The Advance Steel workflow goes: start from the template, set the project settings, place grids, build the 3D model, add connections, run a model check, number the parts, make the drawings, make the BOMs and lists, and export the CNC files. Do it in that order and each step builds on the one before it.
Advance Steel is designed around this order. Skip a step or do it out of order and you’ll be redoing work, like renumbering after a late model change. Below is what each step is and the mistakes that cause trouble.
What is the Advance Steel workflow?
- Start a New File Using the Advance Steel Template
- Modify Project Settings
- Create Grids
- Create a 3D Structural Model
- Add Required Connections
- Perform Model Check
- Assign Numbering
- Generate Drawings
- Generate BOMs, Parts Lists, Reports
- Generate NC/DStV/DXF Files for Machining
Here’s what each step involves:
1. Start from the Advance Steel template
Advance Steel installs with a default template (imperial or metric). Start every project from it, or from your own custom template if you’ve set one up for your shop’s standards.
2. Set the project settings
Before you model anything, set up the project information, such as the country profile and units (length, weight, area, and so on).
3. Place the grids
Next, place the grid. Everything you need to know about grids is in this article: All About Grid Lines in Advance Steel.
4. Build the 3D model
Place the beams, columns, plates, stairs, handrails and gratings, plus any concrete you need for reference, like slabs and footings.
5. Add the connections
Once the members are in, add the connections from the Connection Vault. It has a lot of ready-made connection types, and you can make and save your own custom connections.
6. Check the model
Before any drawings, run the model checks to catch clashes and duplicate parts.
7. Number the parts
With the model built, connected and checked, number it. Every single part and assembly needs a mark before you make drawings. See numbering in Advance Steel.
8. Make the drawings
Once the model is numbered, Advance Steel can make a full set of single part, assembly, anchor plan and general arrangement drawings in a few minutes. Use the Drawing Processes or Drawing Styles palette.
9. Make the BOMs and lists
Bills of material, part lists and reports come straight from the model, from the BOM templates.
10. Export the CNC files
If the shop cuts members on CNC machines, Advance Steel can generate the NC/DStV/DXF files for them automatically.
What mistakes break the workflow?
- Numbering before the model check. Duplicate parts get their own marks, and fixing them means renumbering.
- Changing the model after the drawings. It’s normal, but update the drawings and renumber if parts changed. Don’t edit the drawings by hand to match.
- Skipping project settings. Wrong units or country settings show up later on every drawing.
- Building connections one by one. Set one up and copy it. See how to copy a connection.
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