Pipe Drawing Methods

[Ajcraig99]

Hi all, Iv been lurking here for a while now but this is my first post .

Im trying to teach myself to draw pipe spools but am kinda overwhelmed by the options i have found through searches and youtube, (MET and lisp addons ect)

 

Im using auto cad 2013 and inventor 2013. Can pipe spools be easily drawn in 2d and 3d in these programs or do i need a 3rd party add on? if so can someone make a recommendation?

Id prefer something as simple as possible and metric.

 

Thanks in advance

[ReMark]

There is no reason you couldn't draw pipe spools in either program. I'd recommend 3D.

[Ajcraig99]

3d autocad or inventor? do either have all the flanges and pipe fittings and stuff on there? or do they need to be drawn manually?

[ReMark]

Draw in 3D not in 2D.

 

Plain AutoCAD does not have flanges or pipe fittings. You would either have to create a library of fittings yourself or buy a third-party application. I don't know about Inventor.

[tzframpton]

3d autocad or inventor? do either have all the flanges and pipe fittings and stuff on there? or do they need to be drawn manually?

AutoCAD MEP is one option. They already have all the pipe fittings and flanges you need to get started. Only thing AutoCAD MEP lacks is specialty pipe fittings and flanges, but even then you can create your own catalog.

 

One thing to keep in mind, is nowadays you have much more options than "just AutoCAD". There are trade specific CAD applications that are designed specifically for certain trades or disciplines, complete with content, or a means to download/create content with ease. ReMark is correct, usually these software packages do everything in 3D for you as you design/draw.

 

I have been creating piping spool pieces for data center designs for a long time and I never had any problems with it whatsoever.

[Ajcraig99]

Thanks for the replies folks. I tried a trial of Pipefitpro but its not very comprehensive. Iv downloaded Autocad MEP student trial and its just what i was looking for, thanks. How do you normally do your plotting in MEP? i noticed "new" doesn't prompt me to choose a template, do you export to autocad?

 

Thanks

[tzframpton]

Use the "Quick New" button for any new drawings. This is the template that has all the piping systems and pipe fittings/flanges/accessories/etc already loaded. But, Ctrl+N should prompt you to select a template. Any template with the "Aecb" is the one you're after... since this signifies the "MEP" template with all the AEC objects already preloaded.

 

And plotting in AutoCAD MEP is exactly the same as AutoCAD. The only thing you'll want to start being aware of is the Display Manager.

 

If you're needing metric, I assume you're in the UK? If so, check out this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aubin-Academy-Master-AutoCAD-2012/dp/1461141265/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352693821&sr=1-1

 

This book is golden. Gives you beginner and intermediate coverage of AutoCAD MEP from a "real user" standpoint. Pick it up if you can, it'll make you a pro in no time.

 

[Ajcraig99]

awesome! thanks for your help. Whats been doing my head in is the draftsman at work has been telling me to draw them manually in the 3D autoCAD environment, as if i was modeling custom parts. (i work there as a pipe fitter).

Well, now im sorted. thanks guys

[SLW210]

There is a FREE 2D add-on for AutoCAD called CADWORX you might try.

 

I manually draw 3D in AutoCAD, easy enough if you get a little practice, some of the valves, etc. are available in 3D from the manufacturers sites.

 

HERCULE DESIGN has a Program with fittings for a resonable price.

 

If an option, AutoCAD MEP or Plant 3D would be my choice for this.