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Sharing PowerFab eXchange (PFX) Setting Files & Extensions

Tekla Structures Tekla PowerFab PowerFab eXchange PFXT PFX detailer fabricator
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
Not version-specific
Tekla PowerFab Tekla PowerFab GO
Environment
Not environment-specific
Not environment-specific

Configuring settings and sharing the attribute (setting) files for exporting from Tekla Structures to Tekla PowerFab can be very beneficial for fabricators. This process ensures that the exported data aligns with each fabricator's specific requirements and standards, facilitating smoother workflows and better data management.

We recommend that all the customized Tekla Structures settings files are provided in Project and firm folders to outside contractors. By sharing all the customized Tekla Structures settings, fabricators can ensure that the exported information meets their unique needs, promoting efficiency and accuracy in their operations.

Note: There are many Files for configuring Tekla Structures that may determine the exact output in export (including PDFs) files. Files related to options and advanced options, Files related to templates, reports and drawings, Files related to catalogs, files for custom user-defined attributes (UDAs), et cetera will impact the data exported and are not included in this article. It is recommended to share any customized files with collaborators.

Another recommendation would be to Use a Trimble Connect project as the project or the firm folder to store customized files.

Using Trimble Connect project to set up XS_PROJECT and XS_FIRM is often the most convenient way to store the customized files. Especially, when multiple licenses are used in one company, and you want to ensure that users always use the same settings and that the updates are automatically shared with everyone.

There are two recommended formats used when exporting data to Tekla PowerFab:

  1. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)  for the Combining and Estimating modules — These exports need to have the Tekla PowerFab Property Set.
  2. Tekla PowerFab eXchange (PFX) for the Project Management and Production Control modules

 

IFC Exports — Combining and Estimating

Image
Screenshot showing the Export IFC dialog and Property set definitions dialogs. #1 is next to the attribute set name for the IFC Export and #2 is next to the Property set definition attribute set name.

 

Files and file name extensions in the Tekla Structures model folder:

  1. .\attributes\<file name>.IFCExportPlugin.MainDialog.xml — Export in IFC format settings.
  2. .\<file name>.xml —  Property set configuration files used in IFC export product guide. All customizations should include all the properties in the Tekla PowerFab Property Set and additions made from that. Must be in the AdditionalPSets Fixed sub-folder.

PowerFab eXchange (PFX) Exports — Project Management & Production Control

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Screenshot showing the Export to PowerFab dialog. #3 is next to the attribute set name for the Export to PowerFab dialog, #4 is next to the UDAs from report, and #5 is next to the Generate CNC files - settings dropdown. a, b, c, and d are next to the (respectively) drawing UDAs, part UDAs, bolt-nut-washer UDAs, and stud UDAs.

 

Files and file name extensions in the Tekla Structures model folder:

  1. .\attributes\<file name>.TeklaPowerFabPluginSettings.xml — Export settings for Tekla PowerFab
  2. .\<file name>.rpt — Reports for Customize[d] user-defined attributes for Tekla PowerFab export.

    1. 450 TeklaPowerFab_Drawing_UserDefined_v1.rpt

    2. 450 TeklaPowerFab_Part_UserDefined_v1.rpt

    3. 450 TeklaPowerFab_BoltNutWasher_UserDefined_v1.rpt

    4. 450 TeklaPowerFab_Stud_UserDefined_v1.rpt

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Screenshot showing the export NC Files dialog #5 is next to the attribute set name for the export NC Files dialog, e, f, g, and h are next to the (respectivly) NC Files Settings, Contour marking settings, Pop-mark Settings, and NC File Header Information.
  1. .\attributes\<file name>.ncf — Generate CNC Files - settings for NC files
    1. .\attributes\<file name>.ncfs — NC file settings
    2. .\attributes\<file name>.ncs — Contour marking settings
    3. .\attributes\<file name>.ncp — Pop-Mark Settings
    4. .\attributes\<file name>.nch — NC File Header Information
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