Corus 3D First

United Kingdom 29 Jan 2002 - Corus, the metals solutions provider, recently announced a first for a building products manufacturer, a software application containing 3D representations of its product range for use in leading AEC CAD platforms. Corus Construction Parts is designed to provide architects, designers and engineers with a 3D product catalogue that represents actual manufactured products that are available to the construction industry.

Construction Parts not only provides 3D representations of real Corus products with geometric properties; it also gives the user access to a library of up to date, accurate electronic product documentation. This delivers rich and relevant information at the right time, in the right format, to significantly enhance the design process. It has been estimated that during the detailed design phase architects can spend as much as 40% of their time searching for information, Construction Parts will greatly reduce this.

Construction Parts can be used in a number of ways, either as a stand-alone catalogue or as a seamlessly integrated third party application for Autodesk (AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop), Bentley (Microstation Triforma, Structural for Triforma) or Graphisoft (V6 or V6.5) CAD platforms. When used in conjunction with a CAD platform, Construction Parts inserts 3D models directly into the current drawing, either as native objects or solid blocks, depending on the system in use. The information associated with the components can be accessed by users at any stage during the design process. 2D drawings of components can be created within Construction Parts and exported as AutoCAD R13 format dwg files, in this way Construction Parts caters for the still significant 2D requirements within the construction industry.

Corus Construction Parts was produced as a joint development in collaboration with Trace Software, the producers of the "Trace Parts" CAD library, an extensive mechanical parts library seamlessly integrated with the main CAD systems on the market.

Corus Executive Director responsible for Construction, Chris Hollick stated, "The Construction Parts 3D application is an innovative solution that architects and designers should find convenient and timely. It represents a good example of how Corus is developing integrated solutions throughout the value chain. Ultimately our vision is to incorporate the whole range of Corus products into the 3D software including envelope products such as cladding, roofing systems and special profiles. Construction Parts will become a one-stop-shop for all the common design elements required in construction."

Construction Parts is available on CD from Corus Construction Centre on +44 (0) 1724 405060 or visit our website 

www.corusconstruction.com/constructionparts