Future for CAD 3-D
Future for CAD 3-D
(OP)
I am looking for opinions about 3-D design for HVAC systems. Currently, I am seeing 3-D design programs for piping systems used for industrial design; however, I have not seen their use for HVAC design. Several companies are making the programs; yet, I have not seen Architects in this area design in 3-D (my experience lies with small to medium sized projects). I assume that when Architects provide 3-D drawings for xrefs, 3-D HVAC cad programs might be completive. Does anyone have ideas when or if commercial mechanical designs will be profitable to complete in 3-D? Does anyone have experience with Architects who are designing in 3-D and can comment on the problems going 3-D for commercial mechanical design?
Thanks
CRG
Thanks
CRG





RE: Future for CAD 3-D
RE: Future for CAD 3-D
3 D does look pretty and may impress some clients, but thats about it....well thats what I think anyway.
RE: Future for CAD 3-D
This would also be true with the HVAC and piping/plumbing plans. It would also convey more and better information to the contractors who are bidding the project. All of the bid documents will continue to be produced in 2-D, except where an isometric view might be more clear.
I hope this helps with your questions.
RE: Future for CAD 3-D
that may interfere w/ HVAC's. ACAD-3D will alert you to obstructions that would not be seen w/ 2D-plan views.
For a simple commercial/retail structure 2D is acceptable but when you get into a muti-story structure, the benefits of 3D wiil outweight the simplicity of 2D.
After all manufacturers of large utility boilers will use ACAD-3D to lay their piping for waterwalls, superheaters, economizers, etc and for a very good reason.
RE: Future for CAD 3-D
The 3D drawings therefore can be more useful to the installing contractor to help them prepare coordinated as built drawings.
RE: Future for CAD 3-D