A high-value, multifunctional translator for streamlining the design flow. Seamlessly performs quality checks, editing, conversion, and lightweight optimization of IFC data.
About IFC-VAX
IFC-VAX*¹ (IFC-Value Added Translator) is a versatile translator with high added value, supporting the input and output of IFC*² data.
It serves not only as a 3D model and attribute viewer but also offers various convenient features for working with IFC data, including model checking, various modification and editing tools, mesh reduction, shrinkwrap (creating a closed mesh that encloses the entire model), and the ability to extract only the interior of a model.
It is useful for tasks such as simplifying design models for various analysis models, creating models for 3D printing, and performing checks during data exchange with partner companies.
*1 IFC-VAX is a registered trademark of AppliCraft Co., Ltd.”
*2 IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open and neutral data model specification and standard for all objects that make up a building, developed by buildingSMART (an international standards organization focused on data sharing in the architecture and construction industries).
In general CAD software, drawing elements are simple collections of lines, but IFC-compliant objects have attribute information that allows the model type to be recognized. This enables project models to be shared across different industries within the architecture and construction sectors. For example, data for a “door” designed by an architect can be treated as the same “door” data by professionals in other industries. This sharing aims to improve efficiency in areas such as cost estimation, equipment design, construction, and facility management.
Development Background
Different 3D models are required for each process, such as structure and construction, and often different digital tools are used. As a result, 3D models received from upstream processes may lack the necessary data for the receiving process or may contain unnecessary data.
Moreover, not all digital tools use the same IFC elements (Entities), and there may be data loss when reading IFC data due to the following reasons:
- The presence of incorrect shape data (e.g., violations of standards, invalid mathematical representations, etc.)
- Differences in accuracy between digital tools
- Discrepancies in the interpretation of attribute structures (e.g., differences in the classes used, unclear relationships, customized usage, etc.)
Before being converted and output as IFC data, the quality of digital data varies depending on the creator. Common issues include:
- Lack of data consistency (focus on appearance, insufficient creation of invisible areas)
- Data duplication, interference, or gaps
- Excessive data volume
- Unperformed modeling standard checks
IFC data outputted from models with quality issues inherits these defects, and data loss can occur due to differences in supported IFC classes.
IFC-VAX is being developed to address these issues and streamline the architectural design workflow.
Main Features
Import and export of IFC4 data, mutual conversion with Rhino models
It supports IFC4 input and output.
The imported data can be converted into Rhino models (currently only meshes are supported) or STL.
Visualization of 3D shapes and attributes of IFC data
It can be used as an IFC data viewer. You can manipulate the view and check the shape in 3D.
Attributes and properties can also be viewed, and some attributes can be edited or copied.
Gap and interference checks, surface orientation checks
It has the ability to detect open edges (gaps or openings) and interference between objects.
If there are openings or interferences, issues may arise such as the inability to perform analysis or simulations, problems with 3D printing, or inability to load the model into other software. These can be checked in advance.
It also includes a feature for checking and correcting the orientation of surfaces.
Mesh Reduction
It features a polygon reduction (mesh reduction) function.
You can reduce polygons while maintaining the shape, or allow a certain degree of shape variation (smoothing the shape) to reduce polygons.
Shrinkwrap
Shrinkwrap (creating a closed mesh that wraps around the model) is available.
It can quickly convert open models with many gaps or models with multiple parts that cannot undergo boolean operations into a closed mesh. This is useful for creating models for analysis or 3D printing.
Interior Extraction (Patent pending)
The interior extraction function recognizes closed spaces within a 3D model and extracts only the surfaces that are in contact with those spaces.
It is designed to tolerate some gaps or interference, even if the space is not completely closed (patent pending).
This feature is expected to streamline the creation of models for analysis areas, such as those for light, heat, fluid, and acoustics.
Edit in collaboration with Rhino
If advanced processing that cannot be handled within IFC-VAX is required, it can be integrated with Rhino, allowing the use of Rhino and Grasshopper features to process the data. The edited data can then be returned to IFC-VAX while maintaining its structure.
Export to STL data
If advanced processing that cannot be completed within IFC-VAX is required, it can be integrated with Rhino, allowing the use of Rhino and Grasshopper functions to process the data. The edited data can then be returned to IFC-VAX while maintaining its structure.
System Requirements
- Supported OS: Windows 10, Windows 11 (Not supported on Mac)
- Hardware: Only NVIDIA graphics boards (OpenGL 4.3 or later) are supported.
*Intel and AMD graphics boards are also compatible, but there may be display issues. - Supported Data: IFC4,3DM (Currently, only compatible with Rhino 7),STL (export only)
- Other: To use the ‘Edit in Rhino’ feature, Rhino 7 is required.
Beta Version
IFC-VAX is currently under development as a beta version.
If you would like to try it, please contact us via email at ‘info@applicraft.com‘.
We also offer customization through contract development, so feel free to reach out if you are interested.