Drafting Techniques
Drafting and modelling tends to be a highly subjective profession. Many drafters have their own
specific tool kits and likes and dislikes when it comes to setting up their work station. Although
layouts and work stations may be widely different, each drafter can provide the same outcome when it
comes to providing their client with a specific tailored outcome which meets AS1100 or specific standards.
When it comes to CAD software and desired programs, drafters can get highly supportive and protective
about certain programs. I feel this is mainly due to becoming cumfortable with quality output under high pressure
environments and ever increasing time restraints.
AutoDesk still seems to hold the majority of interest and the larger market share when it comes to 3D modelling and
2D drafting. Solidworks seems to have a high volume of users in the asian region and with students alike, I am sure
many solidworks users would be highly supportive of their attachment to Solidworks.
3D Modelling Software
Preferences in 3D modelling software seem to be driven by brand names more than anything today.
New 3D Modelling concepts are beginning to come on board such as Onshape, who offer online 3D modelling and file
sharing, along with client login and reviewing without even having to download and install
3D modelling software programs. However these such sites are largely introduced where internet speeds are high
and un-impeded, and data files size is not a concern. In return they offer a quite simply and user friendly
modelling program with simply tips along the way.
AutoCAD Inventor and Solidworks appear to hold major preferences amongst
most modellers today, my personal preference for piping and plant development is certainly AutoCAD Plant 3D
with its seemless integration and functionality.
Animations and Multimedia
Animation and Autodesk still have a long way to go in my opinion. Other engineering computer aided design software programs may have anmation sorted out and seemless, but I feel Inventor in particular, still have a very glitchy platform for 3d animation.
You only have to google, or Bing errors with animation using Inventor and hundreds of links will pop up. Having said that
if you need to illustrate a simple bolt up or motion procedure Inventor 3D seems to handle th accuracy and getting the message
across quite well. Mostly animation is dependant on your PC performance capacity. 3D modelling is always stressfull on RAM and CPU,
not to mention the compulsary need for a high end graphics card.
I have created several animations now, even on quite small files, and Inventor seems to reach its animation limits before too long. In contrast to 2D drafting, most seem CAD software programs seem to be able to get away with your regular home based PC.
