Download 3D Models & Blocks with Autodesk Seek

Finally! Autodesk Lab set loose the new web based tool Autodesk Seek.

Autodesk See k is a web-based search tool content primarily designed for AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) Industry. It allows architects, engineers, cad technicians and students to find generic or manufacturer specifications ,building products components or associated design content. The content could includes downloadable 3D models, 2D drawings, specifications, description for particular product component.

Put is simply as a compilation of content from several external sources and content libraries provided with Revit Architecture 2008, Revit MEP 2008, Revit Structure 2008, Autocad Architecture 2008 & Autocad MEP 2008 where the searchable design content supports different file types such as DGN, DWF, DWG, DXF, GSM, LCF, PDF, RFA, RVG, RVT, SKP & ZIP.

How to use the Autodesk Seek?

Autocad MEP Fatal Error on Unreconciled New Layer

Layer reconciliation was introduced on the Autocad 2008 products (AUTOCAD MEP 2008, AUTOCAD 2008). As I understand this is an Autocad 2008 notification to inform the user that there is a new layer being added – specially if you are xrefing a drawing. Very helpful for people who are strict in their layer setting and standard. But for those who will just use the external drawing as a reference, this layer reconciliation turns out to be annoying rather than helpful.

When you see the “Unreconciled New Layers” notification on the bottom right corner of your drawing screen it is always a good idea to view the unreconciled new layers in layer properties manager and fix the layer otherwise this will surely bug you when you plot your drawings. Believe me! because if you are going to plot the drawing without reconciling the layers, the plot notification dialog box about the unreconciled object will pop up many times. If you have 50 unreconciled layers you have to act on 50 popup box before you complete your plot command. The friendly Ctrl+alt+del will come to the rescue, should you find yourself in a hard situation like this (boss is standing behind you, waiting for the print out of drawing ) Continue reading …

Typical CAD Filing Structure

If you want to implement Autocad MEP in your company there are lots of things to consider. You should first consider the training, the learning curve of the autocad technician, the training strategies you will apply and importantly the CAD Filing structure and how you will manage your autocad library.

Cad filing structure is very important specially if your team is involved in differernt projects. When you have thousands of projects, consisting of thousands of drawings you will realize the proper filing and cad drawing and reference control is a must. Because good structure in filing your autocad drawings will save time in archiving, controlling and accessing the files you need to retrieve.

Here is a typical cad filing structure I proposed and implemented in our Engineering Department.

Typical CAD Filing Structure: Continue reading …

60 Autocad Tips in 60 Minutes

I’m a bit busy right now for exploring, training and implementation of the new software. The software is not actually for drafting & designing but it is for material takeoff, estimating and bidding. It is the On-Screen Takeoff Software, a software that lets the estimator takeoff a drawing in pdf, tif, jpg, dwg, bmp and other supported files right from their screen.

Anyways, this post is not about that takeoff software but about the quick presentation of Lynn Allen, a Cadalyst columnist and a worldwide Autodesk Technical Evangelist, entitled 60 Autocad Tips in 60 Minutes.

The 21 slides presentation talks about tips and techniques that will increase productivity in Autocad. From user interface tips, Customizing, Layers, dimensioning tidbits that for sure you will love. A recommended reading for Autocad users.

Here is the link, go check it out. Read & Learn.

AutoCAD MEP 2009 Electrical Panel Schedule Table Style

Lately I observed that I’m receiving visitors looking for information on the new Electrical Panel Schedule. So for those who arrive here checking for the update on the MEP Electrical Panel Schedule feature for the new realease of Autocad MEP or just trying to find an article where you can have additional knowlege regarding this electrical schedule then here it is I have an additional information for you.

It appears that this feature cannot be accessed via Autocad MEP Style Manager as I expected. Toby Smith of autodesk confirmed this in the discussion that the panel schedule wass created in Autocad table and since Autocad has no capacity of Style manager like the Autocad Architecture and Autocad MEP the electrical panel schedule will not appear in Style Manager.
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