Welcome to the August ENDUROCADD® Update!

There is a lot happening across the ENDUROFRAME® landscape - almost too much to cover in a semi-regular monthly update! This is our best attempt to provide an update on the latest additions to the ENDUROCADD® software, including some great new tools, tips, and tricks!

Grab a cup of coffee, sit down in your most comfortable chair, and read on....

We’ve simplified the initial configuration to make it easy for you to define the framing system and the certification sheets required for your jobs, added the ability to move multiple DXFs within the model, and included options for toggling DXF visibility. Additionally we’ve continued to improve the Materials usage report so you can generate and price comprehensive lists of materials.

Click on this link for a summary of changes.

To get this latest version go to Main Menu -> Options -> System Checks -> Check for Updates.

ENDUROCADD® users take on some of the most complex roofs in the world and hip ends are often the most complex parts. Our software team recognises the importance of hip ends. That’s why they took a deep breath and re-wrote all of the code behind the hip ends.

This did not turn out to be an easy task!

While much of the change is 'under-the-hood' users will see the following changes:-

• Addition of hip trusses. Hip trusses are an economical and easy-to-install option for hip ends. They are also the only suitable option for cantilevered hip ends.
• Multiple options for connecting hip rafters into valleys. We now have a valley rafter made from plate that connects to incoming common rafters.
• Better construction of hip ends with less clashing of parts.

There is a comprehensive help system which explains how to use the new rafter system within the ENDUROCADD software at this link.

We have also updated the installation manuals which can be seen here.

As usual, we always appreciate feedback!

BIM models generated in packages such as REVIT® and ARCHICAD® are an increasingly large part of everyday work, so it’s no surprise that improved functionality for importing these files into ENDUROCADD® has been a popular request.

With the release of ENDUROCADD® Version 9.13 we’re proud to announce that we’re meeting this demand by releasing the ENDUROCADD® BIM Helper plug-in. This plug-in significantly reduces the amount of time required to model jobs by accurately importing BIM models into ENDUROCADD® via IFC files.

For more information about the ENDUROCADD® BIM Helper plug-in including download and installation instructions, see the BIM Helper Guidelines

While our programmers have been working hard to create exciting new features our technical writers have been hard at work expanding the ENDUROCADD® Help System. Hundreds of topics covering a wide range of processes have already been added with more added every day, and are all searchable.

Over time we will expand the ENDUROCADD® Help System until it is your one-stop shop for everything related to ENDUROCADD® including:

• How to topics
• Reference topics
• Troubleshooting topics
• Tutorials
• Release notes

To see what's new, click on the ENDUROCADD® Help System.

We'd love to have your feedback on this exciting development!

The next ENDUROCADD® software training will be held between 23rd - 25th August at the Mt Waverley Offices in Melbourne. This will cover more intermediate topics, and is designed for detailers with experience using the ENDUROCADD® software.

Day 1: Single storey complex roofs

Topics covered include raised porticos, coffered ceilings, beams, rafters, cantilevers, raking walls, tie downs, unidentified roof blocks, new hip areas, detailing options, modifying walls, bracing and tie downs.

Day 2: Being finalised

We have surveyed licensees on what they would like covered in this day, and training will be customised based on feedback received.

Day 3: BYO

work on your own drawings and have a trainer on hand to ask questions.

Cost: $450 + GST

Click here to register your interest.

With great sadness I am announcing our wonderful software developer, Dominic Branchaud, is leaving us to follow his passion of research into augmented and virtual reality. Dominic joined us as one of the first employees before we even became ENDUROFRAME®, and has greatly expanded the ENDUROCADD® software. Dominic leaves us at the end of the month.

We will also be temporarily losing our software tester, Anita Ketzia, as she takes time off for the birth of her second child.

I would like to wish both Dominic and Anita all the best!

Helpful tips

• Need to provide drawings of structural steel to get it detailed in another program? Easy! Export your model to the 3D viewer, click on the View Menu, and go to Visibility Options. Turn off all items other than posts and beams, export the model into a 3D DXF, and voila! A customised, accurate model of your structural steel that can be imported into most major steel detailing packages.
• We recently conducted a survey of licensees asking about their experience with screw guns and fasteners from various suppliers. The results are some great tips and feed back. Click here to read the results of the survey.
• Want to specify the minimum number of screws per connection? While the ENDUROCADD® will accurately calculate the number of screws for the truss structural integrity for the final installation, sometimes additional screws may be required for handling purposes. Click here to find out how to use this very useful new function.