Graitec Advance Steel
Graitec Advance Steel
Graitec Advance Steel was officially launched as a world class Steel modeling and detailing solution based on an AutoCAD platform and was a further development of the very powerful and widely respected hyper steel software platform after Graitec acquired the German developer of this popular Steel engineering and detailing platform.
Functionality wise Advance Steel detailing software has everything you would expect from a specialist Structural steel detailing package with a feature set that is comparable to those expensive software and a quick peek at the customer examples on the Graitec website will show that this Steel design and detailing software is more than capable of giving its established rivals a severe run for their money.
However, as you would expect from a leading technology developer such as Graitec they clearly 
have no intention of merely being comparable to the competition and the software actually outclasses that of it established rivals in a number of key areas.
Ease Of Use:
Given the familiarity of the user interface the fact that the learning curve is far shorter than that of its rivals, any 2D or 3D AutoCAD users will find the transition to a specialist modeling package far easier than the reported steep learning curves from others expensive software.
Interoperability:
As well as having class leading import and export capability to industry standard file formats, being based on dwg format interoperability with other Autodesk platforms is simply second to none. This is proving invaluable to companies that roundtrip design data to both structural engineers and architects as almost all of these will already have .dwg file compatibility. In addition to the .dwg format Graitec have also developed an exceptional plug in for Autodesk’s emerging Revit software.
Companies involved in any manner of steel engineering or engineering design containing high levels of steel that are using other generic 3D modeling packages can also benefit hugely from Advance Steel as well.
Functionality:
GRAITEC’s software development team have done an excellent job of developing specialized sub programs (affectionately known as macros) for a number of detailing and design functions for example cold rolled steel, cladding, stair design and railings and balustrades to name but a few, that are simply second to none.
These address key weaknesses reported by other software users particularly in the area of stairs and railing. Don't misunderstand though competitors can produce these but the time taken and ease of modeling is simply not comparable to using Advance Steel's tools.
In addition Advance Steel's macro's remain dynamic (unless you want to break them) so any design changes are very quick indeed and don't require the user to start again from scratch for each design iteration.
Drawing Output:
Fabrication and detailed drawing output is exceptionally flexible and can be tailored to suit literally thousands of different requirements. Given its .dwg roots its ability to easily generate complex GA's and the ease of adding of additional details (which is pretty much the norm these days when detailing with structural engineers or architects) is first class and can be done within the steel detailing software.
Advantages:
• Bi-directional interface with STADD and Plant Design software (PDS),PDMS, Autodesk and other S/W.
• Model Sharing (Multy User).
• Intelligent and Parametric Steel structural modeling
• Concrete Element Library Like Slab, Footing, Wall, Beam, Colum, Timber, etc
• Complete flexibility with AutoCAD platform
• All the standard sections/member available in the library
• Customization in Connection and Section Library.
• Connection design and generates reports as per the AISC and EC3 codes.
• Clash detection
• Automatic drawing generation for the Fabrication, GA, connection Details and assemblies in .DWG format itself.
• International standards for detailing available
• Automatic BOQ/MTO generated in Excel, PDF or DOC
• DSTV standard CNC data files are generated for the fabrication
• KISS and EJE files are generated.
• Import and Export with SDNF, PSS, CIS/2, IFC, KISS, FSS, And others,
Anyone considering investing in a more productive solution for their fabrication, steel design, steel detailing or steel engineering business would be well advised to ensure that GRAITEC’s Advance Steel solution is high on the shortlist. Especially given its excellent pedigree, technology platform functionality, low cost of ownership and the outstanding return on investment it gives.
Additionally, If you prefer a solution based around AutoCAD steel detailing software from Graitec will undoubtedly be the only logical choice..
