FABmep Import for Revit MEP Now Available on Autodesk Labs

There's a new free technology preview available for Revit MEP users.

// Learn more about FABmep Import for Revit MEP

Do you need to import Autodesk Fabrication FABmep models into Autodesk Revit MEP? If so, this technology preview is for you. Note that the import is intended to support geometry only and does not maintain design or fabrication information. Is this enough to make this technology useful? Please try it, and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].

Autodesk BIM Globalization Product Line Manager, Steve Butler, provided some insight behind this technology preview.

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Autodesk Fabrication FABmep provides an export from Revit MEP to FABmep. From FABmep users can further detail the model, using manufacturers specific content, estimate and export to fabrication. The FABmep Import Technology Preview allows users to re-import the final FABmep model, back into Revit MEP 2013. One is an export, supporting downstream construction activities, the other is an import for record drawing/model purposes in Revit.

The Autodesk Fabrication FABmep application consists of two parts:

1. Part 1 is a plug-in to Revit MEP 2013 that allows users to export the model.
2. Part 2 is a proprietary application that reads the exported model, allowing users to map the generic Revit elements to manufacturer specific components.

Users (typically contractors and sub-contractors) can then detail the model further (in FABmep) for fabrication, preparing spool diagrams and modular pre-assembly layouts. Finally, users can estimate directly from the model using our ESTmep product, or export to manufacture via our CAMduct product. This offers users a complete end-to-end workflow from design to fabrication.

What we do not support, is the re-importing of the final FABmep model, back into Revit MEP 2013. This is something the industry requires to be able to deliver an as-installed, or as-built model back to the client. There are several challenges associated with this process however:

• Revit MEP does not currently provide the same level of model construction intelligence as FABmep. As such, we aren't able to reproduce the final model accurately in Revit MEP. Is the model that Revit MEP produces therefore sufficient for industry? We would love feedback from the technology preview users.
• It's not clear what the final model is intended to be used for. Some users merely need a static record of the as-built condition. Others want to be able to use the model for FM, creating an as-maintained model. Some have even suggested re-using the model for future renovation work. Users can share their usage plans with us.
• We need to understand market expectations as these will determine what level of intelligence resides in the final model. We don't currently persist design data from Revit MEP to FABmep for example. This may be required however, if users want to use this model for future renovation work. Users can provide feedback.

Hence the need for an import tool, and user feedback.

In summary, the FABmep Import Technology Preview allows users to re-import a FABmep model back into Revit MEP 2013. The resultant model is a full Revit MEP model, but has no design or fabrication information associated with it. What we need to understand is how suitable is this model for industry.

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