Vulcan HVAC sheet metal software now works with Bentley i-model technology for easier data sharing.

Trimble is extending its ongoing technical relationship with Bentley Systems by creating an integrated workflow between its Vulcan sheet metal cutting software for HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) and Bentley’s AECOsim Building Designer software. The move expands the companies’ ongoing collaboration around Construction Modeling and enhanced information mobility—which includes a goal to leverage Bentley i-models technology when Trimble and Bentley solutions are used together in project delivery.

Vulcan is a sheet metal cutting software solution for HVAC contractors, design/build firms and duct manufacturers. AECOsim Building Designer is Bentley’s software for teams involved in the design, analysis, contracting, documentation, and visualization of buildings. AECOsim uses i-models for the open exchange of project information across typical product line boundaries. By extending Trimble and Bentley’s existing i-model integrations to Vulcan, users can directly transmit design drawings to sheet metal fabrication, which can reduce errors and rework, and ultimately save time and costs.

“Sheet metal cutting and fabrication require the utmost precision to ensure the finished product will meet design specifications exactly, but the design-to-fabrication gap is where errors are most likely to occur,” said Pat Bohle, general manager of the MEP Division within Trimble Buildings. “Bentley’s i-models ease data-sharing and improve accuracy so that our customers can feel confident that the fabricated product matches the design spot-on.”

The new capabilities will be incorporated into Vulcan 2015 version 2, which is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2015 through Trimble Buildings’ MEP Division. More information is available at:  http://mep.trimble.com/products/fabrication/vulcan.