CDS, Inc. has it's roots firmly in the detailing business with it's parent company being an experienced detailing firm. Recognizing the potential increase in efficiency made possible by the personal computer, we looked closely at the programs on the market and were disappointed in what they found.
It was apparent that the major programs were designed under the assumption that all information would be available and correct at the start of a project. It was obvious that lack of information, design revisions and approval changes, which are a fact of life on most projects, would severely limit the usefulness of these programs.
As a large detailing firm working for a variety of fabricators, they needed a program that could adapt to varying standards and shop practices. They weren't willing to tell their customers that they could not adhere to their standards because "the computer won't do it that way."
The computer-generated details they saw had serious presentation shortcomings. They wanted shop drawings that reflected their level of experience. Line weight, text clarity, appropriate breaking of lines, layout of details and sections and proper dimensional tie-up of material are all important in making a professional drawing that a shop can fabricate from.
Computer Detailing Systems, Inc., was formed in 1986 for the purpose of developing a comprehensive detailing system that would reflect the ability, experience and reputation of the professionals it would represent.
After years of in house development and use on real jobs of industrial and commercial construction from 20 tons to 20,000 tons, the Asteel Structural Steel Detailing System has proven to have the flexibility and practicality to get the job done on time and with unsurpassed quality.
Asteel takes a logical, straightforward approach that blends naturally into the fast-tracked detailing environment. There is very little overhead time getting started on a job, and changes are easily made. It requires minimal training because it was designed the way a detailer thinks.
Asteel is currently customized for over 300 different fabricators and detailers throughout the US and in Canada. Projects completed with the Asteel system range from shopping centers to high rises, from catwalks to boiler houses. Asteel allows detailers to custom-tailor connections to meet job-specific requirements.
Our years of experience in the steel industry are apparent in the quality of the finished product. The high quality and professional presentation of details produced with Asteel stands out against other detailing software.
Allowing fabricators and detailers to meet the demands of the future, Asteel maintains a cutting edge advantage with the ability to generate connection calculations and download to CNC equipment. Enthusiastic ongoing development ensures Asteel will continue to set new standards for detailing software.