Shape abbreviations allow Tekla PowerFab to identify a shape. By adding shape abbreviations, you can ensure that Tekla PowerFab recognizes the shapes in any files that you import, even if the files do not use the Tekla PowerFab standard shape abbreviations.

Abbreviations are common references that Tekla PowerFab uses to recognize a particular shape. For example, when you import a bill of materials, Tekla PowerFab searches for a match in the shape list. If no match is found, Tekla PowerFab asks you to select one. For example, this could happen if flat bars were referenced as FL instead of FB.

The material database also contains shapes that are identical but can be found under two abbreviations, such as HSS and TS. Both abbreviations are available in the database to meet the needs of companies that use different terminology. Note that even though the two options are available, you should select only one of them and use it consistently. This way, you can avoid problems when combining materials.

The abbreviation is defined when adding a new shape, see Manage shapes. New abbreviations can also be added to enable cross-referencing in Tekla PowerFab.

If you are importing a file and Tekla PowerFab does not recognize an abbreviation in the file, Tekla PowerFab automatically prompts you to select the shape and grade that the abbreviation should redirect to. Then, Tekla PowerFab asks you if you want to add an abbreviation for the imported shape.

We recommend that you keep detailers up to date on the used shape abbreviations, so that you can minimize the need to create new shape abbreviations.