Advance Steel for the Prefab Edge

29 September 2025

Manoj Singh

Some people think of it as the LEGO® of modern construction-Advance Steel can turn complex structures into simple, snap-together solutions. Just as those iconic bricks empower limitless creativity with precision and ease, Autodesk Advance Steel brings the same magic to steel fabrication and prefabrication. In a world where time is tight and accuracy is everything, this 3D modelling software helps teams build smarter, faster and stronger-one perfectly crafted piece at a time, restructuring prefabricated modular buildings, brick by digital brick.

What Is Advance Steel?

Advance Steel is a 3D modelling and detailing tool built specifically for steel fabrication and installation. It enables engineers, fabricators and detailers to work together in a seamless BIM workflow. By automating complex processes and streamlining communication, Advance Steel helps reduce rework, improve coordination and deliver prefabricated construction projects on time and on budget. Using Advance Steel, teams can:

Create detailed 3D models and fabrication drawings with speed and accuracy
Automate documentation and drawing generation
Improve project coordination through intelligent data exchange
Streamline structural steel detailing, steel fabrication and on-site installation

Powerful Features to Simplify Complexity

Steel Modelling Capabilities

Parametric Steel Connections: Access a comprehensive library of customisable, ready-to-use steel connections for faster, more accurate modelling.
Stairs, Cage Ladders and more: Quickly model non-structural elements, such as stairs, ladders and prefabricated building materials, with built-in tools for safety and compliance.
Sheet Metal & Folded Plate Work: Easily create complex folded sheet metal components in 3D.
Visual Programming with Dynamo: Use Dynamo’s graphical programming tools to generate parametric geometries for intricate steel structures.
Code Compliance & Validation: Ensure steel connections meet industry standards, such as AISC, with built-in code-checking tools.
Automated Connection Propagation: Save time and reduce errors by automatically replicating connections across the model.

Detailing & Documentation

General Arrangement Drawings: Set drawing styles and viewpoints to clearly convey design intent to construction teams.
Steel Shop Drawings: Automatically generate steelwork detailing, fabrication-ready shop drawings, complete with annotations and part lists.
Numerical Control (NC) Data: Generate precise data to drive CNC machinery in fabrication workshops.
BOM Generation: Create Bills of Materials directly from your 3D model data for efficient material tracking and procurement.
Revision Tracking: Use revision clouds and drawing updates to manage changes effortlessly.

Seamless Interoperability

Advance Steel is designed to work hand-in-hand with other Autodesk tools and industry platforms, enabling smooth data exchange across disciplines:

Revit Integration: Sync design changes between Revit and Advance Steel to maintain data accuracy and project consistency.
Robot Structural Analysis Link: Transfer structural analysis results for coordinated design and detailing workflows.
Autodesk Docs: Use version comparison tools to track progress and changes over time.
Navisworks Compatibility: Import models into Navisworks for review, clash detection and simulation.
IFC & MIS Support: Import/export data using open formats such as IFC, KISS and XML for greater flexibility.
Custom Settings & API: Maintain workflow continuity by importing your settings into new versions, or extend functionality with the open API.

The Future of Fabrication

The rise of modular prefabrication has transformed how buildings are delivered-and steel is at the heart of this shift. With its strength, durability and adaptability, steel forms the structural backbone of many modular systems. But to meet the speed and precision required for off-site fabrication and steel detailing services, traditional methods fall short. This is where Advance Steel shines.

How Advance Steel Enhances Modular Fabrication

Boosted Productivity – Automation tools accelerate modelling, detailing and fabrication drawing-cutting production time without compromising quality.
Reduced Costs – Minimises material waste and labour costs through optimised design and fabrication planning
Customisable Components – Easily tailors steel elements to meet unique modular specifications without manual rework or additional tools
Improved Quality Control – Designs in a controlled digital environment and fabricates off-site with confidence-ensuring every component fits perfectly on-site

Why Choose Advance Steel?

Advance Steel is a full-spectrum solution to support workflows from concept through construction. Key benefits include:

Automated Drawing Creation – Generate shop and general arrangement drawings automatically with flexible templates.
Efficient Document Management – Stay organised with built-in tools for version control, revision tracking and document customisation.
Fast, Accurate Modelling – Use intelligent 3D tools and parametric components to accelerate the modelling process while ensuring structural integrity.

Just as LEGO® bricks empower builders of all ages to bring imaginative structures to life with flawless interlocking pieces, Advance Steel brings that same elegant simplicity to the complex world of prefabrication. By translating architectural vision into precise, prefabricated components, it ensures that each steel member fits seamlessly into place-reducing errors, saving time and boosting collaboration. In an industry racing toward smarter solutions, Advance Steel proves that building with steel can be as intuitive and efficient as snapping together a masterpiece, one digital ‘brick’ at a time.

Axium Global can provide expert steel fabrication and steel detailing services for leading global architects, consultants and contractors using trusted 3D modelling software. Our range of services include creating structural steel detailing, steelwork detailing, 3D BIM models, BIM coordination, MEP design drafting and 2D and 3D design for prefabricated modular buildings and other prefabricated construction. We also provide modular prefabrication design support services by using BIM software programs, such as Autodesk Advance Steel, Revit, Dynamo for Revit and 3ds Max, V-Ray, SketchUp, Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, Illustrator while using BIM Collaborate Pro .

Learn more about architectural design support.