The FABmep Import for Revit MEP plug-in is now available on Autodesk Labs! This technology preview enables users to import Fabrication FABmep models back into Revit MEP 2013, supporting Revit based workflows.
One example, and a common request, is round-tripping Fabrication FABmep models for the production of as-built/record models…but, what do you need to do with the resulting Revit MEP model? See how well this technology preview works for you, and please let us have your feedback. We want to know about your experiences, expectations and requirements.
Remember, this is an Autodesk Lab’s technology preview, so the usual terms and conditions apply.
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Who do I contact with a FAB to RME problem?
Posted by: Rick | 07/11/2012 at 04:57 PM
Can get MAJ file into FAB, can't save back to RIF?
Posted by: David Mettler | 07/13/2012 at 11:53 AM
seems difficult...
although the lab site says it's just geometry only, it's not quite that bad. it's actually (pending proper mapping) importing pipes and fittings, albeit generic, they're more than simple geometry... which is good B) better than what's currently available. though, there's work to be done for sure. when i tried to import a reducing tee, got a very tiny tee that wasn't reducing at all. also tried importing some 90 degree elbows, those were very small as well. the orientation of all the fittings was wrong but one. the pipe all came in the right size though. didn't do much more than a few pipes and tee's and elbows, but if all this can be fixed and the mapping more automated, this would be a promising tool for sure. posting here because this is where it was suggested in the labs page. thanks!
Posted by: Tim | 07/13/2012 at 12:48 PM
At a minimum connectivity between fittings would be needed. Additionally a setup simalar to IFC setup would be good to be able to check what data you could transfer.
Posted by: Greg | 07/19/2012 at 10:10 AM
I am currently working on a project that is requiring a LOD 500 BIM model that is requiring it to be imported into Revit for AS-Built and File Storage. First, the biggest thing that is required, the model needs to be accurate when is brought into Revit from FABmep (size, orientation, and location.)
After that can be figured out, the biggest thing that needs to happen, is the fittings, pipe, and equipment needs to remain intelligent. If I have a 2" Bronze/Nibco/150#/S-580-70 Ball Valve, then I need that information to come across to Revit. Otherwise I might as well toss my CAD-mech subscription out the window and design everything in Revit and export to FABmep for construction. If the items that are imported into Revit do not retain their intelligence, you end up with a generic model in a model field with no information. The "I" in BIM is Information. Without the information, you have a Building Management Model. I can provide that with a Navisworks NWD file to be viewed in Freedom. As you now, one of the most powerful things about Revit is the information that it can provide. Give us the ability to use the "I" in BIM.
Posted by: Eric | 07/19/2012 at 01:33 PM
Hi all, Thanks all for the feedback, we actively look and digest your posts.
There is no reason why you should not be able to take the FABmep model and set up the mappings in such a way that it points to manufactures content in Revit, assuming you have built it. In your example, if you have a '2" Bronze/Nibco/150#/S-580-70 Ball Valve' in FABmep, map that to your '2" Bronze/Nibco/150#/S-580-70 Ball Valve' in Revit and you have the "I" in BIM. If you map it to generic, not so much BIM!
The trick is to get the mapping correct, dimensions especially, I have noticed that a lot of Revit content requires the Radius mapping, where as FABmep has a Diameter, so you have to set this to a 'calc' field and map the Revit Radius to equal the FABmep Diameter/2.0
Posted by: Andy Robins | 07/23/2012 at 02:22 AM
The biggest reason I can think of is that I'm on a design team that uses Revit almost exclusively. Since Revit doesn't have the capability in the duct department that the Fabrication 2013 products have, I occasionally choose to use CADmep for my design. Yes, I'm a mechanical designer using CADmep for engineering documents - that may be a shocker. But then again, I'm a ten year veteran of the SMWIA and used CADmep and CAMduct as a detailer and fabricator.
Revit is ten times the tool for documentation and project management tha AutoCAD is from a "drafter's" perspective. Last minute sheet revisions and titleblock changes and architectural/structural model changes - all those items are just easier to manage in Revit. I love Revit for everything except sheet metal. Revit is terrible at sheet metal for everything but the most basic and generic duct systems.
So, I want Revit for documentation, but I want Fabrication2013 products for creation of my HVAC models.
Thanks!
Posted by: Thomas Fuller, PCI Skanska | 07/26/2012 at 04:02 AM