Lots of new features – an update you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the new version 1.3.0b. In addition to numerous improvements and bug fixes, you'll find five brand new features:
SDNF import/export for easy exchange with structural engineers
Railing function for parametric railings
Drawing function for automated creation of workshop drawings
TODO manager
Diagnostic tool
Table of contents
Find all important information about the SolidSteel parametric release v1.3.0b on this page!
The update is recommended for all users. It should have been reported as available in the software if you have "Automatically check for updates" enabled. If you have not received a notification, you can start the update manually in the Settings menu.
The new SDNF interface from SolidSteel parametric for Autodesk Inventor makes it easy to collaborate with structural engineers.
SDNF stands for Steel Detailing Neutral File and is a text-based exchange format between structural engineers and designers.
File sizes remain manageable even for large designs and can be easily sent via email.
The SDNF file contains all the information about the structure required for the structural analysis. After the calculation and dimensioning, any necessary changes can be saved in the SDNF file.
When re-importing into SolidSteel parametric, you have several options for entries in the ToDo-Manager – so you always have an overview and can adapt your structure to the structural requirements in the shortest possible time.
Based on existing SDNF files, you can automatically place all profiles of the structure described in the SDNF file in SolidSteel parametric in a matter of seconds. Watch the video to learn more!
The railing function is by far the most requested feature since the introduction of the stair module. It's logical, because when you design a staircase, you also need to design a guardrail – and the new railing function can save you a lot of time!
The railings are template-based and can be customized to suit your needs. You can use the railing feature to create functional industrial railings, but you can also design railings with glass panels, for example, that are more likely to be used in residential or office settings.
The railing function works as usual in SolidSteel parametric. There's a clear dialog where all the settings are made. The railing is inserted as an independent copy of the railing template, and all adjustments and changes are made to this independent copy, leaving the original railing templates unchanged.
The railings are fully parametric and can be adjusted and edited at any time. The number of adjustable parameters depends on the quality of the railing template.
Here in the example, in addition to the values given by the stair geometry, such as length and angle, the handrail height, the number of segments, the number of rods in the segments and of course all offsets for the entire railing and also for the segments can be entered.
The flexible, template-based design with any number of variables gives you great freedom to create your own railings.
In the video, we show all the steps involved in creating a complete staircase, including railings, starting from the sketch.
You can also follow the steps shown in the video yourself with the free SolidSteel parametric for Autodesk Inventor Express version – experience it for yourself!
Even in the advanced 21st century, shop drawings are the interface between design and production.
Creating drawings is usually a tedious process, and keeping all the drawings up to date with design changes is not only time consuming, but annoying as well... Now that's a thing of the past!
The new function for the automatic creation of shop drawings takes a large part of the laborious work off your hands and the easy-to-use administration interface ensures that you always have an overview if all your drawings are up-to-date. Drawings that are affected by changes are clearly marked in the drawing overview and can be updated in a targeted manner.
You have full control, for example, over the type of dimensioning (chain or ordinate dimensioning) and the sheet sizes. If desired, the drawings can be provided with component-related bills of materials, which – like the drawings themselves – can be updated at the touch of a button when changes are made.
Sounds unspectacular, but it's a new feature that really packs a punch – best watch the video.
Whether you're creating notes for yourself or for colleagues you're working with on a project, or automatically generated entries, e.g. from an SDNF import (see above) or an update – it doesn't matter: the ToDo Manager is the central, clearly arranged place for it.
The ToDos are linked to the assembly and can be viewed by anyone working on the assembly. They can be subsequently modified or removed after the task has been completed.
In the ToDo Manager the entries can be sorted by topics. With "intelligent" ToDos, such as the SDNF import (see SDNF video), functions such as changing profile types can be called directly from the ToDo Manager. This is not possible with manually created ToDos.
ToDos can have different states, which are represented by corresponding colors of the icons, such as Info, Warning, Error and None.
ToDos can be set as general or linked to individual components. If ToDos are linked to components, they will be highlighted when you move the mouse over the ToDo entry.
The ToDo Manager is much more than just a digital notepad - you can use it to make your workflow even more efficient.
Use the new Diagnostics tab to quickly analyze your design. All components, connections, stairs, sections, etc. are listed in a tree structure.
## Features
- SDNF Import
- SDNF Export
- Railings
- Drawings
- ToDo Manager
- Diagnostic-Tool
## Enhancements
- The baseplate now hides the gap option if it is not a double plate.
- The miter plate now hides the propagate holes function.
- Added Tolerance settings for AI-Connection.
- SolidSteel now only checks for updates after a successful login.
- The beam converter now skips bodyless parts and parts created by SolidSteel.
## Bug Fixes
- Stairs can now have boreholes in the top and bottom extensions.
- Fixed an issue with the beam converter that could cause a crash.
- Flipping the bolt direction from manual boltings now works as intended.
- Clicking "Apply" in the baseplate dialog now works.
- Fixed an issue with BOM creation that could cause a crash.
- When deleting a gusset plate, not all information was removed.
- Fixed an issue with miter cut previews that could cause a crash.
- Stair miter cuts are now correctly calculated when updating stairs.
- Plate converter now correctly highlights external parts.
- When placing more than one stair in a single session, the ID was cached and could cause failures in other functions.
- Sometimes custom connections could not be correctly loaded.
- Beam placement was incorrect at certain angles.
The Solid Steel parametric for Autodesk Inventor - Express version is available for free download.
Simply create a user account on our website and follow the online store to order for $0.
Use all the features of SolidSteel parametric for Autodesk Inventor for free with no hidden costs.
Only the number of possible joints is reduced. If you need to create larger designs, you can always upgrade your SolidSteel parametric to the Premium version.
You have additional questions about this topic? Our experts are pleased to help you. Just send us a Message or give us a call at +49 271 23167 0.