3D Spiral staircase to 2D drawing

[Hiwcalebd]

Hello,  I am working in Autodesk advanced steel 2023 and I made a spiral staircase using the spiral staircase tool under the extended modeling tab.  After successfully making the staircase I tried using FLATSHOT so I could make a 2D version for dimensioning and for my drawings.  After selecting the FLATSHOT command a message pops up that says "There are no solids or surfaces that can be projected."  and the FLATSHOT command is abandoned.  It seems like the stairs aren't actually a 3d object?  But the still show up if I switch from 2D wire frame to conceptual view or shades or gray.  When into propreties it appears as AST Plate for the stair tread and AST Beam for the column.  So I am curios if there is a way to convert my stairs into a simple 3D object so I can use FLATSHOT on it.   I also tried taking a section view of the whole thing,  the stairs are not effected by the section since they aren't considered a 3d object.  Please help me.

[crydee-AG1]

Hi,

I trust you already realise that making 2D Drawings in Advance Steel is nothing to do with the FlatShot command or any other plain AutoCAD method. You need to be using the Drawing Processes.

Advance Steel does not use 3D Solids for its models ( I think it uses Boundary Representations). If you really must use Faltshot, you will need to explode the AS model to convert it to solids. Simply select the AS objects and use the AutoCAD Explode command on them. Then you can use Flatshot. WARNING:- This is a one-way conversion that will destroy your model making it nigh impossible to edit so only do this on a copy of the model.

[Hiwcalebd]

Hello,
I am very new to Auto desk so i was not aware this was the case for
advanced steel, I am not dead set on the flat shot command I was just
looking online and it seemed like a common way people would 2D drawing from
their 3D Objects. If you know a more effective/ better way (drawing
processes) please try to explain. you made the flatshot method sound like
its not really the best route and if there is a better one id like to know.

Appreciate the help.

[crydee-AG1]

Hi,

There is far too much to explain in a few lines in a message. Especially, if you want to get the best possible output instead of reworking everything manually. I suggest you get some proper training from a reputable dealer who is knowledgeable with Advance Steel (and not all Autodesk dealers are). Look at who the main solution providers o this forum work for and you will get two good hints as to dealers to choose.

Many people think they can work out AS without training. They may be able to work out some modelling in one way or another but they never get the best output and are always complaining about the drawings. There are many subtleties that you cannot really work out on your own if you want the best output. and minimise manual editing.