8.5.11. Profiles are shortened after import from Plant3D

Profiles are shortened after import from Plant3D

Optimize the export of profiles between Plant 3D and Advance Steel in order to avoid length and connection errors. In this guide you will learn how best to design cuts and geometries to ensure a correct transfer.

Prerequisites

• You use Plant 3D for the preliminary planning of the profile structures.
• An export of the data to Advance Steel for detailed processing is planned.

Step-by-step instructions

1. In Plant 3D, place the required profiles (e.g. rectangular tubes or beams) initially at their full length.
2. In Plant 3D, strictly avoid using the profile cut function (such as 45° miters or manual shortening).
3. Export the model from Plant 3D and import it into Advance Steel.
4. Perform all cuts, miters or profile shortening only after the import directly in Advance Steel.

Expected result: The profiles keep their correct length and axis direction, since Advance Steel now fully parameterizes and processes the geometry without errors.

Important notes

• Background: Plant 3D stores cut geometries internally differently than Advance Steel expects them. Cuts in Plant 3D change local reference points (start/end points), which leads to misinterpretations during export.
• Best practice: Plan the workflow so that all structural cuts are made exclusively in Advance Steel. This ensures maximum compatibility and prevents incorrect length specifications in bills of materials.

Troubleshooting

If profiles have already been imported shortened and appear faulty in Advance Steel:

• Check in Plant 3D whether the profile cut function was applied.
• Reset the profile in Plant 3D to its original length and repeat the export process.