Autodesk Revit uses Revit Family Information that is built into models to define how that model fits into the overall scheme within a larger BIM or Building Information Model. Inventor gives you the ability to add that Revit Family information to a model, and then export that model into native Revit format.
The compressor model in the graphics window has been prepared by reducing complexity and removing components until the model is as simple as you wish to make it, without removing connections that will be needed by Revit. You will now identify those connections for use by Revit upon conversion.
On the ribbon, Environments tab, Begin panel, select BIM Exchange. Within the BIM Exchange environment, you will find the tools necessary to define, check, and export the model to Revit. On the MEP Author panel, select the Pipe Connector command. The Pipe Connector dialogappears, and the red selection arrow is active, which means that you need to select a pipe. Zoom in on the end of the yellow pipe, and select the end. A green arrow appears that indicates the flow direction, which in this case should be out of the pipe. If not, reverse the flow using the Make Direction button next to the Selection button. The shape should remain as the default, which is Circle, but Undefined can be chosen for other shapes.
The diameter checkbox should be left deselected, unless you need to override the actual size of the connection. The System Type in this case does not have a predefined category, so select Other from the System Type drop-down. In the Properties field, change the Flow Direction to Out, the Connection Type to Threaded, and in the Description field, type “Compressed Air.” Click OK.
Now, to add the conduit connector. On the MEP Author panel, select the Conduit Connector. Then click the electrical stub-out on the bottom of the red electrical box. The directional arrow should be pointing into the box; if not, flip the direction using the Make Direction button. Leave the Shape selection as Circular, leave the Diameter deselected, and change the Connection Type to Glued. Click OK.
The last thing you will specify is the Origin. On the Work Feature panel, select the UCS command, and then select the outer corner of the left leg as the origin. The command requires you to specify the X axis, so click on the corner that the red X Axis arrow is pointing to. It now requires you to specify the direction of the Y Axis, so do the same thing for that axis.
You are now done adding the Revit Information, and will need to run a quick check on the design. On the Manage tab, select the Check Design command. There are no design warnings, so click OK to dismiss the dialog.
Now you will export the model as an.rfa Revit Family file. On the ribbon, BIM Exchange tab, Manage panel, select Export Building Components. The Export Building Components dialog appears. The File Type should be left at Revit Family Files (.rfa). For Component Type, click the Browse button, click the plus sign to expand the category of 23.65.00.00 Supply and Distribution of Liquids and Gases, expand 23.65.55.00 Distribution of Supplied Liquids/Gases, expand 23.65.55.11 Supply Pumps and Compressors, and then choose 23.65.55.11.11 Gas Compressors/Vacuum Pumps. Click OK.
Next is the Identity Data. These fields are very important to the BIM process-they are the “information” part of building information modeling. If the Model Property checkbox is selected, deselect it. Notice that there are a few fields under Identity Data where you can describe the model and your company, including your website.
Now select the Model Property checkbox. The Model Property field appears, and it is filled in with the data from your model’s iProperties fields. Scroll down and you will see that some are fields that are manually filled out in the iProperties, and some, such as the center of gravity, are pulled directly from the model. Some fields are blank, and some are not needed in this case. To remove them, click the Model Property Filter. In the Model Property Filter dialog, deselect the Only Properties with Values option, and then scroll down and deselect the values that you do not wish to appear. Click OK to close Model Property Filter.
Click OK, and the Save Copy As dialog box opens. If you wish to actually save the file, choose a location and select Save. You now have an.rfa file ready to open in Revit.
Source: Autodesk
