In September 2016, SSI asked clients to vote on proposed new features for the next release of its CAD/CAM software. With the launch of ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1, SSI has delivered what clients chose.
Voting was done via SSI’s sophisticated suggestion/voting system called the SSI Community Wishlist which is found on SSI’s portal for community engagement, SSI Nexus.
Structure Modeling Enhancements
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Ability to Split Stiffeners Into Multiple Parts
Splitting long stiffeners and stringers at user-specified points is now possible! With the new “Split Stiffener” command (Command Line: SCSPLITSTIFF, Ribbon: Structure > Stiffeners > Split Stiffener), you can easily break up a general design-oriented profile into multiple production-suitable parts. This feature is a handy modeling utility that can save a significant amount of time as your project transitions from the initial design stage towards the detailed 3D model.
Text Marking on Stiffeners and Faceplates
In the new release, text details can be added to stiffener webs and faceplates. Search for the new “Add Text” command (Command Line: SCEXTRADDTEXT, Ribbon: Structure > Stiffeners > Add Text). The biggest advantage of this improvement is that for flat parts, it is now possible to mark additional information on the part’s surface with an NC-cutting machine. For example, an indication of a ship direction to which a given profile end needs to be pointing can be extremely helpful during the installation process. This feature will help you minimize the number of production-related mistakes.
More Part Attributes Visible in AutoCAD and Navisworks Properties
In this release, we have enabled the following attributes to appear in the AutoCAD Properties palette and Navisworks Properties:
- Mark Side for plate parts
- Start Green Length, End Green Length for stiffeners
You can now access these details much faster by simply selecting the part in the drawing. You can also search for parts inside the AutoCAD and Navisworks environment based on values of these properties. For example, a Navisworks search can be used to review structural plates for correctness and consistency across their Mark Side properties.
Distributed Systems Modeling Enhancements
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Ability to Add Vertices to Existing Bent Pipes
You can now add new vertices to existing pipes with the “Add Pipe Bend” command (Command Line: SCPIPEADDBEND, Ribbon: Pipe > Pipe Modeling Utilities > Add Pipe Bend). This is an extremely helpful functionality that allows you to increase the number of bends an existing pipe can have without remodeling the original part from scratch. Usually, a pipe may need additional bending points to move a section of it to the side to avoid an obstacle in its way. Note that new vertices can be added to any type of pipe whether it is straight or bent.
Visible Description Field When Inserting Equipment
In this release, we have made the “Description” column visible when inserting a new piece of equipment into a model drawing. Being able to see additional information, and search by description, will help you to quickly locate the right stock. This feature adds convenience and saves time.
Automated Insertion of Spool Breaks at User-Specified Connections
In ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1, by default you are now given the ability to specify which Pipe and HVAC connections are created with spool breaks in them. This is a convenient option that can save you time while modeling. As one example, flange-to-flange connections are known to usually occur at spool ends. You can now model more efficiently by setting up your Pipe and HVAC catalogs so that spool breaks are added automatically whenever two flanges are connected.
Automated Bent Pipe Routing Between Two Points in Space
Our latest automated bent-pipe routing functionality will provide you with increased modeling convenience and efficiency. The new feature helps you to quickly place a bent pipe between any point in space and a free end of another pipe. The underlying algorithm develops the most optimal route that minimizes the length of the pipe while taking into consideration its bending constraints.
New Tool for Identifying Invalid Connections
In this latest release, we are introducing a new idea of an “invalid connection” that might occur in Pipe and HVAC model drawings. Typically, such connections happen as a result of accidentally moving one of the connected parts to the side, replacing the stock or exceeding the angular tolerance for a connection. Note that with the new functionality available, we no longer delete invalid connections automatically, but preserve them until you make this decision. In the meantime, we help you to visually identify troublesome connections and learn specific details. Use the new “Show Drawing Issues” command to open a palette containing detailed information on each invalid connection (Command Line: SCADVSHOWDRAWINGISSUES, Ribbon: Subscription Advantage Pack > Outfitting > Show Drawing Issues).
New Labeling Features
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Ability to Identify Parts in Production Drawings That are missing Labels
Sometimes, it may be difficult to identify which parts are missing labels in a production drawing. In ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1, several new commands were added to help you with recognizing parts without labels. You can now search for missing labels within the entire drawing, on a current layout, or while looking at a particular BOM-viewport combination. The new commands are: “List Unlabeled Parts in Drawing” (Command Line: SCADVLABELLISTUNLABELED), “List Unlabeled Parts in Active Layout” (Command Line: SCADVLABELLISTUNLABELEDCURRENTLAYOUT) and “List Unlabeled Parts from BOMs” (Command Line: SCADVLABELLISTUNLABELEDFROMBOMS). On the ribbon, all of the commands are located as follows: Subscription Advantage Pack > Unlabeled Parts.
Improvements to Stock Catalogs
Ability to Import and Export Bevel Standards Using XML Format
You can now save a significant amount of time when transferring Bevel Standards across projects. In the latest release, we fully supported export and import of bevel information using XML format.
Bevel Data Ready for Import
Separate Accounting for Valve-Handle Weights
In ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1, the valve handle “Weight” attribute is now supported. It is now possible to specify weights for the valve body and actuator separately. Note that the total part weight reported in model and production drawings is calculated as the sum of the body weight and handle weight. This improvement ensures greater flexibility when working with valves that may have several types of replaceable handles or actuators.
Weight Attribute for Valve Handle
WorkShare Improvements
Confirmation Message Prior to Repairing Project
Occasionally, data in your project may be arranged in a way that is not suitable for WorkShare purposes. Fortunately, ShipConstructor has the ability to “repair” the project so that it is usable with WorkShare functionality. In ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1, a new confirmation message was added that appears prior to launching the repair operation. Now, you have more control over potential changes to your project database. You can also conveniently review the list of errors prior to fixing them.
Confirmation Message Before Repairing Project
Enhancements for Optimize Package
In this release, the logic behind the “Optimize Package Size” option available during WorkShare Design Export has been significantly extended. The improved behavior was set to ensure that all unchecked items with which checked items have no dependencies are entirely excluded from the WorkShare Design package. The benefits of this change is that the package comes out to be much smaller in its size, and WorkShare Design Insert works faster. Also, if a new project is deployed from a WorkShare Design package, the deployed copy will only contain items that were originally checked for export, opposed to the complete project.
Optimize Package Option
System Requirements
| Supported Client Operating Systems | Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 |
| Supported Server Operating Systems | Windows Server 2008, 2008 R2, or 2012 (64-bit) |
| SQL Servers | MS SQL Server 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014 or 2016
Installer includes Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express |
| Supported AutoCAD Platforms | AutoCAD 2016 and 2017
AutoCAD Mechanical 2016 and 2017 AutoCAD P&ID 2016 and 2017 AutoCAD Plant 3D 2016 and 2017 |
| Supported Autodesk Suites | Product Design Suite 2016 and 2017
Factory Design Suite 2016 and 2017 Plant Design Suite 2016 and 2017 Design Suite 2016 and 2017 |
ShipConstructor 2017 R2.1 Installation Guide
See Manuals in SSI Nexus
Download Information
See Downloads in SSI Nexus
Purchasing Information
To purchase the software or renew your Subscription contact an SSI Representative