Autodesk Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and engineering, and media and entertainment markets, on September 9 announced the availability of AutoCAD Plant 3D 2010, a new software product that brings the proven benefits of model-based design to mainstream plant design projects. Purpose-built for the design, modeling and documentation of process plants, AutoCAD Plant 3D makes modern 3D design more affordable and accessible to project teams of all sizes. The announcement was made at the SPE Offshore Europe Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition 2009.
Built on the familiar AutoCAD platform, AutoCAD Plant 3D allows project teams to increase productivity, and improve accuracy and coordination of shared information. The vast majority of plant design and engineering projects support the operation, maintenance and expansion of existing facilities. These projects are typically executed by small teams facing tight time and budget constraints. AutoCAD Plant 3D is tailor-made to increase the productivity of these teams by reducing setup time, facilitating straightforward information sharing and minimizing the impact of changing project information.
“The value of 3D modeling is proven in the process plant industry, but existing design solutions are complex and expensive, serving primarily the largest projects,” said Mark Strassman, vice president, AEC Plant Solutions Group at Autodesk. “The most common plant design and engineering projects today are retrofits, upgrades, and expansions that run on tight budgets and fixed shutdown windows. The teams that execute these projects simply can’t afford to waste time and overhead with complicated solutions. Since AutoCAD Plant 3D leverages the familiarity of AutoCAD and the popularity of the .dwg file format, project teams can get up and running quickly, more easily share design information and finish projects faster – with potentially significant savings in time and cost.”
About AutoCAD Plant 3D 2010
Built on the familiar AutoCAD platform, AutoCAD Plant 3D features specification-driven design and standard parts catalogs to help streamline the placement of piping, equipment, and support structures. Also included in the product is integrated AutoCAD P&ID functionality and quick generation of isometric and orthographic drawings. The new product joins AutoCAD, AutoCAD P&ID, and Autodesk Navisworks software products in a line-up of Autodesk products built specifically for the plant design and engineering industry. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/autocadplant3d.
New Plant Community on AutoCAD Exchange
Autodesk also announced the launch of a new community for plant designers and engineers on AutoCAD Exchange. On AutoCAD Exchange Plant, users can network, learn from experts, enhance professional skills, engage in discussions, and provide feedback to Autodesk product teams. Visitors can create profiles to personalize their experience and share their tips, projects, and experiences with other global plant design and engineering professionals. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com/plantexchange.
About Autodesk
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation.
