Who is Hilti?

Hilti is a globally recognized provider of tools, technologies, and services for the construction industry. With their PROFIS Engineering Suite, Hilti specializes in designing structural connections, particularly anchoring solutions. The software is widely used in over 70 countries, providing engineers with reliable tools for designing and calculating steel-to-concrete, concrete-to-concrete, and steel-to-masonry connections, ensuring all calculations comply with the latest international standards​​.

Extending the partnership: From CBFEM to PROFIS Engineering Suite

Building on the success of integrating IDEA StatiCa’s CBFEM technology for steel connections into Hilti's software five years ago, this extended partnership introduces the PROFIS plugin. Hilti’s goal is to link their PROFIS Engineering Suite with FEA/CAD software around the world, and IDEA StatiCa’s Checkbot provides this answer. The plugin allows Hilti’s PROFIS Engineering Suite to rely on Checkbot's data management and BIM capabilities, meaning engineers now have an integrated tool to manage structural data in a single workflow​.

Key features of the PROFIS Plugin

Launching with IDEA StatiCa version 24.0.5, this plugin is available directly in the Checkbot ribbon, allowing engineers to efficiently transfer structural data between FEA/CAD tools and PROFIS Engineering Suite. Here’s what it brings to the table:

1. Data Import:
   • Import detailed structural data such as member sizes, materials, and load combinations from FEA/CAD tools into Checkbot with minimal effort.
2. Data Management in Checkbot:
   • Anchored Members: Transfer cross-section and structural data for anchored members from FEA or CAD directly into PROFIS, ensuring accurate structural representation.
   • Material Synchronization: Automatically sync materials between Checkbot and PROFIS to ensure that no information is missed or duplicated.
   • Load Cases and Combinations: Import load cases and combinations from the FEA model. The plugin can even automatically select the critical combinations for analysis, reducing the chance of human error.
   • Synchronization: Keep your data synchronized throughout the workflow, ensuring consistency between your FEA or CAD tool and PROFIS​​.
3. Export to PROFIS Engineering:
   • After verifying the data in Checkbot, export it to Hilti, where PROFIS Engineering Suite designs and analyzes the anchoring systems in compliance with the latest codes and standards​.

Real benefits for engineers

The PROFIS plugin solves the problem of data transfer in structural engineering workflows. Engineers no longer need to juggle multiple platforms to manually transfer critical data. This plugin provides a direct link between your design tools and PROFIS, allowing you to focus on accuracy and efficiency.

Before Checkbot

After Checkbot

How to get your hands on it

The technical release of the PROFIS plugin started Monday, September 23, 2024. However, HILTI will introduce the plugin's commercial availability gradually region by region. To find out when you can start to look forward to this plugin where you are, refer to the table below, and reach out to your local Hilti sales rep when it becomes available in your country.

Conclusion

This partnership between IDEA StatiCa and Hilti offers structural engineers a practical, time-saving tool. By integrating Hilti’s PROFIS Engineering Suite with IDEA StatiCa Checkbot, engineers can manage structural data more efficiently, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with the latest standards. The PROFIS Engineering Suite plugin isn’t just an enhancement—it’s a tool designed to help you complete your Hilti projects with greater accuracy and speed.


<<ALTERNATIVE>>

IDEA StatiCa and Hilti partnership brings a new era for structural engineers

IDEA StatiCa and Hilti have expanded their partnership by launching a new plugin that integrates Hilti’s PROFIS Engineering Suite with IDEA StatiCa Checkbot, which is available for free with a IDEA StatiCa Basic User license. This development brings a new approach to transferring data between FEA/CAD tools and Hilti PROFIS, enhancing efficiency for engineers.

What’s new?

• Data importing – The plugin allows quick import of detailed structural data, including member sizes, materials, and load combinations, from FEA/CAD tools directly into Checkbot.
• Efficient data management – Engineers can now automatically sync materials, manage anchored member data, and import critical load cases, reducing errors.
• Direct Export to PROFIS – After verification in Checkbot, data can be exported to the PROFIS Engineering Suite, simplifying the anchoring design process.

Why this matters

This integration is a key innovation for engineers, removing the need for manual data transfer and reducing workflow interruptions. By linking design tools with PROFIS, the plugin enhances accuracy and saves time, allowing engineers to focus on delivering compliant, high-quality designs.

When and where it is available

The technical release of the PROFIS plugin started Monday, September 23, 2024. However, HILTI will introduce the plugin's commercial availability gradually region by region. To find out when you can start to look forward to this plugin where you are, refer to the table below, and reach out to your local Hilti sales rep when it becomes available in your country.