SDNF Interface

The international SDNF Interface (Steel Detailing Neutral File) enables you to import and export Steel Engineering drawings.

Load SDNF file

Drawing > New/Open > Open > SDNF

To import a file via the SDNF interface, you need to

Activate the function.
Choose the required SDNF file (File extension .DAT) and click Open to confirm. The SDNF Interface window is displayed. It offers the following setting options:

Show conversion log: Any errors occurring during data transfer are logged to the conversion log , e.g. a listing of beams and profiles that are not recognised by the system. If the log should be shown after data export, activate the check box. A detailed listing of any errors that may appear in the protocol can be called by double clicking the appropriate entry
Write log file: Details of the conversion log are written to a log file. If you want to create a log file (with the file extension .LOG), select the appropriate check box.
Inner plate contours: Select this check box if you want to transfer inner contours, e.g. holes. In the field below, you can specify whether holes up to a specific size should be ignored.

After selecting all required options, select OK to exit the SDNF Interface window.

Please note:

Beams and profiles that are not recognised by HiCAD are inserted in the drawing as bar elements.
When importing steel engineering plates, S235JRG2 will be used as the default material for the plates.

Drawing > Save/Print... > Save as > Further ... > SDNF

To export a file via the SDNF interface you need to:

Activate the function. The standard dialogue box is opened, this enabling you to save the file.
Select a path and enter a name for the export file. The file will be saved with the file extension .DAT.
Click the Save button. The SDNF interface dialogue window is displayed.
When you have selected all required options, close the dialogue window with OK.