Export an IFC File from Tekla Structures for Fabbim

Once the model has been properly prepared in Tekla Structures, the next step is to produce an IFC file that can be used in Fabbim. This export is essential because it carries the information the platform needs to rebuild the project structure, identify assemblies and enable operational tracking in the workshop, during loading, in transport and on site.

A poorly configured IFC export can lead to loss of information, identification difficulties or a structure that is less practical in Fabbim. On the other hand, a well-prepared export directly improves the quality of the import and the value of the tracking that follows.

Why IFC is important for Fabbim

Fabbim uses the IFC format to retrieve fabrication model information without relying on a specific modeling environment in day-to-day operations. This allows the platform to use structured data from Tekla Structures and turn it into management data for production and logistics.

IFC makes it possible to transfer:

• assemblies and their overall structure;
• the parts that make up those assemblies;
• unique GUIDs;
• marks and names useful for identification;
• fabrication properties such as profile, length, weight or material;
• additional information useful for workflows, packages, phases or zones.

The more relevant the exported content is, the more clearly Fabbim can display the project and associated field actions.

What to check before export

Before starting the IFC export in Tekla Structures, it is recommended to make sure the model is ready. This check helps avoid generating a file that is technically valid but not very useful for traceability.

• are the main assemblies properly structured;
• are the marks consistent and stable;
• are the parts linked to the correct assembly;
• are the useful properties properly filled in;
• does the project logic reflect field reality;
• is unnecessary or noisy information limited.

This review stage greatly improves the quality of the IFC file produced and makes the import into Fabbim easier.

Recommended export settings

The exact options may vary depending on your Tekla Structures version and your working method, but the principle remains the same: you should prioritize an export focused on elements that are genuinely useful for fabrication and traceability.

For Fabbim, it is generally relevant to:

• export assemblies in a usable way;
• keep IFC GUIDs;
• include the properties needed for tracking;
• ensure names and marks are clearly readable;
• use a consistent export configuration from one project to another.

Why GUIDs are essential

GUIDs act as unique identifiers. They help Fabbim recognize imported objects and maintain a reliable link with data from the model. In the event of reimport, this stability is particularly useful.

Why business properties matter so much

An IFC file can contain a lot of information, but not all of it is useful for field tracking. In Fabbim, the most valuable properties are those that make the object understandable and manageable: mark, weight, profile, length, phase, package, workflow, company or destination depending on the organization of the project.

Typical IFC export steps

Here is a simple sequence that many teams can follow before importing into Fabbim:

1. open the fabrication project in Tekla Structures;
2. check the assembly structure and the consistency of marks;
3. open the IFC export function;
4. select the appropriate export configuration;
5. check that the useful properties will be exported;
6. launch the IFC export;
7. review the resulting file;
8. import the file into Fabbim.

This method helps standardize the process and avoid omissions from one project to another.

How to recognize a good IFC export

A good IFC file for Fabbim is not judged only by being generated without errors. It must also allow a clear reading at import time. After import, you should be able to:

• find the expected assemblies;
• see the right parts in each group;
• clearly identify the marks;
• use the essential properties;
• isolate objects in the 3D model;
• prepare labels and logistics workflows.

If these points are not satisfactory, it is often better to adjust the export or the model preparation rather than correct problems later in the project.

Common mistakes to avoid

Some issues occur frequently when the IFC export has not been designed for traceability use:

• forgetting to export certain important properties;
• producing a file where assemblies are difficult to read;
• leaving marks inconsistent or unstable;
• exporting a structure too far removed from field reality;
• multiplying export variants without an internal standard;
• not testing the result in Fabbim after export.

What to do after IFC export

Once the file has been generated, the next step is to import it into Fabbim. This is when the value of the preparatory work becomes visible. The platform can then:

• structure the project;
• display assemblies;
• link parts to their assemblies;
• prepare label printing;
• feed searches and filters;
• set up fabrication, transport and site workflows.

If the IFC export has been done properly, the import becomes a fast and clear step, and the project is ready to be used by the teams.

Standardize your exports to save time

In a company managing multiple projects, it is also useful to define a stable export method. This makes imports more consistent in Fabbim and reduces manual adjustments.

A simple standardization can include:

• a reference IFC export configuration;
• a clear list of properties to include;
• a verification method before export;
• a quick check after import in Fabbim;
• a naming and marking logic shared across the team.

This approach saves time and improves the overall quality of projects tracked in Fabbim.

Concrete benefits for traceability

A well-prepared IFC export brings very concrete benefits:

• better reading of imported assemblies;
• more reliable traceability from the beginning of the project;
• better support for label printing;
• simpler field workflows to implement;
• fewer errors between office, workshop and site;
• a solid base for reimports and project updates.

Conclusion

IFC export from Tekla Structures is a decisive step if you want to get the full value of Fabbim. The goal is not only to produce a compatible file, but to transfer the right information in a structure that is useful for traceability.

By carefully preparing the model, the exported properties and the verification method, you achieve a cleaner import, a better reading of the project and a more reliable foundation for your fabrication, transport and site workflows.

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