ATHENA2013

The AutoCAD application for curtain wall design and façade engineering
 There are two key ingredients necessary to design impressive
façades that function well. The first ingredient is a capable
designer with experience and a knack for technically ingenious
solutions. The second is a powerful CAD application that is
precisely tailored to the designer’s requirement and provides
the support for professional, error free designs that require
less work and are delivered on time.

This is where we call upon our AutoCAD application,

ATHENA, the all-round software solution for design in
• metal and facade construction
• curtain wall and shopfront construction
• glass construction
• industrial construction
• lightweight steel construction.

Ideal for international design:

ATHENA labels all the customer ATHENA is the leading CAD based design software Matched exactly to our users' requirements,
objects fully automatically and for curtain wall design and façade engineering on ATHENA is a complete software package, offering
the market—and not without reason. Our software practically everything to simplify the daily design
is able to translate a drawing into has been subject to consistent on-going devel- tasks that confront the designer:
each of the eleven languages opment for twenty-three years and is used in metal • A 2D drawing environment with practical rou-
construction companies, design offices and tines and libraries for producing elevations,
currently contained in ATHENA universities—in eleven languages and more than cross-sections and workshop drawings.
on the press of a key. thirty-eight countries. • A versatile 3D design section with the possibility
of producing parts lists and production drawings
directly from the 3D design.
• Powerful computational tools for structural
analysis and building physics.
• A sheet editing program for sheet design and
development.

In addition, ATHENA is independent from specific

aluminum manufacturers’ systems and can be
matched to individual needs.
Four-way versatility!
ATHENA contains four functional groups covering Functional Group 4: Engineering
a range of performance for which you would have Always on the safe side. ATHENA’s computation-
to procure four different programs. al functions for structural analysis and building
physics are well-developed tools for the exact
Functional Group 1: 2D design determination of, for example, centers of gravity
2D drawing functions are tuned for the rapid and moments, thermal resistances or sound
production of section and elevation drawings, insulation dimensions. You can conveniently
plan views and production drawings. Features compute the required moments of inertia or
particularly promoting productivity include maximum deflections. You can also carry out
routines for semi-finished items, membranes, thermal bridge analyses (isothermal calculations).
thermal insulation, panels or welded seams plus In this way thermal bridges can be eliminated
a comprehensive standard parts library with during the design stage.
82,000 parts or the tools for managing materials,
layers and blocks. A special advantage is that
all ATHENA objects are intelligent ARX objects
and can be edited with a double click!

Functional Group 2: 3D design

The 3D design is used for the free planning of
complicated geometries, such as, sloping poly-
gon façades, pyramids, glazed roofs and bays.
To achieve this, profiles or profile groups are
placed over the axes of a wire model. Cut parts
can be automatically computed and the compo-
nents (e.g. profiles) are output with the cut parts
in a parts list or in a drawing. Dedicated master
data can be created, containing the profile
geometries, material properties, design rules or
requirements from production. Based on this
master data, as well as spatial elements you
can design flat elements, such as windows and
doors. The 3D design takes into account profile
groups, cut parts, processes, sheet metal, glaz-
ing and also hardware. It can be displayed as
a 3D view, 2D view and through any sections.
The extracts can be output as parts lists or as
production drawings. An interface to calculation
programs and PPC/ERP is available.

Functional Group 3: Sheet editing

ATHENA now contains a complete sheet editing
program for the quicker design of sheets with the
associated developments. Increased productivity
during sheet design comprises of clearly laid-out
dialog boxes for the input of basic sheet data and
processes, a 3D viewer for continuous visual
checks and versatile options for the import and
export of drawing data.
 2D DESIGN
Classical two-dimensional construc- Numerous routines simplify the mensioning, which is passed on as-
tion takes up a particularly large drawing of panels, insulation, mem- sociatively with changes in geometry.
part of the designer‘s workday branes, welded seams, sheet or All ATHENA objects are ARX objects
routine—drawing views, generating glazing cross-sections. Clearly laid- and can therefore be edited with
cross-sections, drawing up detailed out dialog boxes gather important a double click. Object labeling is
drawings, producing manufacturing information and with the positioning automatically adapted for changes of
documentation. The optimization of aids the object is conveniently placed dimension.
the work procedure with a special in its position in the drawing. ATHENA
software solution leads to increased handles everything else. The powerful 2D tools of ATHENA
productivity and a higher-quality increase productivity, save work
finished product. This is a big ad- Many vast built-in expandable libraries time and costs plus also help the
vantage for the designer who is no make light work of inserting objects designer to concentrate on the
longer impeded by the limitations of into the drawing, e.g. profile systems, essential aspects of his work.
the working tools and has a powerful standard parts or screws and other
assistant at his side to relieve much hardware. Various international
of the work. standards are also provided.

Maximum ATHENA has proven its capabilities Dimensioning also becomes a plea-
efficiency for over years and the 2D section es-
pecially profits from careful mainte-
sure with ATHENA: Efficient incremen-
tal dimensioning, arc dimensioning,
your plans nance and on-going development. levels—and of course interrupted di-

and drawings

Screwed assembled joint

ATHENA has a program for
generating screwed assem-
bled joints. Screwed joints
consisting of a number of
ATHENA parts (screw, washer,
nut, hole) can be generated
and also edited. Frequently
used screwed joints can be
saved in libraries for repeated
use. Screwed joints can be
inserted into the drawing in 6
different views and also as 3D
objects.
Thermal insulation
Regardless of how the insulation was
Profiled sheet created, it can be altered using grips or
The profiled sheet generator the stretch command, and made to fit
facilitates the fast insertion of an irregular area. The insulation depth
trapezoidal or corrugated sheets can be specified independent of the
from various manufacturers. The thickness of the insulation mats. Insulation
sheet parameters are defined can be displayed as soft or rigid. The
in a dialog box. most varied shapes are possible: Straight,
curved, wedge-shaped, annular and flat,
also with islands.

Elevations
ATHENA offers a number of commands for creating elevations. These
elevations can be easily generated and profiles assigned to them later.
Modifications are possible at any time.
 Standard parts
Standard parts complying to DIN, ISO, EN, GOST
(Russian), GB/T (Chinese) and AISC (USA) are
available. Parts can be selected from previews or
lists in the dialog box. You can choose to label the
part and to display centre lines. Standard screws
are stretched in standardised increments, but non-
standard lengths are also possible.
Currently, there are about 82,000 parts available
which can be handled conveniently via find and filter
functions. Standard parts can be inserted into the
drawing in 6 different views and also as 3D objects.

Parts labeling
All parts are intelligent and can be
labeled with leader arrows. Leader
texts are automatically adapted Sheet metal section
when the labeled part is changed. You can create material specific sheet metal sections.
The limbs can be straight or curved. The sheet
development programs allow a material specific
development of the section to be created and also
generates cuts in composite boards.

Silicone sealant
To create silicone sealants, click on two
lines (or polylines) to create a silicone
sealant between them. This can then be
pulled to shape using grips.

Management of filling
properties
The management of any
type of filling, e.g., glass,
metal panel or stone,
occurs in a dialog box.
The filling properties can
be saved in a data base
and then used in any
drawing of the 3D module.
Complex infill, such as
coated or offset glazing,
is possible.
 3D-DESIGN

Never before was the three-dimensional design of façades so easy.

Sloping polygon façades, pyramids, glass roofs, bays and other
complicated geometries can be quickly generated without compli-
cation. The automatic generation of cut parts saves a great deal of
time and effort.

As a basis for the production of extensive 3D designs an axis model

is used, to the axis lines of which single profiles or complete assem-
blies can be placed. With a simple function an analysis of the axis
model can be carried out in ATHENA in which also the weather side
is defined. Thereafter ATHENA recognizes all the angles, field
quantities and alignments within the axis model. Consequently, in
conjunction with the application of the designer’s own assemblies
Infills Create Assemblies
a high level of automation can be achieved. For example, you can
You can create infills, e.g., panels that can make up The Bar Assemblies
create a mullion and transom façade with all cut parts at inconceiv-
several layers. The infills are assigned to boundary ber of profiles to for
able speed.
objects, for instance mullions and transoms. strips, insulator an
components can be
Only a few working steps are necessary to provide an axis model
nents can be rotate
complete with profiles, to generate the cut parts and the façade
be displaced.
elements, also simultaneously provided with fastening components,
holes and screws.

Functional dialog boxes facilitate the rapid composition of assemblies

from a number of profiles, e.g. mullions or transoms with associated
covering strip, insulator and rubber seals. These assemblies can
be saved in libraries in the 3D design as well as in the 2D sectional
plans. Insets defined in the assemblies for infill’s make the inser-
tion of glazing or paneling a simple and quick process. Also, you
can assign to the assemblies fastening elements with holes or
screws, which ATHENA can then automatically transfer to the bar
joints in the 3D design.

The ATHENA 3D function is designed to prepare a complete façade

for production. The production documentation for the generated Apply infill
components can be output as a drawing with automatic dimen- When an infill is assigned, the insets are
sioning and as a parts list. Here, the profile cut parts including quickly and easily defined. The inset can be
the jack rafter sections and processes are taken into account. Apart different for each edge, and also different for
from the profiles, sheets and glazing, the parts list also includes all Glazing
each layer. In this way, notched glazing can A glazing assembly
the hardware, e.g. joint components and screws, and it is structured, be created. can be composed s
so it is also suitable for transfer to cost calculation and ERP/PPC
or transoms can be
systems.
which is particularly
transom profiles are
the same. Also diffe
in a façade.

Apart from bar-shaped 3D assemblies (e.g., profiles) and a grid.

area objects (e.g. glazing or panels), now local assem- during
blies, i.e. joints and processes such as glazing retainers, In the s
can be generated. All ATHENA standard parts (screws, accord
nuts, etc.), holes/elongated holes, sheet cross-sections detaile
and customized contours can be applied. The assemblies
can be positioned on 3D profiles singly or according to
 s
s Manager facilitates the grouping of a num-
rm an assembly, e.g. a Transom with sealing
d cover section. Within an Assembly, the
e modified or reassigned. Also, the compo-
ed and mirrored, and the insertion points can

Create parts lists

Parts lists can be created directly from the 3D drawing from all parts used in the con-
struction. Infill lists and bar lists, including raw and cut lengths of the profiles, can be
created. Here, tagging is employed, i.e. even complex 3D parts receive the same label
if they are identical and the quantity is incremented. The lists are created in MS-Excel
format.

with cover section, insulator and rubber seals

separately from the basic design. Mullions
assigned to this assembly in the 3D design,
y advantageous when different mullion and
e used in the façade, but the glazing is always
erent mounting thicknesses can be realized
Bar diagram
After the automatic profile joints (cuttings) routine has been run, bar diagrams can be
produced. A 2D bar diagram of the profile with lengths, angles, part numbers and job
data is automatically created. Similarly, production diagrams of infills (e.g. glazing or
panels) can be output.

The parts of the assembly are also positioned

the 2D evaluation (projection) of the 3D profiles.
structured parts list the assemblies are ordered
ding to the profile or the infill, which facilitates a Simplified Display
ed evaluation in ERP systems. The profiles can either be displayed in full detail, or simplified. There are four different
display levels. The simplest display (rectangles) reduces the file size to 1/15th, and the
working speed increases correspondingly.
 SHEET EDITING
ATHENA contains a complete sheet editing
program for the quicker design of sheets with
the associated developments.

Basic data, for example, sheet thickness and

bending radius, form the basis of the sheet to
be designed. The basic shape is applied to the
sheet via a dialog box or from a free ATHENA
sheet contour. Then, the various edges are set
and copied in the easiest way to adjacent or
opposite sides.

Many different types of joint are available for the

folds. Folds appended to a primary surface can
be cropped and beveled with an angle.
The advantages of the sheet
editing program are summa-
Visual checks of the sheet shape via the
rized below:
dynamic 3D viewer ensure error-free work-
• Any primary surfaces, folds, ing.
processes, separations and
types of joint. Holes or punch-outs can be set in the sheet
• Sheet generation by accepting body at any time. There are basic shapes
a 2D cross-section or directions such as circles, rectangles or free contours
in a dialog box. available for this purpose. Customized con-
tours can be generated and saved in a
• Continuous visual checks via library for reuse. The editing processes can
the 3D viewer with zoom/pan be set absolute or associative and also rows
functions. of punch outs are possible.
• Development computation via
factor tables as is used in metal The description of the joint formation,
construction. which is important for the development,
is easily entered in a dialog box, e.g.
• Sheets are managed in libraries
the gap dimension and nature of the
(order, partial order, etc.). corners of the fold. The computation of
• Development produced auto- the development occurs according to
matically in DXF format for NC the factor tables normally used in metal
machine control. construction and can be saved as
• Fully compatible to ATHENA required.
3D.
The produced sheet can be inserted
• No procurement of additional into ATHENA as a development or 3D
“sheet-development software” model. The development can also be
is required unless the process- saved as a DXF file or transferred to
ing involves extremely complex MS Excel.
metal sheets.

Composite Panels
Apart from normal sheets, composite
panels can be processed, e.g. Alucobond
and Reynobond. Various types of joint are
also available.
 STAIR

The „Stair“ module facilitates the design

of a stair in 2D or 3D and the subsequent
output. The output can be provided both
in 2D and in 3D and comprises the plan,
pitch line, stringers and steps. No further
stair software is needed for the design
of stairs!

The function “Array Division” facilitates

the division of any area into uniform
ARRAY DIVISION
rectangles with a defined starting point.
This function is very versatile in applica-
tion. Typical fields of application are for
example, element façades, profiled sheet-
metal façades, double floorboards, wall
panels, ceiling panels and much more.

The properties in detail:

• The size and rotation angle of the
rectangles can be freely selected.
• An outer space, which is not to be
filled, can be defined as a boundary
• The gap width can be specified sepa-
rately for horizontal and vertical gaps.
• Overlapping of the rectangles by
entering a negative number for the
gap width.
• In the border region the rectangles are
cropped.
• The rectangles can be generated
hatched as an optional representation.

For output options there are Array, List

and Contours:
• “Array” places the defined array into
the boundary contour.
• “List” produces a table with the num-
ber and cut size of the rectangles.
• “Contours” outputs the contour of the
cut elements.
 ENGINEERING

Thermal resistance
Establishment of thermal resistance values of
chosen assemblies. The assemblies can be made
of several layers (materials), which can be chosen
from a freely extendable library.

Required moment of inertia / deflection

Calculation of the required moment of
inertia, the maximum deflection and
maximum moment for a beam under
18 different load cases incl. collapsing
verification. A results table can be in-
serted, with a diagram of the load case
if required.

Centre of Gravity and moments

This command calculates the center of gravity,
moments of force, centroid axes, radius of inertia,
cross-section information such as area, external
outline and the weight of one or more profiles.
The center of gravity is marked and automatically
dimensioned. This is ideal for the iterative process
of creating custom project-specific profiles for
specific aesthetic or strength parameters.

Rw - Estimated sound insulation factor

With this routine the sound insulation factor can be Ucw - Mean thermal transmission coefficient Panel / solid thickness calculation
roughly determined for a construction. A classical With this command the mean thermal transmis- Thickness calculation for a panel or
construction consists of a mass layer (e.g. masonry), sion coefficient of a window or a facade can be solid body under a defined loading
an intermediate layer (absorber) and a facing shell. A calculated. A results table can be optionally case. The Bach plate formula is used
results table can be optionally inserted into the drawing. inserted into the drawing. as a basis for the computation.
Thermal-hygro analysis
ATHENA includes a light version of flixo, the leading technical software for
thermal bridge analysis and reporting (isothermal computation). Now thermal
bridges can be detected at the planning stage and eliminated through changes
in design.

The special feature with the integration of flixo in ATHENA: A detail drawing
produced in ATHENA can be transferred to flixo in one
working step. Here areas and materials (where known)
are recognized and arcs are converted into polygons.
Material changes or assignments can still be made in the
flixo dialog box. After entering the internal and external
temperature, a temperature computation is carried out
and inserted into the ATHENA drawing.

The previously time taken for the transfer of a detail drawing

produced in CAD programs into the “Isothermal program”
could easily amount to 1.5 hrs. plus the same time for
modifications to the detail. The possibility of automatic
transfer now reduces the time to the press of a key.

INTERFACES

Interface to LogiKal
The ATHENA interface to LogiKal from Orgadata enables LogiKal profile master
data to be used for the intelligent composition of profile assemblies in ATHENA.

The interface offers the function of composing a cross-section of a profile assembly

(e.g. mullion, press-on profile and cover section) with LogiKal master data directly
in ATHENA in a dialog box and importing it into the ATHENA bar assembly manager.
In ATHENA these profile assemblies can be used without restriction for the 2D and
3D design, precisely as for static calculations and physical building examinations.

The LogiKal range of functions for automatic profile combination takes full effect via
the interface. The additional profiles suitable for a selected profile are suggested in
the dialog box and positioned at the intended location. In this way LogiKal can be
used as a rule-based system library in ATHENA.

The bidirectional design of the interface facilitates the transfer of ATHENA constructions,
e.g. of 3D models, to LogiKal for further processing, for additions or evaluations.
Furthermore, the evaluations can also be implemented via the LogiKal functionality
directly in ATHENA.

A new feature is an ATHENA command with which projects already present in LogiKal
can be imported into ATHENA. These objects are held in ATHENA as copies and
changes are also effective there. The objects can be output in ATHENA and no
return to LogiKal is necessary.

Interface to ERPlus
ATHENA has an interface to ERPlus (ERP software from T.A. Project) with which 3D
bars of 3D models, including appended assemblies, and 3D infills can be output
to an XML file that can then be read in by ERPlus. Furthermore, article numbers of
standard parts used in a drawing can also be passed on.
 CAD-PLAN sales network worldwide:

Czechia, Slovakia: TPF S.R.O.

Germany: CAD-PLAN GmbH Poland: Intro Projekt

Netherlands, Belgium: CAD-PLAN GmbH Lithuania, Latvia: AGA-CAD Ltd.

Switzerland, France: ACOSOFT S.A. Hungary: HungaroCAD

Romania: Window & Facade Technology S.R.L.

Russia: CAD-PLAN Russia

Korea: LA Curtain Wall Co. Ltd

CAD-PLAN China

Dubai: CAD-PLAN Middle East

Portugal: Estupe
CAD-PLAN India
Spain: MEGA Ingenieras S.L.
Egypt: Machines & Aluminium Centre
USA, Canada, Mexico,
Australia: Glaziers Center Turkey: ORGADATA Turkey

Bulgaria: STUDIO CAD

Austria: Grabmayer & Sommer GmbH

Italy: TEDICAD

Malaysia: IAN Metall Engineering

ATHENA is independent of language.

A change of language is possible
even during the design. The following
ATHENA - the solution for curtain wall languages are available:
design and façade engineering. • German
• English
• Independent of profile system • French
• Easy to learn • Italian
• With a high general validity • Dutch
• For engineering designs, i.e. not just drawings, but also for calculations • Spanish
(structural analysis, isothermals, etc.). • Czech
• Excellent list of references! • Polish
• Leads the market for design programs for metal construction under • Russian
AutoCAD, therefore a sound investment. • Romanian
• Chinese
System requirements
• AutoCAD 2008 to 2012
CAD-PLAN GmbH
• AutoCAD Architecture 2008 to 2013
Frankfurter Str. 59-61
• AutoCAD Mechanical 2008 to 2013
63067 Offenbach
Operating system: Germany
Windows XP prof., Windows Vista or Windows 7
Hardware: Tel. +49 - 69 -800 818 - 0
ATHENA requires the same hardware configuration as AutoCAD. Fax +49 - 69 - 800 818 - 18

AutoCAD – registered trade mark of Autodesk Inc. [email protected]

Windows XP, Vista, 7, MS-Excel – registered trade mark of Microsoft Inc. www.cad-plan.com