AceCad Software of the UK is set to release yet another development of its two principal products, known as StruCad V13, following a series of launches earlier this year.

These included the StruCad V12, the StruMIS .NET V7 and StruConnect.
AceCad’s two leading products include StruCad, which is considered to be the world’s leading 3D structural steel detailing system and StruMIS .NET, which is described as the ultimate production management package for steelwork fabricators.

StruCad
Elaborating on StruCad, a spokesman for AceCad Software says: “The intelligent design of StruCad 3D modelling system, which is considered to be quick and easy to learn and implement, was brought about by over 20 years of commitment to the international structural steel sector and has resulted in incorporation of industry-critical knowledge and intrinsic experience of best practice work flows.
The layout of the software is clear and easy to understand with the option of modelling in either the full solid mode for clarity and orientation or the wireframe for ultimate speed. With a truly intuitive system for the modelling of steel connections, projects can be rapidly created in 3D.
“Completed or part models may be freely distributed amongst members of the project team using StruCad freeware, enabling all involved to view both the rendered 3D model in any orientation and interrogate connections. This advanced freeware product also facilitates viewing of all fabrication drawings and aids the early identification and resolution of member clashes and design issues.”
The model may be initiated in any design/analysis system and imported directly into StruCad to facilitate model generation and automatic fabrication data output. Via either direct import or whether modelling from scratch, there are numerous output options to facilitate optimum project management, including an integrated estimating system to enable the user to conveniently incorporate processing and production costs and accurately tender for projects.
“With what is widely regarded as the most accurate automatic drawing output available for structural steel fabrication, a substantial amount of project time can be saved as there is little or no editing requirement. All materials and production listings are similarly automatically generated to enable procurement teams to easily plan and schedule deliveries with complete integration facilitated with production systems such as StruMIS .NET,” he adds.
In addition to all the fabrication drawings and materials listing output, StruCad also produces the latest industry standard CAM data for CNC machinery – enabling the user to seamlessly transfer fabrication information to his production machinery.
The spokesman continues: “StruCad delivers across the contract, whether modelling from the ground up or working with existing engineer’s designs within a supply chain. The StruCad model forms a unique database that facilitates unlimited collaboration with design and analysis teams through bi-directional links using best-of-breed software and combines world-beating output to enable the accurate fabrication of the project. This complete supply chain process is all reinforced by StruCad freeware to enable the collaboration process to be both visualised in 3D and ultimately realised.”

StruMIS .NET
Turning to StruMIS .NET, he says that AceCad Software developed the StruMIS .NET production management system to facilitate even greater productivity advantages for steelwork contractors. This advanced software integrates all departments and suppliers involved in a project, delivering significant efficiencies in terms of time, process and materials savings whilst substantially increasing profitability. Contracts are effectively managed through the system with procurement, inventory and production management facilities combined with live visual project tracking via the 3D model, he says.
“Project managers and indeed any enabled member of the project team may view the model and immediately ascertain the status of individual members and components in the project – from stock on order, materials in inventory through to fabrication tracking, transportation and site sequence erection,” the spokesman says.

New software
He continues: “This year, AceCad has released a number of revolutionary new software products that have dramatically benefited thousands of organisations within the structural steel industry. These recent developments include significant additions to the world-leading detailing software with the release of StruCad V12.
“StruCad V12 combines industry-leading functionality with superior innovative features, providing unique competitive advantages to users through increased modelling speed and accurate automatic output.”
AceCad also recently released StruMIS .NET V7, indicating its commitment to the structural steel sector and in response to competitive pressures demanding even greater productivity improvements within the industry.
“The product of more than 15 years of best practice research and dedicated learning, this completely rewritten definitive production and management information system for steelwork fabricators facilitates complete process control and delivers efficiencies that are truly ground-breaking. Either standalone or with additional benefits of visual production tracking via 3D model when integrated with StruCad, StruMIS .NET will both significantly increase the user’s profitability and change the way he view his business,” the spokesman explains.
StruConnect is the latest addition to the StruCad detailing system, being an integrated connection design tool, enabling users to design and modify connections as required.
“This superb addition allows bi-directional transfer between the design programme and the StruCad joints and will form part of the new content of StruCad V13, due for launch later this year,” he says.
StruCad V13 will be yet another major release for AceCad Software this year and includes a new macro connection wizard that is set to rapidly increase modelling speed.
“This exciting new feature automatically applies appropriate connections to an existing set of members dramatically reducing detailing time,” says the spokesman.
Additional new tools incorporated that similarly increase detailing efficiency include several CAD macros, that graphically create shapes and increase detailing flexibility, including enabling graphical editing of base drawing files. With improved shaping tools for cutting and editing members, this latest version of StruCad will deliver both enhanced interactive modelling facilities and increased manipulation.
“StruCad has always delivered accurate automatic output, considered by the industry to be class leading. This latest version of StruCad builds on this deserved reputation with improved graphical representation in drawings and increased output range. For example, general arrangement drawings now include improved connection detail and automatic labelling. Additional system support is provided through the inclusion of import/export/xref/batch conversion for the latest DWG/DWF files with the added benefit of drawing conversion to PDF. New output features include incorporation of the latest DSTV standards for maximum CAM/CNC compatibility,” the spokesman says.
AceCad Software Limited pursues an advanced development programme and constantly delivers superior software, resulting in increased benefits and productivity advances for its valued users worldwide.
“Whilst the advanced nature of AceCad’s software delivers advantages in organisational efficiency and reduces the time required to model and complete complex projects, the output facilitates rapid collaboration, fabrication and ultimately erection,” he says.
AceCad Software claims to be the only software vendor that provides a complete integrated software package for both the major structural steelwork contractor and the individual subcontractors involved in a typical structural steelwork project team – from design through to erection.
“With industry-leading third-party integration as standard and unrestricted freeware collaboration, AceCad provides the best of breed tools required for advanced building and fabrication information modelling – ready for immediate adoption!” he claims.