MagiCAD 2020 for Revit includes all of the new features and improvements from previous MagiCAD releases. Please see also the feature highlights from the latest MagiCAD 2019 UR-1 and UR-2 releases.
MagiCAD 2020
1. Support for Autodesk Revit 2020
MagiCAD 2020 is compatible with the new Revit 2020, as well as with the previous two Revit versions, Revit 2018 and Revit 2019.
2. Support for Autodesk BIM 360 Design
[Common]
MagiCAD 2020 is now fully compatible with Autodesk BIM 360 Design. The compatibility allows MagiCAD datasets to be automatically synchronised in a Revit project using Revit standard functionality. The MagiCAD dataset can be used as an external file (as previously) or as an internal dataset file embedded into the Revit project file. When the MagiCAD dataset is used as an internal file, Revit automatically synchronises all changes so that the file always is up-to-date for all project participants.
3. Select multiple 2D symbols for provisions and other improvements to the Provision for Builderswork Openings tool
[Common]
The new version of MagiCAD allows users to select multiple 2D symbols for provisions. This improvement makes it possible to select a different symbol for the provision if it is shown in a plan view, elevation, section or if it is a recessed provision etc.
Additional improvements to the Provision for Builderswork Openings tool include an optional time stamp for when the provisions are created, as well as a tolerance setting for when to combine collinear openings into one. The tool now also supports creation of provisions in swept walls.
4. Updated wire routing tool with intelligent drawing functions
[Electrical]
The wire routing tool now displays a preview of the drawn wire before you accept the next point with a mouse click. During the preview you can toggle between alternative routes with the space bar, making it easy to compare routing choices and change the side of the offset. The most commonly used options, such as wire type, installation code, presentation style, routing style, side offset, and angle, have been added to the existing floating toolbar for easy access. You can select options to preview them before accepting the created routing. Separate buttons have also been added to the toolbar for different cable packet connection methods and tag additions.
The wire routing presentation has also been improved. There is a new chamfered presentation style available, you can set a fixed radius when free-hand drawing curved wires and the guidelines in the free drawing mode have been replaced with active dimensions that you can set on / off anytime. In addition, you can activate an angular snap or a grid snap making it easier to draw in empty space.
Device connections are easier with a new automatic wiring option that draws wires between devices in a circuit according to the settings in the floating toolbar. The automatic wiring displays a preview and you can toggle between alternatives before accepting a wire route.
5. Easy editing of schematic drawings with Move & Stretch tool
[Schematics]
The new version of MagiCAD introduces an advanced Move & Stretch tool for modifying schematic drawings. When a line is moved all associated symbols follow and connected lines are stretched. This means that connections are automatically kept intact when the schematic drawing is modified.
A new tool has also been added to handle situations when either a symbol or a device is removed from a linked pair. When a symbol or device is removed, you can define whether to also remove the linked object or to reset the link and keep the linked object intact. This helps to limit broken links and to keep schematic drawings and models consistent.
6. Copy and connect entire branches in ventilation and piping design
[Ventilation & Piping]
Users can now copy and move entire ventilation and piping branches. The branches can be rotated and mirrored before connecting to an existing network. Being able to handle entire branches greatly improves modelling productivity and quality.
When you select a branch a small direction arrow will be visible and the selected objects will be highlighted. It is possible to select and copy several branches at a time. You can either connect branches manually or define their position by entering an exact distance from a given point.
7. Change elevation offsets with the Smart Move tool
[Ventilation & Piping and Electrical]
The new Smart Move tool allows users to easily modify the elevation offsets for selected parts of a network. You can move existing objects to a new elevation based on other objects’ offset or manually enter the new offset value. Modifying offsets for existing network segments improves modeling productivity as users do not need to delete and redraw segments simply for elevation changes.
Smart Move provides ready offset alternatives for needed changes and the selections can be previewed before they are applied.
8. Resize ducts and pipes directly from calculation report and select report content
[Ventilation & Piping]
MagiCAD 2020 introduces new bidirectional functions to calculation reports. It is now possible to change the duct and pipe size and insulation type directly from the report and perform resizing to the model. The old duct and pipe sizes are also visible in the report so that it will be possible to compare the different sizes before updating the model.
Users can also select which report columns are displayed and edit their order in the reports in order to customise the report view.
9. Access MagiCAD Create through MagiCAD
[Ventilation & Piping]
The new version of MagiCAD allows users to start MagiCAD Create directly from inside the dataset. This makes it easy to, for example, quickly add a missing size based on an existing product.
10. Use mixing units in piping design
[Piping]
The MagiCAD product library now includes mixing units for hydronic systems. This means that you can also add mixing units to Revit projects. You can connect both primary and secondary network pipes to mixing units with different temperatures levels defined for the systems on each side of the mixing unit. MagiCAD calculates the required flow on the primary side of the mixing unit automatically based on the power demand of the secondary network. The temperature difference that is used to calculate the flow also takes into account the mixing of liquids inside the mixing unit. Additionally, network balancing secures enough pressure drop for each mixing unit to ensure the reliable operation of the control valve inside the mixing unit.
11. Use constant pressure valves in domestic water systems
[Piping]
When designing domestic water systems, designers must consider the pressure level of the network. If the pressure is too high, it must be reduced to a suitable level for the network so that pipes and devices do not break or rupture.
Previously, designers needed to cut the network into parts and simulate the correct pressure levels from each point onwards, marking the correct locations for valves. This approach made it impossible to run calculations on the entire network and the individual parts had to be calculated separately.
Using constant pressure valves allows users to simply place the valves and define the correct outlet pressure from them. This ensures that the system downstream has correct service pressure. Using constant pressure valves also enables calculations to be performed for the entire system.
12. Calculate heat losses for heating systems
[Piping]
It is now possible to calculate the heat losses and fluid temperatures of supply pipes. These calculations allow users to verify that radiator power calculations employ the correct temperature difference and to evaluate the need for insulation. You can either use a general ambient temperature or the temperatures of the spaces where the pipes are located.
13. Support for Russian domestic water calculation standard
[Piping]
MagiCAD supports domestic flow calculation and pipe sizing according to the Russian standard 30.13330.2016. The feature allows for device selection, device grouping and definitions for the device groups.
14. Support for a new sprinkler standard and other improvements to Sprinkler Designer
[Sprinkler]
MagiCAD now supports the new EN 16925 sprinkler standard for automatic residential sprinkler systems. The sprinkler design area drop-down list includes the required pressure level for each area, making it easier to identify the most and least critical design areas.
