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Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models

BIM or Building Information Modeling is a powerful tool that Contractors,

Architects, Engineers, and others have been utilizing more frequently every
year. In the U.S. alone, BIM adoption has increased approximately 400% in the Table of Contents
past 10 years and continues to grow every year. In this article, I am going to ■■ Enhancements
discuss how to modify Autodesk Inventor models with BIM Exchange so that
■■ How to Convert Inventor Models
they can be imported into other AEC applications such as Autodesk Revit with
the needed metadata built in. In addition, I will be covering the enhancements ■■ About the Author: Jason Swiercz
made to Inventor 2018 to help users become more effecient in this process.

Enhancements
Autodesk has streamlined the process and enhanced the tools within Inventor to allow building product engineers a more
effective and efficient way to export their design with BIM compliant data into Revit. As an Inventor 2018 user you will see work-
flow enhancements from 2017 that eliminate steps for converting part or assembly files to Revit Families. The images below
depict the workflows recommended by Autodesk. Consider that the 2018 workflow is including how to bring Inventor content
into Configurator 360 (steps 5, and 7) which I will cover in another article.

2018 Workflow

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 2

How to Convert Inventor Models

Let’s take a closer look at each of the steps required to successfully convert our Inventor models. In both workflows, step 1
states users must first open the needed file in Inventor. Step 2 states to simplify data in both workflows. The simplification
process is where users will start to notice change in 2018.

Part Files
In Previous versions of Inventor, users needed to make sure that the features they used to create their designs in Inventor
would carry over to Revit. The first step I always follow in this process is to check my design with the Check Revit Features
command. Running the command generates a report telling you where errors are located.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 3

The next step is to repair these failures within the model. To do this, go to the Environments tab and select Recognize Revit
Features. These commands allow users to simplify or modify their Inventor part so they can be opened successfully in Revit.

The Auto Recognize will go through the entire design and will try to convert all features to ones that can be recognized by Revit.
It will give you options depending on what has been discovered in the model if you would like to proceed with those selections.
Once finished, a dialog box will tell you if the command was successful and will display your model. I am going to create two models,
one that has been simplified and another that is left alone.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 4

Not all models will be converted as you would like or may expect. This is where using the manual commands will give you more
control to adjust your model.

The next step in previous versions of Inventor is to now add connection information if needed. To do this, go to the Environments Tab
and select BIM Exchange. The MEP Author allows users to add connector information to their design that will carry over to Revit.
This is not needed in all cases as it depends on the design.

I will use a duct connection to show the needed steps. Once the connection type is activated, select an edge to define the
connection location. A lot of users mistake the arrow that appears as flow direction, which is not the case. Typically, connectors
should point away from the host component. The directional command located in the dialog box can reverse the arrow direction if
needed. Next, select the system type that best fits and enter in any property information you would like to define the design more
in detail.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 5

Next, select the Export Building Components command. In the dialog box, define whether the file will be exported as a Revit family,
Autodesk exchange file, or .ifc file. Now define the component type by selecting the folder icon. A separate dialog bow will open
where users can make their selection. The next step is to fill out any property information if needed. The last step is to define the
orientation and then apply changes.

We will now go through the workflow for a part file created in 2018. The simplification tools have been moved in 2018. You can
now locate them in the 3D Model tab> Simplification panel. One major difference between the previous versions of Inventor and
the 2018 version is the removal of Revit Recognition tools. In 2018, we only need to simplify the model with the 3 commands in the
simplification panel. After the simplification is completed (if needed), activate the BIM Content command from the Environment tab.

You will notice that the BIM Content ribbon in 2018 and the BIM Exchange ribbon from previous versions are the same except for
Author Building components and Upload to Configurator 360. As stated above, I will cover the workflow to upload to Configurator
360 in a later article. The Author Building Components command enables users to specify the OmniClass category, model properties,
and model orientation for the exported BIM content. The OmniClass categories are listed by number and title, with matching Revit
Category and use 2006 classifications. The orientation can be configured by model origin or view cube. The Component properties
can be filled out and will have similar categories as previous versions. Once finished hit ‘apply’ and ‘OK’.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 6

The next step is to export the model. To do this, select the Export Buildings Components command, name your file, and select the
file type to export.

Once finished a translation report will be generated.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 7

One major difference I noticed after looking over the translation reports was how 2018 converts the model faces and the older
versions convert the model features. I believe this may be one of the reasons I have seen a higher success rate with exporting
non-simplified models with the 2018 version.

We will now look at the converted models in Revit 2018. The first thing I want to point out is the file size of each of the versions we
have created. Users will notice that the 2018 version does a better job of compressing file size during the export process. Users also
will notice that even though 2018 has the smallest file size it was the only model to successfully export all the original details.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 8

Assembly Files
Next, we will discuss the workflow of creating a Revit File from an Inventor assembly. There are a few workflows that can be
used in previous models of Inventor when working with assemblies. The first option is a more manual approach where users
simplify their model with the commands in the Simplify Tab. Include components allows you to select which part files you would
like to keep in your design for exporting by creating a new design view called Simple View 1. Define Envelopes gives you the
ability to simplify parts to rectangular or cylindrical shapes. Create Simplified Part converts the assembly file into a single part
file. Users can use the simplification tools in the part file to simplify the model if they have not done so or have missed some-
thing in their design. From here users will run the same steps discussed above. Recognize Revit Features> Add connection
information and then export.

The next workflow shows how to create a Revit file from an assembly in 2018. The first step is to simplify the model by using
Shrinkwrap Substitute. This command is located in the Assembly tab or when active in BIM Content.

There have been significant updates to the Shrinkwrap command in 2018.

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 9

The 2018 Shrinkwrap is a much more robust command than the previous version. The dialog box is divided into three tabs,
Components, Features, and Create. In the Components tab, we can define which design view, Positional view, and Level of
detail we want to use. Next, we can remove parts by size or select manually. In the view section at the bottom we can display
what parts are going to be included or excluded in the Shrinkwrap.

In the Features tab users, can remove holes, Pockets, Fillets, and Chamfers. There are 3 options provided. Working from left to
right they are, do not remove, remove all detected, and remove all by size.

In the Create tab users will name their part file, define the template type, file location, and BOM structure. The style section
allows users to define how the bodies get modified. The last section allows users to fill all internal voids and remove any
internal parts.

By running through the options available in the 2018 Shrinkwrap command I was a significantly simplify my assembly file size
from 2520 down to 1252 with only a few clicks of my mouse.

File size

Revit Model

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 Creating Revit Content from Inventor Models 10

In conclusion, the improved workflow, simplification of commands, and compressed file sizes will allow users to get their
product out to the public more efficiently without putting a toll on the client models.

About the Author: Jason Swiercz – Applications Expert, IMAGINiT Technologies

As an Application Expert at IMAGINiT Technologies, Jason works on implementations, pre-sales assignments, and training
classes in a variety of Autodesk Software. In addition, Jason has extensive knowledge in AutoCAD, 3Ds Max, Revit, Vault,
and is professionally certified in Inventor. Jason has a broad range of knowledge in both the Architectural and Engineering
industries which were gained over the years by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and working in the trade show
industry. During his 6 years in the trade show industry, Jason worked as a detailer, lead engineer, and engineering manager
where he gained knowledge in structural design, manufacturing, estimating, scheduling, department processes, and
management skills.

About IMAGINiT Technologies

IMAGINiT Technologies, a Rand Worldwide Company, is a provider of enterprise solutions to the engineering
community, including the building, manufacturing, civil and mapping industries. With over 25 years of
experience, and more than 40 offices throughout North America, we provide the expertise, training and
support to help companies realize the full power of design technology, maximize ROI and gain competitive
advantage.

IMAGINiT is a leading provider of Autodesk software solutions and the largest North American Autodesk
Authorized Training Center (ATC) partner. All of our locations are supported by a vast pool of engineering
resources focused on developing real-life business solutions for our local clients.

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