Taking Fabrication FABmep models back into Revit 2013

In this blog I am going to give you an overview of how to take a model from Fabrication FABmep 2013 back into Autodesk Revit 2013. Remember, this workflow relies on an Autodesk Labs technology preview. We appreciate all feedback - if you have feedback and suggestions please use the contact details on the Autodesk Labs page.

FABmep Import for Revit MEP : http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/revit_fabmep/

Overview
The FABmep Import for Revit MEP is a free* technology preview that enables users to import Autodesk Fabrication FABmep models into Autodesk Revit MEP® software, providing round-tripping capabilities for as-built/record drawing purposes.

The import is intended to support geometry 'only' and does not maintain design or fabrication information.

Availability
FABmep Import is currently available in English. The English language version can be installed on any language version of Revit MEP 2013. This technology preview will operate until March 31, 2013.

Installation Procedure
1. Install Revit MEP 2013
2. Install FABmep Import for Revit MEP Add-ins
3. Install Fabrication FABmep 2013

To install the FABmep Import for Revit MEP Add-ins, the application Revit MEP 2013 must be installed first. This will enable the required manifest and associated system files to be deployed into the correct locations, the file versions are also automatically determined based on the operating system.

Default deployment locations:
C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Fabrication 2013\FABtoRME

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Revit\Addins\2013

When executing the Revit MEP 2013, the FABmep Import for Revit MEP (FAB to RME) Add-ins tool will be automatically present as illustrated below :

Step by Step guide importing Fabrication FABmep into Revit MEP : Domestic systems
To select systems within Fabrication FABmep 2013, the utilisation of manual selection can be conducted, or alternatively the process utilising the Workspace Filters can be executed to select services as required :

How to utilise the Workspace Filters

Select within the Workspace dialog the Filters command. Within the Filter dialog, Select Item Service Name from the drop down menu.

Right Click on the appropriate Service, then Select

Services contained in within the model will be highlighted accordingly.

To Export the data from the selected service, utilize the Revit Export run of items contained within the Data Exchange dialog

Data Exchange

The Export Run dialog will appear set the Save as type: RME Interchange File (*.RIF), then assign an appropriate File Name. Then Save accordingly.

The exported service data is now ready to import into the Revit MEP 2013 application.

1. To import the exported data from Fabrication FABmep 2013 into Revit MEP 2013. The   utilization of the FABmep import for Revit MEP (RME to FAB), as illustrated below.

2. Select the IN command, then Open the required exported (*.RIF) previously produced from Fabrication FABmep 2013.

3. The MAP Import dialog will appear :

4. The MAP Import dialog is broken down into four windows :

A: Fittings exported from the Fabrication FABmep 2013.

B: Revit families contained within the *.RVT project.

C: FAB to RME mapping of dimensional data.

D: Functionality to Read, Save and Clear assigned mapping data files, RVTMapDefinition.MAP.

Tube R250-X Converted to Pipes_Standard

Select the required fitting to be mapped within Window A. Then select the required Revit fitting within Window B as illustrated below. To apply critical dimensions to the fittings, scroll through the drop down menu. Then amend accordingly for the Revit Dimensions, as the following indicated below :

90 Elbow Converted to Elbow – Soldered – CU_Standard

Select the required fitting to be mapped within Window A. Then select the required Revit fitting within Window B as illustrated below. To apply critical dimensions to the fittings, scroll through The drop down menu. Then amend accordingly for the Revit Dimensions, as the following indicated below :

Tee (Equal) Converted to Tee-Soldered – CU_Standard

Select the required fitting to be mapped within Window A. Then select the required Revit fitting within Window B as illustrated below. To apply critical dimensions to the fittings, scroll through The drop down menu. Then amend accordingly for the Revit Dimensions, as the following indicated below :

Coupling Converted to Coupling - Soldered – CU_Standard

Select the required fitting to be mapped within Window A. Then select the required Revit fitting within Window B as illustrated below. To apply critical dimensions to the fittings, scroll through The drop down menu. Then amend accordingly for the Revit Dimensions the following indicated below :

5. Before selecting OK, the user has the ability to save mappings to the system. Once this has been saved to the appropriate RVTMapDefinition.MAP file, this will be remembered for future use. Note by utilizing the Read Mapping various RVTMapDefinition.MAP can be loaded into the MAP Import for various projects.

6. Select OK to finalize.

Tube R250-X Converted to Pipes_Standard

90 Elbow Converted to Elbow – Soldered – CU_Standard

Coupling Converted to Coupling – Soldered – CU_Standard

 

Comments

[Thomas Fuller, PCI Skanska]

It looks like the first critical necessity is to have Revit families that accurately match up to *.itm files to maintain integrity. Is this what TSI's Building-Data is providing the Aussies? Will Autodesk ever take on the responsibility of providing a truly easy and accurate interoperable workflow by providing OOTB content that maintains integrity in both Revit and FABmep?

It looks like you are mapping Tube R250-X to an actual Revit pipe type. Can that be done with duct? What is the purpose of MEP Curve based? Do you get actual pipe segments based FABmep setup of standard pipe lengths in Revit, or does it come in as one connected segment between fittings despite the length of run? Exactly what happens to the duct when it comes back to Revit?

The $64,000 question is actually, "Is this a temporary fix for interoperablility, or can we expect to see the former MAP software engineers provide us with a Revit MEP product that is worth a damn in sheet metal?"

Allow me to beat the dead horse again. Piping is straightforward because all content is largely static. Revit MEP sheet metal is not easily manipulated for complex duct sytems but it is fantastic for working in a team environment of designers and engineers. Please, please, please find a way to better bring the capabilities of both software systems together in a logical, easily iterative and user-friendly method.

I have not had the opportunity to test this method due to a number of factors, but I am a consistent user of both CADmep and Revit and the benefits to the design teams of better and more accurate software is of major value (at least to my firm).

This workflow might be in my future, but I would like to know more about how the systems behave once they are brought into Revit. Can we manipulate the sytems once inside Revit? Can we send the systems back to FABmep again, if necessary, for use of spooling features or additional reports?

Could I receive a .RVT file with this import having been done to it?

Thanks for the info!

[Gullifordjohn]

Do you have to install Revit MEP 2013 or is Revit Building Suite 2013 sufficient?