1. Inventor Models Used
In BIM
Curt Egli
&
Mark Lancaster

2. Session Objective & Benefits
• Explore how to repurpose your Inventor model
as Revit BIM content in the A/E’s building model
• At the end of this session you will….
– Know how to bring an Inventor model into Revit
– See the steps necessary to convert that model into
usable BIM format
– Gain insights into what Architects and Engineers want
from BIM content
– Understand the advantages of using the best solution
for the task

3. Creating Content With Autodesk Revit
( Without Inventor )
• Either :
– Start new component, extrude/revolve/sweep, add
connectors, save file, load into A/E’s project, place in
project
• Or :
– Duplicate & rename existing component from Autodesk,
make changes (i.e. use a new profile for a railing for
example), save file, transfer into A/E’s project, place in
project
• Then :
– optionally create a system, tag, confirm item is in the
schedule(s)

4. Revit Can Create Content for A/Es
• Inventor is not a necessary software when
creating Revit content
• But…. Inventor might save you time

5. So Why Should You Care?
• If the A/Es can make their own content with
Revit, why not just let them do the work?
• Because it’s WORK! And A/Es have deadlines
just like you
• Because editing content in Revit is an
additional skill set requiring additional training

6. Revit File Formats
• Project File (.RVT) • Family File (.RFA)

7. Steps To Convert Inventor Format
To Revit Format
• Open in Inventor
• Simplify the model
• Recognize geometry
– To find segments of model geometry and convert them into a
set of native modeling options included in Revit.
• Add and edit System connectors
• Verify data
• Export
– To .RFA or .ADSK
• (.ADSK can be opened by Revit or AutoCAD MEP)

8. “Sounds Easy Enough……”
• But here’s where it gets tricky…..

9. What do all of these elements have in
common?
• Ceilings
• Conduit
• Curtain Systems
• Curtain Wall Mullions
• Duct
• Floors
• Pipe
• Railings
• Ramps
• Roofs
• Stairs
• Structural Columns
• Structural Foundations
• Structural Framing
• Walls
• Etc.
They are Revit System Families

10. What do all of these elements have in
common?
• Casework
• Door
• Duct Accessory
• Duct Fitting
• Electrical Equipment
• Fire Alarm
• Furniture
• Light Fixture
• Light Switch
• Mechanical Equipment
• Pipe Fitting
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Specialty Equipment
• Sprinkler
• Window
• Etc.
They are Revit Loadable Families

11. Some Content Is Not “Loadable”……
• System Families:
– Typically prefabricated and/or
constructed onsite
– Many can host Component
elements
– Predefined by Autodesk
– They live in the Revit project file
(.RVT, not an .RFA)
– Can not be created from scratch in
the Family Editor
• Loadable Families:
– Typically installed onsite
– Can be freestanding or hosted by
Host elements
– User-defined families built in the
Family Editor
– They can be loaded into a project
(.RFA)
– They can be created from scratch

12. Creating A System Family For Use
1. In Inventor, sketch
the end the mullion
3. In the Revit Family
Editor, use the .DWG as
an outline Profile.
2. Export that sketch as
a .DWG
4. In the Revit project
file, use that profile for
your mullion

13. System Family Usage
• These previous 4 steps may help you get your
content ready for use
• Manufacturer’s that require Revit System Family
components frequently have a back-and-forth design
workflow with the Architect and/or Structural Engineer
– See Curt afterwards to discuss your unique situation
• Demonstration of Architect using your posted System
Family component

14. (again) Steps To Convert To A Revit
Loadable Family
• Open in Inventor
• Simplify the model
• Recognize geometry
– To find segments of model geometry and convert them into a
set of native modeling options included in Revit.
• Add and edit System connectors
• Verify data
• Export
– To .RFA or .ADSK
• (.ADSK can be opened by Revit or AutoCAD MEP)

15. Creating A Revit Loadable Family
For Use
• Demonstration

16. Optionally Add Revit Clearance Lines
For interference detection in the Revit project

17. 1/4 MB4MB
“Simplify” For Smaller Revit File Size

18. The “Right Amount” Of Detail?
• It depends how it will be used…..
Construction documents? Marketing Material?

19. The “Right Amount” Of Detail?
• Complex components that don’t lend themselves
to simplification…..
– (where a “box” will not be enough)

20. So What Does An A/E Hope For?
• Speed and performance from the model
• Ability to schedule and tag model components
• Not having to model it ourselves
• Graphic appropriateness from the content
– not too much detail but not too little for
construction docs
– flexibility – detail levels that can be varied
– choices would be nice for construction docs and
for marketing material renderings
– Lack of color

21. Upward Compatibility
• Like Inventor, Revit is upward compatible only
– Manufacturer’s attempt to create content (.RFAs) in
old versions of Revit (i.e. Revit 2010) for maximum
market penetration
– The .ADSK format was introduced with the 2010
release of Autodesk products

22. Time For Additional
Questions & Answers
Thank you!!