What file formats do you export for BIM?

IFC and ACIS, alongside DWG general arrangements and DSTV/NC files for fabrication. If your BIM execution plan calls for something specific, tell us at the quoting stage.

Can you import the design team's models?

Yes. Detailing software can import data from all parties, so the steel model can be built against the architect's and engineer's models and checked for clashes with them.

Is BIM worth it on a small job?

Even small portal frames benefit. An IFC model lets the client and other trades check the steel in a free viewer, and clash detection catches problems while they are still cheap to fix.

Portal frame model with bracing members highlighted in colour for checking

SSD—BIMBuilding Information Modelling

BIM-ready steel models.

One shared, accurate model of the steelwork that the whole project team can use — architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and clients.

Talk to us about BIM

SSD—01One source of truth

Centralised information, fewer surprises.

Building Information Modelling is a digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics — a shared knowledge resource that the whole team makes decisions from, for the life of the building.

Traditional projects suffer from fragmented information and miscommunication, which is where delays and cost overruns come from. With BIM, everyone works from one model. A design change made by the architect is visible to the engineer and contractor straight away, so it can be dealt with before it becomes a site problem.

IFC and ACIS export

Imports from all parties

Free IFC viewing for non-CAD users

Federated model coordination

Portal frame BIM model shown in an IFC viewer — Small portal frame BIM project in an IFC viewerModel

SSD—02Clash detection

Find the clash on screen, not on site.

A detailed 3D model lets everyone see the project before construction starts. Design issues show up early, while they can still be solved on screen.

Clash detection checks where the steel interferes with itself or with other building systems — services, cladding, precast — so those conflicts are resolved at the planning stage rather than with a grinder on site.

3D steel model coloured by reference layer, multi-storey frame — Model coloured by reference layer for checkingModel

SSD—03Beyond 3D

Programme, cost and sustainability data.

BIM also supports a more collaborative way of managing the project, linking the model to the programme (4D), cost estimates (5D) and sustainability information (6D).

That makes planning and tracking more accurate and helps the team stay on budget and on programme. Accurate steel quantities from our model feed straight into those figures.

Wireframe steel model of an office building coloured by layer — Steel model for an office buildingModel

SSD—04FAQs

BIM questions.

Can't see your question? Email us — we reply by return.

All FAQs

IFC and ACIS, alongside DWG general arrangements and DSTV/NC files for fabrication. If your BIM execution plan calls for something specific, tell us at the quoting stage.

SSD—10Free quotes

Steel for a BIM project?

Send us the engineer's drawings and calcs and we'll come back with a free, no-obligation quote — usually by return.

Make an Enquiry Upload your drawings

Or email [email protected]

BIM-ready steel models.

Centralised information, fewer surprises.

Find the clash on screen, not on site.

Programme, cost and sustainability data.

BIM questions.

Q01What file formats do you export for BIM?

Q02Can you import the design team's models?

Q03Is BIM worth it on a small job?

Steel for a BIM project?