For mechanical engineers faced with tighter project timelines, complex building systems and a constant squeeze on profit margins, working smarter is essential – with automation being a key part of this. Here, Brad Freeman, MEP Solutions Specialist at Trimble explores how digital tools can automate repetitive mechanical design tasks, improving productivity and eliminating errors.
Even in today’s industry, a chunk of a mechanical engineer’s time can still be taken up by repetitive and manual tasks, whether that’s carrying out calculations by hand, cross-referencing spreadsheets, updating drawings or correcting clashes. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, with digital tools and platforms offering intelligent features and functionalities that allow engineers to design better and work smarter. The result? Reduced likelihood of human error, protected profit margins and considerable productivity gains.
Trimble Stabicad is one example of this, built specifically for mechanical engineers. Designed to run seamlessly within Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD or on it’s own standalone CAD platform, it speeds up, simplifies and de-risks the design process through intelligent automation. So, how does Stabicad eliminate repetitive CAD tasks?
Integrated calculations
Still using standard CAD software for 2D drawings and then exporting the data to complex spreadsheets for manual sizing, pressure loss and load calculations?
Stabicad allows engineers to move away from these time-consuming and error prone spreadsheets, with UK-localised and CIBSE-compliant calculations built directly into the platform. As well as saving time, this integrated approach drastically reduces the risk of costly manual errors and provides assurances that the mechanical design meets relevant building codes and standards.
With connected workflows, you don’t need to update external spreadsheets whenever a design changes. As you draw, Stabicad continuously calculates everything in real-time within the model itself. Change a duct size, and the pressure loss is updated instantly. This eliminates manual data transfer and ensures your design remains fully coordinated and accurate.
Nodesolver tool
Connection design is another key area for automation, especially with complex pipe and duct routing. The Nodesolver tool automatically suggests valid, constructible solutions for connection nodes with one-click routing. It resolves entire connections in seconds rather than hours, delivering proven productivity gains of up to 300%.
MEP content library
Say goodbye to trawling through supplier brochures or websites looking for specific parts. Users gain instant access to MEPcontent, an extensive library of over 600,000 real-world manufacturer components and systems, allowing teams to easily incorporate accurate and up-to-date content within their designs.
Access to this data not only ensures more accurate schedules of materials, but it also supports more informed designs complete with precise dimensional, connection, and calculation data.
Auto-routing
Stabicad bridges the gap between traditional CAD drafting and intelligent 3D modelling. As part of this, the auto-routing functionality automatically places fittings and updates pipes, ducts and related properties during system modelling or modification, saving time and avoiding clashes or rework further down the line.
Documentation
By using the model as a central source of information, it’s easy to generate quantity take-offs and bill of materials at just the click of a button. As well as saving valuable time, this automated workflow can reduce the chance for error, eradicating the process of manually noting down parts and quantities or relying on spreadsheet formulas. Parametrically linked, any last-minute design changes made in the model will automatically be reflected in the associated documentation, tags and schedules.