File Formats
This page will give you a brief explanation of the file
formats used by
CompuSteel Detailing Inc.
CompuSteel can import a "model" from certain Engineering software. Typically we receive a file (mostly via the internet) and import the file into SDS/2. Once the file is input we can generate a model with all of the main structural members intact. At this time we can generate an accurate ABM (Advance Bill of Materials) file. This file will contain the material for all columns, beams, vertical and horizontal bracing. It will not include, base plates, specific moment connections, or other specific connection types, these will be generated through manipulation of the model. This information would be based on the accuracy of the Engineering model. The advantages of using the DesignLink is within a few moments we can generate the ABM giving the fabricator plenty of time to go to the mill for material. Also, it eliminates the time it takes to input the job, saving time on the overall detailing timeframe. These files are generally created by Engineering software such as Frameworks to create a steel detailing neutral file.
SDS/2 Plot Files
These are the typical files output by CompuSteel. These are plot files that can be sent to
specific plotters for plotting. We can output these files to virtually any
printer or plotter on the market. These files cannot be manipulated, just
plotted. This is the format that we use to archive projects to CDrom. These files are
generated using the detail drawings number as the filename with an .plt extension. These can
typically be dropped directly to a plotting system.
SDS/2 DXF Files
These are files exported by SDS/2. These files can be read and manipulated by AutoCad or
Intergraph or any other Cad package. These files may not view with 100% accuracy. Due to line weights and font
types you may experience some difficulty with overwriting. These files can be used by
companies with CNC equipment to automatically generate subassembly material.
These are vector graphics that can be manipulated by cad programs.
Tiff (Tag(ged) Image File Format)
These are files usually generated by scanning the original source material. These can be
Engineering drawings, or detail sheets created by CompuSteel. These files are more AutoCad
friendly than the DXF files generated by SDS/2. These are raster images that can be viewed
with any graphics program that can view raster images. We use this format to archive
files to CDrom.
DXF (Vector)
These files are generated by graphics packages such are AutoCad and Intergraph. CompuSteel
can use these images to create erection drawings. We can also import these images into
SDS/2 and use them for special applications such as creating internal erection drawings,
job standards, etc.
DXF (Raster)
These files are usually generated by scanning drawings and importing them into a
graphics program such are AutoCad and Intergraph. CompuSteel
can use these images to create erection drawings by creating layers on top of
the original image.
Plot Files with *.000 and *.PLT Extensions
These are plotter files typically generated by graphics packages such are AutoCad and
Intergraph. If these files are generated by "plotting to file" using a HPGL
plotter driver CompuSteel can send these files directly to our digital plotter. Typically these files plot with an exact duplication of the original, and is exclusive of
the font types and line weights. This keeps us from having to use proprietary font files
to generate accurate drawings.
This format allows us to create a variety of documents that can be viewed and printed by virtually anyone. All you need is the Adobe Reader to view and print, or plot files created in PDF. We use this format when we need to send files to a company that is not compatible with our other file types. PDF files can be viewed but not easily modified. We are currently using Adobe Acrobat 6 Professional.
Note:
Vector images are easily modified by cad packages.
Vector images contain individual entities that can be manipulated.
Raster Graphics are basically a "snapshot" of an image.
The components are locked together to form one entity.
Raster images cannot be easily modified.
