MagiCAD 2021 Update Release 1
1. Optimized performance for today’s design demands
Common
Designers today are working with increasingly large and complex BIM models, which places high demands on software performance. This is why we have invested a lot of time into reviewing existing tools and features in MagiCAD in order to optimize the speed and performance of the software. The results of this work have been impressive and are now implemented in MagiCAD 2021 UR-1. Operations in large-scale projects that previously took 10-40 seconds or longer to complete, are now down to 1-3 seconds and the run-time for many complex modifications that took several minutes has been reduced by 50% or more. MagiCAD 2021 UR-1 offers the simplest and fastest solution to improve overall performance and operational speed in projects.
2. Link Revit project files to a central project file and dataset in BIM 360
Common
MagiCAD 2020 introduced support for the Autodesk BIM 360 Design solution. This allowed MagiCAD datasets to be used as internal dataset files embedded into a Revit file. In this version BIM 360 support has been extended so that multiple Revit project files can be linked to one central project file that has an embedded dataset. Each of the linked project files will then use the embedded dataset of the central project file ensuring that every participant in the project uses the same family definitions, ruleset and methods. The possibility to linking Revit files makes it easy to combine MagiCAD and Autodesk BIM 360 when a large Revit project is divided into multiple models for performance reasons.
3. Spanish language support
Common
MagiCAD for Revit has previously included support for English, German, French, Russian and Chinese user interfaces. MagiCAD for Revit 2021 UR-1 adds a Spanish user interface and Spanish user guides.
4. Use symbol assemblies in schematic drawings
Schematics
Schematic drawings often have elements that are created repeatedly within a drawing or are repeated in other drawings, for example, the configurations of different types of units. You can now define and save these parts of schematic drawings as symbol assemblies in the dataset. Once saved, you can simply drag and drop the symbol assemblies—including symbols, connections, and other information—into schematic drawings and edit them if needed.
Symbol assemblies allow users to compile a selection of ready-to-use items for common schematic elements that would otherwise need to be manually drawn each time. Using symbol assemblies greatly improves productivity in routine work and helps to maintain quality and consistency in schematic drawings.
5. Update schematic symbols in a project and create automatic symbol lists
Schematics
Changing schematic symbols during a project is much easier with a new Update to project function in the dataset. You can simply select a new symbol in the symbol database and click the Update to project button. The symbol is then replaced in all the existing families in your project and there is no need to edit the symbol family with the Revit family editor.
The Legend tool has also been extended to support schematic symbols. This allows you to automatically create a list of all the used symbols in the project for an easy overview. The legend templates can be configured to include selected symbol parameters, allowing you to add useful information, such as symbol descriptions and codes to the list.
6. Improved sprinkler reports
Sprinkler Designer
Sprinkler reports have a page header with the possibility to add custom logos and the overall layout has been edited to match other calculation reports. It is now also possible to print all the calculated design areas into the same file. The default names of the printed pdf files reflect the content as the design area name is used when printing a single area (“design area name”.pdf) and the project name is used when printing multiple areas (“project name”.pdf).
7. Calculate sprinkler networks with multiple connected systems
Sprinkler Designer
Sprinkler networks often consist of multiple sprinkler systems that are each behind an alarm valve. These systems are then connected to a manifold, which is the main sprinkler system. It is now possible to perform sprinkler calculations for sprinkler networks that include multiple connected sprinkler systems.
8. Improvements to connection nodes
Calculations
Consecutive connection nodes can now be placed without re-entering the input values for each new node. If the new Insert multiple selection is checked in connection node creation, all the inserted nodes will automatically use the same values. This is particularly useful in large scale projects where devices are simulated by connection nodes and large numbers of identical nodes need to be placed into the model.
Connection node definitions have also been improved. You can now define a custom temperature difference for connection nodes that is different from the system temperature difference. When nodes are installed to ventilation ducts and the software is not able to identify the duct type between supply duct and outdoor duct, it can be defined manually.
9. Diversity calculations for heating and cooling systems
Calculations, Piping
Diversity factors enable you to estimate the practical real flow of a heating or cooling system when it is in use. Pipe and pump sizes can then be reduced to match the practical real flow requirements in order to minimise material investments and to produce energy savings. Diversity factors affect pipe sizes during sizing and pressure drops during balancing.
The same diversity factor needs to be used for both supply and return pipes. Diversified flow is not supported in systems where the supply and return routes are different, such as reverse return systems.
10. LOD (Level of Detail) selection tool
Ventilation, Piping, Electrical
Different phases of a BIM project have different requirements for geometric detail. Early stage design generally does not require detailed visualization and symbols or box-shapes are enough to convey approximate space requirements and provide optimal design performance. Later design phases demand increasingly sophisticated product geometry to accurately illustrate spaces and component relations.
In MagiCAD 2020 we improved the family conversion and creation of our BIM objects to support LOD (Level of Detail) adjustment. The new version of MagiCAD introduces an LOD selection function with preconfigured options that enable fast and convenient adjustment of the needed LOD level.
MagiCAD includes the following LOD levels:
- MC LOD 100 – Symbols from the MagiCAD symbol libraries are used as the only graphical representation
- MC LOD 200 – Box-shapes indicate approximate product geometry. Used for early-phase design purposes and to optimise performance in complex designs.
- MC LOD 300 – Detailed product geometry. Used in detailed design when product geometry is important for design coordination, communication, and other decisions.
- MC LOD 350 – Highly detailed and accurate product geometry for detailed design or visualization needs. Used when a high level of accuracy is required for illustrating details that affect construction and installation or communication towards other project parties.
11. Improved wire handling
Electrical
You can now select which wire types are available for use in a project. Unchecking the new ‘In use’ selection for a wire type in the Wire Type Management dialogue, will make the wire type unavailable in the Wire tool and the Set Circuit Properties and electrical calculation functions for the project. However, if a wire type has already been used somewhere in the project, making the wire type unavailable will not remove the existing instances of that wire type.
Wire instances also have a new parameter that allows you to select whether to use the circuit wire type. When selected, it is possible to update all wires to the circuit wire type with the Update Parameters function.
12. New functions for wire drawing
Electrical
You can now place connection (junction) boxes into the model during wire drawing with a new Add connection box function in the floating wire drawing toolbar. When you add a connection box the function provides only the applicable products for selection and the added connection box is automatically assigned to the same circuit as the wire that is being drawn. The box can be freely placed and the wires will be adjusted accordingly. Adding connection boxes during wire drawing provides designers with more flexibility as there is no need to jump between different functions.
You can now also easily draw and tag supply cables that are not connected to a cable packet. After drawing a wire, you can mark it as a supply cable and add a tag for it with a new toolbar function. The wire properties are then synchronized between the circuit and the wire in a similar way as when connecting to a cable packet.
13. Part numbering for ventilation systems
Ventilation
Part numbering automatically generates an ID for each part in a ventilation model. The numbering system can be customized according to your needs. You can use the same number for identical products or a unique number for each individual part, and the same number series for all systems or a different number series for each system. The part numbers can also be used in tags, schedules and exports.
Part numbering enables better system overview, efficient part management, and a seamless connection between the model and any component listings that are extracted for external use, such as Bills of Materials. Part numbering can also be used to provide installers with a detailed drawing that tells them exactly what components to use and where.
14. Installation codes for ventilation and piping elements
Ventilation, Piping
You can now add installation codes to ventilation and piping elements (ducts, pipes, components, and devices) when inserting them into the model. The installation codes in the model can then be included in tags, schedules and Bills of Materials in order to convey information to installers and to ensure installation consistency.
Installation codes are added in the product installation dialog and the available codes can be defined in the dataset file. The installation codes are automatically added to all instances of the same element, but they can be easily changed for individual instances during modeling.
15. More information-rich provisions and improvements to provision handling
Common
The Provision for Builderswork Opening tool now copies new types of information—provision type parameters, provision host, fire rating of the penetrated structure, and provision owner—into the provision family as shared parameters. These parameters are then copied and transferred into the corresponding voids by the Builderswork Openings Manager plugin.
The new parameters provide information on why a provision was created and for which MEP objects, what type of structure it is located in and its possible fire rating, and what is the discipline of the provision owner. Altogether, the additional information helps create more informative provisions and supports more effective collaboration.
Additional improvements to the Provision for Builderswork Opening tool allow you to select whether to include insulation when calculating provision sizes and to set an additional length for provisions when needed.
16. Set and manage object status information
Common
A new Status function allows you to differentiate between existing and new elements within a system or a network. The status information can be included in view filters, schedules, IFC Exports and tags, but also used to exclude elements from Bills of Materials or Legend reports. Status information can be easily added during modelling, or added, edited and removed afterwards with the Change Properties function.
Status can be used to
- Filter out elements in schedules or view filters
- Lock sizes in order to prevent unwanted sizing changes
- Set a status-specific color for elements when exporting to IFC
- Get tags to automatically indicate existing and new elements
- Exclude specific elements from Bills of Materials and Legends
17. Improved pump curves
Piping
MagiCAD calculations now support multiple pump curves and areas for stepless pumps that are frequency controlled. The actual duty point for these pumps on the pump curve diagram is calculated in heating and cooling systems if the Calculate to pump pressure option is selected.
18. Extended Autodesk Fabrication support
Common
Previous versions of MagiCAD introduced support for Autodesk Fabrication elements for many key tools, including Clash detection, Supports and Hangers, Provision for Builderswork Opening. In this release, the Autodesk Fabrication support has been extended to the Running index tool and the 3D section box feature. Compatibility with Autodesk Fabrication elements makes MagiCAD a useful solution for contractors that work in Revit projects but use Fabrication parts.
19. Pressure loss calculation for pipes according to standard and material
Calculations for piping systems
You can now define the calculation standard and the material for each pipe series separately. The list of available materials varies according to the selected calculation standard. Different calculation standards and materials have different zeta factors (resistance factor) and using the correct zeta factor enables more accurate pressure drop calculation of system fittings.
Two new pipe pressure loss calculation standards have also been included: the German DIN standard and the Italian UNI standard.
20. Calculation improvements
Calculations
Users have previously been able to lock the pressure drop of an adjustment valve. Locking the pressure drop means that the adjustment value changes when the flow changes (red line in picture). It is now possible to also lock the kv-value (green line in picture) of an adjustment valve. This means that while the pressure loss changes, the adjustment value remains the same.
Additionally, sizing methods now allow you to define the maximum flow for each pipe and duct size.
