Herk-de-Stad, Belgium. (Tuesday, May 29, 2018)—SCIA is pleased to announce the release of SCIA Engineer 18, the latest version of the company’s structural analysis and design software. The new release incorporates significant enhancements and functionalities that enable structural engineers to streamline their workflows, design with advanced materials and work more effectively in the BIM process.

The new improvements in SCIA Engineer 18 include:

Enhanced usability with streamlined workflows

The focus on usability delivers multiple enhancements including more automation along the whole workflow, a new graphical control for effective 3D navigation and simplified buckling settings — all of which enable users to work more effectively and intuitively. The corporate SCIA website (www.scia.net) now features a dedicated learning area with improved materials to help new users familiarize themselves with the software faster and to enable existing users to deepen their knowledge.

Advanced materials and floor systems

SCIA Engineer 18 expands the array of possibilities for economical and clearly documented designs for new materials and floor systems. In co-creation with Bekaert, a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies, this release supports the design and calculation of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) and is the first of its kind available in the market. SCIA Engineer 18 also features advanced optimization of composite floors, including studs layout, profile size and support for web openings, as well as extended capabilities of punching shear design, and support of add-ons for structural glass and foundation design.

Extended information flow in BIM

The Revit and Tekla Structures links now boast extended information support for concrete and steel detailing. Specifically, the link between Tekla Structures and SCIA Engineer supports bi-directional roundtrip exchange of data and transfer of end reactions to facilitate the detailing of the connections in Tekla Structures. The Revit link now supports the export of reinforcement for beams and slabs.

Cyril Heck, chief product and marketing officer, SCIA, commented: “We have always incorporated the input of our users in developing SCIA Engineer. In this release, we engaged our users even more. In particular, users participating in the recently launched ‘SCIA Insider’ program reviewed and tested some of the new usability functionalities. They helped us shape the software into the direction that truly fits the needs of the users. I am also proud of the co-creation project with Bekaert. It has enabled us to deliver an innovative solution for steel fiber reinforced concrete, allowing users to realize the benefit of using this material in their designs. With this release, we are truly taking the software to the next level, not only in terms of additional functionality, but also enhanced usability, which is also underscored by a refreshed SCIA brand image.”

To learn more about SCIA Engineer 18, please visit www.scia.net.

Contact details

SCIA nv

Attn. Ms. Petra Zlotá

Industrieweg 1007, 3540 Herk-de-Stad, Belgium

Tel.: ( 32) 013 55.17.75

Email: p.zlota@scia.net

Attn. Cyril Heck

Email: c.heck@scia.net.

LEWISVILLE, Texas, May 30, 2018 – The plans for Metrohm USA’s new, 90,000-square-foot headquarters called for an all-inclusive layout with space for offices, training facilities, engineering and machining workshops, a distribution warehouse and laboratories designed for collaboration. To meet the project’s unique design and performance parameters, the building team turned to Metl-Span for a turnkey insulated metal panel building envelope solution from the drafting table to the jobsite. Metrohm USA, the North American subsidiary of a major Swiss manufacturer, had long outgrown its original office facility in the Tampa Bay region. Their new, $20 million headquarters in nearby Riverview, Fla. will house several dozen new employees in the coming years with meeting rooms and creative stations that could support more than 200 people.

Metrohm USA manufactures high-precision instruments for chemical analysis and titration. The complex operation demands the latest in cutting-edge technology and innovation. The design team from HTG Architects in Tampa envisioned a facility that represented the best that contemporary building façades have to offer, utilizing Metl-Span CF Architectural insulated metal panels (IMPs) to deliver not only exceptional performance, but an ultra-modern aesthetic. Within the high-performance walls, Metrohm USA relied upon a truly unique, open layout to enhance overall creativity and teamwork.

The mixed-medium building envelope incorporates 14,852 square feet of Metl-Span’s 2” CF Architectural insulated metal wall panels in multiple widths. The bold Pewter finish — featuring a 70 percent PVDF fluoropolymer coating — provides an excellent contrast to the matte concrete wall portions while integrating with dynamic windows and sunshades. IMPs deliver unmatched thermal and moisture performance in a single, easy-to-install component. According to Harley, the decision to specify metal panels was “based on comparing costs, speed of erection and the desired aesthetic.” Metl-Span CF Architectural IMPs deliver on all counts.

This complex, phased process required equally complex drafting, but the team from Metl-Span was up to the task. “The customer wanted to see elevations first to determine joint location early on,” said Metl-Span’s Frank Duran, technical services project coordinator. “We submitted all elevations a week before the full submittal drawings.” Duran said the true challenge was synchronizing the extrusions, formed corners and end fold processes. Each detail demands its own unique lead time and coordination efforts. According to Metl-Span representative Michael Moore, president of Architectural MetalReps, the company provided shop drawings for the entire project scope, walking first-time insulated metal panel installer CA Systems through the process to ensure on-time delivery and seamless installation.

“There was a lot of intricate detailing on the job; some interesting panel reveals, folded corners, soffits — details you don’t see every day,” Moore explained. “Metl-Span handled all the shop drawings for the project. It was smooth sailing from the beginning.”

LEWISVILLE, Texas, May 22, 2018 – Rahim Hakimi has retired from the position of Vice President of Engineering after 35 years at Metl-Span. He served the company and industry well, having worked for Metl-Span from inception. Hakimi spearheaded the development of almost all proprietary products at Metl-Span.

Chad Draxler replaces Hakimi as Vice President of Engineering. Draxler, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, was previously employed at Steel King Industries and ADC Custom Products.

Craig Storch has joined Metl-Span as its new Director of Engineering. Storch, a graduate of Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, is a licensed Professional Engineer in many states and brings experience with insulated metal panels, steel buildings, CAD and project management.

Oak Brook, IL, April 23, 2018 — LiftMaster®, the number one brand of professionally installed access control solutions, is pleased to announce that the integrated marketing campaign introducing its Automatic Garage Door Lock, has won a prestigious Platinum award in the 2018 Muse Creative Award competition. The winning campaign was developed by Upshot, a Chicago-based marketing agency.

The Muse Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals who inspire through concept, writing or design, whether through traditional or electronic media. “With over 1,350 submissions from 37 countries, winning a Muse Creative Award is a great honor,” said Beril Altiner, director of marketing communications for LiftMaster. “Partnering with Upshot has enabled us to create a unique, idea-driven campaign that resonates with consumers.”

As the Automatic Garage Door Lock from LiftMaster makes garages more secure – think front door deadbolt but for your garage door – the winning campaign centers around the sound of security and the feeling of peace of mind.

Upshot’s creative team, led by Kat Tushim, developed the campaign based on research showing how hearing a lock click makes people feel safe and secure. The launch campaign started with a television spot that took that sound of safety – deadbolts, bike helmets, seatbelts – to showcase how the LiftMaster Automatic Garage Door Lock works. The integrated campaign also included print, digital and traditional and internet radio to help spread the word, letting homeowners know there is an extra layer of protection that can offer security and peace of mind.

Muse Creative Awards is administered and judged by International Awards Associates (IAA) and an elite panel of internationally recognized creative professionals. IAA oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and sets the competition’s rigorous standards.

“Winning a Muse Creative Award can be a significant career milestone,” said Kenjo Ong, president for IAA. “With vetted panelists, tough criteria, blind judging processes, and strict bylaws limiting winners, only the best entries receive this coveted statuette. Each year, I am both amazed and inspired by the level of craft and art submitted.”

Feeney’s grade-316 stainless steel rod assemblies with Sta-Lok® fork ends provide an elegant, high strength, low-maintenance alternative to traditional steel rod and wire rope rigging systems, with the added benefit of being able to support loads in both tension and compression conditions. They can be used in a variety of structural and decorative applications – from glass curtain wall and door canopy supports to guardrail balusters and trellis infill grids.

Assemblies include special left- and right-hand threaded Sta-Lok® Tension Fork ends, offering easy adjustment and tensioning without the need for bulky in-line turnbuckles; simply spin the rod to adjust length. Flats are machined onto each rod so that wrenches can grip without scratching the finish. Available in diameters from 5/16-inch to 1-inch, all assemblies are made to order with the Tension Forks set in the mid-adjustment position to allow maximum open and close adjustment without any exposed threads.

Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2018 – The S-5! DualGard Snow Retention System recently gained national recognition from Building Design Construction (BD+C) Magazine as a “Top Product” for 2017 in the Building Envelope Category.

The DualGard snow retention system from S-5! uses an assembly of two one-inch pipes to keep snow and ice in place while it melts, while also preserving the warranty of the metal roof. DualGard can be painted, powder coated, or anodized, and can be fully engineered for the specific roof and environment. The system is mounted with S-5! mini clamps and comes with two sizes of snow clips to fit any seam profile. DualGard effectively protects people and property from dangerous roof snow avalanches. It joins S-5!’s other snow retention systems: ColorGard, X-Gard, SnoRail, and SnoFence.

The DualGard system, launched just a year ago, has become a popular choice by design professionals and contractors who prefer the looks of a pipe-style snow retention system while desiring the benefits they have come to expect from S-5! Like the other S-5! snow retention systems, DualGard features a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and is fully tested on virtually every metal roof manufacturer profile and material allowing for a fully engineered system that will last the life of the roof.

Early bird discounts for Phoenix event, offering training and thought-leadership sessions for architecture, landscape and entertainment design, end June 22

Columbia, MD (May 8, 2018)—Global design and BIM software solutions provider Vectorworks, Inc. invites professionals, educators and students in the AEC, landscape and entertainment industries to attend the fourth annual Vectorworks Design Summit from November 4 to 6, 2018.

Hosted at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Ariz., the conference includes industry sessions, tech support, networking events, inspiring keynotes and hands-on training. Multiple sessions will offer continuing education credits.

“The Summit is the most cost-effective way for designers to maximize their investment in Vectorworks and improve their company’s bottom line,” said Vectorworks CEO Biplab Sarkar. “It is my hope that all attendees will leave Arizona with inspiration and valuable experience to strengthen their career in the design industry.”

There will be two keynotes and 50 sessions led by 35 industry experts, like Joseph Marshall, project architect and technology coordinator at Flansburgh Architects; Todd McCurdy, president and director of landscape architecture and planning at Huitt-Zollars; Scott Barnes, lighting console programmer for motion pictures and many more.

REGISTRATION RATES

Pre-Early Bird: Now to June 22:

Attendees can register for $399 and take advantage of a waived resort fee. Plus, there is a buy one, get one free special on registration.

Early Bird: June 22 to July 31:

Registration for the event will increase to $499, but the resort fee will still be waived. Plus, there is still a buy one, get one free special on registration.

Regular Conference: July 31 to September 28:

Registration will increase to $599.

Last Chance: September 28 to November 2:

Registration will increase to $699.

Student and Professor Rate:

As part of Vectorworks’ commitment to supporting the academic community, students and professors can register from now until June 22 for just $49, or at any time after for $99.

*Room rates are $199 per night for all guests.

To see the full list of sessions and to register, please visit vectorworks.net/design-summit.

Press can register for free by emailing Vectorworks PR Manager Lauren Meyer at Lmeyer@vectorworks.net.

Join the Summit conversation by following and engaging with #VectorworksDesignSummit.

Columbia, Md. (April 26, 2018)—The world’s leading business solutions review website, G2 Crowd, featured global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. in its Spring 2018 Grid and Index reports.

The reports rank software based on unbiased and real-time reviews from verified users. Specifically, Vectorworks Architect was ranked second in the “Highest Rated” and “Easiest To Use” categories for Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Scoring ahead of other BIM software programs, Architect received a 92 percent satisfaction score and an 8.5 usability score.

According to G2 Crowd, a product’s satisfaction and usability scores are calculated by a proprietary algorithm that factors in real-user satisfaction ratings from review data. Software buyers can compare products according to their satisfaction scores to streamline the buying process and quickly identify the best products based on the experiences of their peers.

“Rankings on G2 Crowd reports are based on data provided to us by real users,” said Michael Fauscette, chief research officer at G2 Crowd. “We are excited to share the achievements of the products ranked on our site because they represent the voice of the user and offer terrific insights to potential buyers around the world.”

As the architect’s BIM tool, Vectorworks Architect enables designers to tackle complex ideas in 2D and 3D, refine construction details, explore project’s energy efficiency and streamline costs.

“It is an honor to have Vectorworks Architect recognized by G2 Crowd, but this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing users,” said Dan Monaghan, vice president of marketing at Vectorworks. “They are the ones who keep us motivated in our mission to offer the best BIM software for the AEC industry year after year.”

Visit the Vectorworks Architect G2 Crowd profile to view additional ratings and reviews.