News

In the past weeks, several PLS (Product Line Sheets) have been updated with new product information:

PLS for Henrad Radiators: 4099 articles

PLS for Stelrad Radiators: 6205 articles

5 PLS for IVAR Pipes and fittings: 1285 articles in total. Choose between pipes and fittings from IVAR PRESS-Line, IVAR MPC-Line, IVAR MPL-Line, IVAR MPC-Line or IVAR MP-Line.

PLS for Geberit Mapress pipes and fittings: 996 articles in total. You can choose between copper pipes and fittings, copper gas pipes and fittings, stainless steel fittings, CuNiFe pipes and fittings and Carbon-steel pipes and fittings by Geberit.

How do I use a PLS?

You can import Product Line Sheets (PLS) in your project through Stabicad and have your articles available both in Stabicad for Revit and Stabicad for AutoCAD. After importing, the articles will include properties and dimensions such as type or diameter, which makes it easy to place them in your project.

A MEPcontent subscription for Stabicad is required for working with the PLS. Read more about the MEPcontent subscription.

The MDV BLUE roof fan from Mark Climate Technology is now also available with air displacements of 300 m3/h or more. This new type of MDV BLUE 225 is very cost-effective thanks to its smart design.

The Mark MDV BLUE roof fan is suitable for extracting air from buildings and features the latest developments in the field of fans, including the efficient EC technology. This guarantees a very low power consumption combined with excellent performance.

The MDV BLUE roof fan can be optionally equipped with new roof curbs. In addition to the existing roof curbs with and without damper, it is now also possible to select a roof curb (with or without damper) with an integrated self-closing damper and/or round connection.

The Mark MDV BLUE roof fan is available in different sizes and air displacements ranging from 300 m³/h to 16,600 m³/h.

Both the new MDV BLUE type 225 and the new roof stands can now be downloaded from the MEPcontent library for use in Revit.

New Revit families for IVAR modular manifolds

Today we announce the publication on the MEPcontent platform of new Revit families for modular manifolds from manufacturer IVAR.

The modular manifolds EASY LOCK series are characterised mainly by their ability to be connected to each other in an easy and practical way. Threads are designed in order that EASY LOCK manifolds can be connected together having an aligned and sealed connection without using any sealing element. Manifolds are only externally nickel plated, therefore, yellow inside, making them suitable for drinking water use.

They are available in several versions: with manually operated isolation valves (with blue or red hand wheel), with manually operated isolation valves (with blue or red hand wheel) and 30° inclined connections and plain (with no manually operated isolation valves). Download the new IVAR content now!

For Stabicad users: Product Line Sheets for IVAR press fittings

Product line sheets for several IVAR press fittings are also available to be downloaded by users with a MEPcontent subscription.

The IVAR press fittings guarantee their usability and reliability with features such as the water leakage function in case of failed pressing. The absence of sealing if not pressed will prevent damage in case of forgotten pressing. Thanks to the system, the installer can immediately identify leaks and repair them. The PLS can easily be imported into Stabicad for Revit and AutoCAD with the Product Line Importer functionality in Stabibase. Import the IVAR PLS files in your project now!

Work with different frames and colors for ABB switch ranges

The ABB Switch Range Configurator App for Revit now offers more support with the completion of the future® linear with more frames and covers. With this update, you can also realize different color combinations of the frames and cover plates. Over 120 articles have been added to the ABB Switch Range Configurator App. The App now contains the ABB product lines for the Dutch, Belgian and German market.

Reduced file size for your projects

This new App update brings with it a series of other benefits, too. The ABB Revit families are loaded in your project more efficiently now, which means that in the end you will have less families in your project, which reduces the final size of your file. This is especially relevant for projects where a large amount of switch ranges need to be placed. Because of the boosted speed in loading families within the App, you are now able to accomplish your work faster and easier.

The ABB Switch Range Configurator offers supports for Revit 2019 which extends your area of possibilities even more.

What is the ABB Switch Range Configurator?

It is a free tool (Revit plugin) that makes it very easy for MEP engineers to configure, place and manage Revit electrical families for ABB switch ranges. The number of combinations is endless. Once placed in a BIM project, the switch component Revit families contain the relevant data to link with wholesale information and GTIN or article numbers. The App is free to use and can be downloaded here.

Why do you need more color possibilities for ABB switch ranges?

Different customers have, of course, different tastes and since switch ranges are partly evaluated based on aesthetic value, it is important to be able to meet different requirements. Besides their great functionality, the many combinations that are available for the ABB switch ranges (now also possible with the ABB Switch Range Configurator App) can adapt to the individual tastes of customers. ABB wiring accessories are offered in numerous design ranges, in various shapes, finishes, colour combinations and materials used.

The Remeha hydraulic connection kit for the GAS 310 and 610 Eco Pro appliances are now also available on MEPcontent. MEPcontent has converted the 3D drawings into BIM files and added relevant product parameters to them. The hydraulic connection set simplifies the installation of Remeha's large floor-standing central heating boilers and is assembled in such a way that all relevant components from the open manifold to the bolts and nuts are included.

The connection kit allows you to significantly reduce the installation time of the boiler and its components. All components connect well together and the connection kit is supplied complete with all the necessary fastening materials and a clear manual. The hydraulic connection kit can be supplied with an open manifold for the hydraulic separation of the heat generator and the system. As an alternative, a set with the heat exchanger is also available. This heat exchanger can be used, for example, in tall buildings or in older, more polluted installations. For dirty systems, the use of a heat exchanger extends the service life of the boiler.

9 new localizations available for Vaillant heat pumps

If your BIM project requires specific product data from Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Poland or Sweden, visit the download page to see the full collection of VWZ Vaillant heat pumps and all the localizations available.

recoVAIR ventilation technology to be used with 3+ localizations

The recoVAIR ventilation units represent a comfortable and at the same time economical solution for apartments and single-family homes. Download the Revit families for them here.

auroTHERM solar collectors extended with 6+ localizations

Check the download page to see if the localization you need is amongst the ones recently added to the Vaillant solar collector series.

New Revit families added for ecoTEC boilers

For Belgium: the ecoTEC pure VC is now available for download

For the United Kingdom: the ecoTEC sustain VUW, the ecoTEC plus VC, the ecoFIT pure and the ecoTEC pure VUW are now available for download.

With the introduction of another new App for Revit, MEPcontent wants to bring cooperation within the BIM process to the next level. The Stabiplan Openings for MEP Revit plugin allows MEP engineers and structural engineers to cooperate very easily in detecting and preventing clashes in BIM projects.

The Stabiplan Openings for MEP Revit plugin lets you create openings for ducts, pipes, cable trays and conduits within Revit. These openings will be automatically created and will have the correct dimensions based on your input. The created openings include a lot of information, such as details about the host and the element which is clashing with the wall or floor. The App brings true cooperation between the MEP engineer and the structural engineer in the BIM cycle! Place openings and submit your request to the structural engineer asking for approval. Let the structural engineer return a response to be informed about the status of your request and see if it is approved or not. Try the App yourself for free by downloading it from the MEPcontent store and install it for Revit.

Two Apps for Openings

This App functions best in combination with the free Stabiplan Openings Manager for Structural Engineers App for Revit. After you create and send your openings requests to the structural engineers, it is then very easy for them to approve or decline your request. Inform your structural engineer to get this App and save time waiting for approvals.

Free Trial for the Stabiplan Openings for MEP App

The Stabiplan Openings for MEP Revit plugin can be downloaded on store.mepcontent.com. You, as a MEP specialist, can try this App for Revit for free for one week. Upgrade to the full paid version during your trial to make sure you can use it for your whole project.

Digitization and BIM will continue to be important topics in the MEP industry in 2018. What are the latest developments? How do manufacturers deal with BIM? What are the needs in the market? These topics were discussed at the MEPcontent manufacturers meet-up on 29 March.

Building the future: Stabiplan & Trimble
At the beginning of this year, Stabiplan was acquired by Trimble, a U.S. listed company that supports the entire construction cycle with innovative BIM solutions. In addition to engineering software, Trimble offers software for real estate management, concept design and various content platforms to support pricing. Examples include the content platforms LUCKINSlive, Trimble Building Data and Trade Services. The MEP content manufacturer apps are a great addition to the existing Trimble portfolio for MEP engineers.

As a result of the acquisition, the Stabiplan products will be integrated into a complete solution for the entire construction cycle. This provides opportunities for manufacturers: content can be made available in multiple applications and the number of potential users is increased considerably. As a manufacturer, you benefit from the specific MEP knowledge that Trimble and Stabiplan share when it comes to innovation and feasible and available BIM solutions.

Barcol Air's successful BIM strategy
The availability and accessibility of content is essential for Barcol Air's customers. A few years ago, when the demand for BIM data increased, it was a logical step for the manufacturer to start a collaboration with MEPcontent, the BIM library for MEP engineers. Johan Mes, commercial director, talked about this during the meet-up.

Thanks to the support and available templates of Stabiplan, Barcol Air's PLS’s (Product Line Sheets) can be easily set up and filled in with data in Excel. This data is then converted by Stabiplan into BIM models that engineers can use directly in their projects. Very useful are the statistics that provide insight into the use of the BIM files, according to Johan. A good example of this was a sudden surge in downloads from Argentina, which led to a major project for Barcol Air for Banco Santander. For the future, Barcol Air's BIM focus will be on making even better use of data, Johan predicts. Examples include enriching data with selection data and links to other applications, such as article management platforms or ERP software.

From data to content
The content factory of MEPcontent processes data from manufacturers in many different formats into usable, high-quality 3D content for use in BIM projects. During the meet-up, business process manager Marnix Leune illustrated various ways in which data from the manufacturer's product databases can be converted to a Product Line Sheet. Think of data from a PIM system export, Excel sheets, datasheets and even brochures. Almost every data format from manufacturers can be processed. Together with the manufacturer, the content factory checks which data is needed and which sources, if any, have to be combined to generate content. Together with the manufacturer, the factory determines how the data is converted to BIM files. As a manufacturer, you benefit from this intelligent data processing method: one source for all your data is more efficient and saves time and costs on data maintenance. In addition, your product data in PLS format is directly suitable for use in custom BIM apps.

Reach engineers at the heart of the process
The BIM innovation for the installation industry is the rise of custom apps for manufacturers. With these apps, manufacturer's products can be configured directly in a BIM project. The apps are Revit plugins that combine the power of manufacturer-specific content and BIM software. A manufacturer's App is a cloud-based solution that contains content from a manufacturer's Product Line Sheets or MEPcontent families. With such an app, there a lot more possibilities than with just content. Manufacturer specific MEP systems including components can be designed a lot faster and easier. The apps support multiple languages and multiple article numbers, and thanks to the link with the cloud, content and functionality are up to date. This ensures that engineers work with actual, correct content that is available in their region, and that the manufacturer is in direct contact with MEP engineers around the world.

BIM as a marketing tool
BIM not only enables manufacturers to support their customers in their BIM projects, but can also serve as a marketing tool. Jaap Groen, product marketer at Stabiplan, explained how MEPcontent supports manufacturers with their marketing services. By offering content on MEPcontent, manufacturers ensure that they are directly present with their products in the design process. The content can also be integrated on the manufacturer’s own website. But that's not all. Anyone who publishes content on MEPcontent has many more possibilities to reach MEP engineers: via their own profile page, e-mailings, short videos and via updates in the communication channel. In addition, manufacturers can gain insight into the use of their BIM files, statistics and demographic characteristics of users. Manufacturers who also want to use BIM files as a marketing tool can contact marketing@mepcontent.com.

What are the different BIM file types and formats available - and how can you make the most out of these types of BIM content?

In order to understand the types of content that are out there, let’s have a look at how the different types of content are created for content libraries. In this example, we'll use MEPcontent.

The creation process typically starts with a content request, which can be triggered in three ways:

1. Users
Users, such as MEP engineers, who require certain BIM content for the apps they want to work with or software/platforms they use.

2. Manufacturers
Manufacturers who want to share their content with engineers and designers all around the world to create better brand awareness and higher sales.

3. Projects
Even a project can be the trigger. In certain projects, for instance, it may be required to use generic content with pre-defined parameters and product characteristics.

When a content request is triggered, it will be addressed and evaluated by the MEPcontent team. The content factory will prepare a time estimation for enriching the content, adjusting the data to match the needs of engineers, localization (every country can have its own offering), and quality control. When the time estimation is approved, the content creation process can take off.

Content Creation

After approval of the time estimation, the content can be created, tested, reviewed, and finally, be published. These file types will be made available on the MEPcontent platform and in some cases for MEP apps, like our Revit- and AutoCAD plugins. Some content will, for instance, be made available for apps such as the SANHA Product Line Placer, the ABB Switch Range Configurator or our MEPcontent Product Line Placers that feature content from multiple manufacturers, all-in-one app.

So what is happening here? In short, content creation

At the heart of the content creation process is the PLS, which stands for Product Line Sheet. The PLS is the cornerstone of 3D objects published on the MEPcontent platform. It’s an overview of data in Excel providing all the relevant parameters and details such as sizes, costs, article numbers, deep links and a lot more information about the content families. Next to PLS files, it is also possible to create BIM objects directly in the required file types such as DWG’s for AutoCAD, RFA’s for Revit and the platform-independent IFC.

The types of content can then be split into two categories:

Manufacturer Content
This type of content is delivered by the manufacturer’s BIM manager or product manager to the MEPcontent team in all kinds of formats. This content is then analyzed by a team of content experts and compared to the EMCS, the Extended MEPcontent Standard. The EMCS guarantees to both manufacturers and the users of content, such as MEP engineers, contractors, designers, and modelers, that they are working with accurate, small-sized content.

Access the EMCS content standards here

These BIM objects contain accurate information which can be used for creating Bill of Material lists, prefab sets and performing calculations.

Generic Content
Next to manufacturer requests, the content factory also addresses requests from engineers and designers directly. How? By offering generic content. This is content without a link to a specific manufacturer, which can be used for free. This is useful when a project requires generic content (for instance due to legislation in certain countries) or when certain objects are not provided by manufacturers. Think of vessels, vaults, meters, wall-plates, and ducts.


Use MEP APPS to Get the Most Out of BIM Content

Having access to BIM content is great, but downloading families, saving them in the correct project folder and updating your model with new content; it still requires a lot of manual work. A part of this manual work can be a thing of the past. How? By using (free) apps for Revit or AutoCAD. These apps can help you to design a specific system, like a piping system, sanitary system or placing valves.The app automatically connects to the MEPcontent database and offers you the relevant content in a visually appealing way, so it’s clear what you are doing and placing without having to leave your Revit or AutoCAD project environment.

Some apps include functionalities you might actually be missing in native Revit. These functionalities can be added through the so-called productivity apps. You can, for instance, use the Export and Import Excel App to export parameters from your Revit project to Excel; very useful for sharing data with a client or colleague who might not have Revit running on their computers. You can also adjust or update the data in Excel and import it back into Revit, while using the app. This will save you time when manually filling in the blanks in Revit.

Work With the Latest Content

If you’d like to stay up-to-date with newly created content, you can create a free account on MEPcontent. You can also check out explainer videos that demonstrate how the content in the apps can be used. We also host BIM Insights Sessions, which are monthly webinars about the latest MEP trends, releases, and content developments. These are useful resources for learning how to make the most of your BIM content.

You probably have many other ways you would like to get more out of your BIM content. Feel free to share them with us! Let us know how you want to get the most out of BIM content or what apps or plugins you are currently using to get the job done. Good luck with your project!

[Brief summary of the article] New regulations are in place regarding the protection of personal data. MEPcontent complies to them and for that reason, if you wish to continue receiving BIM and MEP news from us, you need to sign up for our newsletter here. Thank you for trusting us!

New technology means new regulations

There are so many new developments going on at the same time in the tech field at the moment that new regulations to keep them together were very much called for.

The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is all about protecting the privacy of the users personal data. All information regarding your personal data has to be transparent: you need to be able to know who operates it, where it is stored, how it is being used and of course how you can delete it from the databases of certain institutions. No promotional or informative messages or emails can be send to you once the GDPR is in place if you haven’t given your clear consent about it.

Great news, right? We also think so. We think GDPR is a very beneficial thing and we are now working hard on implementing the new regulations into our MEPcontent practices.

BIM and MEP updates from MEPcontent (sometimes known as newsletters)

As you most probably already know, every week we gather what we think is the most important information about the latest global BIM developments and we highlight it in our news articles.

We combine it with the latest MEP content published on our platform (we publish new content weekly) and we send it over to you in the form of newsletters or other emails. From what we’ve seen, our newsletters are appreciated by the MEP modellers, engineers and BIM specialists in our database, like yourself.

We’d like to continue to keep you informed with the latest news about BIM and installation design and for that we need your proper consent. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll do our best to provide you with quality content.

Hope to see you in a more secure future!

Why the EMCS standard is essential for IVAR

MEPcontent and IVAR have strengthened their BIM partnership joining forces during the first of the four FutureBuild conferences organized by Italian publishing company Maggioli Editore. The conference addressed the themes of reusing, rebuilding and recycling urban spaces and objects, requiring a different design approach to build the city of tomorrow.

IVAR recently published BIM models on the MEPcontent platform. There are five aspects in the creation of BIM models that the Italian manufacturer considers fundamental: an accurate graphic representation, the reduced file dimensions, use commodity, a differentiation in levels of detail and the quality of the data and of the information. Talking about this last aspect Francesca Gualeni, BIM Specialist at IVAR, emphasizes the importance of the Extended MEPcontent Standard (EMCS).

She explains: “With the EMCS standard the information in the BIM models is accurate, uniform and compliant to the current international standards”. To comply to the Extended MEPcontent Standard IVAR has followed specific rules for the graphical definition of the models, the management of the material lists and the use of shared parameters.

“With EMCS compliant models we can guarantee our customers a complete graphic representation of the Revit family: we can make sure that the families are consistent, behave correctly in a Revit project – also in relation to components of other manufacturers - and contain the relevant information. MEP engineers easily get the links to the necessary technical documentation and take advantage of the reduced file dimensions, avoiding unneccessary delays in the project”.

All professionals involved in the project benefit from the information in the models and the quality of the content. MEP engineers can easily find the IVAR products browsing through the MEPcontent website.

Another conference took place on April 11th in Turin. Our next conferences will be in Bergamo (28th June) and Rome (15th November). Check the Italian website for more information: www.tour.ediltecnico.it/format/futurebuild-conference

The Carisma fan coil units from Italian manufacturer Sabiana are designed to guarantee acoustic comfort due to the continuous air flow control.

The Sabiana Carisma extensive fan coil range includes wall and ceiling mounted units, exposed or concealed with either tangential or centrifugal fan options, delivering one of the most versatile ranges of fan coils on the market today. Units covers are made from strong plastic lateral corners and galvanized frontal steel sheet. The plastic top grid has fixed louvres and is reversible in order to distribute the air in two different directions.

Download the type catalog families now and use the Carisma fan coil units in your Revit projects!

The Evago product series from VanLien provides a complete solution for the entire project, due to the many available varieties of lighting fixtures and emergency signs that are not intrusive but are very visible when needed.

The Evago lighting fixtures are suitable for ceilings of up to 12 meters in heights and are adapted to different types of walls.

The special new additions to the series are the Hiled Wall surface mounted led luminaire and the ceiling mounted led luminaire from the Evago series.

You can download these for free as Revit families and AutoCAD files here.