StruCAD/X-Steel - for drawing stairs?

[JMR]

Just before I purchase a fully licensed copy of one of the above, any of you guys on here use either of them?

We've had the StruCAD demo and it seems just what we need to speed the process up a bit, but the sales rep was a bit pushy and wanted an order there and then, so we're looking down the X-Steel route.

I know there are some parts in Architectural Desktop that allows [semi] parametric generation of stairs and handrails etc, but I think we would need to modify the macros. And it doesnt spit out a cutting list and full detail drawings like the others.

Our company specialises in site survey, design, detail, fabrication and installation of stairs, platforms walkways etc amongst many other things, business is really booming in the access side of things.

At moment we are detailing all stairs in AutoCAD, using typical templates and modifying heights etc.

Any recommendations fellas?

 

[Acejon]

Both are good, though I would favour X-steel. Better support from Tekla and i believe its built into the price but don't quote me on that. Plus its much easier to produce 2D GA's than Strucad.

Alternatively, look intp MultiSUITE CAD as an add on to AutoCAD. It's basically a bolt on bit of software with a huge database of standard parts and functions but you can specify whether you want 2D add-ons or the full throttle 3D modelling tools. I use the 2D for Steelwork GA's and have found it pretty decent

 

[col 182]

I worked for a company couple of years ago and had both x-steel and strucad. Found x-steel was the quicker and easier to use, was really good for stair cases and platforms. With x-steel aswell i created a full working model of a structural roof top which was quite a big file and yet created all the details and spreas sheets really quick.

Im currently working on Microstation at the begining and concept parts of the job. Bit repetative at the moment, always changes and mark ups from the engineers. Wish could go back to using Cad again.

 

[McBunny]

we use strucad (well i dont but we as a company do) along with mechanical desktop and inventor

 

[JMR]

Cheers fellas, this is good info, keep it coming.