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    • Tag: navisworks

    Enabling The Navisworks Plug-In in Plant 3D

    Posted on by Malaika Lwakila

    In my previous blog, I explained how Navisworks can complement Plant 3D.

    Now I will show you how to enable some Navisworks features directly within Plant 3D, or any AutoCAD based products. With this feature enabled the user can export a Navisworks (NWC) file directly from within AutoCAD. They will also have the option to manage the Navisworks export settings.

    For this example, I will be using AutoCAD Plant 3D 2021 and Navisworks Manage 2021. If you do not have access to Navisworks you can download the Navisworks exporters from Autodesk directly.

    Here is the link: Navisworks 3D Viewer Free Download | Navisworks Freedom (autodesk.com)

    Loading the Plug-in in AutoCAD

    1) Open or create a new DWG in AutoCAD.

    2) In the Command line, type APPLOAD

    3) Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\autocad_exporter2021_x64.Addin.bundle\nwexport2021

    4) Select crx

    5) Click on Load

    6) It will inform you if the Plug-In was successfully loaded.

    7) To test it, start typing NW in the command line. A new set of Navisworks commands should be available.

    8) To export DWG contents, simply type NWCOUT and save the file.

     

    Adding the Navisworks Menu in AutoCAD

    With AutoCAD or a DWG open, type CUILOAD in the command line:

    1) Click on Browse

    2) Navigate to: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins\autocad_exporter2021_x64.Addin.bundle\nwexport2021\nwcreate_data18

    3) Change the File type to “Legacy Menu Files”

    4) Select mnu and click open.

    5) Click on Load

    6) Close the CUI dialog box. If you get a warning message, it is ok to proceed.

     

    If you would like to learn more, Navisworks training is available as a supplementary course to SolidCAD’s Plant 3D course curriculum. Please contact training@solidcad.ca

    Dynamic Duo – AutoCAD Plant 3D and Navisworks: How to view Plant 3D data in Navisworks

    Posted on by Malaika Lwakila

    In a data driven world, information can be the currency that can make or break your project. Misinformation, or the lack of, can cause delays and costly errors in a project’s life cycle.

    AutoCAD Plant 3D is a powerful process-piping design tool. Each piping component placed in Plant 3D has useful data embedded in it. This data is crucial for the plant’s overall design. However, this data can only be viewed within the Plant 3D application.

    In plant design, data will pass through many hands and in various stages of the project. How do we then share this information to external parties like clients, fabricators or constructors who don’t have the Plant 3D application?

    This is where the dependable sidekick comes to the rescue. Navisworks!

    Navisworks has the ability to open various file types. It can also read embedded data if the proper object enabler is installed. Fortunately, Autodesk has one specifically for Plant 3D. You can download the 2021 version here.

    Here’s an example of a Plant 3D model in Navisworks without an object enabler. You can see that some shapes aren’t displayed properly, and it is not reading the embedded data.

    Here is the same Plant 3D model with the object enabler installed. All the components are displayed correctly, and the embedded data is being displayed in the properties section.

     

    With the Plant 3D model in Navisworks, the file can now be saved as an NWD file and delivered to external parties. All they need is Navisworks Freedom to view the file, which can be downloaded for free from Autodesk.

    This is one of many features available in Navisworks. Apart from a robust 3D viewer it can perform tasks such as clash detection and animation.

    If you would like to learn more, Navisworks training is available as a supplementary course to SolidCAD’s Plant 3D course curriculum. Please contact training@solidcad.ca

    In the next blog, we will look at how to utilize the Navisworks plug in within Plant 3D. Stay tuned!

    Autodesk Multi-User (Network) Licensing

    Posted on by SolidCAD

    Infraworks 

    Attention Autodesk multi-user customers!  Excellent news follow.

    The 2019 license manager provides additional functionality which resolves two issues present in previous versions:

    1. In previous versions, if you have multiple versions of the same software installed (AutoCAD 2018 and 2016) and you launched both 2018 and 2016 simultaneously, 2 seats were consumed from the license manager.  With 2019, only a single seat is consumed.
    2. In previous versions, one could run only up to 2 products within a Collection simultaneously (AutoCAD 2018 and Revit 2018 for example).  If you attempted to run a 3rd product, say Navisworks, it would not run.  This restriction has been lifted for 2019.

    To reap the benefits:

    • The 2019 license manager must be installed.
    • A new 2019 LIC file must be obtained.

    Autodesk’s official documentation can be found at this link.

    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