With today's release, all Apps for SOLIDWORKS are available in new versions. SolidSteel parametric v8.0.0, DSTV Assistant v6.0.0, LOGIKAL Interface v2.0.0 and AluFrame Assistant v6.0.0 bring a range of new features, improvements and bug fixes that will make day-to-day design work noticeably easier. The detailed changelogs can be found, as usual, at the end of this post.
SolidSteel parametric
DSTV Assistant
LOGIKAL Interface
AluFrame Assistant
Further Information
Not yet familiar with the Apps for SOLIDWORKS?
The Diagnostics tool in SolidSteel parametric has received a substantial upgrade in version 8.0.0. New additions include a revised delete function, which allows faulty or no longer needed elements to be removed directly from within the Diagnostics tool – a step that previously had to be done manually via the feature tree. In addition, a dedicated category for structures such as stairs has been introduced, so that these elements are now listed separately from other components in a clear and organised way. Particularly useful: the new link between the design area and the task pane allows direct navigation from the Diagnostics tool to the relevant element in the model – and vice versa.
Users who deploy SolidSteel parametric in a network environment or across multiple workstations will appreciate the new one-step function for setting all paths. Instead of configuring each path individually, all relevant paths can now be defined in a single step. When setting a new database path, automatic language detection now also kicks in, independently identifying the correct database language.
For users working with custom profile templates, the types L_SHEET, U_SHEET and Z_SHEET have been added for custom sheet metal profiles. The file properties of profiles have been extended with the klName property. For the end plate, it is now possible to select planes as a reference, providing greater flexibility in positioning. The haunch has been extended with options for alternative chamfers.
Until now, the tolerance for bore holes could only be set in the settings via a dropdown with three fixed levels – small, medium and large – per thread type. For connections with automatically generated bore holes, such as the end plate, the hole diameter was derived automatically from these predefined values based on the selected bolt size.
With the new Hole Diameter Table, this convenience feature has been extended to allow fully individualised configuration. In the system settings of SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS, under the Bolts section, the option "Use Hole Diameter Table" can be activated. Clicking the associated button opens an Excel table in which column A lists all thread sizes (e.g. M16) and column B contains the desired bore hole diameter for each. This gives users complete control over which hole diameter is used for which thread type – independent of the previous default values.
The SSp task pane now supports navigation using the arrow keys – a small but noticeable improvement in everyday use. In the Rename Parts area, an entry for the position number has been added along with a link to the documentation. System-relevant folders in the feature tree are hidden from this version onwards, which noticeably improves the overview in the model tree. In addition, the log files have been extended to include information about the version of SolidSteel parametric and SOLIDWORKS in use – helpful for troubleshooting and support.
With version 8.0.0, SolidSteel parametric takes the next step in BIM integration: IFC export is now available directly from within the app. Steel design models can be exported to the open BIM exchange format – a long-awaited feature for everyone working in mixed planning environments or collaborating with architects and building services engineers.
For anyone who wants to see the IFC export in action, this video provides a detailed demonstration of the functionality and its possibilities.
We walk through the export dialog, the available settings, and open the exported model in a BIM viewer – covering the complete workflow in SolidSteel parametric through to the final IFC file.
Diagnostics: Fixed an error when refreshing the diagnostics
Fixed an error during position number update for fasteners
Stiffener: In isolated cases, stiffeners could no longer be edited after placement
Stiffener: Fixed a placement error when selecting the profile edge
Seating Cleat: Fixed an error with large changes to plate width
Seating Cleat: Fixed an update error after profile editing
Rename Parts: Fixed an error with weld assemblies and multi-placement of parts
Rename Parts: Renamed parts started with Test
Rename Parts: Extended for curved profiles
Clip Angle: When all presets were deleted, placement caused error messages
Stair: Configuration window was displayed in English even with language set to German
Gusset Plate: Fixed an error with face selection
Gusset Plate: Switching between cut options did not work reliably
Log File and Support Mail: Adjusted the time zone used
End Plate: Fixed an error in the side navigation
Face Cut: Fixed an error with profile extension via face cut
Settings: Tolerances could only be changed to a limited extent
Settings: Preset categories changed their label during use of SSp
Metadata Update: Fixed an error with suppressed bodies
Contour Cut: Fixed the error "Profiles do not meet"
Custom Connection: Deleting removed the wrong connection in some assemblies
Custom Connection: Fixed an error with radius alignment
Drawing Export: Invalid characters in order number are now handled correctly
ToDo Manager: Fixed an error when deleting entries
Seating Cleat: Fixed an error when deleting
Profile recognition in DSTV Assistant has been improved in several areas. Among the identified profiles, a distinction is now made between fully and partially recognised profiles: fully recognised profiles appear in the list as usual, while a new, separate category has been introduced for partially recognised profiles. This creates greater transparency in the analysis results and prevents faulty recognitions from passing unnoticed into further processing.
The profile length detection for SSp profiles has been improved, as has the direction detection for L-profiles. For T-profiles, an option for orientation switching is now available in the settings. Sheet metal recognition has been optimised so that the Z-axis is aligned according to the largest detected face – an important step for correct further processing in DSTV format.
The recognition of STEP files has been improved: previously, former SSp files could not be recognised in certain cases – this issue has been resolved.
The sheet metal export has been improved with regard to compatibility with external readers, making the exchange with downstream applications more reliable. The automatic sheet metal unfolding has also been revised.
An option for placeholders is now available in the settings. An option for the default resolution has been added to the analysis. The English translation of the interface has been revised.
Bug Fixes:
Object reference errors are now handled more robustly
Fixed an error with placeholders for drawing numbers – changes in the settings were not applied immediately
Folder path could not be changed when the path did not exist – fixed
Quick start did not work with Toolbox parts – fixed
Fixed incorrect outer contour size for C-profiles
Stability improved – in isolated cases, the analysis of assemblies crashed
Automatic sheet metal unfolding improved
U-profiles with mitre cut – angle detection improved
Version 2.0.0 of LOGIKAL Interface is a particularly comprehensive release that places the integration between LOGIKAL and SOLIDWORKS on a new foundation. The focus is on three major new features: Material Mapping, SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties Support and a redesigned Export UI.
With the new Material Mapping, LOGIKAL materials can be specifically mapped to SOLIDWORKS materials, with support for custom-defined materials as well. The assignment is carried out automatically when creating block templates and can be updated retrospectively for existing templates. This eliminates manual rework and ensures that material data is transferred consistently between both systems.
Profile information from LOGIKAL can now be written directly to the SOLIDWORKS Custom Properties of a part. The naming of individual properties is freely configurable – users can define under which name a property appears in SOLIDWORKS. This opens up new possibilities for automated bill of materials and drawing creation directly from within SOLIDWORKS.
When creating block templates, the material is now added automatically. For both processes – block creation and import – a progress bar has been added, providing transparency on the current status when handling larger data volumes. During import, the colour of the assigned SOLIDWORKS material can optionally be overridden with the colour from the 3DXML metadata.
The export interface has been extended. The selected target position is now displayed directly, and the LOGIKAL target project or target position – i.e. the position to which the listed External Machinings are applied – can be changed after the fact. This eliminates the need to run through the export dialog again when making corrections. Links to the manual have been added in both the export and settings areas.
The settings have been extended with two new tabs: one for material assignment and one for Custom Property Mapping.
Fixed an error when creating glass elements
Fixed an error with diagonal notches
Fixed an error with mitre cuts
With version 6.0.0, AluFrame Assistant users gain significantly more control over the representation of their designs. A preset display level can now be configured in the settings – the available options are detailed, simplified and minimal. In addition, a new global toggle allows the display level across an entire assembly to be switched in a single step. This is particularly useful for complex assemblies, where a simplified or minimal representation can noticeably reduce the computational load and speed up navigation.
From now on it's possible to save the profile templates in a location defined by the user, no matter if it's on the local machine or in a network. Therefore AluFrame Assistant is now better suited for distributed environments.
One of the most practically relevant new features in version 6.0.0 is the new single-part drawing export for aluminium profiles. Single-part drawings can now be generated directly from within AluFrame Assistant, without the detour via manual SOLIDWORKS drawing templates.
New passwords are required for installation.
You can obtain the new passwords:
From your sales partner from whom you purchased the product
or in the Klietsch PasswordCenter (if you are a direct customer)
Please request "Update Passwords" for a version update.
Please add the update passwords to the licence file. Together with the existing passwords, the new version will be activated.
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