CAD VS. BIM

This is a list of items that you should know before making the switch:

1. Whoa! That file is large: The typical project file size can be 35+ MB, which can cause issues when emailing and sharing documents with others.
2. Where’s my training?: BIM software is unlike traditional CAD programs and will require additional training for your entire CAD staff to be proficient with the software.
3. Mutiny in the ranks: Your current employees that have been using 2D CAD software for years will most likely not be very receptive to changing the way they are designing and delivering projects.
4. Upgrade?: There might be a need to increase your hardware setup and design processes.
5. Test it out first: Before making the switch, you should explore the software with a test project and determine the pro’s and con’s.

We got our first look from Autodesk at the new and upcoming software for 2010. Details and purchasing options will be accessible starting March 24, 2009, at www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions.

“SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In a virtual press conference on Friday, Autodesk, Inc. announced new versions of its software products for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, which are designed to help increase industry adoption of the building information modeling (BIM) process. Updated software in Autodesk’s BIM portfolio includes Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 software, Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 software, Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 software, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 software and Autodesk Navisworks 2010 software solutions.”

read entire article here…

I was browsing around Autodesk Labs and came across a pretty simple, but effective tool. This service allows you to share your work and doesn’t require the other person to install or download any files.

Autodesk Freewheel Preview

A free web service that allows you to share your 2D or 3D projects with anyone in the world.  There is no need to install additional software or download any installation files. You can start using the service here.

Features include:

• Quick and Easy to upload your files
• 100% Free
• Print
• Email the link of your file (view specifi)
• Embed into your website
• Navigation functions: Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan, Orbit

You have the option to include a ShareNow button into AutoCAD, Revit, or Inventor. It will upload your project to the Project Freewheel server. Compatible with Internet Explorer and Firefox.

Today we will be looking at how to change the font size of your temporary dimensions in Autodesk Revit 2009.

When you first start to draw a wall or any object you will probably notice the font size is very small and hard to read (see Fig.1).  We will take a simple line of text and add it to your revit.ini file. This will make the font size larger and easier to view.  Enjoy!

FIG. 1 Font Size

1. Navigate to your installation of Revit

You will need to locate the following folder on your computer: C:/Program Files/Revit Architecture 2009/Program/. Once your open up the folder called Program, scroll down until you find the configuration file called revit.ini.

2. Open up the revit.ini file

Use Notepad or another text editor of your choice. Once opened you should see a screen that looks like Fig. 2 below.  Note: We recommend you  create a copy of this file and save it as a backup on your computer before making any changes.

FIG. 2 revit.ini file opened in Notepad

3. Locate the following text in your revit.ini file

[Graphics]
TempDimFontSizeInPoints=N

If you cannot find the above text in your revit.ini file just copy and paste it as shown in Fig.3.  Note: Be sure to place the above text exactly as shown and just after a closed bracket on a seperate line.

FIG. 3 Updated revit.ini file

4. Change the N value to 12

The default setting is set to 8. Save your updated revit.ini back in the original /Program folder.

5. Your all done

Open up Revit and you will notice a big difference in the font size as shown in Fig. 5. If you need the font size to be larger then go back and increase the N value.

FIG. 5 Font size of temporary dimensions after change to revit.ini file

Features:

• Building model information is updated automatically throughout the entire project
• Scan model for collisions between elements called “inference checking”
• Render scenes directly with the program with the award-winning mental ray™ rendering engine
• Includes ViewCube™ and SteeringWheels™ technology for easy viewing of 3D objects
• Export your project as a FBX file to 3ds Max™ for amazing design visualization projects
• Easily import/export information for massing studies and floor area calculations
• Create details with easy to use tools and extensive library
• Produce material takeoffs for estimating purposes
• Integrate with Autodesk™ Design Review software to track changes, measure, markup without the need for the original design creating software
• Creat groups for 3D components and 2D lines
• Create sun solar studies by specifying date, time, and animate if needed

The biggest improvement that I enjoy is the ability to render a scene using the built-in mental ray™ rendering engine.  You no longer have to export your project to 3ds Max or other software to produce high-quality renderings.  We will be looking at the Render settings and how they can be adjusted to produce different results in the next couple weeks.

Below is a rendering that was produced and rendered entirely in Revit Architecture 2009 and some minor adjustments in Adobe Photoshop CS3. Enjoy!

Below is a rendering that was partially produced in Revit Architecture 2009 and rendered with mental ray (no photoshop adjustments). Enjoy!