I briefly introduced the MIDAS API, and you might be hesitant to start the API because of strange terms and concepts; however, MIDAS also implemented ready-to-use API applications called MIDAS Plug-in. CIVIL NX users can use the MIDAS API even if they don't know the API and computer language.
What is MIDAS Plug-in?
Most CIVIL users repeatedly used CAD and Excel for calculations during the Civil modeling. The plug-ins will reduce repeating calculations and data transfer work processes. MIDAS API is a web-based API, so it has a lot of expandable possibilities. For the most, JSON(data format) can be used with web-compatible languages, and Python has a lot of mathematical functions that can be integrated with MIDAS API for several calculations, such as geometric things. In short, combined MIDAS APIs and mathematical functions become powerful API functions called MIDAS Plug-ins.
Here’s the most basic example: when users want to create 20 nodes using create node API, they can choose a convenient way to do it themselves. a) Input every coordinate by hardcoding or b) Use the Python for loop structure as below. Most engineers have used the for loop function when using VBA or MATLAB during their college structural courses.
How’s it? Let’s look into more details.
The Benefits of MIDAS Plug-in
Our primary goal in developing plug-ins is to offer user convenience. MIDAS recognizes that only some users are familiar with API concepts or have a background in computer languages. That's why we've designed our plug-ins to provide a barrier-free API experience. For those with coding experience, we also offer an advanced environment for user-driven development. In our initial rollout of MIDAS plug-ins, we launched 12 user-inspired plug-ins. I'll go ahead and outline their three main benefits in the following discussion.
a) Create and editing models faster than ever
Our primary goal in developing plug-ins is to offer user convenience. MIDAS recognizes that only some users are familiar with API concepts or have a background in computer languages. That's why we've designed our plug-ins to provide a barrier-free API experience. For those with coding experience, we also offer an advanced environment for user-driven development. In our initial rollout of MIDAS plug-ins, we launched 12 user-inspired plug-ins. I'll go ahead and outline their three main benefits in the following discussion.
b) Real-time updating
I'd like you to discover the speed and convenience of our web-based plug-in environment, where updates to CIVIL NX occur instantaneously. No more waiting for product releases; a quick refresh brings the latest plug-ins to your fingertips. This revolutionary approach enables you to independently develop and integrate plug-ins for new standards. You can create your plug-in, upload it to the Marketplace, and blend it into your workflow. Our Design Response Spectrum generator plug-in, crafted for New Zealand's new seismic load standard, is a prime example. It exemplifies our commitment to innovation, allowing users to adopt new standards in their designs even before they are formally integrated into our products.
c) Customize your workflow
What do people usually think when they want to use APIs? They might want to minimize repetitive tasks or optimize their models automatically through iterations. Essentially, people are seeking workflow automation. This is where plug-ins come into play, allowing you to tailor your workflow to your needs. While customizing workflows with plug-ins might sound ambiguous at first, it’s relatively straightforward. Plug-ins are potent tools that bridge the gap between your unique requirements and the software's capabilities. They enable you to automate processes, streamline tasks, and incorporate new functionalities that the base software might not initially support.
For instance, the Alignment Creator plug-in streamlines your project initiation by automatically generating nodes, elements, and node local axes. The Concrete Material Set plug-in simplifies creating material sets with time-dependent properties. Additionally, MIDAS Plug-ins facilitate the creation of structural components like piers, pier caps, piles, and pile caps. These tools not only enhance modeling capabilities but also handle complex data tasks with ease. Tasks such as calculating gradient temperature residual stresses or converting tendon coordinates from relative to absolute are effortlessly managed by the plug-in, significantly reducing laborious work processes.
Used plug-ins for PSC beam bridge modeling
Conclusion
In conclusion, using plug-ins for workflow in CIVIL NX is more than just a convenience; it's a transformative tool that adapts to the evolving needs of engineers and designers. By embracing this technology, users can improve their efficiency and productivity and contribute to a dynamic, collaborative community of professionals.