XtraCAD.com

Fabrication CADmep™ => CADmep™ Users => Topic started by: joshua on Jul 01, 2011, 20:40:26 PM

Title: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: joshua on Jul 01, 2011, 20:40:26 PM
how can we import a CADduct file into Revit?

I have been asked by An architect...?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Jul 01, 2011, 20:53:53 PM
Numerous ways. Search and ye shall find.

1. Consider IFC export to a Revit IFC Import.

2. Link CAD through Revit (slows Revit down a bit)

3. (My way) Save file as separate copy, explode CADduct objects, create generic model Revit Family, insert cad, load family. Be mindful of origin points in both files.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: audiocycle on Jul 05, 2011, 14:37:39 PM
If you are just interested in being able to view the CADduct file without intelligence, you can save your working DWG file as a seperate name, go to your Main Database, Take-off TAB, CAD Settings & on the far right column within the "General" Area say "Yes" to "Save Graphics with DWG".......CAUTION: This setting will make the subject DWG 4x the original size BUT is better than utilizing IFCexport.

Final note: be sure to change the setting back to "No" after you have closed the renamed Subject DWG file so that the other projects are not affected.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 12, 2011, 20:13:12 PM
I have been asked to do just this today...

IFC is OUT of the question... on this floor plan I am working on the file was a whooping 1.6 Gigs in size...

Other option to save graphics made the file size down to 15 MEGS, while still huge, is more manageable than 1.6 GIGs...
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cam-nav on Aug 12, 2011, 20:18:26 PM
All solutions we have tried (all of the above) still render the Revit drawing crap when plotting. We still need to have a solution for getting native Revit objects into the .rvt files from CAD because drawing in Revit is still a LONG way off.
I know there are solutions but they cost $$$$$.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Aug 12, 2011, 20:24:25 PM
The solution is in Australia. Ask Jim Reis when it'll be in America.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Aug 12, 2011, 20:29:32 PM
Already here
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 12, 2011, 21:23:43 PM
I heard the same thing, that they are testing a BETA version of an Object Enabler for REVIT in Australia...
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 12, 2011, 21:24:17 PM
Bob, a Revit OE?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 12, 2011, 21:31:41 PM
Just finished running (ruining? LOL) a test and the file size is still huge at around 75 Megs, the load into Revit took forever and all of our objects are made of lines so they do not shade.... looks horrible...
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cam-nav on Aug 12, 2011, 21:35:51 PM
Revit took forever and all of our objects are made of lines so they do not shade.... looks horrible...

EXACTLY!
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Aug 15, 2011, 13:08:22 PM
The objects need to be exploded and brought into a generic model family for 3D Faces to be created.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: KaylinR on Aug 18, 2011, 17:23:27 PM
The objects need to be exploded and brought into a generic model family for 3D Faces to be created.

This is the method that I've used in the past, and it works well with less complicated geometry, or smaller files. The issue we've had is coordinating with CADduct users after the models grow in complexity. Once we're talking about linking in all the MEP on an entire building floor, all of these methods fail.

I'm on a pretty decent PC here. I7 clocked over 4ghz, 12gigs ram, nvidia 480gtx, etc....
Even on a healthy machine, the CADduct files, exported to .dwg become unusable when exploded.

Hey Santos, small internet huh?

I'm still up the creek getting the .dwg's into any format I can coordinate with. I've been in touch with TSI about the Aussie plugin, but that still seems to be a ways off.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Aug 18, 2011, 18:11:49 PM
I've been in touch with TSI about the Aussie plugin, but that still seems to be a ways off.

8/17/11 TSI rep told me around December.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 18, 2011, 21:16:30 PM
By then my project will be done...   :(
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: JReis on Aug 19, 2011, 02:01:11 AM
I heard the same thing, that they are testing a BETA version of an Object Enabler for REVIT in Australia...

Not that I know of. To my knowledge the API of Revit does not support Object Enablers.

8/17/11 TSI rep told me around December.

That is not correct. We are not quoting time frames for a US version of what we are doing in Australia.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Aug 19, 2011, 03:37:58 AM
I heard the same thing, that they are testing a BETA version of an Object Enabler for REVIT in Australia...

Not that I know of. To my knowledge the API of Revit does not support Object Enablers.

Maybe not 3rd party but if you look in the registry Revit at least 2011 supported 3 dbxes (pointcloud...)

Here's something I found in the 2010 version... SEE PIC   ODD
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 19, 2011, 13:26:41 PM
If not, then what exactly is it that is being tested in Australia Revit-wise?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: KaylinR on Aug 19, 2011, 15:18:17 PM
My understanding is the plugin directly translates CADduct objects into Revit families. It does not use traditional ACAD object enablers because the Revit API does not support them.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 19, 2011, 17:14:19 PM
Awesome, I wonder why Jim did not mentioned this... why the secrecy?...
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Aug 19, 2011, 17:38:42 PM
He's been showing the video or posting links. Not much more he can do, other then come to your house for dinner. :D
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: JReis on Aug 19, 2011, 18:48:06 PM
Awesome, I wonder why Jim did not mentioned this... why the secrecy?...

No secrecy.  I posted because the forum was expecting MAP to be working on a Revit DBX and they are not.   Revit does not use, not capable, does not support a DBX.  Autodesk may register the DBX but is not currently being used. 

It would be great if Revit did read the MAP DBX.

Bob - You are correct if someone can show me the Revit/MAP plan to use a DBX in Revit I will cook you dinner or mow your lawn, limited to 1 acre of course  :-) Reference attached http://youtu.be/jQyDKwA_Tr0
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Aug 19, 2011, 19:12:30 PM
Good footnote :D
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: VirtualPilot on Aug 22, 2011, 12:58:48 PM
LOL....good enough...  :)
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Aug 22, 2011, 14:35:16 PM
LOL good one Jim! :D
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Oct 15, 2011, 15:42:21 PM
I would like to add a bit of info concerning bringing CADduct into Revit.

Since I do this practically daily, I'm always looking at all the alternatives.

I have tried using wblock on my CADduct systems minus the mechanical equipment. I then open the DWG file created from the wblock command and explode all the CADduct items. I then tried to LINK the exploded DWG with Revit MEP 2012. Not a bad process except for one issue.

When using the section view tool in Revit, all geometry associated with the linked cad dwg file that is behind the section cut line will show up. The window that can be resized with the section tool only applies to what is in front of the section cut line. All LINKED geometry behind it WILL SHOW UP regardless of what you might do.

Damn.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: mwaychoff on Oct 24, 2011, 17:10:00 PM
All LINKED geometry behind it WILL SHOW UP

good thread for: intro to data exchange from CADduct to revit-mep.
so ... thanks guys!

unfortunate what i am hearing is that a smart solution does not exist at this time.
few thoughts:
- i wouldn't be afraid of large IFC files for a one time data transport. they eventually do read in rather well for what geometry they do transfer.
- if result is however not the parametric family you would expect then that is another story.
- but perhaps it will not be too long now that Autodesk bought MAPsoftware.

in the meantime if you are resolved to going the flat file route then ...
here is a suggestion for you to try based on the last post in this forum:

option one:
set view to top camera, set visibility the way you like it, and run 'AECexplode'.
result will NOT include 3d wireframe above/below cut plane.

option two:
there was a little used function in ADT (i am assuming it still exists and also is in MEP) called 'Hidden Line Projection'. the cool thing about this command is that the representation lines end up on the layers that the original object edges were on. VERY useful!
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jun 14, 2012, 17:41:35 PM
Has there been any updates or new ways to import into Revit? I read through this whole thread and it doesn't sound like anyone is satisfied with any of the solutions to bring CADduct file into Revit. Anything new one this?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jun 14, 2012, 19:07:07 PM
Seems to be a Problem bring in CADduct IFC into Revit 2013.

With Revit 2012 all comes in fine, but same file with 2013 nothing shows up.

I tried these combinations:

ifce with acad 2012 to revit 2012 imports fine

same ifc file with Revit 2013 Nothing shows

same ifc to Tekla BimSight all is fine also

It appears to be a Revit 2013 problem or I have some setting to figure out in Revit 2013.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jun 15, 2012, 13:44:23 PM
What about Revit 2012? Are there no better ways to do this yet?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jun 15, 2012, 13:48:28 PM
I'm thinking there may be a setting in 2013 I'm missing but not a Revit expert here
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Jun 15, 2012, 13:52:11 PM
Let me try Bob. Hey I need to chat :D
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jun 15, 2012, 15:59:56 PM
Ok Update for those that care! :)

I did a re-install (not repair Install) and IFC import works as designed.  Revit 2013
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: sarge.us on Jun 15, 2012, 17:31:41 PM
I had a problem with the IFC it was showing up in 3D but when put onto a sheet pieces are missing on 2013
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jun 25, 2012, 16:10:10 PM
Is anyone familiar with this method of bring dwg's into Revit. See link. The command does not show up in AutoCAD. I'm wondering if it is some add on software that allows you to have this command.

http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/04/importing-3d-geometry-from-autocad-mep-into-revit-mep.html
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jun 25, 2012, 16:26:15 PM
Is anyone familiar with this method of bring dwg's into Revit.

Autodesk MEP is why your not seeing it. Bet your using Autodesk Autocad! :)
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jun 25, 2012, 16:31:27 PM
I am running Autocad MEP. The command shows up for you?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jun 25, 2012, 16:39:08 PM
I am running Autocad MEP. The command shows up for you?

yes
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Jul 06, 2012, 13:03:13 PM
Labs

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/revit_fabmep/
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jul 06, 2012, 14:08:28 PM
TFuller - Have you figured out the command to export it out of FAB? I downloaded this, but don't see anything different in FAB. Maybe I'm missing something.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Jul 06, 2012, 14:22:40 PM
Allow me to clarify - I don't have CADmep (technically).

This tool is for bringing CADmep models back into Revit. It's a ribbon interface while in Revit. As far as the commands for CADmep to export the file to go back to Revit, I believe it is "e3d" or something.

You'll have to watch the BIM-AUS video carefully to see the command.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jul 06, 2012, 14:28:58 PM
I just watched the BIM-AUS video the e3d command is erase 3d items in my Revit. It must be something different for the folks in the outback. Well at least they are finally working on a solution for us. Hopefully it won't be long until this works.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: welchy78 on Jul 09, 2012, 16:14:07 PM
I was just sent this link to a blog about the Revit MEP plug-in.

http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2012/07/CADmep-import-for-revit-mep-now-available-on-autodesk-labs.html 

Has anyone been successful with this yet? I'm able to export out of FAB a .rif file, but am having trouble with the final step of putting it into a family and appearing in Revit.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jul 09, 2012, 16:28:19 PM
I was just sent this link to a blog about the Revit MEP plug-in.

http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2012/07/CADmep-import-for-revit-mep-now-available-on-autodesk-labs.html 

Has anyone been successful with this yet? I'm able to export out of FAB a .rif file, but am having trouble with the final step of putting it into a family and appearing in Revit.

As we all know and article states it is a dumbed down model back into Revit! It will surfice the average job. But if they are looking to use it to do Calc's in Revit, its not happening.

Autodesk MEP (Formally Building Systems) has been owned by Autodesk for years now and Revit for a few still cant talk to each other even though they are packaged together. Granted it would be nice!
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Jul 09, 2012, 16:42:41 PM
I was just sent this link to a blog about the Revit MEP plug-in.

http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2012/07/CADmep-import-for-revit-mep-now-available-on-autodesk-labs.html 

Has anyone been successful with this yet? I'm able to export out of FAB a .rif file, but am having trouble with the final step of putting it into a family and appearing in Revit.

You just have to spend the time mapping the parts across. I posted if we could somehow use our old mappings from either 2011 or 2012 so you would not have to do it all over again
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Jul 09, 2012, 17:11:16 PM
Change the ext from .Bix to map on the " RvtMapDefinition"  and all is good, it seems. Saved a lot of time
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: sarge.us on Jul 09, 2012, 18:07:24 PM
How much editing do I have to do with the fittings and piping once mapping is done it seems the 90's go in the opposite direction not sure what is causing that but I am sure I have to do something just not sure what.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: ERez on Jul 12, 2012, 18:51:16 PM
What about bringing CAD into Revit?
CHECK THIS OUT
http://autodesk.typepad.com/fabrication/2012/07/do-you-need-to-import-CADmep-models-back-into-revit-mep.html

It is the same process in reverse. It's the FAB to RME add in in Revit.
BUT, For the life of me I cannot remember in FAB how to save a MAJ to RIF.

Edit: MY BAD, after reading further back in the thread I see this is nothing new. And I thought I was on to something!
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbob on Jul 12, 2012, 19:02:23 PM
What about bringing CAD into Revit?
CHECK THIS OUT
http://autodesk.typepad.com/fabrication/2012/07/do-you-need-to-import-CADmep-models-back-into-revit-mep.html

It is the same process in reverse. It's the FAB to RME add in in Revit.
BUT, For the life of me I cannot remember in FAB how to save a MAJ to RIF.

Did you install Fabrication Exchange?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bigmenrin on Jul 16, 2012, 16:44:27 PM
Can CADduct/MECH go into REVIT if on a NETWORK?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: fishandchips on Jul 18, 2012, 01:17:41 AM
I would like to add a bit of info concerning bringing CADduct into Revit.

Since I do this practically daily, I'm always looking at all the alternatives.

I have tried using wblock on my CADduct systems minus the mechanical equipment. I then open the DWG file created from the wblock command and explode all the CADduct items. I then tried to LINK the exploded DWG with Revit MEP 2012. Not a bad process except for one issue.

When using the section view tool in Revit, all geometry associated with the linked cad dwg file that is behind the section cut line will show up. The window that can be resized with the section tool only applies to what is in front of the section cut line. All LINKED geometry behind it WILL SHOW UP regardless of what you might do.

Damn.

I have the same issue with fire protection .dwg liinked into RevitMEP.. darned annoying donchaknow?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: HBGSE on Jul 18, 2012, 09:42:58 AM
I have the same issue with fire protection .dwg liinked into RevitMEP.. darned annoying donchaknow?

If you load your 3D dwg into a blank Revit project & then link that project in, i believe your view range within Revit controls what you see.  :D
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: TFuller on Jul 18, 2012, 12:27:06 PM
Hot Damn Nick! I'm getting ready to do this all over again so I'll give that one a shot.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: Phred on Nov 15, 2012, 22:23:49 PM
any new solutions about bringing CADduct into revit?  May be starting a project with Revit collaboration.

Is navis the best way to bring these two together?

Thanks - Phred
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: RDS on Nov 15, 2012, 22:59:31 PM
any new solutions about bringing CADduct into revit?  May be starting a project with Revit collaboration.

Is navis the best way to bring these two together?

Thanks - Phred

Yes Phred.  Navis is the better option for all that are not using Revit.  One thing you will want to clarify with the Revit designers is the origin/insertion point.  I've had numerous projects where the design team do not know there is a origin in revit.  What I do is ask them to use column line 1 and A as the origin.  Sometimes I will send them a background dwg and have them use it to set the origin or I will just take their file and fix it myself.  Also, True North and Building North needs to be addressed between all design team disciplines utilizing revit.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: Phred on Nov 16, 2012, 15:12:51 PM
The CADmep Import for Revit MEP plug-in is now available on Autodesk Labs! This technology preview enables users to import Fabrication CADmep models back into Revit MEP 2013, supporting Revit based workflows.
 
Has anybody tried this? Does it require you to have both CADmep and Revit MEP?

Thanks - Phred
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: tnbquilt on Mar 29, 2013, 18:40:46 PM
The objects need to be exploded and brought into a generic model family for 3D Faces to be created.

I would like to try this one, but I don't understand what kind of file to save the exploded AutoCAD in. I exploded the objects but I have no idea how to create a family in Revit so I don't know if you can do it from a dwg file or not.

I am sending this to someone else to bring it into Revit
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadmium on Jan 09, 2014, 20:05:21 PM
How much editing do I have to do with the fittings and piping once mapping is done it seems the 90's go in the opposite direction not sure what is causing that but I am sure I have to do something just not sure what.

I cannot get my 90s to fill at all.   also, my pipe comes in as duct.  I am doing sch40 carbon steel pipe.  don't know if this is only working for duct so far..?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: garyg on Jan 28, 2014, 17:58:00 PM
So what do we need to do to get the RIF file into REVIT?
I cant find anything on the process. Any help would be appreciated .
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cnash on Jan 29, 2014, 12:48:19 PM
I know in EST there is an "Export Run of Items" button that will export a RIF that you can open in Revit.
The only thing is I have never fully imported a file into Revit because it wants you to assign each individual item to a generic item in Revit which is something I currently haven't had time to do.

Has anyone else tried this method?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: garyg on Jan 30, 2014, 13:32:30 PM
I must be missing something because I am not able to open the RIF file in revit. Do I need some type of import option turned on in revit?
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cnash on Jan 30, 2014, 15:39:13 PM
I must be missing something because I am not able to open the RIF file in revit. Do I need some type of import option turned on in revit?

I think it's part of the plugin that installs the buttons to import and export.
We installed the plugin right after we installed Revit so I'm not entirely sure if it comes standard or not. O_o
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: DTND on Jan 30, 2014, 16:04:43 PM
RIF import/export is a add-in for Revit. In beta mode at the moment on Autodesk Labs. Try & test it.

https://beta.autodesk.com/callout/?callid=0D80FEC22D174140B2CBF01150894C40

have fun mapping!!  :P
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: garyg on Jan 30, 2014, 16:13:19 PM
I have the export button but not the import. Anyone have any ideas on how/where to get it? Is this part of SysQue?
Any help. Thanks
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cnash on Jan 30, 2014, 16:15:38 PM
RIF import/export is a add-in for Revit. In beta mode at the moment on Autodesk Labs. Try & test it.

https://beta.autodesk.com/callout/?callid=0D80FEC22D174140B2CBF01150894C40

have fun mapping!!  :P

Have you done it?
We will... Someday.
Does it remember mapping after doing it a few times? There are just so many items to map. :(
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: DTND on Jan 30, 2014, 16:44:28 PM
Not extensively.. tested on first release, but has since expired. We haven't had a chance to load into 2014 yet.

2014 add-in will expire March this year. So I guess we have a rocket up our ...
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: bparrell on Jan 30, 2014, 17:00:55 PM
Does it remember mapping after doing it a few times? There are just so many items to map. :(

Yes it does remember the mapped file, hence the map file it is asking you to load.
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: cadbyken on Mar 03, 2014, 02:55:52 AM
What is the latest on this?  I need to start playing with this soon.  >:(
Title: Re: Import CADduct into Revit
Post by: jimbon on Sep 25, 2014, 16:10:49 PM
Has anybody heard anything new on this front?  Can we get CADmep objects into Revit without going through Export to IFC?  Even if it means going through another Fabrication software?

Any news would be appreciated.  Thanks.