News

Maggio 2018
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Extended product range Mark MDV BLUE roof fans - now available for download from MEPcontent!

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.
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Risparmia tempo con il BIM: 3 nuove app per Revit di produttori leader

Contenuti specifici di produttori di alta qualità sono essenziali nel flusso di lavoro BIM. MEPcontent soddisfa le esigenze dei progettisti MEP con il lancio di 3 nuove app gratuite, create in stretta collaborazione con i produttori. Scopri quali sono e come utilizzare i loro prodotti per modellare sistemi alla velocità della luce:

Henco Product Line Placer
Henco è un produttore leader europeo di tubazioni, raccordi ed accessori. L’app gratuita Henco Product Line Placer App per Revit di MEPcontent facilita la creazione di sistemi di tubazioni Henco in un progetto BIM. Fai clic, comincia a disegnare e i raccordi corretti di Henco verranno aggiunti direttamente al tuo sistema di tubazioni Henco in Revit. Dal tuo progetto BIM potrai ordinare direttamente gli articoli dalla tua lista di materiali, come tubi, innesti o raccordi a pressare di Henco.

Ostendorf Product Line Placer
Ostendorf Kunststoffe è un produttore tedesco rinomato di sistemi sanitari di alta qualità. La nuova app gratuita Ostendorf Product Line Placer App per Revit di MEPcontent porta la modellazione dei sistemi sanitari di Ostendorf al prossimo livello. Creato sulla base delle esigenze dei progettisti MEP, l’app ha lo scopo di far risparmiare tempo e migliorare il completo flusso di lavoro in BIM.

Mitsubishi Electric System Designer
Mitsubishi Electric è il leader mondiale di sistemi di aria condizionata per uso residenziale, commerciale ed industriale. L’app gratuita Mitsubishi Electric System Designer per Revit e AutoCAD ti permette di trovare facilmente i prodotti giusti di Mitsubishi Electric per disegnare i tuoi sistemi di climatizzazione. Filtra con facilità le unità di Mitsubishi Electric HVAC sulla base di proprietà tecniche e utilizza istantaneamente i condizionatori desiderati nel tuo progetto BIM.

Comincia a risparmiare tempo!
Con queste soluzioni non hai più bisogno di posizionare ogni singolo componente nel tuo sistema. Durante la modellazione, le funzionalità di autorouting e del nodesolver delle nuove app Product Line Placer aggiungeranno automaticamente i raccordi giusti e specifici dei produttori al tuo sistema. Puoi ordinare gli articoli direttamente dalla tua lista dei materiali del tuo progetto BIM, come tubi e innesti. Questi vantaggi ti permettono di risparmiare molto tempo e ti garantiscono per di più di lavorare sempre con contenuti aggiornati. Scarica le app gratuitamente dal MEPcontent store.
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IVAR modular manifolds together with brackets and orientable terminal

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!
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Your short guide to avoiding communication errors for MEP openings in Revit

Faster, better, safer: the old vs. the new construction process


The construction industry is in essence no different than other economical trades: the best business decisions prove to be the ones based on a rigorous risk analysis that aims to increase efficiency and reduce failure. Usually, the question we ask ourselves is:

“How can we realize our work faster without sacrificing quality for cost and time reduction?”


In construction, it seems to be rather the norm than the exception that a completed building presents significant variations from the initial design. But why does this happen? It could be due to differences in the ways of working of the contractors, unrealistic expectations or the lack of a stable communication platform between the modeller and the structural engineer or architect. These are just a few reasons why buildings have been designed one way and executed another. Want to know how to avoid these in the future? Read on.

What about failure costs?


Misunderstandings can be caused by the lack of available information or by a partial understanding of the designed model because of poor collaboration between the parties.

A single coordination error can take three times more time and resources as initially planned, if not more.


In any case, without complete information, getting it right is like trying to catch a fly in a dark room.

MEP Openings in BIM


Misunderstandings about MEP openings can be especially costly. Openings in large buildings can become very wide in dimensions, which makes measuring them on site very difficult if not impossible.

In buildings with complex installations and heavy structures, it is therefore essential to specify the exact location and properties of the openings that need to be made in walls, floors, ceilings and all other structural elements to allow MEP elements to intersect them.

That’s why it is so important for openings to be included in the initial design of the building. By knowing the exact place where voids need to be created, all of the elements will fit perfectly at the time of the execution. Modelling the installation and collaborating at a high level early on in the project becomes crucial for avoiding failure costs. A good communication between all involved parties (MEP designer, architect, structural engineers, etc.) is the key to a successful project.

So, what can you do about it?


As a MEP engineer, you can build up your tool kit of Revit plugins and use exactly those that help you most. The Stabiplan Openings for MEP for instance is a great plugin that allows you to communicate about openings with the structural engineer in real time. That way, the structural engineer will be informed of the voids they need to take into account and the construction party will have the right information at the time of the execution.

The plugin works in a few easy steps:

      Step 1: Model your system in Revit and identify those MEP elements (pipes, ducts, cable trays, etc.) that intersect with structural elements (walls, floors, roofs, etc.).

      Step 2: Create the openings in your project on the places where MEP elements intersect with structural elements. You can fill in all relevant information about the opening such as shape, orientation, depth, etc.

      Step 3: Select the openings which you would like to include in the opening request and send it to the structural engineer. In the "Openings Monitor" window from within the App, you will be able to see the status of your request: is it approved, pending or disapproved?
 
      Step 4: Once the structural engineer processes your request and decides whether they approve or dissaprove the request, they can create a void in the structural element that corresponds to your measurements input. Structural engineers can process the openings requests using the free Openings Manager App for Revit.

      Step 5: You can now continue your work, with the satisfaction that you have just contributed to avoiding a whole lot of unnecessary work that may have been caused by an execution failure.

Keeping up with BIM is essential


Communication is key in successful projects and that’s exactly what this new App and BIM are all about. This is also why more and more professionals are rapidly adopting the BIM methodology and why BIM regulations are being imposed in countries all around the world. Are you going to ride this high speed wagon? Start by downloading the Stabiplan Openings for MEP plugin for Revit here to manage your openings with maximum efficiency and reduce failure costs.
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Different color combinations for ABB frames and cover plates for the German, Dutch and Belgian market

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.
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Adozione del BIM nel mondo

Il BIM (Building Information Modeling) sta rapidamente diventando sempre più diffuso nei principali paesi del mondo. In Italia il BIM è un argomento molto attuale, soprattutto a seguito del Decreto Ministeriale Baratono, entrato in vigore nel gennaio di quest’anno che prevede l’obbligatorietà del BIM nella Pubblica Amministrazione per i grandi progetti a partire dal 2019. In effetti, molti paesi dispongono attualmente di standard BIM che impongono il raggiungimento di determinati livelli BIM nei progetti. Quali sono le differenze tra i vari paesi e come possiamo affrontarle?

Cos'è il BIM?
Sebbene le definizioni possano variare, il Building Information Modeling, o BIM, può essere descritto come un processo collaborativo intelligente utilizzato nel settore edile che prevede la collaborazione all'interno di un modello 3D. Il BIM consente alle aziende di collaborare per progettare e analizzare gli impianti degli edifici in modo rapido ed efficiente, riducendo i costi e aggiungendo valore ai loro progetti. Inoltre, i team possono utilizzare modelli virtuali 3D per gestire e raccogliere dati su edifici e strutture.

Quali sono i livelli BIM?
I livelli BIM si riferiscono a livelli di maturità BIM, che vanno dal Livello 0 al Livello 3 e oltre. Il Livello 0 si riferisce all’assenza di collaborazione, con utilizzo di CAD 2D anziché 3D.

Il Livello 1 è il livello più comune in cui operano le organizzazioni; di solito consiste nell’utilizzo di CAD 3D per l'ideazione, del 2D per la stesura della documentazione di omologazione, e di dati condivisi in un ambiente CE (Common Data Environment) gestito dall'appaltatore.

Il Livello 2 è leggermente più avanzato: ciascuna delle parti di un team utilizza il proprio modello CAD 3D, senza necessariamente lavorare su un unico modello condiviso. Secondo la NBS (National BIM library), la collaborazione nel Livello 2 è rappresentata dallo scambio di informazioni tra le diverse parti.

Il Livello 3 può essere definito come una piena collaborazione di team tra tutte le parti e le discipline con l’utilizzo di un unico modello di progetto condiviso. Nel Livello 3, ciascuna parte può accedere a e modificare il modello condiviso. Conosciuto anche come "Open BIM", il Livello 3 riduce il rischio di informazioni contrastanti tra i partecipanti al progetto.

Quando si tratta di standard BIM governativi, alcuni paesi applicano tali livelli alle proprie normative in base al tipo di progetto. Ad esempio, i paesi potrebbero imporre l’utilizzo di BIM di Livello 2 per tutti i progetti governativi e/o pubblici, e così via. In che modo i diversi paesi utilizzano il BIM?

Regno Unito
Il Regno Unito diventerà probabilmente un leader in ambito BIM nei prossimi anni, sebbene i paesi scandinavi abbiano adottato regolamenti BIM da circa dieci anni. Il BIM di Livello 2 è obbligatorio per tutti i progetti di costruzione acquisiti a livello centrale. Nell’aprile 2016 la Construction Strategy del Regno Unito ha dichiarato che avrebbe raggiunto il 20% di risparmio sui costi di acquisto, accelerando così l’adozione del BIM in tutto il paese.

Stati Uniti
Si prevede che l'adozione del BIM negli Stati Uniti aumenterà in maniera significativa nei prossimi anni. Uno dei primi Stati a mettere in atto un mandato BIM è stato il Wisconsin, nel 2010. Il mandato stabilisce che tutti i progetti pubblici con un budget totale uguale o superiore ai 5 milioni di dollari debbano essere realizzati secondo il metodo BIM. Ciò vale anche per i nuovi progetti con un budget uguale o superiore ai 2,5 miliardi di dollari.

Paesi Bassi
I Paesi Bassi sono uno dei paesi leader per quanto riguarda l’adozione del BIM. Nonostante l’assenza di una legislazione ufficiale, il BIM viene richiesto nella maggior parte dei progetti. Inoltre, forme di collaborazione fra appaltatori leader e rappresentanti d’industria come il Building Information Council promuovono e accelerano l’adozione BIM nel settore. La stragrande maggioranza dell’industria edile sta implementando o ha implementato il BIM e l’80% dei progettisti MEP utilizzano librerie BIM ed in particolare quella di MEPcontent.

Francia
A partire dal 2017, il BIM è diventato obbligatorio in Francia. La tabella di marcia ufficiale per la standardizzazione in Francia è stata resa pubblica nell’aprile 2017 come parte della strategia francese per la “digitalizzazione" del settore edile. Tra gli obiettivi: il miglioramento della qualità dei dati scambiati, il miglioramento delle scadenze e la riduzione dei costi complessivi del progetto.

Germania
L’industria edile tedesca è stata più lenta nell’adozione BIM rispetto ad altri paesi. Comunque la richiesta dell’utilizzo del BIM sta aumentando velocemente ed entro la fine del 2020 il BIM sarà obbligatorio per tutti i progetti nel settore dei trasporti.

India
Il settore edile in India è senza dubbio tra quelli a più rapida crescita al mondo. Con megaprogetti a Mumbai e sofisticati progetti stradali all'orizzonte, il BIM in India ha ottime prospettive. Secondo uno studio effettuato da RICS India, circa il 68% dell'utilizzo del BIM a livello nazionale proviene da progetti residenziali, mentre il settore con l’adozione più bassa è quello delle infrastrutture.

Standard globali
Con normative diverse in vigore e diversi tassi di adozione del BIM in diversi paesi, rimane una domanda: come garantire una cooperazione fluida all’interno di progetti edili internazionali? Una parte della risposta a questa domanda è rappresentata dall'EMCS che garantisce l’accuratezza e l’uniformità dei modelli BIM e la loro conformità alle normative internazionali. Questo tipo di iniziativa dimostra che anche a livello internazionale tutte le parti coinvolte in un progetto traggono vantaggio dalle informazioni contenute nei modelli e dalla qualità dei contenuti.
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Reduce installation time with the Remeha hydraulic connection kit

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.
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More revenue for Ubbink thanks to BIM

Manufacturers increasingly recognize the need to make their products BIM-ready, allowing MEP engineers to easily and quickly add up-to-date product information to their BIM model. The results are increased effectiveness in the design phase, reduced failure costs in the execution phase and more accurate forecasting in the maintenance and management phase. Especially when the product information of all systems can be easily integrated. Here, MEPcontent comes in. The largest BIM library for MEP engineers offers up-to-date BIM files from more than 300 well-known manufacturers, which can be placed directly into the Revit and/or AutoCAD project. One of these manufacturers is Ubbink, a specialist in gas flue and ventilation systems and solutions for airtight and watertight construction.

‘A few years ago, we started preparing our products for BIM in order to be able to meet the demand from the market.’

For many years, Ubbink has been developing solutions for optimal energy efficiency and a healthy indoor climate in buildings, with the customer as the starting point. "We are constantly looking for smart innovations, in which not only ease of processing but also ease of design is paramount," Mark Bloem, project manager sales at Ubbink, says. "We started preparing our products for BIM a few years ago, in order to meet the demand from the market. This has led to several advantages. First of all, failure costs can already be eliminated in the BIM model by performing clash detections. And more importantly, since our products are often included in the model in the design phase, they are also purchased more often. It’s a win-win situation.”

Ease of design
All of the popular Ubbink products are now available on MEPcontent, Mark tells. "We started with our single products, but we also publish a variety of complete systems in the BIM library. Such as our Air Excellent distribution system, in which all components are already included. As a result, the engineer no longer needs to look for separate components, which increases the effectiveness in the design phase. This is what we call ease of design as well.” In addition to the Air Excellent distribution system, the Rolux Exterior Wall System, UbiFit concentric fluegas exhaust system, the Compact 2.0 series, the 5 series roof terminals and the Ubbink HR-WTW system are also available on MEPcontent.

Collaboration with Stabiplan
"Because we don't have BIM specialists and software in-house to create the BIM content ourselves, we looked for a partner to take care of this for us," Bloem says. "That partner is Stabiplan. Not surprisingly, because approximately 85 percent of the MEP market in which Ubbink operates, makes use of Stabicad software. Stabiplan has converted our product information into BIM files, to which all graphical and parametric product information has been added. In compliance with the EMCS standard, for an optimal integration in Revit and/or AutoCAD. All relevant product information is provided through MEPcontent, an initiative of Stabiplan. In addition, the additional product and system information of all individual components can be downloaded from our own website.”

From design tool to BIM configurator
Bloem expects that in the future, BIM will evolve from a design tool to a large configurator, which offers advantages for the entire construction industry. "In addition to designing buildings and performing clash detections, bills of materials can be easily generated in BIM projects, which offers advantages in the ordering phase," he explains. "The material lists can be linked to the customer’s ordering system, from which each orders can be placed per EDI at the relevant wholesaler, who in turn places an order at the manufacturer per EDI. This increases efficiency throughout the construction chain. In addition, BIM offers great advantages during the implementation, maintenance and management phase.”

A next step, according to Bloem, is using BIM not only as a configurator for drawings, but also for calculations, to account for example for air velocities and resistance. "This is a development that is still in its infancy stages for us, but it’s a trend we are watching closely. Our ambition for the coming years is to make our complete product and system range BIM ready, in which updates and changes can also be processed easily. The first steps in this direction have already been taken.”
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New Vaillant localizations and items: heat pumps, ventilation units and more

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.
Aprile 2018
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Take control over your MEP openings in Revit

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.
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Fire pump test meter Turbo-Lux 2 from MECON GmbH

Revit families for the MECON GmbH Turbo-Lux 2 Fire pump test meter are now available for download.

This flow meter from MECON GmbH is used to measure the volume of clear liquids and gas flows in closed pipelines. The installation position and direction of flow are flexible. The areas of application focus on measuring flow quantities in stationary water-based extinguishing systems for use in water supply test pipes.

Another highlight of the MECON GmbH product series on MEPcontent is the Turbo-Lux 3 fire pump test meter. It is easy to install with grooved connection to the pipe network and, thanks to the sophisticated design, the device is ready for operation after connection to the pipe network with just one threaded connection, guaranteeing rapid and simple installation.

On top of it, MECON GmbH together with MEPcontent offers the magnetic-inductive fire pump meter mag-flux T4 to be also used in stationary fire safety applications (Sprinkler systems). The Mag-flux T4 is easy to integrate in existing remote monitoring systems, and the measurements can be evaluated in a control centre. For installation, the device offers an impressive range of connection options – e.g. flange, threaded or groove connections.
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Up to date in one afternoon with BIM

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.
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Apps in combination with Autodesk 2019 versions

From the end of April, the Apps you are using are also available for Revit 2019 and AutoCAD 2019. Once Autodesk launches these versions we will have an update too.
Working with the most recent versions allows you to get the most out of the Apps and platforms where these Apps operate.

Upgrade on time
Important: the latest version of the Apps is only available for Revit 2017/2018/2019 (64 bit) or (in case you use an App in combination with AutoCAD) AutoCAD 2016/2017/2018/2019 (64 bit). Make sure you use the latest versions for both the Autodesk software as well as for our Apps.

For questions about the Apps please contact marketing@mepcontent.com
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How to Make the Most Out of Your BIM Content

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!
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OC Waterloo Grilles on Duct: suitable for most commercial projects

OC Waterloo, a specialist in customised ventilation grilles, has developed Revit families in close cooperation with MEPcontent for wall and outside air grilles where sizes can be freely adjusted. This is in order to be able to work as flexibly as possible in Revit. It is also possible to easily attach the complete article number to the families, so that it is correctly displayed on the Bill of Materials.

The OC Waterloo grilles are made of aluminium or steal and are suitable for duct, ceiling and sidewall applications in most commercial projects.

The PER mesh grilles for example have been designed to satisfy all exhaust applications in H & V systems. The various cores may be selected to satisfy both engineering and architectural requirements.

Waterloo's reversible core grilles such as the 2RTC have been designed for commercial projects requiring aesthetically attractive grilles but with superior performance. The specially designed close pitch vanes produce high levels of induction and mixing with ambient air resulting in a more even air diffusion in the occupied zone.

View all OC Waterloo grilles
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Stay up to date with the latest BIM news and MEP updates

[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!
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Hisense enlarges its presence on MEPcontent: New items available

We started by adding Hisense items on MEPcontent from the categories of heating pumps and air conditioners.

Today, we announce the enlargement of that series with new, more diverse heat pumps and air conditioners plus items such as control units and expansion pieces.

The HCH Control Unit is applicable to heat recovery systems. It is light and compact in design and because it has less suspension bolts, the installation and handing of the unit is easy.

The control unit HZX together with the expansion valve box HZX are part of the Hisense AHU Connection KIT. This can integrate external heat exchangers of Air-handing units (AHU) into a Hisense VRF system to be used for air conditioning, which can provide more flexible air conditioning solutions and save more cost in the building air conditioning renovation. This makes the cold / heat generation on site complete and reduces investment and operating costs.

The floor concealed type AVH takes pride on its compact design that allows it to be installed in very small places. This air conditioner indoor unit puts special emphasis on interior design compatibility as well as space saving design.

About Hisense

Hisense group is an international comprehensive corporation founded in 1969. Over the years, with a strong global R & D team and excellent management, Hisense Business has covered multimedia, home and commercial appliances, telecommunication, information system, modern real estate and service.

Supported by Hisense group, the sales of Hisense VRF grows by 30% every year. To meet the demand, the 3rd phase workshop is under construction.

Hisense VRF —— Seek for international quality credibility and integrity access to the future.
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L’importanza dello standard EMCS: IVAR e MEPcontent insieme al FutureBuild di Treviso

MEPcontent e IVAR hanno consolidato la loro collaborazione partecipando insieme al primo di quattro convegni FutureBuild di Maggioli Editore pianificati per il 2018, tenutosi a Treviso il 22 marzo scorso.
La conferenza ha affrontato i temi del riciclo, riuso, ricostruzione, degli spazi e degli oggetti della città contemporanea, per sviluppare la consapevolezza di progettare e costruire la città di domani diversa da quella che abbiamo ora.

IVAR ha recentemente pubblicato i suoi modelli BIM utilizzando la piattaforma di MEPcontent. Sono cinque gli aspetti che l’Azienda italiana reputa fondamentali nella creazione delle famiglie BIM: la rappresentazione grafica accurata, le dimensioni ridotte del file, la facilità di utilizzo, i livelli di dettaglio differenziati e la qualità delle informazioni contenute. Su quest’ultimo punto Francesca Gualeni, BIM Specialist di IVAR, ha enfatizzato l’importanza dello standard EMCS.

Racconta: “Grazie allo standard EMCS è possibile uniformare tutte le informazioni contenute all’interno dei modelli e rispettare gli standard oggi in uso a livello internazionale”. Per poter rispettare l’Extended MEPcontent Standard IVAR ha seguito regole ben precise per la definizione grafica dei modelli, per la gestione dei materiali e per l’utilizzo dei parametri condivisi.

Utilizzando modelli conformi all’EMCS si è sicuri che la rappresentazione grafica della famiglia BIM sia completa: all’interno del modello devono essere presenti i connettori e le informazioni che gli permettono di relazionarsi all’interno del progetto con altri componenti di diversi produttori. In questo modo tutte le informazioni sono omogenee e facile diventa reperire i link della relativa documentazione tecnica. La leggerezza dei file, inoltre, garantisce al progetto il suo normale funzionamento evitando rallentamenti causati dalle eccessive dimensioni dei file utilizzati”.

Le informazioni contenute nei modelli possono così essere utilizzate da tutti i professionisti che operano sul progetto, assicurando contenuti di qualità. Grazie alla grande navigabilità del sito MEPcontent, i progettisti possono orientarsi facilmente nell’ampia gamma di famiglie proposte da IVAR.

La prossima tappa si terrà a Torino l’11 aprile prossimo! Per maggiori informazioni e per iscriversi al convegno: http://www.tour.ediltecnico.it/format/futurebuild-conference/
Marzo 2018
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Scarica i ventilconvettori Carisma CRC

I ventilconvettori della linea Carisma di Sabiana sono il risultato di un grande impegno di energie e risorse: un prodotto all’avanguardia in termini di design, prestazioni, silenziosità, consumo e funzionalità.

La linea Carisma di Sabiana viene offerta con ventilatore centrifugo o con ventilatore tangenziale e viene proposta in cinque versioni differenti, a parete o soffitto, in vista o ad incasso, con una gamma molto versatile certificata dal Marchio Eurovent. Tutti i modelli hanno gruppi ventilanti con consumi elettrici particolarmente ridotti e con la possibilità di poter essere collegati scegliendo tre tra sei differenti velocità di rotazione.

Nel caso di impianti a quattro tubi con bassa temperatura dell'acqua calda, un'innovativa batteria addizionale a due ranghi consente ottimi rendimenti e corrette temperature di uscita dell'aria.

Una serie completa di accessori e di comandi di regolazione e controllo, tra cui un innovativo sistema wireless brevettato, permette di soddisfare qualsiasi esigenza di climatizzazione di ambienti residenziali, alberghi ed uffici.

Scarica i contenuti ora e utilizza i ventilconvettori silenziosi Carisma nei tuoi progetti Revit!
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Heating and domestic hot water for a family sized house with Remeha Calenta

Leading manufacturer Remeha announces the launch of a new series of condensing boilers: Remeha Calenta. At the same time, these new items become available for download on MEPcontent as Revit families, AutoCAD files or .ifc files!

The Remeha Calenta boilers ensure a very fast delivery of sanitary hot water at a constant temperature. They operate extremely quietly thanks to the insulating power and are easy to maintain because of the easy access and LED boiler lighting that works independently during a power outage. Extra savings and low flow noise are ensured thanks to integrated energy efficient circulation pump.

The Calenta boilers are also easy to install due to the included extensive mounting wall console.

The ideal application
The Remeha Calenta is the designated boiler for a medium-sized family house (semi-open or open building). This boiler is ideal for a family with children where there is one kitchen and one bathroom in the house and is perfect as a cost-conscious and future-oriented installation for new construction or renovation projects up to 34 kW.
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Revit families and AutoCAD files for VanLien emergency lighting fixtures

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.
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“We support BIM”: Renson places BIM objects on MEPcontent

With the fourth generation in charge, Renson embraces the many challenges posed by digitization in the construction industry. They support BIM and make their BIM files available to everyone using MEPcontent.

Don't just call Renson a manufacturer. This West Flemish knowledge-based company may produce ventilation solutions, blinds, terrace roofs and façade claddings, but in the context of a healthy indoor climate and comfortable living they offer their customers total solutions and a range of services.

Made in Belgium

Roel Berlaen, communication officer: "Renson is proud of his West-Flemish roots. All our products are manufactured in Belgium. Thanks to our own local production plant, we can always guarantee the same high quality worldwide.

Sam De Schepper, BIM & internal project manager mechanical ventilation: "We guarantee quality and service. Not only do we make technically very strong products, which are beautifully finished, of high quality and easy to install. We also think in terms of total concepts. We want to offer the customer a complete solutions.

Delphine Goethals, BIM expert: "That's why it's so important for us to be around the table during the design phase. We like to think along with our customers and are eager to use our expertise to come up with better solutions. We monitor the entire construction process, from design to execution. In BIM projects in particular, it is essential that we are involved from the very start.

International content platform

Delphine: "Renson started BIM a few years ago. We took the first steps in 2015 at the market's request; we were looking for an international player and MEP specialist who could make our content available in as open and user-friendly a way as possible. That's how we ended up with MEPcontent. MEPcontent is currently the largest and most important content player on the market, with more than 40,000 users. A perfect partner."

Sam: "All technical information that matters in practice must be included in the digital content. In collaboration with the employees of MEPcontent, this process went very smoothly and the families were completely in line with our expectations.

Delphine: "Important now is to enter the market with our BIM objects and make us known through MEPcontent. Using the experiences of the users, we want to find out what the next steps are.

Active BIM supporter

"Renson is actively involved in various initiatives to get BIM off the ground in Belgium. We participate in the Cluster BIM of the WTCB and we are also a partner of the B2Build BIM platform. In short, Renson is an active BIM supporter in a number of ways.
Caricamento in corso...

Automatically optimize your sanitary systems in Revit

BIM engineers drawing sanitary or sewerage systems in Revit, this one is for you! The Ostendorf Product Line Placer app for Revit has been equipped with a very convenient functionality: the ‘Optimize Functionality’. This functionality, not available in plain Revit, will help you to set preferred solutions for many scenarios within your sanity system.

The new optimizer functionality allows you to define the kind of solution you want for different scenarios and with a single click, your entire system is instantly optimized!
Save time by having the App automatically optimize your system based on your settings; no need to set up each fitting individually

The Sanitary drawing preferences dialog allows you to choose your preferred solution for each scenario. The choice you make regarding the angle of the tee affects the solution that is displayed for reducing branches, which makes it easier to have a complete customized solution for your pipe’s connections.

After setting the optimization settings, click Set to apply the settings. Moreover, you can check the option Remember as defaults to conveniently reuse your defined preferences.
Having defined your drawing preferences, you can start optimizing the system by using the Optimize autorouting function located in the same dropdown menu. Start the function, select a part of an autorouting system to optimize or select the lowest point in an autorouting system. All autorouting fittings will be adjusted according to the chosen preferences.

Download the app from the MEPcontent store.
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New Mitsubishi Heat pumps, Control and Indoor units have arrived to MEPcontent

We continue updating the extensive series of air conditioning units from Mitsubishi Electric. Today we are announcing the publication of 4 new articles:

The PUMY outdoor units for cooling and heating present improved energy efficiency values The new PUMY outdoor units have the highest EER and COP values in their market sector. With their low sound pressure level and many connection possibilities, the PUMY outdoor units are the perfect basis for optimum climate comfort.

Similarly, the PUHZ outdoor units from Mitsubishi Electric have been developed in such a way that they are at least noticeable in form, function and noise level. The units are resistant to any type of weather in our climate. The outdoor units can also be optionally coated for protection in, for example, industrial or coastal areas. Due to the excellent pipe length specifications, the indoor and outdoor units are widely spaced so that the most optimal location for the outdoor unit can be chosen.

The 2-way airflow ceiling cassette indoor unit is equipped with a drain pump mechanism as standard which provides greater freedom with long cross-piping and allowing more versatility with piping layouts. The indoor unit has a slimline body which makes it highly suitable for installation in narrow ceiling spaces and for replacing obsolete air-conditioning equipment in older buildings. The unit is easy to install and maintain due to its lighter panel and placing of the electric board near the panel.

The simplified touch screen wired remote controller is an elegant device equipped with color touch screen and optional Bluetooth interface which offers great flexibility in color and handling. The remote controller can be comfortably configured using an application and offers a choice of more than 180 color scheme variants based on which the screen can be optimally adapted to the environment. The device can control up to 16 units within a group. In addition to the standard operating modes, a daily and weekly program is available.

All items are available internationally and can be downloaded for free as Revit families, AutoCAD files and .ifc files.