Autodesk Plant 3D vs Inventor: A Comprehensive Overview of DWG Workflows and Differences

October 9, 2024

| Additive Manufacturing, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Platform Services, Autodesk Products, Training

Autodesk Plant 3D vs Inventor: A Comprehensive Overview of DWG Workflows and Differences

When it comes to CAD software, Autodesk offers a range of powerful tools tailored to specific industries. Two of the most popular among these are Autodesk Inventor and Plant 3D. Understanding the differences between these applications and their respective workflows is essential for professionals aiming to maximise their design efficiency.

This post provides a detailed comparison of Autodesk Inventor and Plant 3D, including a table that highlights their key differences, along with an in-depth analysis of their functionalities, workflows, and interoperability with other Autodesk tools.

Overview of Each Software

Inventor: Optimised for Small-Scale Mechanical Systems

Autodesk Inventor is ideal for projects involving detailed mechanical parts, assemblies, and compact systems. Its parametric 3D modelling capabilities allow engineers to create precise mechanical designs with intricate detail. The software’s tube and piping module is specifically designed for smaller piping projects, such as systems that can fit on the back of a truck.

However, while Inventor excels at mechanical design, it lacks built-in tools for process-specific tasks like P&ID creation. For projects that involve piping and instrumentation diagrams, users must create P&IDs manually, which can slow down the design process for larger, more complex systems.

Plant 3D: Designed for Large-Scale Process Plants

Autodesk Plant 3D is built for large, interconnected systems, particularly in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment. With its integrated AutoCAD P&ID tool, Plant 3D allows users to create P&IDs directly within the software. These P&IDs can be linked to 3D models, ensuring that any changes are reflected across the entire design, making the process more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.

Plant 3D also excels in plant-wide piping systems and isometric drawing generation essential for large-scale projects involving extensive piping runs and standardised equipment.

Key Differences Between Inventor and Plant 3D

The following table summarises the primary differences between Autodesk Inventor and Plant 3D:

Feature	Autodesk Inventor	Autodesk Plant 3D
Project Size	Small mechanical systems	Large plants, long pipe runs, extensive equipment layouts
Piping Systems	Tube and Piping module for small-scale designs	Comprehensive plant-wide piping systems
P&ID Integration	P&IDs must be created manually	AutoCAD P&ID integrated, linked to 3D models
3D Equipment Modelling	Mechanical parts and compact assemblies	Plant-scale equipment and piping systems
Interoperability	Export 3D equipment to DWG, integrate with Vault	Seamless catalogue management, isometrics generation
Collaboration Tools	Autodesk Vault for version control	Integrated project management and collaboration tools
Isometric Drawings	Not natively supported	Automatic generation from 3D models
Material Management	Focused on mechanical parts and assemblies	BOM for piping and equipment management
User Interface	Advanced 3D modelling environment	Intuitive interface for process design

DWG Workflows in Inventor and Plant 3D

DWG Workflows in Inventor:

File Creation: Users create 3D models in Inventor, which can be saved as DWG files for further editing in AutoCAD or for sharing with other stakeholders. This interoperability ensures that designs can be easily communicated and modified.
2D Drawings: Inventor allows users to generate detailed 2D drawings from 3D models, ensuring that all views, dimensions, and annotations are accurately represented in DWG format. This feature is crucial for manufacturing processes where precise specifications are required.
Collaboration: The ability to export DWG files promotes collaboration with professionals who may not have access to Inventor but work within AutoCAD. This flexibility allows teams to work more efficiently, leveraging the strengths of each software.

DWG Workflows in Plant 3D:

P&ID Development: Plant 3D users can create P&IDs, which are saved as DWG files, serving as the blueprint for piping and instrumentation layouts. This foundational step is essential for any plant design project, as it establishes the functional layout of systems.
3D Model Generation: The software allows users to create 3D models of piping systems and equipment that can be directly generated in DWG format. This feature streamlines the process of documentation and sharing, ensuring that all team members have access to the most up-to-date designs.
Isometric Drawings: Plant 3D supports the automatic generation of isometric drawings from 3D models, which are essential for piping layouts. This capability not only saves time but also reduces errors that can occur when manually creating these drawings.

Interoperability With Advance Steel and AutoCAD

Both Autodesk Plant 3D and Inventor offer interoperability with Advance Steel and AutoCAD, enhancing their usability across different engineering disciplines.

Advance Steel: While primarily for structural detailing, Advance Steel can take advantage of models created in Inventor and layouts from Plant 3D. This interoperability is beneficial for projects that require mechanical and structural components, enabling seamless integration of designs.
AutoCAD: As the foundational software, AutoCAD serves as a common platform for DWG files. Both Inventor and Plant 3D can export to and import from AutoCAD, allowing seamless collaboration across various teams. This interoperability ensures that design updates are easily shared and implemented, promoting efficiency in the overall workflow.

Integrating Inventor with Plant 3D: The Power of BIM

For projects that require mechanical equipment design and plant-wide piping systems, Autodesk provides a robust solution through BIM content publishing tools. With these tools, engineers can design 3D equipment in Inventor and seamlessly integrate that content into Plant 3D.

This integration is particularly valuable for professionals working on multidisciplinary projects. For example, custom-designed mechanical equipment created in Inventor can be published as BIM content and incorporated into the Plant 3D catalogue ensuring consistency and eliminating the need for rework between platforms.

Real-world Applications

Understanding the differences between Autodesk Plant 3D and Inventor also involves examining their applications in real-world scenarios.

Manufacturing and product design: In industries such as automotive and aerospace, Autodesk Inventor is widely used to design mechanical components. Engineers leverage their parametric modelling capabilities to create complex assemblies, conduct simulations, and manage changes efficiently. The ability to export detailed 2D drawings in DWG format allows for effective communication with manufacturing teams.
Process Plant Design: For industries like oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing, Autodesk Plant 3D is the go-to solution. The ability to create detailed P&IDs, generate 3D models of piping systems, and automatically produce isometric drawings streamlines the design process. Collaboration tools enable multidisciplinary teams to work cohesively, ensuring that every aspect of the plant design is accounted for.

Experience the Difference Between Autodesk Plant 3D and Inventor

Both Autodesk Inventor and Plant 3D are powerful tools, each designed for specific industries and applications. Inventor excels in mechanical design and manufacturing, while Plant 3D focuses on process and plant design. The choice between these two software options largely depends on the industry, project requirements, and desired workflows.

Understanding the differences in their DWG workflows, interoperability with other Autodesk products, and unique features is crucial for professionals aiming to enhance their design processes. By leveraging the strengths of each application, users can ensure that their designs are efficient, accurate, and tailored to their specific needs. Whether you are involved in mechanical design or plant engineering, choosing the right software is essential for success in today’s competitive landscape.

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Marvellous Mechanical Drafting with Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical

July 12, 2024

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| AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Autodesk Products

Marvellous Mechanical Drafting with Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical

Did you know that the global CAD software market was valued at $9.3 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a rate of 6.6% annually, reaching $18.7 billion by 2030? This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of design requirements and the need for more efficient and accurate tools in industries like manufacturing and automotive.

In this environment, what if you could cut your design time nearly in half while simultaneously reducing errors and enhancing the quality of your work? This is not just a dream but a reality with Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical, a specialised toolset within AutoCAD that is revolutionising the field of mechanical drafting.

AutoCAD Mechanical is not just another CAD software; it’s a comprehensive solution tailored specifically for mechanical engineering. It combines the robust capabilities of AutoCAD with libraries of standards-based parts and tools designed to automate common mechanical CAD tasks. This powerful combination allows engineers and designers to save countless hours on design and rework, freeing them to focus on innovation and problem-solving.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the marvels of mechanical drafting with AutoCAD Mechanical, delving into its features, benefits, and the impressive productivity gains it offers.

Productivity Gains with Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical

A productivity study commissioned by Autodesk highlighted the significant time savings and efficiency improvements offered by the Mechanical toolset in AutoCAD. The study compared the time required to complete various design tasks using Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical vs AutoCAD.

Here are some key findings from the study:

Faster Design and Rework: The Mechanical toolset reduces the total time required for 2D CAD work by approximately 55%. This is achieved through automation and the availability of standardised parts and functions.
Reduced Risk of Errors: Standardised functions and parts not only speed up the design process but significantly reduce the risk of errors. This leads to higher accuracy and consistency in designs.
Enhanced Efficiency: Common design tasks, such as searching for project data, inserting standard and supplier parts, and structuring data, are all streamlined with the Mechanical toolset. This efficiency frees up valuable time for more critical aspects of design.

Advantages of Using Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical

AutoCAD Mechanical offers numerous advantages that significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mechanical drafting. Here are some key benefits:

Intelligent Layer Management: The Mechanical toolset in AutoCAD simplifies the task of managing layers by automatically placing items on the correct layer, colour, and linetype as you create your drawing. This system can be easily customised based on your company’s requirements, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your designs. Customisable layer types include text and hatching, centerlines and construction lines, hidden lines, symbols and notes, and title borders.
Time Savings and Efficiency: AutoCAD Mechanical substantially reduces the time required to complete various tasks. For instance, preparing existing data, creating new concepts, and structuring data are significantly faster with the Mechanical toolset, resulting in up to 45% time savings. Similarly, tasks such as detailing and optimising new designs, calculating forces, and modifying parts are completed much quicker compared to basic AutoCAD, often saving up to 80% of the time.
Enhanced Calculation Functions: The toolset offers robust calculation functions, allowing users to perform analysis on 2D geometry subject to static loads. This includes calculating stress and deformation in a plane or cross-section with individual forces and stretching loads. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and performance of mechanical parts.
Automated Updates and Synchronisation: The Mechanical toolset ensures that any change made to a component automatically updates all related components. This feature is particularly beneficial in complex assemblies where changes to one part must be reflected across the entire design. This automation reduces the likelihood of errors and ensures that all parts of the design remain consistent.
Comprehensive Standard Parts Library: Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical includes a vast library of over 100,000 pre-drawn standard features such as undercuts, keyways, and thread ends, and more than 8,000 pre-drawn holes including through holes, blind holes, counterbored holes, countersunk holes, and oblong holes. These features automatically clean up the insertion area in the drawing, eliminating the need for manual editing and significantly speeding up the design process.
Efficient Production Drawing Creation: The toolset makes creating production drawings for parts and assemblies much more efficient. Automated and associative parts lists and bills of materials (BOMs) update automatically as the design changes. This ensures that all documentation is up-to-date and accurate, facilitating smoother transitions to manufacturing and reducing production delays.
Power Commands: AutoCAD Mechanical’s Power Commands utilise object information to accelerate user operations such as editing and copying objects. This feature allows users to bypass traditional pull-down menus, toolbars, and tablet locations, using the objects themselves as command menus. This intuitive interface streamlines the design process and enhances productivity.
Specialised Drafting Tools: The toolset includes over 30 options for rectangle, arc, and circle creation, nearly automatic centerline creation and updating, speciality lines for breakout views and section lines, and a full suite of construction lines for aligning drafting views. These specialised tools are designed specifically for mechanical drafting, providing more precise and efficient ways to create detailed and accurate drawings.
Foreground/Background Management: AutoCAD Mechanical simplifies the management of foreground and background elements in a drawing. It automatically redraws geometry to show hidden or dashed lines of parts obstructed by other parts in a design. Hidden lines update automatically when changes occur, eliminating the need for manual redrawing due to design changes. This feature ensures that designs are always clear and accurate, reducing the time and effort required to update 2D designs.

These advantages make Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical an indispensable tool for mechanical engineers and designers, enabling them to produce high-quality, precise, and efficient designs with less effort and in less time. Whether you’re working on simple components or complex assemblies, the Mechanical toolset offers the functionality and flexibility needed to meet the demands of modern mechanical design.

Embrace the Future of Mechanical Drafting with Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical

Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical is a powerful toolset that revolutionises mechanical drafting by enhancing productivity, reducing errors, and automating routine tasks. Whether you’re designing complex machinery, optimising existing designs, or calculating forces in a mechanism, AutoCAD Mechanical provides the tools and features you need to work more efficiently and accurately.

By incorporating AutoCAD Mechanical into your workflow, you can significantly cut down on design and rework time, allowing you to focus on innovation and quality. Embrace the marvels of mechanical drafting with AutoCAD Mechanical and take your engineering projects to new heights.

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AutoCAD Map 3D: The Perfect Mapping Tool for Engineering and GIS Professionals

August 30, 2023

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| Architecture, AutoCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Construction, Defence, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Utilities

AutoCAD Map 3D: The Perfect Mapping Tool for Engineering and GIS Professionals

AutoCAD Map 3D is a powerful GIS software that allows CAD professionals to create, edit, and visualize geospatial data. It is a comprehensive toolset that includes everything you need to work with maps, 3D models, and other spatial data.

AutoCAD Map 3D is a geographic information system (GIS) software that is part of the AutoCAD family of products. It is designed for CAD professionals who need to work with geospatial data. AutoCAD Map 3D includes a comprehensive toolset for creating, editing, and visualizing maps, 3D models, and other spatial data.

Features and Benefits

AutoCAD Map 3D includes a wide range of features for working with geospatial data, including:

Data management tools for importing, exporting, and managing spatial data
2D and 3D drafting tools for creating and editing maps and models
Visualisation tools for creating interactive maps and 3D models
Analysis tools for performing spatial analysis
Collaboration tools for sharing data and projects with others

There are many benefits to using AutoCAD Map 3D, including:

Increased productivity: AutoCAD Map 3D can help you save time and improve your workflow by providing a comprehensive toolset for working with geospatial data.
Improved accuracy: AutoCAD Map 3D can help you create more accurate maps and models by providing a variety of tools for data management, drafting, and visualisation.
Enhanced collaboration: AutoCAD Map 3D can help you collaborate with others more effectively by providing tools for sharing data and projects.
Increased flexibility: AutoCAD Map 3D is a flexible software that can be used for a variety of purposes, including engineering, construction, and environmental planning.

AutoCAD Map 3D Vs AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD Map 3D is a more powerful and feature-rich version of AutoCAD than AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD. AutoCAD Map 3D includes all of the features of AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD, plus a number of additional features for working with geospatial data.

Feature	AutoCAD Map 3D	AutoCAD LT	AutoCAD
Data management	Yes	No	No
2D and 3D drafting	Yes	Yes	Yes
Visualization	Yes	No	No
Analysis	Yes	No	No
Collaboration	Yes	No	No

The right version of AutoCAD for you depends on your specific needs. If you only need to:

Work with geospatial data, then AutoCAD Map 3D is the best choice.
Create basic 2D drawings, then AutoCAD LT is a good option.
Create basic 3D models or 2D drawings and don’t need any of the advanced features of AutoCAD Map 3D, then AutoCAD is the best choice.

Connecting AutoCAD Map 3D with other apps

AutoCAD Map 3D can be used with other Autodesk apps to create a more comprehensive and integrated workflow. For example, AutoCAD Map 3D can be used with AutoCAD Civil 3D to create 3D models of infrastructure projects. AutoCAD Map 3D can be used with Autodesk 3ds Max to create photorealistic renderings of maps and models.

AutoCAD Map 3D can be connected to a variety of GIS mapping data sources, including:

Shapefiles: Shapefiles are a common format for storing vector data. AutoCAD Map 3D can import and export shapefiles.
Geodatabases: Geodatabases are a powerful format for storing spatial data. AutoCAD Map 3D can connect to geodatabases hosted on a variety of platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and IBM DB2.
Raster datasets: Raster datasets are a format for storing gridded data. AutoCAD Map 3D can import and export raster datasets.
Web services: Web services are a way to access spatial data over the internet. AutoCAD Map 3D can connect to web services that are hosted on a variety of platforms, including ArcGIS Online and Google Maps.

To connect AutoCAD Map 3D to a GIS mapping data source, you can use the following steps:

Open AutoCAD Map 3D.
Click the Map tab.
In the Data Sources panel, click the Add button.
Select the type of data source you want to connect to.
Enter the connection information for the data source.
Click the Connect button.

Once you have connected AutoCAD Map 3D to a GIS mapping data source, you can view and edit the data in AutoCAD Map 3D. You can also use AutoCAD Map 3D to perform spatial analysis on the data.

Here are some of the benefits of connecting AutoCAD Map 3D with GIS mapping data sources:

You can access a wider range of spatial data.
You can perform more complex spatial analysis.
You can share your work with others more easily.
You can collaborate with others more effectively.

If you need to work with geospatial data, then connecting AutoCAD Map 3D with GIS mapping data sources is a great way to improve your workflow and productivity.

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AutoCAD Map 3D 2024

Coordinate System Update

AutoCAD Map 3D 2024 supports the new coordinate systems in the following categories:

SnakeGrid EWR2
NAD83(CSRS) / Alberta 3TM

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

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AutoCAD Vs AutoCAD LT

August 22, 2023

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| Architecture, AutoCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Construction, Defence, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Utilities

Benefits of using AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD® allows users to achieve a level of productivity for design creation that is not matched with AutoCAD LT®.

Autodesk commissioned a study that explored the productivity and commercial differentiations between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT when performing tasks ranging from creating geometry to creating plans and elevations, extracting object data, and applying and monitoring CAD standards.

Results showed that AutoCAD could allow a user to generate designs up to 3.9 times quicker* compared with AutoCAD LT, when these tasks were performed by an experienced AutoCAD user.

How AutoCAD Saves More Time Compared to AutoCAD LT

Parametric constraints – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 33%. AutoCAD offers complete geometric and dimensional constraint creation, editing, and management of parametric constraints.

Plans and elevations – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 46%. The 3D modeling tools in AutoCAD allow for easy manipulation to generate 2D plan and elevation objects.

Isometric drafting – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 61%. AutoCAD makes it easy to view 3D objects in isometric views and has visual styles that can be set to hide hidden detail.

Data extraction – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 90%. AutoCAD provides the functionality to extract data and create tables automatically, either in the drawing or in a Microsoft Excel® file.

CAD standards – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 81%. AutoCAD provides CAD standard functionality with a highly efficient method of checking standards against new and existing DWG files.

Text edting (Express Tools) – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 80%. AutoCAD includes Express Tools with advanced workflows when changing and manipulating text.

AutoLISP – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 50%. AutoLISP functionality is available in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Direct access to AutoLISP editors only from AutoCAD
saves time when editing the application.

Markup Import and Markup Assist – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 71%. Using machine learning, AutoCAD can interpret handwritten annotation and suggest conversions to AutoCAD objects, saving time and reducing errors.

Smart Blocks: Placement and Replacement – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 40%.
The Smart Blocks: Replacement tool in AutoCAD provides a simple interface where multiple blocks can be selected and replaced by a chosen block in one operation.

Application programming interface (API) and
the app store – AutoCAD offers an API not available in AutoCAD LT that allows users to automate tedious and time-consuming tasks. AutoCAD users are also able to purchase and download apps in the Autodesk App Store and develop apps to benefit
AutoCAD users on your team.

Autodesk AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT 2024 Highlights Video

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Tailored Functionality

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AutoLISP

AutoCAD LT now includes AutoLISP.

Leverage thousands of previously written programs created for use in AutoCAD-based programs. AutoCAD LT supports AutoLISP Source (LSP) files, compiled LSP files, Fast-load AutoLISP (FAS), and Visual LISP Applications (VLX) files.

Markup Import & Markup Assist

Faster cross-platform markup workflows through expanded machine learning capabilities & essential experience improvements

AutoCAD 2024 Vs AutoCAD LT 2024

AutoCAD 2024 offers more advanced features for 3D modeling, customisation with add-on apps and APIs, rendering, and CAD standards, among other features, while AutoCAD LT 2024 is a more affordable version that still offers many of the essential features for 2D drafting, annotation, and automation.

Features	AutoCAD 2024	AutoCAD LT 2024
Find and replace blocks based on other blocks in your drawing	Yes	No
Stay informed of relevant file changes with details of multi-user activities in a DWG file	Yes	No
Utilise AutoLISP programs to automate repetitive tasks and enhance workflows	Yes	Yes
Extend AutoLISP programs with third-party automation libraries, and utilize specialised editors to write and debug programs	Yes	No
Create and edit 2D geometry	Yes	Yes
Annotate drawings with traces, text, dimensions, leaders & tables	Yes	Yes
Customize the ribbon and tool palettes	Yes	Yes
Attach and import data from PDF files	Yes	Yes
Share and use data from DGN files, Navisworks, & Bing Maps	Yes	Yes
Create and edit 3D models with solids, surfaces, & mesh objects	Yes	No
Customize with add-on apps and APIs	Yes	No
Extract object data to tables	Yes	No
Create renderings with lighting, materials, & visual styles	Yes	No
Apply and monitor CAD standards	Yes	No
Automate counting objects and blocks	Yes	Yes
Share drawings with colleagues directly from AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT	Yes	Yes
Import feedback and incorporate changes with a click of a button	Yes	No
Learn new features and workflows to work faster with My Insights	Yes	No

What's New in Specialised Toolsets

AutoCAD Architecture and MEP 2024

AEC3DPRINT

With AEC3DPRINT command, you can natively export the AEC objects to an STL file format that’s compatible with 3D printing without converting to 3D solids.

Enhanced Design Center Content

New MVBlocks and block references are available in Design Center.

More than 200 new MVBlocks and block references are added to the AutoCAD Architecture (US Imperial) and AutoCAD Architecture (US Metric) content packs for Design Center. The added content is available in metric profile for non-English languages. The content includes external lighting, bathroom accessories, furniture, site, kitchen fittings, and more.

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

AutoCAD Mechanical 2024

ANSI/ASME Standard Revision Update

The section line symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2012 standard revision. To support AWS Y14.3 – 2012, all aspects of the section line symbol are revised to correspond with AWS Y14.3 – 2012.

AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2003 standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the section line symbol standard. By supporting AWS Y14.3 – 2012 and AWS Y14.3 – 2003, you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision.

ISO Standard Revision Update for Taper and Slope Symbols

The taper and slope symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the ISO 3040:2016(E) standard revision. To support the ISO 3040:2016(E), all aspects of the taper and slope symbol is revised to correspond with ISO 3040:2016(E).

AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the ISO 3040:2009(E) standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the taper and slot symbol standard. By supporting ISO 3040:2016(E) and ISO 3040:2009(E), you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision.

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

AutoCAD Plant 3D 2024

Ortho Bill of Materials (BOM)

The Ortho Table Setup dialog box includes simplified options and more table capabilities for orthographic drawings. You can now add the Bill of Materials (BOM) for piping, equipment, steel, as well as nozzle and spool lists into ortho drawings.

Spec and Catalog Editor Enhancements

The Edit Parts and Edit Properties functions are enhanced in both Spec and Catalog Editors.

Edit parts within a selected parts family for inclusion in a spec sheet or catalog.

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements

View all parts available for a specific size in the selected spec. Use the search box to look for specific components in the Pipe Spec Viewer.

Any changes to the size and spec lists are both updated in Pipe Spec Viewer and the Part Insertion panel on the ribbon.

Ortho Single-Line Piping Enhancements

In this release, ortho single-line piping offers more enhancements including a new interface for some piping criteria providing better control when you display piping in a single-line representation in orthographic drawings.

AutoCAD Map 3D 2024

Coordinate System Update

AutoCAD Map 3D 2024 supports the new coordinate systems in the following categories:

SnakeGrid EWR2
NAD83(CSRS) / Alberta 3TM

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

AutoCAD Electrical 3D 2024

Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements

Create a schematic symbol table from schematic reports.

The schematic report lists the symbols used in the project along with its description in a table. You can also surf through a particular symbol that is used in various locations of the project.

Wire Type Synchronisation

Wire type can now be synchronized for all wires in the network with the same signal code across the drawings.

In previous releases, when you update the type of the wire connected to the source arrows, the destination wire type was not updated. In AutoCAD Electrical 2024 toolset, when the wire type is updated at the source arrow, all wires in the network are updated to the same wire type of the source. New wire layers are created along with its properties if the destination drawing doesn’t contain the new wire type.

Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information

Discover the Right CAD Tool for Your Engineering Needs

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Whats New in Autodesk Vault 2024

March 30, 2023

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| AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor, CDE (Common Data Environment), Data Management for AutoCAD, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, Data Management for Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Inventor Professional, Manufacturing, Vault, Vault

What's New in Autodesk Vault 2024

Autodesk Vault 2024 is out with a focus on enforcing standards, delivering intuitive tools and administrative enhancements

Authors: More features for CAD users in Vault 2024 to Focus on the Work

Job Processor: DXF and STEP

Users can export DXF and STEP files for manufacturing, suppliers, and subcontractors as part of the release process.

On-demand DXF/STEP publish
DXF/STEP publish on state transition
Sync LC state and revision on DXF/STEP files
DXF/STEP file getting created in vault to use Design Rep classification and PDF like workflow
DXF/STEP file publish options like PDF publish options

Copy Design Enhancements

Design re-use efficiency by reducing number of clicks to complete the workflow and pre-checks to prevent errors prior to creating a new design variation.

More usability by enabling Copy/Paste in the copy design numbering panel
Use the Copy/Paste functionality to edit multiple row values in and excel spreadsheet and then copy them to the Copy Design with one operation
More guidance through highlight restriction before copy operations start (property: –)
Export File list within the warning dialog

Copy Design BOM Enhancements

Newly copied parts can be assigned to an Item immediately after Copy Design is executed.

Copy Design updates the BOM information in part files without having to open them in Inventor first

Copy Folder Structure

You can setup a new project quickly and start with a known folder structure.

Users can create a project folder from a template or previous folder structure
Copy Folder Structure permissions and Properties

Save up to 20% on Autodesk Vault Deployments

Insert Punch Tool from Vault

Users can select sheet metal punches from Vault when they are not in the local workspace.

Browse for 3D iFeature shapes from Vault to be inserted into the sheet metal face.

Administrators: Enforcing Vault Standards for Gratere Project Compliance

Inventor Design Data & Template Management

CAD Administrator can create and deploy template updates to users easily through Vault. Users remain up-to-date with templates and design data without manual updates.

The focus in 2024 is to create an Inventor\Vault integrated experience for the Template and Design Data Files with automatic updates of Templates and Design Data within specific workflows.

Peer Review

Control the lifecycle process by requiring a different user to transition to the next state.

With this new user requirement, you can configure the Vault State transition to require Four Eyes Check and configure multiple rules for which files require Peer Review based on property values.

Job Processor

Apply retry strategy to visualization and custom jobs to reduce administration and user disruption to re-submit such jobs manually.

Automatic Retry capability for failed Job
Specify retry strategy between 1 and 10 attempts
The Job Processor will retry the failed jobs automatically without manual intervention

Thin Client Admin Settings

Administrators can set default columns for all Thin Client users in Autodesk Vault 2024.

Backup/Restore Enhancements

In Vault 2024, there is more flexibility in the Vault Server backup command to assist with backing up specified data components. This enhancement helps customers with large Vault environments that cannot use the existing backup command in the Vault Server.

Participants: Intuitive Vault Tools in 2024 for Project Collaboration

Thin Client – Enhancements

Select the Vault you need at the time of signing into the Thin Client and the Vault drop-down list shows the available Vault on the Server.

Improve interactions and control within the Thin Client interface with control for Expanding or Collapsing All for Objects with Structure.

Advanced Search capabilities paired with a modern UI for better experience:

Save searches as bookmarks in the browser
Search individual workspaces or multiple workspaces
Search workspaces of choice with search parameters
Search current folders and sub-folders
Find latest version only

Inventor Read-Only Vault Add-in

The Vault Add-in in Autodesk Vault Professional 2024 is available in Inventor Read-only, so users can open files and get access to Vault data directly from Inventor Read-only allowing users to review models efficiently without going between applications.

Learn More about Autodesk Vault 2024

Check out the Autodesk Vault 2024 Help

section for more information regarding the 2024 release.

Ready to get Autodesk Vault 2024?

Discover how Autodesk Vault 2024 can streamline your workflow, increase productivity, and optimise your design process.

Vault is available from Design Consulting on-premise or cloud, so contact us to discuss which instance suits you best.

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What’s New in Autodesk AutoCAD 2024

March 28, 2023

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| AutoCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, Autodesk Collections, Autodesk Inventor, BIM 360, CDE (Common Data Environment), Civil 3D, Collections, Construction, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, Infrastructure, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Revit, Revit
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