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Future for CAD 3-D

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

RE: Future for CAD 3-D

Take a good look at autodesk building systems product. its awesome.  3d look like pictures, easy fast and compatible with acad.

RE: Future for CAD 3-D

Unless you have loads of money to spend I wouldnt bother doing 3D drawings....they are not necessary for HVAC design. Its hard enough to get good quality 2 D drawings.
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

My company is easing toward 3-D design with Autodesk Building Services, which is based on Autocad Architectural Desktop.  We are beginning to utilize 3-D in the architectural phases of design.  I have been told that when you complete an architectural design in 3-D that you just a few steps away from having all of your sections and elevations completed by simple section cuts in the software.  Sure the plan design takes a little longer, but the follow-up steps then take care of themselves, almost anyway.

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

ACAD-3D shuld be used when there is a myriad of mechanicals
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

Usually there is not enough time & money budgeted on the job to do 3D design for commercial HVAC work. Design drawings are typically specified to be considered as diagramatic & it is up to the contractor doing the installation, to prepare shop drawings & coordinate installation & clearances with all trades. The designers though must provide enough space for installation & servicing. They should block out typical service access space for equipment.
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

I agree with billy & lilliput's posts. Getting a good 2D drawing is a challenge... Actual HVAC installation is always at the mercy of the framers, rain leaders, and sprinkler fitters. Execution of a perfect 3D HVAC drawing is usually nullified unless HVAC installation has free reign of a building, which, on the projects I've been on, has been zero times.

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