3dS, set up steel structures intelligently
Win32 and 64, EnglishGeneral Usage Instructions
Opening a new drawing with 3dS
- Open a new drawing. You can use a drawing template but this is not necessary.
- A dialog box appears where you can make your choice for the language you want to use. English is the default if you don't make a choice.
- Click the button <Activate 3dS> to start.
- In the next dialog, change the name of your drawing; your drawing should not carry a name like <Drawing1>, Drawing2>,
- Enter the data for your drawing in the drawing-specific fields.
Opening an existing drawing not created with 3dS
In case your drawing was not created with 3dS, the setup dialog box will show as opening a new drawing.
Opening an existing drawing made with 3dS
You can still make changes to the defaults, but you should be aware that all generated reports and drawings in the previous sessions could become obsolete.
Commands
Ribbon/Toolbar Icon | Command | Command Description |
---|---|---|
|
3dS_WeldAlt |
Welded elements become a different color and are shown accordingly in the workshop-assembly drawings. If a plate is green, it holds data of the connection at hand. |
|
3dS_info |
Enter project-specific data. This information will be used in your output including schedule, overview and detailed drawings and workshop drawings. It can also show beam specific information. |
|
3dS_ClashCheck, 3dS_WeldCheck |
Checking if sections and/or plates are not clashing. The welding check verifies if the elements concerned are close enough to make welding possible. |
|
3dS_UcsChange |
For easy showing different views of your project and for installing the right UCS |
|
3dS_ConnMake/ConnDel/Conncopy |
Depending on how two sections meet each other, 3dS proposes a type of connection that will be installed automatically with adapted plate dimensions, bolts and reinforcements. |
|
3dS_I/B/U/L/DProf |
All sections available on the market can be drawn with these commands |
|
3dS_Cut |
Cut or lengthen sections, cope cuts, special cuts. |
|
3dS_Portals/Cube/Pyramid/Ladder |
Setup a structure with the optional mounting of sections. |
|
3dS_2Ddwgs, 3ds_Detail |
To organize your plotting output like 2D overview and detail-drawings, 3D views. |
|
3dS_Raster |
Fast setup of an axis raster in 3D with axis numbering and dimensions. |
|
3dS_trac |
To generate all workshop drawings with numerous options. |
|
3dS_bom |
A complete schedule of your beams, plates, and bolts; formats: .txt and .csv. |
|
3dS_Stair, 3dS_Handrail |
Stairs and handrails fully automated with automated step sizes. |
|
3dS_Bolt/HoleCheck/SlotHole |
Position bolts, make holes where bolts meet sections, change holes to slotted holes. It also checks if holes are not too close to an edge and if there is enough space around the bolt to put a wrench. |
|
3dS_Haunch, 3dS_Rib |
Customizable Haunches, Gussets, and stiffeners can be inserted anywhere. |
Installation/Uninstallation
The installer that ran when you downloaded this app/plug-in from Autodesk App Store will start installing the app/plug-in. OR, simply double-click the downloaded installer to install the app/plugin.
You may need to restart the Autodesk product to activate the app/plug-in.
To uninstall this plug-in, exit the Autodesk product if you are currently running it, simply rerun the installer, and select the "Uninstall" button. OR, click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (Windows 7/8.1/10) and uninstall as you would any other application from your system.
Additional Information
In case you did NOT purchase 3dS from the Autodesk® App Store, please consult the install section in the 3dS manual.
Known Issues
Contact
Author/Company Information
Support Information
Support is organized by email: please send us an explanation of the problem, e.g. screenshots, the drawing with problems at support@3-plus.eu
A training module (3 exercises) is also available at a price of 100 € for the monthly subscription, with no charge for the full package.
Support and updates will be available for free during the first year after purchase, but only after finishing the 3 exercises mentioned above.
After the first year, a support and update contract is available at 300 €/year.
The full package 3dS is available for 3000 €, including the training package and 1 year update and support.
3dS is also available on a monthly subscription through the Autodesk App Store at a price of 100 € per month. In this case, the license will be unlimited after 36 monthly payments.
Version History
Version Number | Version Description |
---|---|
22.1 |
Adapted to run on Autodesk® AutoCAD® 2022 version |
11.0 |
Adapted to run on Autodesk® AutoCAD® 2021 version |
10.9 |
Added help for all 3dS icons. |
1.0.8 |
Automatic connections added, several small changes. |