There are many reasons why architectural and engineering firms require AutoCAD to Revit conversion services. But one thing is certain, low-quality drawing conversions can be ripe with errors; lost layers and line types, unusable line types (raster graphics rather than vector elements), corrupt or missing data, zero-length lines which can corrupt a drawing file, and loss of Z-plane dimensions.
While CAD software companies have worked hard to improve the quality of translating and converting files from one platform to another, the process still requires a certain amount of checks and balances to ensure a clean and error-free conversion. The most recent release of AutoCAD 2017 has finally tackled the issue of .pdf to .dwg conversion into native AutoCAD objects – a long-awaited feature.
Post-processing of converted drawings is key to a successful conversion. AutoCAD blocks which were exploded before conversion, should be re-blocked after conversion. Layers, line weights and styles, and other features that were lost should be re-established within the new Revit drawing. Overall dimensional accuracy should be checked against the original to ensure a clean translation.
Accurate and complete conversions require attention to detail, in addition to applying the productivity features which make post-processing of converted drawings easier.
Considerations for Outsourcing AutoCAD to Revit Conversions
The most common reason for outsourcing Revit conversion is to take advantage of the BIM software applications the program offers. Many companies hesitate to make the switch to BIM using Revit because of the vast amount of drawings, details, standards, and schedules that are already accomplished in pure AutoCAD. But, the worst time to acclimate your staff to a new software platform is when the company starts a new BIM project.
It is for this reason companies consider converting all drawings into Revit format. As part of a total office conversion to Revit, many companies opt to have supplementary documents converted by third-party engineering services as part of becoming a full BIM consultant.
The second most often cited reason is to bring all disciplines under the Revit umbrella. This way mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP services) documentation can be easily and accurately coordinated with the architectural and structural disciplines. This way moving a door on the architectural plan is automatically updated for all other engineering groups.
Relying on the fact that MEP files drawn in AutoCAD can link to Revit drawings successfully, does not constitute a total Revit BIM project. Your company can take advantage of the full array of features and benefits of BIM when the entire project and all disciplines are on the same platform.
A third consideration when outsourcing conversion tasks is the benefit of establishing a foundation of drawing templates (such as title blocks and schedules); Revit standards of text, lines, dimensions, and other symbology; a wide range of insertable blocks with appropriate data tags; and the many, many blocks, components, assemblies and details which are repeatedly used on every project – these items are the foundation of all projects and the reason why CAD saves time over manual drafting.
Establishing a clean Revit template into which the AutoCAD drawings will be translated into will ensure adherence to corporate standards for all documentation – either converted or new drawings.
Benefits of AutoCAD to Revit Conversion
1. Offers time to train in-house staff – if your company is making the decision to offer BIM and/or Revit project engineering, your staff will need the time to be trained – or at least the hiring of a minimum of already trained Revit designers and drafters. Your converted Revit drawings and models can provide a base for future projects.
2. Compatible with your existing AutoCAD systems – Another benefit of utilizing Revit conversion services is the interoperability between the two platforms. Even older projects which may still be in AutoCAD format can be used for new Revit projects – especially those that are not BIM-based. The point is, for an existing AutoCAD-based architectural and engineering firm, migrating to Revit is the preferred choice of BIM applications.
3. Converted drawings are clean drawings – before converting AutoCAD drawing to Revit, each file should be purged and cleaned to consolidate items according to layer, color, and line type. The cleaning process removes extraneous information that is not necessary to the final drawing – this could be unused reference file attachments, clipped windows, and unused layers and block references.
4. File sharing between contractors and fabricators – Since many secondary engineering services have also implemented BIM-compatibility services, shop drawings are increasingly being pulled directly from the BIM model. End-to-end BIM methods are providing greater accuracy and fewer in-field systems clashes. For this reason, a structural Revit project, should and can have a compatible mechanical and plumbing model created in Revit, rather than AutoCAD.
5. Conversion of all drawing types – Work with a conversion services provider experienced in all types of AEC drawings including electrical, fire and life safety, plumbing, security, and mechanical. The goal is to create projects which are fully Revit-based for easy integration into a BIM framework. In the past, the architectural and structural portions may have been created in Revit – but in order to fully implement all stages of BIM planning and construction, all disciplines should exist in Revit.
6. Ability to integrate Revit content from manufacturers – Many third-party system suppliers and other vendors which manufacture A&E products for the new construction are now offering their content in both .dwg (AutoCAD format) and in Revit format. Converting your drawings to Revit allows Interior Designers to use Revit based furniture and interior systems drawing objects from these manufacturers. As BIM becomes further entrenched in the design world, expect project stakeholders to demand 100% Revit compatibility.
7. Keeps in-house staff free for billable projects – Avoid paying in-house designers and drafters top wages for drawing conversion projects. Drawing conversions are usually an overhead expense which is often not billable. The fastest and most economical method is to outsource this type of work to drafting contractors that can spend 100% of their time purging, converting, and standardizing the drawings per your company’s standards.
What to Look for in A Conversion Services
Converting an AutoCAD project into Revit files is time-consuming and requires patience along with a dedication to ensuring that each piece of text, each graphical element, every dimension, and every block is correct. Make sure the service you choose to convert your drawings has the minimum hardware requirements dictated by AutoCAD along with the proper revision level of Revit. A 64 bit OS and over 3 GB of ram are the suggested minimum system requirements by AutoCAD. You can also review the Autodesk Data Exchange Standards in the AEC Industry for more information.
An experienced and reputable conversion service can also give a fairly accurate time frame and project cost. This would be gleaned from the company’s former conversion project experience for similar projects. You can also expect these firms to be equipped to automate as much of the process as possible, in order to save them time – and save you money.
INDBIM can answer any questions you may have about AutoCAD to Revit conversion services. We are fully equipped and staffed to convert past projects, in-house standards and specifications, as well as your current AutoCAD project into Revit. Our years of experience on both large and small projects in a range of industries will work to your benefit when you decide on AutoCAD to Revit conversion.