Migrating from EC-CAD & EC-DuctMaker

[peterchristie1938]

We currently use Trimble’s EC-CAD and EC-DuctMaker for HVAC detailing and ductwork fabrication. Trimble is discontinuing the EC-DuctMaker software next year (in favor of their FabShop software) and I am reviewing my options for a replacement. We are a comprehensive HVAC detailing, fabrication and installation contractor and have jobs involving HVAC duct, HVAC piping, and plumbing. I have used EC-DuctMaker (or it's past iterations) for over 25 years and EC-CAD/AutocadMEP combo for the last 12. 

EC-CAD is an add on to AutocadMEP and we already have a subscription to the AEC collection, which includes CADmep. Is CAMduct the only additional software I would need to replace the functionality of EC-CAD and EC-Maker?

Will CAMduct interface with our Vicon shop equipment (plasma table, liner cutter, and coil line)?

Are duct specs in CAMduct easy to configure to meet SMACNA standards and your shops requirements?

Are there any other users that have made this switch? What was your experience? What, if anything did the EC software do that the Autocad products don't? Are there any goodies in the Autocad products you found that the EC software didn't have? Do you find it easier having the CAD/CAM software coming from one developer? 

If there are any ex FabShop users now using CAMduct you can chime in as well. (FabShop is the old Vulcan software (Trimble bought them too)) .

Regards and TIA,

Pete C

[Anonymous]

Just crickets....

We currently use CadMEP for design and Trimble FabShop. Trying to evaluate switching to CamDuct as well. I have a sister company that operates using camduct, so there is a familiarity with it.

Good luck on your search. 

[matthewweake]

Hi Pete

You asked a lot of questions! I can help with some. 

CAMduct is the only thing you will need outside of the AEC Collection unless you want to do estimating using the same Fabrication database, then you'll want ESTmep.

Once you have your Fabrication database configured how you want, you can use the Items in Revit and use Revit for detailing or just stick to CADmep (AutoCAD based). You can save the project from Revit or CADmep so that it can be opened by CAMduct.

CAMduct will work with Vicon plasma and coil line. I don't have experience with their liner cutter.

Spec's are not hard to do, it is just a different interface. Start with getting your materials right.

I have changed a few customers from Trimble to CAMduct. Their motivation has been integration with Revit and a local person they can get support from.

Good luck!