Today, the author will introduce the modules included in the BIM software platform Autodesk Forge and their functions. The Forge platform offers data transfer services for industries like architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and multimedia within Autodesk products. Its main functional modules are as follows:
1. Viewer: This is a WebGL-based JavaScript library for 3D model rendering. It enables users to view 3D models from over 50 design file formats directly in a web browser, without the need to install additional software. Supported browsers include Chrome, IE, Firefox, and others. When embedding, exchanging, or retrieving metadata, 3D and 2D model data can originate from various applications such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, and Revit. However, before the viewer can render model data in the browser, the Model Generation API must be used first to prepare the files for viewing.
2. Data Management API: This API provides access to data stored through Autodesk 360, Fusion, and object storage services. It offers a unified and consistent interface to query data, complete workflows, and obtain structured information such as materials, IDs, and attributes, which can be used to generate bills of materials in third-party processes. Additionally, mixed models and building models can be overlaid within a browser. The Data Management API consists of several services:
- Project Services: Integrate BIM 360 Team Center, Fusion Team Center, A360 personal accounts, or BIM 360 file accounts into a single project that provides data through APIs.
- Data Services: Manage and integrate metadata from BIM 360 Teams, Fusion Teams, BIM 360 Docs, or A360 personal accounts, organizing them based on binders, projects, versions, and their relationships. Projects can represent files or Fusion Team designs and may have multiple versions.
- Architecture Services: Enable applications to understand the structure and semantics of extended data types such as Fusion designs.
- Object Storage Service: Allow applications to upload and download raw files managed by data services, including formats like PDF, XLS, DWG, or RVT.
One or more of these features can be leveraged by different applications, which can interact and access data through other Forge platform APIs.
3. Model Generation API: This API can create files compatible with the Viewer, extract geometric shapes, retrieve metadata, and more from over 50 industry-standard file formats. It enables users to represent and share their designs in various formats while extracting valuable metadata. Key functions include:
- Quickly translating design files and models into different formats such as STL and OBJ.
- Converting design models to SVF format for data access and file presentation within the Viewer.
- Accessing the hierarchical structure, properties, and geometry of selected design objects.
- Generating schematic diagrams of various sizes from design files.
4. Design Automation API: Utilizing Autodesk’s cloud services, this API automates processes on design files. Formerly known as “AutoCAD I/O API,” it runs scripts on design files and uses the Forge platform to automatically execute repetitive tasks. Currently, it supports running scripts on AutoCAD DWG files, with plans to extend support to other design software file types. By automating processing steps on the Forge platform, it enables larger-scale and more efficient workflows. Current features include:
- Creating new DWG files.
- Retrieving information from existing DWG files.
- Clearing drawings and saving them in DWF format.
- Converting DWG files to DWF and PDF formats.
- Translating text from one language to another.
That concludes the overview of the modules included in the BIM software platform Autodesk Forge and their functions. I hope this article has been helpful to everyone!
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