Need a (3D) Pipe Routing Program: Which have you liked/hated?

[RobertACookPE]

Working in a relatively small group, now using Autodesk Inventor R11 for mechanical definition of equipment and concrete interferences in various power refit projects. Inventor is very, very poorly organized for 3D pipe routing (it's OK for mechanical fab and design though), fitting placement, and conversion of old (paper copy) pipe layouts into the 3D model to check interferences. Worse, Inventor can't import 3D lines (only solids) into its program to run centerlines in ACAd, then import and extrude the pipe OD's. Bunch of other problems also, but its not practical except in a one-or-two case basis.

I've got long experience in Acad 3D from R10 on, don't much like Microstation (if it matters) and need a good pipe routing program - preferably one based inside Acad2007. I'd rather not get into the very large PDMS or Catia programs.

Which PC-based pipe routing programs have you used, enjoyed using, or absolutely hate using?

Robert Cook

 

[kjnpiper]

Hands down industry standard is Bentley Autoplant. (Which used to be Rebis, which used to be Adev.)

 

[Hench]

I HATE Bentley AutoPlant. It requires too much support and a large, complicated network/server/database structure. AutoPlant may be the way to go for large projects, but for everyday maintenance/revamp work, I would look for something that can be run out of the box on a stand alone PC, without all the Database crap associated with AutoPlant.

Look for something that does not require any costimizing or special server requirements, a software that will enable you to easily input your pipe specs.

Just my opinion...

Good Luck!

Hench

 

[Zapster]

My experience with Bentley AutoPlant is that the program is unstable and Bentley does not offer adequate support. For the most part you are on your own with the program unless you are satisfied with next week technical support.

 

[RobertACookPE]

I've downloaded and read CADPipe's user manual this weekend: everything in it seems straight-forward and easy enough - assuming you've got a background in AutoCAD 3D rules and osnaps and xyz manipulations. 3D polylines, rotate3d, and mirror3d are easy enough, and CADPipe looks like it uses versions of those same relative commands to manipulate fittings inside a given pipeline.

All of the terms and definitions for pipes are already set up in CADPipe's menu's and dialog boxex: from that, it would appear CADPipe is a better choice for small projects than Bentley/Autoplant.

 

[cadnutcase]

If you really got good acad 3D skills I suggest looking at Coade's Cadworx Pipe. It sits on top of AutoCAD and is pretty user friendly yet completely customizable at the same time.

You can almost start using it straight out of the box also.

You definitely can't beat it on the price side.

cadnutcase

 

[DesignerMike]

Since you have a copy of Inventor, you could try out Inventor Pro which has a piping and tubing add-in. Depending on your application, you may have to publish your own fittings and pipe (I use Sanitary tube and it has zero fittings for me).

I haven't installed R11 yet, but there are supposed to be some significant improvements over previous releases.

Call your dealer (or Autodesk) and they will get you a evaluation copy to run for a while. I suggest a quick class to keep you from spinning your wheels for a week or two and getting frustrated. Since you are running IV now, it will integrate right into your drawings.

There are some GREAT features...and some not-so-great features. My biggest problem is if I move a piece of equipment the program does not do a very clean job of re-routing the line...but there are work arounds. Best suggestion is to get the equipment nailed down and then run the pipe. Big advantage, the install crew LOVES the rendered isometric views and rendered isometric views of section views.

 

[mbcad]

I've used the Piping Design software since their conceptions, starting with Adev then to Rebis and on to CadWorx today. All of them have their own set of faults. I use teh CadWorx now because it is simple and to the point. Henche is right that Bentley requires a great deal of support. I always had to keep it glued together for my users. Most users don't have the sofistication that it requires to use the Autoplant Properly. That is why there are more High paying positions for that particular software. If you are just wanting good basic 3D piping models with BOMs then go with CadWorx. Since I installed it at my company a great majority of my headaches went away.

 

[RobertACookPE]

Refresh question for weekend review.

 

[RGME]

Coade's CADWorx or CADPipe is the way to go. Easy to use. Let's you input your own pipe specs and the 3D rendering looks great.