Last month we announced the availability of the latest detailing solution for sheet metal contractors called Trimble Design Link.

At the heart of TDL is an AutoCAD MEP based detailing solution that links directly to Vulcan ductwork cutting software, allowing contractors to easily apply shop specifications to AutoCAD® MEP Duct. Not stopping at just fabrication, Trimble also built links to the popular QuickPen AutoBid SheetMetal estimating solution, Trimble MEP Layout solution, and an easy IFC export option for 3D visualization in clash detection solutions like Navisworks, Tekla Structures, and Solibri.

With so much packed into this unique solution, we have been asked to put together a series of one-hour webinars that help to tell the story.

So, please feel free to join us during one of the following upcoming sessions featuring Trimble Product Manager, Brett Stacks:

REGISTER BELOW:

April 26th, 8:00am (MST)	April 26th, 1:30pm (MST)
Register Now! Add To Outlook	Register Now! Add To Outlook

Ditch your digi and join the digital revolution!

We introduced OnScreen View (OSV) of TakeOff in Fall 2007. We didn't realize how many nor how quickly our customers would adopt this technology. It's come a long way in 3-1/2 years. Why are so many customers switching to OSV? It saves money. Yep, it's that simple. I've recently talked to multiple customers who have saved $30,000 - $50,000 in printing costs for their estimating groups. Look at your printing costs - would you like to save that money? Want to learn more? Come join one of two webinars that will cover the basics of OnScreen View TakeOff. While both webinars will cover similar material that can be used in either product, I'll conduct one webinar in AutoBid® SheetMetal and one webinar in AutoBid Mechanical.

AutoBid® SheetMetal for HVAC Ductwork estimating Tuesday, March 15th @ 4 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. CT/ 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT

AutoBid® Mechanical for piping and plumbing estimating Wednesday, March 16th @ 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. MT / 8 a.m. PT

Registration is limited - so register soon!

We are proud to announce that the new Trimble® Design Link product is now available. Design link utilizes a shared database with Vulcan to link shop standards with the AutoCAD® MEP duct program allowing the AutoCAD® MEP detailer or designer to take advantage of key features provided by the Autodesk product but also provides that same user with additional tools specifically designed for the mechanical contractor. The first release offers links to Vulcan, AutoBid SheetMetal, Trimble MEP and Tekla. Go HERE to learn more!

Do you already own DuctDesigner® 3D? As a customer of our current CAD product for ductwork, you have the option to take advantage of our cross-grade plan. This option allows you to get the new product at no cost of the product itself, but does require a new support agreement. Contact sales for more details.

Have you previously owned DuctDesigner® 3D? You can take advantage of the cross-grade plan too! Contact sales for information about how you can use this option to get our latest product at minimal cost!

If you’re like me, after the holidays you don’t want to talk about dimensions.  I’m sure that if I had measured before and after dinner it would have shown an increase of exactly one notch out on the old belt.  In the parts program you can effectively use the dimensioning tools on a drawing in many different ways.

You can add dimensions to any object in the drawing. Dimensioning includes shapes, locations of objects, and measuring from point to point.

Shape
Shape dimensioning, provides dimensions for the selected objects. When dimensioning objects with radiuses, the radius value is displayed. When dimensioning lines, the line length is displayed.

1. From the Part window, click Dimension, and then click Shape.
2. From the drawing, click the desired object and then click the location to place the dimension.

Location
Location dimensioning, provides the location of the selected object, these values are displayed in absolute coordinates.

1. From the Part window, click Dimension, and then click Location.
2. From the drawing, click the desired object and then click the location to place the dimension.

With the holidays approaching quickly, QuickPen wanted to remind you of our upcoming Technical Support Closures.  QuickPen Technical support will be closed on the following days:

Friday, December 24th
Monday, December 27th
Friday, December 31st
Monday, January 3rd

Our technical support and sales group will maintain normal hours (7 a.m. MT - 5 p.m. MT) December 28th - December 30th.

We wish you health, happiness, and prosperity during this holiday season.  We appreicate your business and look forward to working with you in 2011.