BIM and IFC: The right file format for BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) gathers all relevant data on one platform, links them and then generates a digital model. The standardized file format »Industry Foundation Classes« (IFC) is used for communication between these data.

It enables the exchange of data between the specialized programmes of the different technical disciplines in a building so that data can be exchanged during the planning and building phases and when the building is in operation. BIM's popularity is increasing in the building sector and the market now demands BIM-compatible product data from luminaire manufacturers more and more frequently.

Yet we must ask what information is actually available in BIM-compatible files and how can this be generated? What is actually being referred to are digital product descriptions such as those for the well-known design programmes Allplan, Arcadia, DDS-CAD, PLancal NOVA or even Revit. It is not possible for the manufacturer to support all the formats required for the numerous programs used within the market. Therefore it makes sense to support the OPEN BIM interface with the ISO standard of the above-mentioned IFC format – a file format which supports all BIM-compatible programs.

IFC files include, for example, photometric information, the model or the mounting type of a luminaire so that the data required for  the building are available within the overall planning process.

DIAL provides a service for generating IFC files from existing data:
»Many luminaire manufacturers use DIAL's data management system (DMS) to prepare the data for the luminaire search engine, LUMsearch, for DIALux and DIALux product catalogues«, says Benjamin Schmahl, responsible for the Team Custom Software Solutions at DIAL. There the relevant information has already been stored, such as the model, the photometry, the mounting type, weight and marketing information for a luminaire, all of which are required in the BIM planning process.

»We can use the data already available to generate IFC files at no extra cost or effort to the manufacturer», says Schmahl. This also functions with files which are not stored in DIAL's DMS. »We can offer manufacturers a solution whereby data are generated from their systems at the touch of a button. There are different options with no extra costs for data maintenance.«

Data can be adapted by DIAL so that they provide better support for the IFC process. »Clarifying/ the position of a luminaire in the overall design does not often require 3D models. We can convert complex illustrations so that they can be presented in a simple way. This avoids long load times for the projects during the design process », says Schmahl. »Of course it is also possible to transfer 3D models one to one into the IFC format.«

DIAL's IFC service is now available. We would be pleased to submit an offer or answer any questions. Please contact salesdialde for further information.