General Points

• The technology used to display constructions in 2D mode has been fundamentally revised. As of now, users will profit from the full capacity of the graphics card due to the switch to a hardware-supported screen output by means of OpenGL, resulting in a significantly faster screen build-up. So far, it has taken about four or even more seconds to display extensive plans fully in top view – now the same process is completed in about 0.01 seconds. Thus, a very efficient and smooth workflow has been achieved when working with the zoom function or zooming with the mouse wheel. Considering how often, for example, the mouse wheel is used per day, this results in an enormous saving of time and – even more important – working becomes less tiring. There will be no more annoying “trembling” effects when working with large CAD macros, no more white spots after components have been deleted and also no longer any other disturbing effects. The ergonomics of operation have been additionally enhanced through better mouse pointers for the zoom and marking function and a snap zoom with dynamic animation.
  The interaction of these speed improvements with the increase in the available RAM to 4GB
  (Version 16-1) opens up completely new dimensions for dealing with large-scale projects. “SEMA Power”, the codename given, is a perfect fit for these new features. <Feature Film SEMA Power Part 2: Much faster>
• As of now, users can preset the sectional thickness of both the horizontal and vertical sections in the display settings (F7). This new feature can be found under “General”, “Pictures + 3D”. (Gardavaud)
• The graphics import of PDF files has been enhanced. It is now possible to import PDF files correctly– independent of the specific version of PDF Reader. The zoom behaviour of PDF files imported is correct again.

Printing & Plotting

• The new technology for the displaying of the graphics has led to changes in the plan layout, too. As of now, arrangement frame borders are no longer transparent – they can, however, be moved to the foreground or background. The icon “Foreground/Background, set order of arrangement frame borders“ has been added to the icon bar “Arrangement Frame border“. Active arrangement frame borders can be moved to the foreground/background or forward/backward to the previous/following plane by means of the pull-down menu. Newly added arrangement frame borders will always be in the foreground.

Rafter System

• The range of functions of valley planks has been enhanced in Version 17-1. The following options have been added to the cut command: “Cut 2x”, “At height” and “Cut BE/TE”.
  In addition to this, the edit command “Abut” has also been activated for valley planks.
  Valley planks now also participate in the notch for eaves boarding, which is defined in the “General Pre-settings” (Alt+F7) under “Evaluation”, “Roof”, “Eaves boarding, ridge shortening” and “Create eaves boarding”. The options “Rafters”, “Hips/Valleys” and “Planks” and their respective possible combinations are available. Users can define the depth of the notch for eaves boarding and the length allowance for the surface area in the other input fields.
  Furthermore, valley planks at the ridge can now be shortened fully automatically. This new feature can, for example, be used in valley planks at the ridge of a transverse building or in the different types of dormers with a ridge purlin. Shortening of a ridge, for example, will become necessary if the width of the ridge purlin falls below the value planned due to shrinkage. The points “Evaluation”, “Roof”, “Eaves boarding, ridge shortening” and “Shorten vertical cut at ridge” of the “General Pre-settings” (ALT+F7) have, therefore, been enhanced. Users can choose between the options “Rafters”, “Hips/Valleys” and “Planks”. The basic measurement of the ridge shortening can be defined in the next input field. By means of the setting “Rafters”, rafters abutting to a ridge line and rotated rafters will be shortened by the value previously defined. By means of the option “Hips/Valleys”, hip rafters, valley rafters, broken hips and barge rafters will be shortened and, as of now, all types of valley planks can also be shortened with the new option “Planks”. Due to the additional setting possibilities, it is now also possible to combine these three options. The program makes a distinction between the different types of roof edges to which the various components abut and automatically shortens these components at ridge lines by the value previously determined.
  By saving the “General Pre-settings” (ALT+F7), it is possible to permanently save the various options together with the project or in the pre-settings. <Feature Film Valley Plank Enhancements>

Wall Floor

• Windows and doors for construction and visualisation have been significantly enhanced in Version 17-1. A wide range of new possibilities for the construction and design of windows and doors is, thus, now available.
  The menu item “Window/Door design” has been added to the Programme Selection to enable the individual design of windows and doors. When selecting the new menu item, users have to enter the window or door that is to be created. The same view appears when creating windows or doors via the icon “Panel view” (eye). By means of this new view, the completely free design of windows and doors has now been enabled. For that purpose, the following create commands and master data have been made available in the menu “Window/Door design”:
  Frame:
  The frame of a window or door is defined and created with this new master data. Under “Type of intersection”, users can select between types of intersection: “Mitre”, “Vertically short” or “Vertically long”. Next, a lateral distance (positive or negative) can be determined. This distance relates to the outline of the window or door that has been created. Then, top, bottom, right, left and inclined frame profiles are determined so that it is, for example, possible to assign different frame profiles for the top or the bottom of a balcony door. There are data about the height and the width of the component in the first tab of the new frame profile, as well as an offset in the z- and y-direction. As usual, it is possible to change the look of the component in the various views under the tab “Optics”. Additionally, the frame profile has got a material list tab which serves to add further information.
  Finally, it is possible to define a sash frame for a decorative panel at the front and back side. Such decorative panels are usually required for interior doors. One special characteristic of these new decorative panels is that they always automatically place themselves on the outer layer of the wall. Thus, if a new layer is added to or a layer is removed from a wall, the decorative panels will automatically recalculate themselves.
  The new master data “Decorative panel profiles” has exactly the same structure as the frame profile. It is, therefore, possible to define the size, the look and other values here.
  After the correct definition of the window or door frame, it is just one click in the drawing to have all the components be created at the correct place.
  Frame profile:
  The new master data “Frame profile” (described previously) can be placed freely and intersected within the outline of the window by using this create command. As usual, all input options and various edit commands are available.
  Posts:
  By using this command, it is possible to create posts for the window via the new master data “Post profiles”. This master data has got the same structure as the profiles described previously – with the sole difference that no offset in the x-direction is required, since this component can be placed optionally. One special characteristic of posts created is that they produce sash areas within the frame – those areas required for the input of sashes later on. The posts have been programmed in such a way that they always cut off at the frame profiles. Users can, for example, put into practice French casement windows, mullioned windows or combinations of windows with fixed glazing and pivoting sashes.
  Sash:
  This new master data creates the sash members, the muntins, the glass pane, the handles and the symbols. Under the first tab, similar to the frame, users can set the type of intersection for the members themselves. Similarly, it is possible to allocate an offset for the sashes in the z-direction or in the x/y-direction. The sash’s position within the window is defined under “Bedstop side”. Possible options are a sash on the left or right side, at the top or the bottom, as well as a fixed sash. This setting serves for the orientation of the sash on the left and right of windows and doors, as well as the positioning of the handles. Thus, if a one-piece window is defined with bedstop on the left, then option bedstop to the “left” has to be selected for the sash, too. The bedstop side of the window is displayed in the drawing here. Thus, users will immediately see the sash required. If an incorrect sash is placed, nonetheless, the programme will automatically switch the bedstop side. However, in specific cases, such as French casement windows, switching the bedstop side is not desired. For that reason, the option “Adapt” has been integrated into the master data. With this option, the command can be set so that the sash will not be adapted when bedstop side is switched. Then, the following sash profiles can be defined: sash profiles at the top, at the bottom, at the opening, at the fitting and inclined sash profiles. Again, the structure of the sash profiles’ master data is the same as the one of the profiles mentioned previously.
  In the second tab, “Contents”, users have to enter the muntin profile. Again, the structure of this profile is the same as the structure of a frame or decorative panel profile. After entering a muntin, it is possible to determine the vertical and horizontal spacing via the number or the definition of a distance. The next entry to be made is the glass pane (under “Texture”). A thickness, a lateral distance and a z-position to the sash profile can be assigned to the texture.
  In the third tab, “Macros”, users can allocate symbols for the view and the top view of the window. The first thing to decide when defining the windows and door handles is whether two-sided or one-sided handles are required. The setting “Two-sided, no” is, for example, appropriate for windows since windows only require one handle for the inside. For doors, however, handles for the inside and outside are required. When selecting the handles, users can enter 3D objects so that the completely free definition of handles is possible. This makes sure that different handles can be determined for the inside and outside, as is common for front doors and French windows.
  Under the final tab, “Optics”, the look of the sash under top view, view and sectional view can be defined.
  After the definition of all sash parameters, an area displayed in hatch style has to be entered. If the window has been subdivided into several sections by a post, the same number of sections will then be available. Users only have to select these defined areas with a click to have the sash created fully automatically, including the parameters defined previously. This is an extremely fast method for the design of all possible combinations of windows and doors.
  Muntins:
  The profiles of the muntins (described previously) can be placed freely and intersected within the window by using this create command.
  A vertical and a horizontal section are displayed in the window view to enable the visual control of all components. In addition, it is possible to display the window/door in the 3D mode via the respective icon in the top tool bar. There, users can also snap the individual components and adapt them with the edit commands available.
  Save Design:
  After creating the window/door in the designated form, users can save the whole design into the master data by using the command “Save Design”.
  The design saved now has to be incorporated into the new Design Container. This can be done best in the master data. All windows/doors and all new master data have been transferred to the new superordinate group “Windows/Doors/Macros”.
  In the first tab, it is now possible to refer to the window/door design saved previously.
  In the second tab, “Top View”, up to ten different symbols for the top view can now be entered, compared with only two symbols previously. After entering a symbol, it is possible to change the reference points and the behaviour of the macro via the button “...”. An interactive drawing will support the input of the parameters. Firstly, a name can be defined, and then the behaviour of the symbols when the bedstop side is changed. The following options are available:
  No: Symbols remain rigid regardless of whether or not bedstop is changed.
  Mirrored: Macro will also be mirrored when bedstop is changed.
  True sided: Symbols only adapt if there is a change from bedstop left 1 to bedstop left 3, for example.
  The option “At wall axis” serves to define whether the macro is also mirrored at the wall axis. For the easy control of these settings and the combinations of various macros, users can set whether only the current macro or all macros are switched to visible. It is possible to check the macro’s behaviour for the four directions of bedstop with the option “Bedstop”. Finally, users can determine the level of details with which the macro is to be displayed in the project. The options “Minimum”, “Simple” and “Detailed” are available. The level of details for windows and doors can be modified and determined in the respective display settings (F7). If, under the F7 settings, the level of details for windows is set to “Minimum” display, then only those symbols will be drawn that have been defined previously in the Design Container with the same level of details, according to “Minimum”. What is more, the window design displayed can be activated in the display settings (F7). The same settings are available here (“Minimum”, “Simple” and “Detailed”). Using the setting “Minimum”, doors and windows are drawn with a display provided by the programme. Using the setting “Simple”, frames, sashes and handles are displayed as rectangular components. An inscription previously allocated to a sash or frame is displayed by the setting “Detailed”.
  The reference points can be defined after entering all parameters for the top view symbolism. There are 27 reference points available. Now, there are also reference points available on the outer layer of a wall so that users can define the symbols for doors with a door frame in such a way that these will always adapt to the wall thickness. Additionally, reference points can be defined on the frame of the window/door. It is important to know that only those symbols that are defined at the reference points of the frame will adapt correspondingly when the z-position is changed. Reference points can be changed or created extremely easily. As usual, there are various input options available (at the bottom left). Users only have to click the points one after the other and the symbols will appear accordingly. Needless to say, it is also possible to have additional options displayed via the space bar for the definition of reference points.
  In the third tab, “View”, users can define exactly the same options for the display of the symbols as for the top view. Some new reference points, such as “Bottom edge wall” or “Top edge Top boom”, have been added so that there will be completely new possibilities for the display of the view symbolism.
  The final tab, “Optics”, serves to set a wall preview and the geometry component (window or door) for the screen image.
  Now that the optics of the window/door have been determined, the construction around the component has to be defined. For that purpose, the new Component Container has been created.
  Trimmers, member macros and coverings can be integrated under the first tab “Construction”. Here, just like in the Design Container, users have access to additional settings via the button “…”. Except for the view dependence, all setting options are exactly the same. Under view dependence, users can define the construction’s behaviour when the view page of the wall is changed. The following options are available:
  No: No change of component. Mirrored: Component is mirrored when the view page is changed.
  The two next tabs (“Top View” and “View”) are the same as in the Design Container – they can be used for additional constructive symbols.
  The forth tab, “MCAD” serves to determine editing for prefabricated house machines. Again, the additional parameters are the same. It is, however, possible to determine the layer the MCAD editing is supposed to have an impact on.
  The final tab, “Optics”, again serves to define a wall preview and the geometry component for the screen image.
  After the visual display has been preset and the construction has been completed, users can access these two containers in the window or respectively in the door component. This is done in the second tab of the respective component under the link “Design Container” or “Construction”. Furthermore, up to ten additional macro containers can be defined under this tab. This creates completely new possibilities for combinations of various containers. And, what’s more, each window and each door can, in addition, now align to a layer and be assigned an offset. For that purpose, a new layer position has been made available in the first tab. Now, it is, for example, possible that a window will always align to the outer layer of the timber/wall layer. Then, an offset (z-position) can be entered. The entirely free positioning of windows and doors within a wall has, thus, been enabled. These new features available in Version 17-1 provide for significantly enhanced optics for the design of buildings. <Feature Film Window/ Door Design>
• The new option “Recess layers at windows and doors” => Display Settings (F7) => walls, wall layers, top view has been incorporated. If this option is activated, the layers and coverings of windows and doors will be recessed in the top view.
• The “Design container” has been activated in the “Master data container”, so that users are now able to quickly modify the looks and design of windows and doors. Consequently, it is, for example, possible to turn a two-piece window into a two-piece skylight window with just one click. If a user only wants to change the texture of the casement and frame, this change will also have to be made via the “Master data container”. Consequently, the respective texture has to be selected in the container under “Visualisation/3D Objects” and then the mouse has to be moved onto a window. The special feature here is that all windows in the current storey will be changed simultaneously. The texture of a single window can be changed by pressing the “Ctrl key”. Of course, it is still possible to keep using the edit command “Texture 3D”.

Sheet Metal

• The master data “Panels” has been added to the spectrum of sheet metal coverings. This easy to install covering is used mainly in facade constructions. Based on the tongue and groove principle, there is a connection side at the one long edge of the panel and a pocket side at the other long edge of the panel. SEMA provides three versions of this system in the master data under “Coverings”, “Panels”: “Block Panels”, “Sofit Panels” and “Reveal Panels”. Each of these panels comprise panel master data with coil widths of 250mm, 330mm and 400mm, respectively. These widths can be changed or enhanced according to need.
  The group “Panels” with the three seam types has, thus, been incorporated under “Seam Design”. The tongue seam and the groove seam of the panels have been stored in each of these groups. Finally, “Panels” with the respective variants has also been added to the “Types of Covering”.
  The master data of panels is similar to the master data of sheet metal panels – there is, however, one difference: the “Height of the panel” has to be entered. This entry serves to define the total height of the panel. All other values are identical to the values of the sheet metal panel.
  One special feature of the panels is that they can be laid with a joint. This joint mostly depends on the production possibilities of a machine or the look intended. It is possible to set the joint width of a groove/tongue seam in the master data of the seam designs for panels. Depending on the joint width, either the groove/tongue or rather the top side or the exposed area of the panels will be lengthened or shortened. The joint width, thus, does not relate to the coil width. A maximum value for seams has been determined in order to avoid faulty input. The maximum value for Sofit Panels is 25 mm and for reveal panels it is 20 mm. There is no variable joint width for block panels.
  The “create” and “edit” commands are the same as for sheet metal panels. <Feature Film Reveal panels>
• Sheet metal folding profiles, sheet metal panels and panels have been incorporated into the settings of the component hint (Tab “General /Other”). There is a setting field for sheet metal folding profiles, one for sheet metal panels and one for panels. Settings can be loaded and saved as accustomed.
• As of now, the developed view width of folding profiles is displayed in the bottom bar of the “profile editor”, so that it is now possible to check the developed view width of folding profiles during creation or at the time when changes are being made. It has to be considered that this value only adds up to the develop view length of a zero-mm sheet metal plate – neither materials, nor the thickness of the sheet metal plates nor any kind of bending will be taken into account.
• The production strategy and the evaluation of sheet metal panels and of panels have been significantly enhanced. So far, the production strategy “Cut to size panel” has been used for evaluations. This strategy is used for profiling machines with a saw bench. The coil runs directly into the profiling machine, and after folding, it will be cut. Only the feed length of the machine is required here. The feed length is different for each machine; it can be calculated from the material list by means of an Excel export. If sheet metal panels or panels are produced by using a bending machine, then a “Cut to size coil” is required. This means that first the coil is cut to length and then it will be processed with the bending machine. So far, this has required extensive manual measurements in the case of bevel cut panels. The improvements can already be seen in the production drawing: Now, in addition to the developed view of a sheet metal panel or panel, the cut to size coil (green colour) and the maximum rectangular surface around the developed view can also be seen. The evaluations in the material list are as follows:
  Length:  Covering length without seams at beginning/end
  Width:  Covering width
  Height:  Component height
  Gross length: Length of cut to size coil
  Gross width: Developed view, width
  Thickness:  Sheet metal thickness
  Gross area : Length of cut to size coil x developed view width
  Net area:  Area of developed view minus all punchings
  Gross volume: Gross area x thickness
  Net volume:  Net area x thickness
  Total length: Length x number of pieces
  Possible feed lists can be adjusted for strategy with profiling machine. Thus, convenient use of both strategies has now been enabled. <Feature Film Coils or Panels Cut-to-Size>

Stairs

• The new stairs adaption using the circle method provides a new measurement rule for smooth adaption and additional safety when walking on the stairs. According to this rule, the going of the stairs is not measured along the walking line, but the going selected lies between the edges of the step in the form of a circle, with the (circle’s) centre point lying on the walking line. Stairs calculated by using this method often have larger corner steps in the turn (measured at the walking line).
  The circle adaption is determined in the data record of the stairs under “Auto adaption” => tab “Sta”. The circle adaption will be displayed in a clear way by activating the “Dimensioning” function” for steps under the “Display Settings” (F7), tab “Top View”. Each tread will be depicted with three circles displaying the value of the going on the left side, the walking line and the right side.
  The designated minimum going can be defined in the data record of the stairs under tab “Adp”. The adaption changes depending on the minimum going determined. Furthermore, some additional functions have been created for the circle adaption method, particularly for the manual single adaption. The following options for single adaption are now available in the entry line (on the bottom right): “Auto Circle Adaption, Single Edge Fix” and “Single Adaption, no Auto Circle Adaption”.
  In both of these single adaption options, users will be asked to enter the designated step, the point of reference and the reference point for adaption. It is possible to either adopt the designated adaption with a mouse click or manually enter the designated value for the adaption.
  Under the option “Auto Circle Adaption, Single Edge fix”, the reference point for adaption selected is kept. The point of reference selected is only virtual. Based on the criteria of circle adaption, the intention is to adapt the steps of the stairs in a way which makes it possible to achieve the same going again. The option “Single adaption, no Auto Circle Adaption” behaves the same as the familiar “Single Adaption” option. Only the step marked will be adapted after confirming the step joint – the remaining steps will retain their positions. It may, thus, occur that the goings of the treads differ. Under this type of adaption, the fixing of the edge has priority over the continuous going.
  The new circle method provides an additional option for individual and smooth adaption. The benefits of this type of adaption have, for example, been realised in Austria, where circle adaption is particularly used for stairs in public buildings. <Feature Film Stairs Adaption using the Circle Method>
• The new command “Space area” for posts allows users to space posts of a stair railing or connecting railing. The new option “Space area” is available for the create command “Post”. If there are several stairs present, the entry line will first ask users to mark or select a stair. Users can select either a stair railing or a connecting railing. After selecting a stair, users can determine the side on which the posts are to be spaced by the option “Selection of side”. If several railings exist on one stair side, the selection of the respective railing will also be required. The following “from-to” query enables users to snap the reference points desired. After determining the reference points, users can decide (aided by a well-arranged screen selection) whether starting and end posts, together with their respective positions, shall or shall not be placed. Users then only have to determine the number of intermediate posts and, by confirming this number, the posts will be spaced as intended.
• SEMA perfects its comprehensive stairs construction module by means of SEMA connect. From taking measurements via theodolite, the quick initial design via the stairs assistant, the photo-realistic presentation for customers, preliminary and post calculation via WGsystem, the complete material evaluations, the printout of common and optimised components via the automatic stair output to machine control by means of SEMA connect – SEMA offers the comprehensive solution for stair builders.
  Users can send the components to SEMA connect via the automatic stair output. Consequently, users only have to tick and print out the components designated. This is followed by the status message of the DXF export with the export protocol. SEMA connect is started from there and the auto styles previously created will be allocated to the components exported. The files are saved under “C:\SEMA\SEMAV171\EIN_AUS\SEMA connect data Ordner” with the standard settings. A subfolder will be created in this folder by means of the SEMA standard settings. The name of the subfolder consists of the storey abbreviation, the stairs’ number and the consecutive number of the building project. The SEMA DXF+ Data are filed in this folder. The folders “SEMA connect“ and “Info” are in the same directory. The components with the respective auto styles allocated are saved in the folder “SEMA connect” – the machine files created in the folder “Info”. Depending on the type of post-processor installed, for example, files with the extension *.mpr, *.tcn or *.hop will be saved. These files include the NC Code for the machine; they can be imported and produced with the machine.
  Of course, it is also possible to export single components from SEMA. For that purpose, marking the designated component and selecting icon “Machine export stairs, single component” is required. The menu “DXF-Export of individual stairs components” will open up. The components are transferred and saved in the same way as described above via the button “SEMA connect”.
  Each stair builder wants to design stair components supported by individual processes of machining. These processes depend on the range of functions and tool kit of the respective machine. SEMA connect is the perfect tool for the definition of processing strategies per machining process, to collect these strategies in an auto style, and to produce the strategies in the machining sequence intended.
  Users can create the tools available on the machine via the option “Define Tool” in SEMA connect. If, for example, users want to create a style for the processing of a step cut-out or an edge, a tool has to be selected and combined with contour editing, and then saved as a style. After creating the styles required, several styles can be combined to form an auto style for the respective component. They will be allocated to the component by means of the DXF code. After all the auto styles have been created, they will be sorted according to the machining sequence desired and saved as a machine file during transfer.
  From planning to machine production: the comprehensive solution offered by SEMA. <Feature Film SEMA connect powered by alphacam>
• New possibilities for the optimisation of strings, handrails and rails are available in the automatic stair output. It is now possible to optimise either string and handrail, string and rail or handrail and rail together during the machine export or in the print output.
  Consequently, users have to determine a designation in the print output and select the type of optimisation desired in the column “Drawing”. Furthermore, a plan template, display settings and a scale have to be allocated. The minimum distance between the components and the distance between the scarf joint edges can be entered in column “P” (parameter). By selecting the “Print” command, those components that lie on top of each other in the construction will always be optimised together.
  A designation has to be determined and the designated type of optimisation selected for the machine export in the column “Component”. The minimum distance between the components and the distance to the component not yet machined can be entered in column “P” (parameter). Again, by selecting the “Print” command, those components that lie on top of each other in the construction will always be optimised together. This new feature is most relevant for machine production, since it is possible to combine narrow and broad components. The suction devices can be positioned below the broad component.

3D Objects

• The edit command "Punch" for steel components and extrusion objects has been fundamentally enhanced and optimised. So far, it has been possible to punch flat steel and extrusion objects parallel to the direction of creation. As of now, it is possible to punch all standard steel components and extrusion objects in all planes and drawings. This is also possible for grouped steel components and extrusion objects, where punching impacts the whole group so that all components which are hit will be punched. It has to be considered that components cannot be divided by the “Punching” function and that editing relates to the group and not to the individual components.
  If a component is punched, it will be given an editing which can then be switched to visible in both the 2D and the 3D mode via “Mark object details”. As a result, it can be marked and, for example, deleted.
  Steel components and extrusion objects can now be punched from each drawing plane, sectional view or view by means of this new feature. <Feature Film Steel: Punching in all Planes>
• A fastener that has been changed and restored into the master data will now remain a fastener – it will no longer become a 3D editing as before.
• As of now, the eye-dropper function “adopt all values” will also be active if focus is not on the master data window. (Röhrig)
• The positioning of 3D objects at the type of work end has been revised. (Röhrig)

Master Data Macros Program

• As of now, the top part of the master data will also display the corresponding superordinate group of the object in all create commands. Users can, therefore, see the group in which they are at present at once. Needless to say, the superordinate group will also be displayed in the master data container.

IFC Import/Export

• The IFC Export has been fundamentally enhanced in Version 17-1. As of now, all a project’s components with geometry are exported. For that purpose, the field “IFC Type of component” (=> Tab ML) has been added. By default, this field is filled with the value “Automatic”. This setting causes the field to be automatically filled with a type of component during the export. Components that can be exported with a type of component defined previously, for example, roof, wall, floor, members and coverings, will then automatically be given the correct IFC Type of component. Components without an IFC Type of component defined by the SEMA program will be allocated a general 3D object IFC Type of component (IFCElementProxy). However, users can also determine the designated IFC Type of component manually via a pull-down menu. With an IFC component type, it is, for example, possible to define furniture in the SEMA program as an “IFCFurnishingElement”. The target program will then identify these components as furniture if the program is able to read this out correctly.
  Various setting options have been added to the IFC Export dialogue. As of now, the new option “Selected Storeys” is available in addition to the options “Current Ground Plan” and “Current Storey”. By selecting this setting, the button “Storey Selection” becomes active. All storeys of the current ground plan are listed in the storey selection. It is possible to select one or several storeys for export. Only the storeys ticked will be exported when starting the export. The selection is kept for the current project until the project is switched or opened again. The default setting is “Current Ground Plan”.
  Additionally, the option “Settings” has been added to the export function. Various settings for the export can be made in the settings menu. The first setting is the “Unit of Length”. The settings “Millimetre”, “Centimetre”, “Meter”, “Inch”, “Feet” and “Yard” are available here. Specific component types can be selected in the next field. The component types are divided into “Roofs”, “Floors” and “Walls”, each with “Members” and “Coverings” as well as “Fasteners”, “3D Objects”, “Rooms”, “Stairs” and “Terrain”.
  The setting desired can also be saved as a template and be allocated very easily in the export dialogue via quick selection. The quick selection is a global feature for all projects. The setting last used will always remain active.
  The IFC Import has been enhanced by a selection of data to be imported. As of now, a dialogue with two columns, listing all storeys and types of components available, opens prior to the IFC Import. The number of components available is indicated in parentheses behind the types of components. The number of components will be refreshed if, for example, storeys are deactivated. Users can activate or deactivate all storeys, respectively, all types of component with the button “All”. An import is cancelled by clicking the button “Cancel” or the “x” in the window bar. The button “Start” starts the IFC Import, including all storeys and types of components activated. <Feature Film BIM with SEMA - IFC Import and Export>