is there much call for 3d work?

i have been using cad now for just over a year so still learning a lot and have not touched 3d yet. at the moment all by work is HVAC layouts, i am wondering is it worth starting to learn 3d. do any of the HVAC drafters on here use 3d? would be interested to hear from people what industry they are in and how often the do 3d drafting.

I've been using AutoCAD for about ten years, all 2D work; pipe, valves, chemical storage tanks. I've never done any 3D work except for myself, dabbling.

I would say, "Go for it." Seems 3D is going to be a standard someday. Just not for me. I work for myself so, if I want to, I will. If not, I won't.

HVAC work I've done, physically. A sheetmetal fabricator for many years. I enjoyed every minute. I once installed heavy duty duct in a plant to move newly harvested cotton in a processing facility.

thanks for the reply, the way things are going for me at the moment i'll probably stick to hvac work. at the moment i do it on a part time self employed basis and have two regular clients which i'll hopefully add to. good to hear you can make a living just doing hvac, that was one of my concerns in just doing hvac. i think i'll stick to 2d for now, i feel i have just scratched the surface of cads capabilities.

I don't do HVAC, but I work for a main contractor - so I am an end user of your drawings!

Whether you look at 3D based on AutoCad (ie AutoCad MEP) or the newer Revit verticals you will be adding to your skillset and therfore makeing yourself more employable. It really depends on your customer base. If you can identify that your customers want 3D skills then it's worth your investment.

CAD for building construction is definately going 3D, But it will depend on the size of the projects that you work on. Tower blocks and Hospitals really benift from 3D and 'BIM'. Smaller projects less so.

I am a HVAC drafter. All of mine working drawings are made in 2d only. But many a times i do 3d drawings also. It is just to be in touch of 3d. I do it to take off quantity of ducts (but not every time).

When it is difficult for the site people to understand the duct routing from 2d dwg, i make them understand by doing it in 3d (like the ones i have attached here) They are not so well finished as it is not required. Just take a look at this.

I think you should learn 3D. Having the right software will make the process easier. You'll also find that your client(s) will have a much better understanding of what you have designed for them if they can see a 3D view. It's amazing how many people cannot assemble in their minds a 3D picture of what a 2D drawing consisting of a plan, elevations and sections looks like.

Are you studying to become a history teacher (of CAD) or preparing for the future? Watch the keynote here http://au.autodesk.com 3D is now expected at many employers and required by some. The next big thing is analysis - digital prototyping, using the 3D to verify design before the first chip is cut, the first nail is driven, the first shovel of dirt is moved.

"Are you studying to become a history teacher (of CAD) or preparing for the future?"

Awesome!

3D is here to stay, and take over someday too.

Good advice from Mr. Mather, "Is there time for something else?"

Vivian:

Nice lookin' work, looks industrial, rectangular duct.

I usually see round duct in non-industrial, residential work.

I spent many years, rainy days, fab'ing just what you picture.

Sunny days, since most of my work was on-site, installations.

Keep up the nice work, make sure you BOM the slips 'n drives. :wink:

Post if you need any Pittsburgh lock seams, we can ship some to you.

Thanks Tankman.

right i have now decided to look into learning 3d, next question is what software to use. i am enrolled on the autocad student scheme so could get a demo from there. apart from cad2007 i have access to cadmep 2009. bearing in mind i want to carry on down the hvac route, what do people recommend?

It sounds like AutoCAD MEP would be the way to go in my opinion.

i am enrolled on the autocad student scheme so could get a demo from there. apart from cad2007 i have access to cadmep 2009.

Students can get the latest Autodesk software for free from http://www.autodesk.com/edcommunity