil 3D 2017.  Entire surface definitions are now stored in DREF files.  If the source file is lost, you still have your surface.  This is great for drawings containing few or small surfaces, but it can drastically affect performance for large surfaces.

    If your source surface is big enough to require an MMS file, there will be a second MMS file for the DREF drawing. These can be very large.  Not only does your drawing performance suffer, but now your hard disk must contain the additional MMS file.

    This option is ON by default and I’d leave it there if you primarily work with smallish surfaces. I’d turn it off if you typically work with big ones.  There are two options:

    1. Change the setting in your template (DWT) so that future drawings will have the option set as you wish.
    2. Change the option afterward for drawings containing existing surface DREFs.

    The DWT setting can be found in the Civil 3D Settings tab:

    If a surface has already been DREF’d, the option can be changed in the Prospector:
    2018 has been an excellent version and this feature is welcome to most, but beware of large surfaces.