Software

Release History V21-2 Build 10200

General Points

  • The integration of hyperlinks to editable fields of the master data has been implemented. It is now possible to enter links to websites (URL), documents (files) or directories in any freely editable fields, for example, of the ML or IFC tab. These links are executed by holding down the control key and using the mouse. In the case of documents and directories, a check is performed to determine whether the file or directory exists. Only if this is the case will the link be displayed in blue and underlined and can be executed with the control button held down. Paths that are defined by placeholders are also evaluated when the control key is held down. With a link to a document, the corresponding directory can also be opened by right-clicking. The check for a web link (URL) is limited to the prefixes “www.”, “http://” or “https://”. There is no check as to whether the website exists or is secure.

GRD, CAD, DIM, MCAD

  • A nailing contour has been developed in order to speed up the nailing of formwork boards. This nailing contour automatically recognises all board edges hit and then creates individual nailing points. These types of nailing contours are created with the help of an MCAD line and the following formula:
    3DBEARB 0 250 3
    P04 = 4
    P20 = 40
    P21 = 10
    P22 = 20
    P23 = 1
    Parameters 20, 21, 22 and 23 are new.
    Parameter P20 defines the board width up to which only 1 nail is created. All boards with a higher value automatically receive 2 nails.
    The first distance to the board edge is defined at P21. If an MCAD line is drawn from left to right, that would be the distance of the left edge of the board.
    The second distance to the board edge is defined at P22. If an MCAD line is drawn from left to right, that would be the distance of the right edge of the board.
    Users can determine with P23 from which layer the components are used for the hit determination. P23 = 0 would be the H0 layer, P23 = 1 the layer left 1 and P23 = 2 would be the layer right 1. If P23 is not set, the layer in which the MCAD has been generated is used to determine the hit. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • A dimension point, area dimensioning or point of intersection dimensioning can be applied after creating a dimension line. Consequently, a corresponding option (Alt+1) has been integrated into the lower toolbar when creating dimension lines. If dimension points, a point of intersection or area dimensioning have been applied, the program automatically switches back to the creation of another dimension line. The command can be terminated as usual with Esc. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • The auto dimensioning feature of the wall top view has been corrected in a specific case. (Company Kampshoff)
  • The time it takes to build up images during a storey change and during the visibility switch of the storeys has been significantly accelerated. Storeys that have already been calculated and have not undergone any change in content do not require any image build-up time.
  • The thickness of the timber / wall layer can be determined automatically with the new keyword “SCHICHTDICKEH0”. (Company Zimmermann)

Rafter System

  • The conversion of the 3D view of roof areas into transparent areas has created the basis for create commands of the Rafter System in all 3D views as well as in vertical and horizontal sections.
    In version 21-2, hip rafters, valley rafters, planks and closing boards can now be created in the 3D view and in sections as additional components to purlins, rafters and tie beams.
    The usual commands from the 2D view are available for entering elements and closing boards.
    An interactive preview of the components supports their input. <Feature Film Design components in 3D>
  • Closing boards can now also be created over several roof areas by means of a reference purlin. (Company Röhrig)

Floor Wall

  • The edit command “Cut” has been opened for walls in all 3D views as well as in a section. This allows walls to be cut in these views at the roof/ceiling/original, as well as to height. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • As of now, the component labelling for walls can also be activated in the 3D mode for all OpenGL representations. Consequently, the “3D” tab has been integrated in the display settings (F7) under ‘Walls’, ‘General’ and ‘Wall shape’. The labelling can be individually adapted there as usual. Viewed from the outside, the labelling is shown in 3D on the lower left-hand side of the wall. The component values can also be placed in other positions using the free component labelling. The component labelling is always placed on the outermost and innermost layer of the wall to ensure that the labelling is always visible. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>

Coverings Floor Wall

  • A tongue and groove with corresponding values can now be stored at the board edges. Consequently, four reference fields have been integrated into the first tab of the covering under “Edge design”. There, an edge design can be assigned for the left and right board edge and for the beginning and end of a board. For this purpose, the new master data type “Edge design” has been created in the master data under “Coverings”. Under “Type”, users can decide whether it is a tongue, groove or a free design. This can be used to determine the edge value, which is later transferred to the machine.
    If a covering is created with the commands Covering/Batten, Coverings all-in, space area or space 2 points in the wall view, the coverings get the preset edge designs. In addition, each board edge can be changed subsequently by marking the corresponding edge and using “Change” to adjust the corresponding values. The option “Edge information from a width of” has been made available in the display settings (F7) under “Coverings” to check the edges. If all the edges have been correctly allocated, the tongue and groove information will, of course, be correctly exported to the machine. (Company Stark) <Feature Film Groove and tongue>
  • From version 21-2 on, holes can also be created in boards without MCAD processing. Consequently, the board can either be punched manually or the hole is created automatically through a window or door with the wall automatism. In addition, the option “Note opening (Alt 2)” has been activated for the commands “Covering/Batten” and “Coverings all-in”. Of course, the hole automatically creates a corresponding contour processing for the machine.
  • MCAD processing on layer outline edges can now be separated automatically if a macro, a window or a door penetrates the layer edge. In the case of floor-to-ceiling doors, the corresponding processing on the bottom boom no longer has to be separated by hand. This option is activated in the presettings (Alt F7) under Walls/Outline, on the “Automatic” tab. There, the option “Separate the processing on the layer outline edges from: 1.00” has been integrated. The freely definable value can be used to determine the width from which the MCAD processing operations should be separated. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>

Wall and floor members

  • The net volume for timber components is now determined from the component body with all processing and end types. This evaluation can, for example, be used for the exact weight determination (kg/m³). <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • The opening size of windows, doors and macros can now be influenced via the layer projection menu in the wall/timber layer. The prerequisite for this is that these components are created in a wall that has the entry “Solid wood/Wall outline” under the “Additional data” tab. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • If users are working with a center of gravity macro in a wall, they will immediately receive an entry in the Control Center as soon as the position of the macro no longer matches the center of gravity. Right-clicking on the entry created gives users the option of updating the center of gravity macro. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>

Sheet Metal

  • The so-called S-Bend app is new in Version 21-2. Users can design and plan the folding profiles required directly on the construction site with this app. No laptop or computer with a SEMA installation is required for this. The S-Bend app on a smartphone or tablet is sufficient. Thus, users can now plan the folding profiles directly on the construction site and then, back in the office, transfer the data to the SEMA program.
    The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. Just look for S-Bend there.
    When the app is opened for the first time, there is the option to log in as a guest or enter one’s own access data. This can be obtained from SEMA on request. When registered as a guest, users can do everything with the app except for uploading the data to the SEMA program. Users can log out as a guest at any time in order to enter their access data. It is now possible to access the menu via the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Users can choose between the projects, the templates, the account, the app information and the settings. Users can change the language of the app in the settings. German and English are currently available. There are also setting options that affect drawing. Users can set in which grid the angle and length are drawn and how much a bend is open by default.
    Details about the app can be found in the information. Users can log out via the account and log in, for example, with a different profile. In addition, users have the option of accessing templates that correspond roughly to the SEMA master data. It is possible to build up a library with folding profiles here. All folding profiles that are available in the app library are listed under “Templates”. These templates are transferred from SEMA to the app. It is not possible to create templates in the app.
    Users can create a new project using the “+” in the lower right-hand corner under “Projects”. Similar to the SEMA program, the header data of the project can be entered here. The following input options are available: project name, delivery date, creator, comment, delivery address/construction site: name, street and number, postcode, city, country, telephone and e-mail. There is also the date of creation, which is generated automatically. After entering the data desired, users can go to the Profile Administration via “Next” (in the top right-hand corner) and back to the Project Manager via “Project data” (in the top left-hand corner). All projects created are listed in the Project Manager. Certain data, such as location, customer, delivery date and upload date, are displayed via small icons. By pressing the three dots (for the projects), users have the option of accessing the project data, uploading the project or deleting the project. Tapping the project takes users directly to the Profile Manager. Users can add a new profile using the “+” (in the lower right-hand corner). Users then reach the templates, where they can now select an existing profile or create a completely new profile via “Blank”. It is now possible to assign a specific name. Users can also define a length and number of pieces. Users can add a comment to the profile and assign the material required, such as zinc, copper or aluminium. After completing the settings, the profile creation is accessed by clicking “Next” (in the top right-hand corner).
    Users can now design a profile or modify the existing one. You are in drawing mode by default. The different modes can be switched through using the three symbols (in the top right-hand corner). The first mode, the “eye”, is the view mode. Here, users can view their profile and the lengths and angles are displayed. The second icon is the drawing mode. Here, users can draw the profile with their finger. The grid definitions from the settings take effect. There are two points available in the drawing field. The point highlighted in green is active and the next fold will be added there. Tapping will activate the point. There are four more icons (in the lower right-hand corner) available here. The topmost one is “Delete”, this deletes the active line (highlighted in green). The second icon can be used to draw a circular arc. The view page of the profile is switched through with the third icon and the profile is centred with the fourth icon. Zooming works with two fingers in the drawing mode. Users can also design a bend in the drawing mode. Consequently, users hold their finger longer on the display, moving the finger to the last line. The third symbol (in the upper right-hand corner) takes you to the edit mode. Here, lengths or angles can be adjusted by means of keyboard entries. This can be done either by tapping the length or the angle or using the “double arrow buttons” in the lower right-hand corner. This allows users to switch through the length and the angles to the left or right. The other two icons have the same function as in the drawing mode. After creating the profile, users can use the arrow (top left in the corner) to return to the profile overview. Here, you can see the profile created. The number of pieces, the length and the material are displayed. Users can use the three points to change the profile data, and copy or delete the profile. If a comment is added to the profile, this is indicated by a kind of speech bubble above the three dots. It is possible to edit the profile itself by tapping it. Further profiles can be added to the project by using the “+” button.
  • If users place a section exactly on the edge of a sheet metal folding profile, the filling of the profile is now displayed. (Company Ferisol)
  • In the case of a bevel cut of a surface coverage profile, the intersection of the outer edges is no longer used for the gross dimensioning. The end of the surface coverage profile is now used for the gross dimensioning. (Company Borchert)
  • The spacing of panels has been enhanced. If there are two offset panels (left and right), these are now made wider with the help of a complete panel. This means that a complete panel is divided between the two fitting panels as long as they do not become wider than the strip width specified. (Company Kreß/Company Kling)

Nesting

  • Additional columns can now be added to the existing “Type”, “Name” and “Info” columns in the Nesting Manager. Users get the possibility to “Add a new column at the end” by utilising a right click on the upper columns. The menu “Insert placeholder or Variable” opens. After selecting and adopting the placeholder desired, such as the length, the new column appears in the Nesting Manager. Sorting in ascending or descending order can be triggered by right-clicking on the column. Rename or delete columns can also be performed with a right click.
    The order of the columns can, of course, also be adjusted as desired by pressing the left mouse button This new feature makes working in the Nesting Manager clearer and more convenient. The components can be sorted according to self-defined criteria with just a few clicks. Exemplarily, when sorting by length, the longest components are listed first. Manual nesting is usually started with these components until there is no more space for a large component. By changing the sorting, those short components, with which the nesting can be filled, are situated at the beginning of the list.

Prefabrication

  • After creating a roof or floor panel, the reference for the member spacing in the third tab is no longer inactive. This means that a member spacing can be assigned to the corresponding element even at a later point in time. All references for the calculation timberwork feature also remain active in the second tab. In addition, members from the roof or floor and those that have been created within the panel participate in the PHP export.

PHP Automatic features

  • The layer 0 in the automatic wall/element (F10) has been integrated into the layer selection for the panelling. This means that it is now easier to calculate the insulation only for layer 0.

Stair Design

  • The input of board components has become even more flexible with the new command “Component on polyline”. In the past, the board components (cut string, handrail, rail and filling) were always based on the flight element or the stair polygon entered. Components that did not run parallel to the flight element or the stair polygon could only be entered with great difficulty. The command provides the components with a new level of freedom.
    In order to execute the command, a CAD line must first be created at the position of the component wanted. Afterwards, a component, for example, cut strings, can be selected in the Program Selection under stairs and the command “Cut strings on polyline” chosen. The input line opens with the query of the line wanted. If users only want to create a component on one line, it is sufficient to mark the line. If several lines have been created that users want to select, the “Ctrl” key must additionally be held down to mark the lines until all of them are marked. If the lines are selected, the length of the component is queried with a “from” “to” option. Having confirmed the length, the component will be created in the position wanted.
    If users prepare the position of the components with CAD lines, it is important to ensure that the CAD lines are created a little longer than actually needed. This makes it easier for the program to calculate the component’s curve. The length of the component can be limited by entering values “from” “to”.
    The new command is available for the components ‘cut string’, ‘handrail’, ‘rail’, ‘filling’ and for the balustrade. <Feature Film Components on line>
  • The calculation of the components punched has been revised in detail. (Company Fischer)
  • An error when extending a specific stair newel post has been fixed. (Company Mougin)
  • The height calculation of connection objects has been enhanced in detail. (Company Unterhuber)
  • The component calculation of processing resulting from a 3D object has been improved in a specific case. (Company Ambauen)
  • The stair calculation for stairs with a bottom step and a last step defined as 0.00 m has been improved. (Company Cagliani)

3D Objects

  • In co-operation with the web platform S4T.com, our users now have an interface for the data transfer of steel components. S4T.com is a service provider for the production and delivery of steel components of all kinds. All data relevant to the production are transferred to S4T.com with one click. The production is carried out in accordance with standard EN1090. The creation of complex production drawings and the export of production data and plans are completely eliminated.
    Two new buttons have been integrated for the transfer. On the one hand, steel components can be transferred directly from the application via “File” – “Export” – “Steel parts webshop”, and, on the other hand, from the Single Member list. The “Steel parts webshop” button can be found directly under “File” in the Single Member list. One or more marked steel components can be transferred from the application; the Single Member list contains “current position”, “marked position” and “all positions”.
    Users must create an account for the S4T webshop prior to the transfer. They can register directly on www.s4t.com or via the transfer dialogue in the SEMA program with the “Register new user” button. If a user is registered successfully, he/she can log in using their username and password. If the check mark “Save password” is set, the login is performed automatically each time the dialogue is called up. The S4T Shop opens in a SEMA browser window via the “Show shop” button and the user can see the projects they have already created. If one or more steel parts are marked, they can be exported via “Start export”. A SEMA browser window opens with a component list for checking. A changeover switch can be used to switch between the component list and the webshop. The components are transferred to the webshop with the “Send and to shop” button. A new project with the BP name of the SEMA project is automatically created in the shop and opened with the shop’s project assistant. Various queries which are absolutely necessary for production follow, such as the production option with the selection “Complete production of the assembly incl. Welding” or “Production of all individual elements of the assemblies without welding”. If these queries are confirmed one after the other, the project is created in the webshop and an offer will be automatically created. The webshop provides various functions for projects, service and delivery as well as common payment methods. Users are spared the need for complex detailed drawings for steel constructors thanks to this new feature. Due to the immediate preparation of offers and types of service, the use of the steel webshop is variable, transparent and time-saving.
  • The SEMA steel construction master data has been significantly revised and expanded in the course of the integration of the export into the steel webshop. All standard steel profiles (L, U, T, Z and I profiles) are now fully contained in the working and original master data. The master data names have also been adapted according to the norm. The corresponding DIN is listed on the ML tab of the profiles under “Comment”. The manufacturing process (hot-/cold-rolled) is listed under “Grade of quality” and the unique material number and short name are listed under “Material”. There is a code for the transfer to the steel webshop under “Article number”. This value is optional (also for the transfer to the webshop). It only serves to facilitate the identification of the profiles.
    A fundamental enhancement in the field of “rectangular profiles” has been carried out. Since rectangular profiles are usually not sharp-edged, the options “Radius 1” and “Radius 2” have been activated on the “Cmp” tab. Thus, rectangular profiles with rounded corners can now be created, where radius 1 is the outer radius and radius 2 is the inner radius. The master data node “Rectangular profile” has been expanded to include the groups “Square tube, cold-rolled”, “Square tube, hot-rolled”, “Rectangular tube, cold-rolled” and “Rectangular tube, hot-rolled”. The clear difference in the type of production (cold-/hot-rolled) can be correctly represented by giving radii to the rectangular profiles. Here too, a range of common sizes has been provided in the master data according to the norm. The rectangular profiles supplied previously are located in the “Rectangular profile, free” group.
    The master data node “Round profile” has been extensively expanded to include the group “Round tubes” and “Round steel”. The round profiles supplied previously are located in the “Round profile, free” group. The group “UPN” has been renamed “UNP” in the master data node of the U profiles. The “Type” option on the “Cmp” tab has been adapted accordingly.
    All standard steel profiles have been set to transfer Single Member – “yes” on the “Ot” tab in the component status. Consequently, the profiles are transferred to a correspondingly set Single Member list and are prepared for the transfer to the webshop.
  • Since, by default, the 3D group is set to material list and Single Member transfer – “no”, the edit command “Macro – group” has been integrated by the option button “Transfer group to Single Member and material list (Alt+F2)”. If this button is active, the 3D group created automatically receives the setting “yes” when transferring to the material list and Single Member list. The option button keeps the status last used.

Master Data Macros Contents & Revisions

  • The master data folder “X-fix connector 1-01” has been made available under the “Fasteners” tab in the SEMA data store. This folder contains finished timber-timber C and L connectors from the X-fix company for solid wood construction. (www.x-fix.at)
    The X-fix C connector is used in solid wood construction for the assembly of solid wood ceilings and wall panels. The advantage over conventional screw connections with butt boards is that the patented X-fix C geometry clamps the panels together and couples them positively and permanently just by knocking in the X-fix C parts. The time-consuming and often difficult assembly, for example, of the CLT ceiling panels by means of panel-joist tension is no longer required!
    A static calculation for X-fix C is possible with the intelligent dimensioning software for structural engineers with the module T11, according to ETA-18/0254 from the company Ingtools (www.ing-tools.de/en/modules).
    The X-fix L connector is a linear timber-timber connector specially designed for L, T and longitudinal splits of cross-laminated timber walls. It consists of two dovetail- and wedge-shaped, divided, coupling strips with a length of max. 3 m.
    The prefabricated millings of the walls to be connected are placed in relation to one another and a part of the coupling strip is inserted from above. The second part is then inserted and knocked in about 30 cm with a hammer. The connection is done!
    The main advantages of X-fix L connectors are the very fast installation time and the fact that they are installed from the inside of the building, so that no external scaffolding is required.
    Compared to conventional screws and other metallic connectors, X-fix L connectors connect the components with a timber-timber connection in a continuous, linear and form-fitting manner and are up to 300 % stronger than conventional screw connections. <Feature Film Solid timber construction with X-fix connectors>

Material List

  • The Ascii export from the material list has been expanded. It is now possible to export only the current partial list, preset partial lists and all partial lists in one operation. Consequently, the partial list properties on the “General” tab have been expanded to include the new “ASCII export” area. If the function “Export this partial list if preset partial list” is activated here, this partial list automatically takes part in the ASCII export with preset partial lists.
    The ASCII export is still started via “File” – “Export material list data” – “ASCII file”. An export dialogue now opens in which users can choose between “only current partial list”, “pre-set partial lists” and “all partial lists”. Depending on the selection, either the current partial list, all preset partial lists or all partial lists are exported. An ASCII file is created for each partial list. The setting last used is saved for the next export. The storage path and name of the exported ASCII file are set in Alt F7 under “Lists/Single Member” in the “ASCII export” area. Users can use the placeholder @Z-TEILLISTENNAME@ for the name of the file, so that the file receives the name of the partial list.

DXF Interface

  • If users zoom in the preview graphic of the DXF import window, they can now ensure that the current zoom area is kept when a layer is deactivated. Consequently, the option “Keep current zoom area” has been integrated on the right side of the import window. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>
  • From now on, 255 layers can be transferred to the ground plan using the DXF import. In addition, a new option in the display settings (F7) enables one to switch all layers on and off with just one click. Moreover, the number of free CAD layers in the presettings (Alt F7) has been increased from 15 to 20. <Feature Film Valuable developments of details>

XML-SCI Import

  • Changing predefined window and door references has been made possible again. (Company Adlerhaus)

IFC Import and Export

  • A SEMA project can now be generated directly from an IFC file. If no SEMA project is open, an IFC file can be opened in SEMA via file import – IFC import or with the drag & drop function. The IFC import dialogue opens with a preview of the project. If the import is started or a link is created, a SEMA project will automatically be created. The Ifc project name is transferred to the “Building project” field in the building project properties. <Feature Film Further development IFC interface>
  • The co-ordinate points of the project, terrain and building can be hidden in the import dialogue. Occasionally, the case occurs where, for example, the terrain co-ordinate point is disproportionately far from the project co-ordinate point. With the result that the project is hardly recognisable in the preview. The points are only hidden in the preview graphic of the import dialogue and are correctly contained in the IFC file when the project is imported/exported by means of this function. By hiding the point, working in the import dialogue and, for example, setting a free co-ordinate point has been made much easier.
  • The import has been expanded to include the “IfcGrid” classification. Grid lines and axle lines are given as a definition of this classification. When importing, these are converted into ground plan lines and are, therefore, also visible in 3D. <Feature Film Further development IFC interface>
  • The export has been expanded to include “Component colours”. Accordingly, the options “SEMA colours” and “Standard colours” have been integrated into the export settings. The components get the colour information from the global SEMA colour settings with the selection “SEMA colours”. As usual, these can also be set separately for each component on the “O” tab. The colours of the components are assigned as previously according to an internal colour table with the selection “Standard colours”. Components can be given a completely individual colour, for example, to highlight them in a viewer or distinguish certain component groups from others by means of this new function.
  • The export of “only visible components” has been revised for roof and floor panels. (Company Strüby) <Feature Film Further development IFC interface>
  • A routine for the export has been corrected, which, in turn, is based on the inherently unstable Gaussian solution routine. (Company Gauthier, Fa. Keller & Heinrich)
  • The import of specific stair geometries has been improved. (Company Zieglerhaus) <Feature Film Further development IFC interface>
  • The export settings have been enhanced to include the option “Timber members with processing”. If this option is checked, timbers with the following processing are exported as “IfcOpeningElement”:
    drillings, cuts, contours, exterior contours and continuous cuboid scarf joints.
    This also makes it possible to provide the processing, for example, for other programs in the IFC file. If it contains a processing that we cannot currently export as an IfcOpeningElement, no processing will be exported. This is the only way we can guarantee the geometric shape of the component. In general, there is no visual difference between “with processing” and “without processing”. The difference only relates to the geometry definition and the processing that are attached to the component as IfcOpeningElement.
  • Another column has been added to the component-type window in the import dialogue. In addition to the first check box that switches a component type on/off, there is now a second check box. If the check mark is set here, the component type is not automatically converted into SEMA master data and imported as a 3D object. The check box can, therefore, only be activated for the component types that are automatically converted into SEMA components. <Feature Film Further development IFC interface>
  • The direct master data allocation in the import settings has been expanded to include “openings”. Master data from the Macro and Macro Plus group can be allocated to the IFC objects “IfcOpeningElement” by means of this new function. Thus, for example, wall openings, installation openings or static studs can also be created at the corresponding position directly when importing a wall.