Autocad Mep Vs Cadduct

[Splitpin]

I have not got nearly enough hands-on experience with the two packages as you guys, but thanks to you guys info from previous thread discussions i could give my superiors the info needed. We are going to watch a CADDUCT demo next week

regards

[Hugh_Compton]

AutoCAD MEP is the front runner in high end piping programs. Inventor Professional has a pipe program that is impressive but has a very steep learning curve if you are from an AutoCAD background.

It is my understanding that AutoCAD MEP has a very large team of developers and a larger sales base than CADDuct.

Also try one of these well priced libraries for a cheaper alternative:

Pipework & Structural Steel http://www.3DCADMax.com
3D AutoCAD Pipework – http://www.HerculeDesign.com
Or if you'd prefer 2D:
2D AutoCAD Pipework - http://www.3dcadmax.com/2DPipeFittingsAutoCAD.htm

[Splitpin]

Thankyou for your advise

[Splitpin]

Can anyone tell me what to buy and which is the better and easiest to use, I'm a HVAC draughtsman (Consultants) looking for a new 3d design package to go to, what i can see from the discussions is that CADDUCT is better and easier than Autocad MEP (Library, training, Bill of quantities etc.), any advice? I don't want to waste my workplaces money because i just started here.

regards

[Splitpin]

We use MEP as our acad base but, in addition, we've bought CadDuct since... neither is perfect but in CadDuct the parts catalogues are more up-to-date, the support is better & it's used more in the industry so it's easier to find people to use it. I believe it's cheaper too. We no longer use the MEP features.

I've got to buy one of the two, What program is the better one CADDUCT or MEP2009?

We are HVAC consultants that want a package thats easy to use and fast but good looking, that designs sizes and maby do equipment selections and lastly do coordination between services.

[Cad64]

Splitpin, I have Merged your various threads into this one. In the future, please don't cross post.

Thanks,

[cdgoin]

We tried both.. MEP2009 won due to lower upfront cost (We had to upgrade to 2009 anyway, so the "extra" for MEP was less than a AutoCAD 2009 package and CadPipe.

That said...

I have used InteliCAD, QuickPen 3D Pipe Designer, CadPipe, ACAD2008 MEP, and ACAD2009 MEP.

Hands down without question CADpipe is superior. Its libraries are better, its simpler to use, more intuitive. Uses BASIC AutoCAD move, copy, etc.. commands, etc.. They both have pluses and minuses, some things I like in MEP, and some in CADPipe.

but I find MEP is more congested, its overly complex wihtout any real need to be, libraries (Contrary to sales pitch) are limited..

What it comes down to is bugs, bugs and bugs.. 2008 and 2009 AutoCAD are loaded with them. From visual styles, the new "Display manager", etc. etc.. and other things that don't work or don't work well yet, fancy features that don't work or are limited in thier true functionality, etc.. etc.. AutoCAD 2008-2009 isnt worth the upgrade. Personally I think 2005-2007 was a simpler and better overall program. Mind you 2008-2009 features are cool and if they were to work as promoted it would be another story altogether. But they don't.

If you are currently running ACAD2005-2007 and have to upgrade to either CADPipe or ACAD2009 MEP.... Stick with 2005 and get CADPipe.

Also a HUGE thing to consider... IF you work with clients that are modeling in Tri-Forma/Bentley Building Systems and Microstation.. There is no question. Get CADPipe, Microstation opens up the CADPipe files like its native. No problems with translation at all.. this is as CADPipe uses solids, regions, etc.. and are all native AutoCAD entities. Simple basic Miscrostation can open the DWG Files created with CADPipe without a translator or spending a ton of time "converting" the file to something it can open.

ACAD2009 MEP uses thier "own" entities.. and is not friendly when trying to be converted to something Microstation can open. So if you have to share files with a Microstation user.. DO NOT get MEP.

Charles

[StykFacE]

CAD-Duct also has a CAM package that can export your drawing right into a duct shop's CAM program and get right to cutting materials. This is known as "Design to Fabrication". This would make your duct shop (or if you out source it) VERY happy, as they would not have to print the design, estimate it and make their own take-off.

There is a package like this for MEP, but it costs a lot. MEP can't export to a CAM package right out of the box. These are some other things to think about when getting a new duct package like this.

[Splitpin]

Thankyou for your advice, their is also a program named CAD-MEP based on CADDUCT but more for consultants we are looking into it - also much cheaper than the original CADDUCT

[kamran74d]

hi, i am very biggener in mep draughtsman feild can somebody tell me the meaning of (NC & VC ) this words i see when i try to use the software wich is using for SA grill & diffuser sizeing.and what is the velue i give in this two options if cfm is 545 please.