We make machinery for the waste water treatment plants, with piping between
the machinery. About 2 years ago we switched to Inventor for all of our
design work and we think it has paid off.
Pro's
We can create great iso and detail drawings. Our submittal process is much
easier with better views.
The 3D has cut down on a lot of interference problems and assembly problems.
We can get accurate weights for our bidding, trucking, and installation.
We use the 3D models for sales and bid presentations. It helped us win some
big projects.
Much better pictures for our installation and O&M manuals.
Our installers love the 3D DWF's and better drawings. Cut back on
installaion costs and downtime
Cons
Performance. Large assembly performance can be a dog.
Hardware investment. Our computers are good computers, but we need new
ones, so we have to reinvest in new computers, and a new server.
We have a few vendors on IV, but most still use AutoCAD, especially the big
engineering firms and municipalities. We have to translate everything into
AutoCAD.
If you're only doing piping, 2D might be the way to go because of the ease
of use. However I'ld look at IV and see if it works for you, especially on
tricky piping runs.
Joe Bartels
"Sheryl Thompson" wrote in message
news:3115309.1112318358981.JavaMail.jive@jiveforum2.autodesk.com...
> Our small design engineering firm (2 CADdies) is upgrading to AutoCAD2006.
We design water and waste water treatment plant piping and specific systems,
currently all 2D, but we have discussed possible 3D piping software. All of
the AutoCAD resellers have recommended that we investigate Inventor series,
as we can "ease" into the 3D capability. I am concerned, as it seems to be
more geared to manufacturing. Currently, the cost to cross to Inventor is
the same as upgrading AutoCAD, but the cost of future upgrades will be
higher than what it would be with just AutoCAD. Have any of you faced a
similar situation? Also, we need the ability to turn out 2D engineering
documents - how compatible is the ability of Inventor to develop 2D drawings
from a 3D format? Any help or suggestions for consideration will be
appreciated!