← Back to blogApril 15, 2025

A New Era in Steel Building Estimating: Meet Our Software for Automatic 3D Modeling and Connection Calculation from PDFs!

A New Era in Steel Building Estimating: Meet Our Software for Automatic 3D Modeling and Connection Calculation from PDFs!

In today’s steel structure projects, speed and accuracy are the greatest needs. Every bid has a tight deadline, and every project wants to start “as soon as possible.” That’s exactly where our software comes in: a system that generates a 3D model from PDF drawings within seconds, recognizes connection calculation method, and performs connection calculations automatically.

With this revolutionary solution for estimating departments, you can now say goodbye to hours of reading drawings, counting members, or preparing models manually. Here are the key features of our program:

Who Is It Built For?

  • Steel Fabricator
  • Estimating departments
  • Technical office personnel dealing with preliminary modeling and take-offs

It’s designed for anyone who prefers accessing clean data and models in seconds instead of spending hours deciphering a project.

Core Features and Modules

1. PDF Data Extraction Module

This module automatically detects the following members and others from PDF-format structural drawings:

  • Columns
  • Beams
  • Braces
  • Studs
  • Moment Connections
  • Cambers

Thanks to advanced image processing and smart algorithms, it instantly interprets section names and basic geometric data from the drawings.

2. 3D Modeling Module (IFC Export)

The extracted data is converted into a 3D structural model within seconds. This model:

  • Can be exported in IFC format
  • Can be viewed instantly on our platform
  • Can be opened directly in platforms like Sds/2, Tekla Structures, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Viewer and many others

3. Connection Calculation Module

In addition to identifying members, this module calculates connection types assigned to sections and instantly reflects them on the screen. It includes:

  • Many types of Simple connections
  • Many types of Moment connections

All of these are automatically calculated and added to the model. With this module, the estimating process is greatly accelerated with engineering-backed technical insight.

4. Production Time Module (Under Development)

Based on the number of sections and type of processing, this module can estimate the labor hours:

  • Cutting
  • Drilling
  • Welding
  • Shipping
  • And many others

With this module, both the technical and economic aspects of a quote are displayed on your screen within seconds.

Visualization Module

The generated 3D model can be interactively viewed. Navigation, inspection, and export functions are performed with a single click.

Integration and Compatibility

  • Supports IFC and Excel formats
  • Models can be easily integrated into BIM workflows
  • Member lists can be directly converted into quantity and bid documents

Why Are We Different?

  • One of the first systems to work directly from PDFs
  • A hybrid of artificial intelligence and algorithmic processing
  • Connection calculations tailored for estimating workflows
  • A full pipeline from bid to production, saving you time

Conclusion: Estimating Processes Now in Seconds

No more manually analyzing projects, counting sections, or drawing models. Our software blends speed, accuracy, and efficiency to take the estimating process to a whole new level.

And this is just the beginning. With upcoming modules and integrations, what’s ahead is beyond imagination.

Turn Your Drawings into Smart
Esti Models Today.