I am currently evaluating AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2013 for the company I work for, as we will be acquiring a robotic structural shape cutting machine which only uses DSTV files. After a few hours of working with ASD I have been able to successfully create some these files from parts created from the existing "profiles". However, I have some questions before giving a thumbs up to the purchase:
Concerning "profiles", while they look allot like the extruded structural shapes we have used in the past, they apparently are much more complicated entities. Does this mean that importation of any 3D modeled structure (parasolids, CATIA, NX, DXF) is useless other than as a reference to overlay new profile entities?
I have also been able cope profiles to fit together using the "machine" options, as well as insert holes using the "drill" function. However, I tried unsuccessfully to subtract a 3D modeled slotted hole shape from a profile I beam. What is the procedure to cut special contours?
I can find no explanation of the complicated layering system used. Do any exist?
I have been using the ASD on-line help and it seems very limited. I also have noticed allot of AUGI posts complaining of the lack of tutorials for this program, which is a shame because this is one of very few options at this time for creation of DSTV files needed to supply these robotic shape cutting machines. Has Autodesk or anyone else written any good tutorials for this program that I have not found yet?
Thanks to all for any advice.
Russ