Industries

AutoCAD Mechanical

Mechanical design and drafting tools with library and machinery calculators.

AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical schematic and panel layout design and drafting

AutoCAD Map 3D

GIS mapping and design tools

AutoCAD MEP

Design MEP systems with over 10,000 objects and detail construction drawings

AutoCAD Plant 3D

3D Plant and P&ID schematic design and drafting

AutoCAD Raster Design

Raster to vector conversion tools

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Overview

What is AutoCAD and the Specialised Toolsets?

Compare

Compare AutoCAD to AutoCAD LT and Industry Collections.

Features & Toolsets

See what the Specialised Toolsets are.

Add-ons

Programs and plug-ins to boost productivity.

Pricing

Subscription pricing comparisons.

Blog

Learn about products, workflows and related products.

Overview

Autodesk AutoCAD with Speciliased Toolsets is a compilation of software titles for general design, architecture, mechanical, electrical, plant design, MEP and GIS.

Get AutoCAD for PC, Mac, web and mobile.
Leading 2D/3D design and drafting tools.
A complete set of design tools for construction and manufaturing.

Get more out of AutoCAD with specialised toolsets

With industry specific toolsets, AutoCAD extends its functionality and productivity with automated workflows, block, libraries and tables such as architectural floorplans, design pipe runs, ducting and circuit layouts, generate specific schedules, layers, lists and tables.

AutoCAD

Work anywhere anytime

Use cloud storage, web and mobile apps to be always connected to your projects, designs, clients and team members.

Share, view, design, draft and annotate on any device, anywhere, anytime.

Features

Check out what’s new with AutoCAD, extended workflows, 2D drafting and 3D modelling capabilities.

Compare versions of drawings.

Compare XREF versions.

Blocks Palette enhancements.

Experience faster performance with improved save and install times and multicore CPU support for orbit, pan and zoom.

Open, view, edit and create drawings on any desktop, web or mobile device.

Access any DWG file with Autodesk cloud storage or through other leading cloud storage providers.

Quick Measure by hovering over with the mouse.

Compare two versions of a drawing inside the current window.

Easily purge and remove multiple objects simulataneously.

Create single text objects from single or multi-line text.

Automatic dimension creation with preview capabilities.

Create leaders from text or blocks with comprehensive formatting tools.

Create and edit centrelines and centre marks that are referenced to associated objects and move collectively

Create data tables with rows and columns for data, attributes, symbols and hyperlinks. Apply formulas and link spreadsheets to tables.

Collaborate and mark-up drawings with revision clouds.

Name views in layouts and easily find them.

Setup templates by nominating sheet size, placing title blocks and place multiple views to annotate.

Use intelligent fields in text objects that automatically update when field values are modified.

Live link Excel spreadsheets with AutoCAD drawing tables.

Extract valuable meta data from objects, blocks, attributes and drawing information.

Use Dynamic blocks to create configurable blocks that automatically change shape or size based on a configuration or field modification.

Create complex arrays and a patterns by rectangular or circular arrays or along a custom path.

Use parametric constraints to maintain relationships between drawing geometry such as coincident, perpendicular, tangent, parallel and concentric.

Leverage on over 85 express tool commands to automate tasks and boost productivity.

Toolsets

Use 2D/3D AutoCAD design and drafting functionality with specialised toolsets depending on your industry, project or application.

Select a Specialised Tool to Naviagate to

AutoCAD Architecture

Architectural design and drafting tools with over 8,000 intelligent objects and styles for building design.

Create new building designs or work in renovation mode where objects are assigned as existing to better understand the differences between new and existing structures and objects.

Tools to add, modify and remove walls, floors, ceiling, roofs, doors, windows and other intelligent objects.

Detail components such as bolt heads, nails, beams, columns, framing members, CMU’s, connectors, etc. are inserted as blocks to produce detailed construction drawings.

AutoCAD Mechanical

Tools for mechanical engineering and a content centre library of over 700,000 components.

The Layer Manager (AMLAYERGROUP command) creates, deletes and renames layers and convert AutoCAD Layers to a Mechanical Layer.

Create hidden lines by specifying which layers overlap.

Use standard parts and features to produce fabrication and mechanical drawings with a content centre library of over 700,000 components.

Use in-built component generators and calculators for springs, shafts, gears, bearings, etc. to place mechanically accurate objects into drawings.

Insert and link Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD models into paper space and create mechanical and fabrication drawings.

Specific detailing and annotation tools for mechanic design and drafting.

Create a customised content centre library.

Preview geometrical results of commands such as fillets and chamfers before executing the command.

Create bills of materials and parts lists with item numbers and associate balloons in drawings.

AutoCAD Electrical

Electrical schematic design tools, intelligent symbols, tagging, panel layout design tools and reports such as from/to and wire lists.

Generate Bills of Material reports such as tallied, by installation/location, purchased, by tag, components, from/to, wire lists, connector plugs, PLC, terminal, cable reports and more.

Automatic numbering schemes for wires and tags for components.

Track in real-time parent/child relationships with contacts.

Create panel layout drawings with bi-directional link to electrical schematics.

Generate PLC modules, full PLC units, insert PLC I/O points as symbols and paramterically control designs via the PLC database.

Use the existing or create a catalogue of symbols, circuits, PLC, wires, connectors,location boxes, pneumatic, hydraulic and P&ID components and more.

AutoCAD Map 3D

Integrate GIS topology and map files with CAD designs for planning, analysis and data management for applications such as master planning, land use, corridor planning, optimisation, conceptual and preliiminary design, site planning and analysis, renovation and retrofit project planning.

Connect external spatial data sources such as databases or data stores such as Oracle, SQL Server, Autodesk SDF or ASRI SHP

Combine multiple data sources such as geospatial features with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Map 3D drawings objects, raster images and attributes.

Work with multiple coordinate systems such as EPSG and Mentor with transform, rubber sheeting tools to precisely track coordinates and georeference your AutoCAD designs and data.

Integrate geographic information system (GIS) data with AutoCAD MAP 3D CAD data. Maintain a DWG file, convert datasets to an external file or move them to a spatial database

Search, filter data, access and edit DWG datasets and base maps with multiple users concurrently.

View and edit drawing object attribute data. Use data tables to highlight data and specific map features.

Manage spatial data by using the Schema editor, add/delete schema features and properties, create data stores or connect to SDF files with Data Connect, export DWG data or export maps to DWG and bulk copy from one data store to another.

Theme and analyse data by colour coding by attributes, filters, contour maps to analyse 3D terrain, elevations, slope, buffer zones based on properties and overlay geospatial layers to compare data.

Style drawing objects, features layers and surfaces to change the appearance of your map using the Display Manager.

Create Industry Model Drawings that follow rules and standards Access advanced features such as class forms, reports and analysis tools

AutoCAD MEP

Design, drafting and document MEP systems for buildings using specific tools and libraries with over 10,000 intelligent objects for mechanical, electrical and plumbing professionals. Maintain consistency across the project with multiple views of the one design.

Place components and lines in P&ID drawings that have intelligent data linked to generates reports.

Improve the appearance of documentation.

With a comprehensive parametric library of plant, piping and structural equipment, you can layout and design new and existing plants that adhere to industry specifications.

Choose from a 1 line, 2 line or 3D ISO representation views.

Display or hide centrelines on ducts, fexible ducts and fittings. Extend centrelines on oval and round take offs.

Convert AutoCAD blocks to smart AutoCAD MEP blocks one by one or in batches.

AutoCAD Plant 3D

3D plant design and pipe routing tools and libraries with P&ID schematics, symbols and tags.

Place components such as nozzles and valves and lines in in P&ID drawings with annotations and tags and generate reports.

With a link between the design and ortho drawings, any changes made in the 3D model will be updated in piping orthographic drawings.

Design new plant layouts or update existing conditions with plant design tools with a library of parametric equipment, structural with industry standard pipe specifications

Reference existing AutoCAD 3D models into Plant 3D.

Create isometric drawings, plans, sections, orthographic drawings and generate bills of materials.

Create complex pipe runs with intuitive tools to create tees, o-let branches, bends and add fittings.

AutoCAD Raster Design

Raster to Vector conversion tools and image clean up and manipulation for AutoCAD.

Edit and clean-up images with despeckle, bias, mirror and touch up tools with AutoCAD.

Manipulate raster entities using AutoCAD commands on raster regions and primitives and erase raster images, lines, arcs and cirlces.

Convert raster to vector with line and polyline conversion tools.

Exceptional Value

Each Specialised Toolset that is included in AutoCAD used to be at an additional cost for a similar price to AutoCAD.

If you need ore functionality consider an Industry Collection with even more design, analysis, documentation, collaboration and visualisation tools.

$ 7,575 3 Year Subscription

Discounted
Price locked in for 3 Years
Includes updates and support

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Compare the Media & Entertainment Collection to other products such as 3ds Max, Maya and Maya LT.

AutoCAD
AutoCAD LT

	AutoCAD	AutoCAD LT
	$Call for Price /year Inc. GST	$ /year Inc. GST
2D Design 2D design, sketching and block tools with model space
2D Drafting Place views from model space and annotate drawings with dimensions, leaders, symbols, hatching, etc,
Import PDF Import and convert PDF's to AutoCAD vector
Link to Excel Link design tables to Excel
Revision Clouds Create revision clouds for collaboration
3D Modelling Solid, surface and mesh objectsmodelling tools with model space
Express Tools Over 80 LISP routines to automate tasks
Rendering Render photo realistic models from 3D models
Cloud Rendering Send render jobs to Autodesk cloud rendering service
Import point clouds Import recap point cloud files
Basic rendering Hypershade, visor, shaderFX, colour management, DX11, HLSL and CgFX support (Features may differ between 3ds Max and Maya)
Open API Create or use custom plug-ins and Viewport 2.0 API
Specialised Toolsets AutoCAD Architecture, Electrical, MAP 3D, MEP, Plant 3D and Raster Design
	Buy Now	Buy Now

AutoCAD Add-Ons

Check out these programs and plug-ins to boost productivity even further.

Enterprise data management for AutoCAD

Cloud based electromechanical 3D CAD/CAM and FEA software

Cloud based document control software

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

AutoCAD Mechanical vs AutoCAD: A Comparison for Mechanical Engineers

Plant 3D Vs AutoCAD: Piping Design and P&ID Schematics

AutoCAD Vs AutoCAD LT

Learn about the key differences and workflows in Civil 3D vs Infraworks

Civil 3D Vs Infraworks – Workflows and Differences

Powerful Revit Automation in Clarity 2025

Contact Us

If you would learn more about Autodesk AutoCAD software, please contact us by calling on 1800 490 514, by filling out the form or clicking the live chat in the bottom right-hand corner.

Includes GST

Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

A complete set of BIM tools for the design, analysis, visualisation and documentation of buildings and infrastructure designs and projects.

Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection
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Revit

Cutting edge BIM software for Architectural, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical 3D modelling, documentation and drafting.

AutoCAD

Specialised toolsets for Architecture, Mechanical, Plant, Electrical,GIS design and drafting.

Civil 3D

Civil engineering design and analysis

Infraworks

Civil infrastructure concept and analysis

Advance Steel

Parametric structural steel design and drafting

Navisworks Manage

Model coordination, project review, 2D/3D quantity take off, 5D scheduling and clash detection

Estore

Get the Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection on an Annual Subscription

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Overview

What is the Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection?

Compare

Compare the AEC Collection to Revit and Revit LT.

Included Software

See what software is included in the AEC Industry Collection.

Add-ons

Programs and plug-ins to boost productivity.

Pricing

Subscription pricing and comparison to standalone subscriptions.

Blog

Learn about products, workflows and related products.

Overview

The Autodesk AEC Industry Collection is a compilation of software titles for the architecture, engineering, construction and infrastructure industries which give the ability to 3D model, design, visualise, animate, coordinate, simulate, document and draft designs in 2D.

Create high-quality, detailed designs for building and infrastructure projects.
Optimise designs with analysis, generative design, visualisation and simulation tools.
Improve predictability in the field by coordinating and simulating projects and schedules.

The Autodesk AEC Industry Collection is a compilation of software titles for the architecture, engineering, construction and insfrastructure industries which give the ability to 3D model, design, visualise, animate, coordinate, simulate, document and draft designs in 2D.

Create high-quality, detailed designs for building and infrastructure projects.
Optimise designs with analysis, generative design, visualisation and simulation tools.
Improve predictability in the field by coordinating and simulating projects and schedules.

Add to Cart

Architectural BIM Workflows

Combine Revit and Insight to improve environmental performance to guide you towards better outcomes using robust analytical tools.

Model in Revit and visualise analysis in Insight such as indicators, benchmark, ranges and specifications on factors such as infiltration, operating schedule, building orientation, lighting efficiency, HVAC, plug load efficiency, payback limit, surface coverage, panel efficiency and effect on construction materials.

Once you have viewed results, you can make design changes in Revit to optimise the building performance using comparison scenarios and viewing the results through the analytical model and produce a calculation summary report to validate design choices.

Infrastructure BIM Workflows

Combine Revit, Civil 3D and Infraworks for bridge analysis and design. Use Civil 3D road geometry to create the initial bridge and develops the design further in Infraworks using parametric rules to change the characteristics of the bridge by individually changing parameters or automate by connecting parameters to a spreadsheet to layout the bridge. Run integrated analysis and design tools to provide feedback during the optioneering phase.

Any changes in Civil 3D can be updated in Infraworks thereby providing connected design tools. The bridge structure can be publish to Revit and design work can continue concurrently using 3D structural design tools and 2D documentation.

Generative Design

Create generative design studies to quickly view alternate designs

Structral Design and Analysis Workflows

Combine Revit, Advance Steel and Robot to design, engineer and fabricate structural projects.

3D Scanning BIM Workflows

Pre-process point cloud data for Revit and import 3D scans and work in a hybrid reality capture BIM environment.

Design Automation Workflows

Automate routine tasks that normally take hours into minutes by running Dynamo scripts with applications such as Revit, Civil 3D, FormIT and Advance Steel .

MEP Fabrication Workflows

Connect Revit and CADmep to reduce duplication in designs allowing fabricators to create production designs and documentaion..

Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection and Bluebeam Bundle
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Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection and BIM Collaborate Pro Bundle
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Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection and Revit Training Bundle
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Included Software

The most comprehensive selection of cutting-edge BIM and CAD design, visualisation and analysis software and cloud tools comes within the AEC Collection.

Revit

Architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical 3D modelling and drafting BIM software.

Civil 3D

Civil engineering design and construction documentation software.

AutoCAD

2D/3D design and drafting software with specialised toolsets for AEC, plant design, GIS and more.

Infraworks

Conceptual design, visualisation and analysis software for civil infrastructure.

Navisworks Manage

Project coordination, data aggregation, 5D scheduling, quantification, simulation and visualisation software.

Advance Steel

Structural steel design and detailing software that works with beamline machines.

Recap Pro

Reality capture, photogrammetry and 3D scanning point cloud software.

Insight

Building energy analysis software.

Formit Pro

3D sketching and design and energy analysis software with Revit and Dynamo interoperability.

Dynamo Studio

Visual programming design automation software for Revit, Formit and Advance Steel.

Robot Structural Analysis Professional

Non-Linear structural analysis for Revit and Advance Steel.

3ds Max

3D modelling, rendering, animation and simulation software.

Vehicle Tracking

Swept path analysis software.

Fabrication CADmep

Cloud storage and collaboration for CAD.

Autodesk Rendering

Cloud based rendering for Revit, 3ds Max, Navisworks and AutoCAD.

Autodesk Drive

Cloud storage and collaboration for CAD.

Exceptional Value

Compare buying the AEC Collection to buying each title separately. If you need more than one application, getting an Industry Collection is the best value choice. Please note that all prices quoted below exclude GST.

Compare

Compare the AEC Collection to other products such as Revit, AutoCAD Revit LT suite and Revit LT.

AEC Collection
Revit
AutoCAD Revit LT Suite
Revit LT

	AEC Collection	Revit	AutoCAD Revit LT Suite	Revit LT
	$Call for Price /year Inc. GST	$Call for Price /year Inc. GST	$Call for Price /year Inc. GST	$Call for Price /year Inc. GST
3D Modelling 3D CAD Modelling functionality in Revit
2D Design 2D design functionality in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT
2D Drafting 2D views, annotations, leaders, etc.
Architectural Modelling Tools to model architectural elements such as floors, walls, doors, etc.
Structural Modelling Tools to model structural steel and concrete elements			Limited	Limited
MEP Modelling Tools for mechanical, electrical and piping elements
Parts and Assemblies Ability to break up designs in Revit into parts and assemblies
Solar Studies Conduct solar studies in Revit
Global Parameters Drive other parameters in Revit
Conceptual Massing Fast way to model 3D mass objects
Local Rendering Ray-trace rendering on your PC
Cloud Based Rendering Off-load rendering to the cloud. High resolution renders cost cloud credits.
Analysis Area, analytic model, structural loads, boundary conditions, heating and cooling loads, massing studies
Schedules Create schedule and material take-off reports
Collaboration Interference checks, copy/monitor, worksharing, share coordinates among projects and Revit server
Copy/paste elements in linked Revit files Ability to copy/paste elements between Revit files that are linked into the Revit project.
Linked Revit file visibility customisation Control the visibility ofelements of Revit projects that have been linked
Point Clouds Import point clouds via Recap
Standard Revit Exporters Export to DWG, DGN, DWF, Images, FBX, NWC and reports
Additional Revit Exporters SAT, ADSK, gbXML, ODBC, family types
Application Programming Interface (API) Install plug-ins, create plug-ins, macros and run Dynamo scripts
Energy, lighting, solar analysis Features found in Insight
Non-Linear Structural Analysis FEA tools in Robot
Civil Infrastructure Design Tools in Civil 3D and Infraworks
Structural Steel Detailing Features found in Advance Steel
Electrical Schematics Features found in AutoCAD specialised toolsets
GIS Mapping Features found in AutoCAD specialised toolsets
Raster Tools Features found in AutoCAD specialised toolsets
Plant Design Features found in AutoCAD specialised toolsets
P&ID Schematics Features found in AutoCAD specialised toolsets
Clash Detection Features found in Navisworks Manage
5D Scheduling Features found in Navisworks Manage
Project Review and Coordination Features found in Navisworks Manage
Production Rendering and Animation Features found in 3ds Max
Bridge loading, analysis and code checking Features found in Structural Bridge Design
Generative Design Explore design iterations generated from a study based on goals, constraints and inputs
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

AEC Collection Add-Ons

Check out these programs and plug-ins to boost productivity even further.

Cloud based worksharing, collaboration and model comparison. Includes BIM 360 Docs.

Revit enhancements for BIM management, renumbering, Excel, sheets, MEP, parameters and more.

Cloud based construction management with document control, collaboration.

Civil 3D enhancements for piping, polylines, maps, points and more.

Computational Fluid Dynamic software to simulate wind loads, air and fluid flows.

Revit Automation, Analytics
and Access.

The Ultimate Guide to AutoCAD vs AutoCAD Architecture

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

AutoCAD Mechanical vs AutoCAD: A Comparison for Mechanical Engineers

Plant 3D Vs AutoCAD: Piping Design and P&ID Schematics

AutoCAD Vs AutoCAD LT

Learn how the Autodesk AEC Collection connects Advance Steel, Revit and other programs for structural design, analysis and fabrication

Connected Structural Design with the Autodesk Architecture Engineering and Construction Collection

Contact Us

If you would learn more about Autodesk software, please contact us by calling on 1800 490 514, by filling out the form or clicking the live chat in the bottom right-hand corner.

Automate Datasheets from Revit models

October 17, 2019

| Data Management for Architecture and Construction, Architecture, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, IMAGINiT Clarity, Revit

Imaginit Clarity saves hundreds of hours by automatically creating datasheets, schedules and reports by directly pulling drawings and parameters from the Revit model to ensure datasheets are always up to date and accurate. If you need to create room, furniture or equipment datasheets, schedules or reports, you know how manually intensive the process of creating datasheets is, how much…

Revit and Inventor – Prefabrication construction workflows

October 14, 2019

| Autodesk Collections, Architecture, Autodesk Inventor, Building Design Suite, Manufacturing, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Product Design Suite, Revit

With Construction and Manufacturing converging, the collaboration in design between Architects, Builders, Manufacturers and Fabricators has become more important than ever. In this article we explore the link between Autodesk Revit and Inventor to show how models and drawings can from the two systems can work together. In an Autodesk BIM environment, typically the architectural, structural and MEP design…

3D Rack Configurator

October 3, 2019

| Vault, BIM 360, Data Management for Architecture and Construction, Data Management for AutoCAD, Data Management for Civil and Infrastructure, Fusion Teams, Manufacturing

| Manufacturing, AutoCAD, Autodesk Collections, Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Inventor, Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, Product Design Suite

Want to automate 3D configurable models, 2D drawings and a bill of materials? Check out this rack configurator with 45 options using Autodesk Inventor which automates the 3D model and Bill of materials, right down to the nuts and bolts. In this video we drop in multiple racks and layout out a factory with 57,000 parts using the tools in the Autodesk…

Autodesk Vault 2020

September 30, 2019

| 2 Comments

Autodesk Vault 2020 Vault 2020 features an enhanced user experience, wider administrative controls, and extended project collaboration along with design re-use capabilities and optimised documentation, which helps to focus on value-added work and increased productivity. Below are the details on new features Copy Design Provides consistence & aligned user interface with simplified user experience and powerful usability enhancements and…

What’s New in Autodesk Inventor 2017

March 29, 2016

| Autodesk 360, Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite

It’s that time of year again to see what’s new in Autodesk’s Inventor 2017.Another pretty good release with new technology that are in line with where things are heading, a focus on cloud collaboration and enhancements that users have been requesting. Below is a full list of what’s new, but here’s the top new things that I like and a…

Finally… Revit for Mac

December 7, 2015

| Architecture, Building Design Suite, Revit

The wait is over all you Mac and Revit users. No more Bootcamp, Parallels or switching between a PC and Mac, well, yes, but no. Autodesk don’t have a Revit for Mac version but there is an application called Frame that it can run through and Autodesk have certified it for Revit and AutoCAD. “Frame: Run any software in a browser”…

SeeControl – The no coding IoT Platform

December 4, 2015

| Autodesk 360, Manufacturing

Autodesk has released their new IoT app which was acquired mid-2015. With products evolving to more more complex and connected, manufacturers are under pressure to provide instant information which also opens exciting opportunities for innovation, new markets and providing a unique customer experience. Autodesk SeeControl is an IoT app that connects your products to the cloud, so it can give…

Autodesk Inventor 2017 News

November 25, 2015

| 2 Comments

| Autodesk Labs, Manufacturing

If you have not already heard, Autodesk are moving to a subscription only platform. While this change is new for some, it is exciting for those who want to be on the bleeding edge of technology and need flexible licencing. Probably the biggest benefit I see is how much development and new features are being put into the product….

How Nissan Motorsport utilise Autodesk Technology

November 25, 2015

| Manufacturing

In 2012, Kelly Racing started up Nissan Motorsport for the V8 Supercar championship. I had the pleasure of visiting the site in Braeside today with Autodesk and taking a tour with Craig Spencer, who is General Manager of Technical And Engineering Operations. Craig has a wealth of experience most recently moving from the Mercedez-Benz Formula 1 team to join Kelly Racing….

What’s New in Autodesk Inventor 2016

March 28, 2015

| 9 Comments

| Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Fusion 360, Manufacturing, Plant Design Suite, Product Design Suite

One of the biggest and best releases in CAD let alone Inventor. When Inventor 2015 was released I thought it was one the No.1 CAD system on the planet, Inventor 2016 cements it. Inventor blows away anything else on the market, add to that you get it in a Suite of other best of breed products and nothing else comes…

What is #TheFutureofMakingThings ?

February 19, 2015

| 123D App, Alias, Autodesk 360, Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Labs, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Research, Fusion 360, Hardware, Manufacturing, Maya, Product Design Suite, Simulation, Visualisation

Autodesk has launched The Future of Making Things. A vision of how they see future human and business interaction with technology when it comes to engineering, design, analysis and collaboration. At the Autodesk University Keynote address in December, 2014, Jeff Kowalski, Autodesk SVP and Chief Technology Officer, discussed how Autodesk is looking at technology and design through the lens of…

Australian Manufacturing and Government Policy

September 9, 2014

| Government Policy, Manufacturing

It’s been almost a year since the Coalition came to power, so let’s review what actions and policies have affected Australian Manufacturing. During the 2013 election campaign, the Coalitions pointed out 5 pillars of the economy, one being Manufacturing. Ian MacFarlane, was sworn in as the Minister for Industry on September 18th, 2013. About 4 months before that, Ford announced they were shutting shop…

Nastran In-CAD 2015 for Solidworks

August 15, 2014

| Autodesk Acquisitions, Autodesk Inventor, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Simulation

Nastran In-CAD 2015 is now shipping for an integrated environment for Soldiworks. With a great reputation in the industry the Nastran solver does FEA linear and non-linear analysis. Adding to the Moldflow, Algor & CFDesign Line Up, Autodesk is now shipping Nastran 2015 and Nastran In-CAD 2015 for an integrated environment for Soldiworks and Inventor. The solver is also…

Autodesk Releases Nastran 2015 and Nastran In-CAD 2015

August 15, 2014

| Autodesk Acquisitions, Autodesk Inventor, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Simulation

Adding to the Moldflow, Algor & CFDesign Line Up, Autodesk is now shipping Nastran 2015 and Nastran In-CAD 2015 for an integrated environment for Soldiworks and Inventor. With a great reputation in the industry the Nastran solver does FEA linear and non-linear analysis. The solver is also integrated into Autodesks Simulation Mechanical (Local Machine) and Simulation Flex which is…

Solidworks Technical Documentation Software

August 14, 2014

| Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Visualisation

Technical Documentation Software with Multi-CAD Associativity If you work with Solidworks and other CAD files that constantly change and publish to MS Office, Adobe, Video, Social Media and Mobile Apps, then take a good look at Autodesk’s 2015 Release of Inventor Publisher. The top enhancements from the previous release has been on associativity with all major CAD formats (aka Model Refresh), Adding Custom…

What’s New in Inventor Publisher 2015

August 14, 2014

| Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Visualisation

Technical Documentation Software with Multi-CAD Associativity If you work with different CAD files that constantly change and publish to MS Office, Adobe, Video, Social Media and Mobile Apps, then take a good look at Autodesk’s 2015 Release of Inventor Publisher. The top enhancements from the previous release has been on associativity with all major CAD formats (aka Model Refresh), Adding Custom Properties, improvements…

What Does The Carbon Tax Repeal Bill Mean for Manufacturing?

July 17, 2014

| Carbon Tax, Government Policy, Manufacturing

The Carbon Tax has been repealed in the Federal Senate, so with the tax gone, marked at about $24 per tonne of carbon, how much will Australian businesses and manufacturers save and what will happen to the renewable energy sector. Most larger companies would have entered into electricity contracts that were either carbon inclusive or carbon exclusive. Many retailers were offering very attractive carbon…

Autodesk CAM 360 is now Fusion 360

May 23, 2014

| 3 Comments

| Autodesk 360, CAM, Fusion 360, Manufacturing, Visualisation

Autodesk bring another level to Cloud CAD/CAM With the CAD companies clamouring to get a cloud CAD system to the market, Autodesk have been pioneering integrated CAD and CAM and now they’ve bundled the offering. When you get a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription of Fusion 360, you also get integrated, CAM 360. What makes Autodesk’s offering unique to…

Autodesk Releases Advance Steel for Structural Detailing

May 6, 2014

| AutoCAD, Construction, Manufacturing

Parametric Connections, NC File Support, Revit & Robot Structures Interoperability plus more. Built on the familar AutoCAD, Autodesk Advanced Steel brings a lot of features and functionality missing in Autodesk’s portfolio of design products. Anyone who had experience with AutoCAD Structural detailing knew of it’s limitations, so to have this product released is a step in the right direction. When you…

Mockup 360 Now in Product Design Suite 2015

April 2, 2014

| 2 Comments

| Autodesk 360, Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Visualisation

Open Collaboration Services Added to the Suite’s Subscription Services. If real-time open collaboration (regardless of CAD tool), large scale 3D visualisation, clash detection analysis and project management ticks boxes as benefits in your design workflows, then take a look at Mockup 360. Product Design Suite Services are cloud based services such as Autodesk 360 (Document Hosting, Sharing, Editing & Collaboration), Optimisation Studies for Inventor…

Autodesk Inventor 2015 – Sheet Metal Enhancements

April 1, 2014

| Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Fusion 360, Manufacturing, Plant Design Suite, Product Design Suite

With sheet metal design being an integral part of many Inventor customers, the new features and enhancements are always taken with great interest, so here’s a video I put together: So What’s New in Sheet Metal for Inventor 2015 Rename End Of Part (EOP) to End Of Folded (EOF) for sheet metal parts Enhanced orientation control in…

What’s New in Autodesk Inventor 2015

March 28, 2014

| Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Fusion 360, Manufacturing, Plant Design Suite, Product Design Suite

Hybrid Parametric Direct Editing, N.U.R.B.S with T-Splines and more… Inventor 2015 is one of the best releases yet, unlike any other CAD tool on the market today because it not only delivers enhancements to existing tools and UI but adds new technology that makes this product so unique. There’s 2 big additions and many enhancements, so in this article…

Leveraging on Engineering to Drive Sales and Increase Profitability

March 12, 2014

| Autodesk 360, Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Collaboration, Manufacturing, Visualisation

Use Your Existing Engineering & Design Investment to Make Money & Save Time. Engineering for some companies can be seen as a cost, requiring resources and energy to engineer, design, research and develop. Using the right tools can reduce design cycles, errors and time and also create better products that will generate more profit but what about using those…

Automate 3D CAD Design with Autodesk Inventor’s iLogic

February 25, 2014

| Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite

Conveyor Pulleys Australia Improves Productivity in 3D Modelling, Quoting & Ordering by at least 50%. When CPA moved their designs from AutoCAD to Inventor, it’s fair to say they increased productivity by around 50%, but by automating with Inventor using its iLogic module, they reduced engineering design, quoting and ordering processes by at least another 50% and what used…

What Are The Best Tools For Factory Design and Management? Pt. 2

February 20, 2014

| 3D Scanning, Factory Design Suite, Manufacturing, Visualisation

The Foundation of Factory Design Suite Part 1 summarised the challenges and some of the tools used in designing and managing a Factory/Facility. This part focuses on Autodesk’s solution that addresses these challenges and subsequent posts will cover working with existing layouts, creating new layouts, analysis (process analysis, machine utilisation & energy consumption), visualisation and linking Factory Design Suite with…

Has Australia Turned its Back on Manufacturing?

February 12, 2014

| Defence, Manufacturing

Companies Offshoring, No Auto Makers and Government Shifting Focus to Other Industries. Prime Minister, Tony Abbott had a vision coming into the election of 5 strong pillars, one of them being manufacturing. I’d like to know his opinion of this pillar as the mother of all manufacturing sectors has announced unanimously that it doesn’t make business sense to manufacture…

Going, Going, Gone…

February 10, 2014

| Alias, Government Policy, Manufacturing

Toyota, Australia’s ‘last’ Automaker announces it will pull up stumps in 2017. In May, 2013 Ford announced its plans to offshore their manufacturing, then in December, Holden announced similar plans and now Toyota completes the hat trick in under 10 months, the last of the Automakers have all announced they will be closing their manufacturing plants citing similar reasons,…

What Are The Best Tools For Factory Design & Management?

February 9, 2014

| AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Factory Design Suite, Manufacturing, Simulation, Uncategorized, Visualisation

A Way To Address Factory Layouts, Engineering, Sales, Lean Manufacturing, Made to Order, Scheduling & Production Planning Challenges. The design and management of a factory involves many tools and stakeholders. Engineers can design the facilities layout with architectural structures, conveyors, materials handling, process equipment, safety equipment, office furniture, storage, building utilities (MEP), robots, spray booths, pits, platforms freezers, forklifts and humans,…

Victorian Government Shifts Focus To Defence

February 5, 2014

| Defence, Government Policy, Manufacturing

With $27B Worth of Defence Contracts Up For Grabs, Is the Victorian Government Giving Up On Manufacturing? As Car Manufacturing leaves our state over he next few years and SPCA’s considering a similar decision, the Victorian Government has signalled towards defence as their focus for manufacturing. Defence is lucrative and not subject to the same market forces as food…

How AutoCAD Products Work With Inventor

February 4, 2014

| AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Manufacturing, Plant Design Suite, Product Design Suite, Uncategorized

Interoperability, Associativity, Synch and Exchange Explained. With currently 13 AutoCAD Branded products available, how do they work with Inventor and to what capacity? With all that legacy AutoCAD data out there and users still engineering design on various AutoCAD Products, working with DWG is an important issue and using Autodesk products make it easier. All those time saving features…

The Hybrid Surfacing & Mesh Data Environment

February 2, 2014

| 3D Scanning, Alias, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Maya, Manufacturing, Visualisation

How Alias Uses Scanned Mesh Data With Surfacing. With so many companies embracing 3D scanning but with CAD systems only being able to open an STL file, what can you do to recreate a 3D model from your mesh data when your CAD system can’t create features from the mesh? Autodesk Inventor’s mesh enabler…

Australian Manufacturing is Offshoring When U.S Companies are Reshoring

January 29, 2014

| Manufacturing, Uncategorized

What is driving the reshoring trend in the U.S. when Australian manufacturers are moving their manufacturing overseas? With Chinese wages rising 15% per annum and the cost of transportation, the reasons are stacking up for U.S. companies to bring their manufacturing back .home. A shorter supply chain, being closer to their customers and retaining their IP are other…

Autodesk Releases Flow Design

January 16, 2014

| Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Simulation

Wind Tunnel Simulator Available For Sale On Estore. Autodesk has released Flow Design which is a virtual wind tunnel simulator built on the Neutron Platform for mechanical and architectural applications that runs on PC or Mac. The Australian Estore site lists it for $35 per month or $200 annually. There’s an Add-in for Inventor and Revit but the standalone…

Productivity Commission’s Preliminary Findings on Auto Industry

January 14, 2014

| Alias, Manufacturing

Report on Australia’s Automotive Industry Examines Global Context & Trends. With Holden announcing their departure soon after Ford, this report seems a little pointless now, with Toyota being the only player (Oh, What a Feeling!), but it does highlight what has shaped the Auto landscaped in Australia. Some things we knew already, like energy, labour and the dollar are…

Who Gives a Frack?

January 13, 2014

| Manufacturing, Mining Victoria, Plant Design Suite

Coal Seam Gas said to Benefit Manufacturing in Victoria by Lowering Gas Prices. There’s a lot of health concerns about CSG affecting water tables but with an abundance of resources, energy prices being so high, big players lobbying and the need to create jobs can you blame people for wanting the industry in Victoria. The Victorian government have delayed…

Autodesk Acquires Circuits.io for PCB Design and Manufacturing

January 12, 2014

| 123D App, Manufacturing

Autodesk strengthens it’s web-based 3D presence and hints towards 3D Printing market. Joining the 123D App family is Circuits.io a web-based and connected community for designing and simulating electronic circuits and will now be branded Autodesk 123D Circuits. Not only can you do PCB design, you can order multi-layer PCB’s from the website too. Other features are a breadboard…

The Parametric Human Project

December 19, 2013

| Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Simulation

3D Modelling Nuts & Bolts with Bones & Tendons. Anyone have a 3D Model of a parametric biomechanical human body? No! Autodesk Research’s Digital Ergonomics Divisions focus is on creating products that involve human interaction and having an advanced biomechanical human model can help make these better products better because currently testing these products against known human fatos is…

1.2m Titanium Part from 3D Printer Sets New Benchmark

December 17, 2013

| 3D Scanning, Manufacturing

Get larger stronger parts produced quicker at a lower cost…. Something Australian Manufacturing needs to stay competitive. It took 37 hours to print the 1.2m spar section (used to form an aircraft wing) using a WAAM process; Wire and Arc Additive Manufacture and is part of a joint research project between BAE Systems and Cranfield University. Check out the…

AutoCAD 360 – CAD on Any Device, Anywhere, Anytime

December 16, 2013

| AutoCAD, Autodesk 360, Manufacturing

Autodesk lead the way in Cloud-Based CAD Solutions. In today’s world where projects needed to be completed last week, AutoCAD 360 is a handy tool for any CAD user that needs to communicate and design at the speed of business. The industry has been screaming for an access anywhere, anytime CAD system for years now and while other CAD vendors…

Autodesk Clean Tech Program: Sustainable Designs for Tomorrow

December 15, 2013

| Autodesk 360 Products, Autodesk Inventor, Carbon Tax, Factory Design Suite, Manufacturing, Product Design Suite, Simulation, Sustainability, sustainable business practices

Get $150,000 of software for $50, Workshops to Learn how to do sustainable design & engineering and understand key concepts, Sustainable business practices and Nonprofit donated software are some of the offerings Autodesk provide under their Clean Tech Program being driven by the design-led revolution. Clean Tech Innovators can apply for the $150k Clean Tech Grant Here and get Software for Digital…

Mitsubishi, Ford and Now Holden, So What About Toyota?

December 12, 2013

| Manufacturing

Future Looks Uncertain as Federal Court Rules Against Toyota Vote. Today, employees at Toyota Australia were to vote to reduce working conditions in an effort to save the company $17 million, but in a turn of events, the Federal Court has ruled against the vote, with the judge saying it breaches the original 2011 agreement and also the Fair Work…

Synching AutoCAD and Inventor with Factory Design Suite

December 11, 2013