Paper, spreadsheet, general CAD package or FlowCAD3D
Four ways to prepare piping work, compared on the model, the drawings, the bill of materials, changes and the work on site.
Each method has its place. The comparison describes what each method does in a typical piping project. What a general CAD package can do depends on the package and its add-ons; the table describes the package without add-ons for piping.
| Step | Paper | Spreadsheet (Excel) | General CAD package | FlowCAD3D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D model | No | No | Depends on the package | Yes, with components at their real face-to-face lengths |
| Isometric drawing | Drawn by hand | Not part of the method | Drawn as lines in 2D or 3D | Generated from the model, with dimensions, bill of materials and title block |
| Bill of materials | Counted from the drawing | Typed in by hand | Counted from the drawing | From the model, with flanges, gaskets and bolt sets; export to XLSX and CSV |
| A change | Drawing and list are redrawn and recounted | The list is adjusted by hand | Drawing and list are adjusted separately | The model is changed; drawing sheets and bill of materials follow from it |
| Clash detection | No | No | Depends on the package | Pipes, components, equipment, reference model, insulation and clearance |
| Cost estimate | Separate | Formulas in the sheet | Separate | From the bill of materials with the company's article file and price list (indicative) |
| Fitter on site | Paper drawing | Printed list | Printed drawing or a viewer | Drawing on the tablet; deviations and progress are reported in the same environment |
| Exchange | Not applicable | XLSX and CSV | Depends on the package | Import IFC and STEP; export PCF, STEP, DXF, XLSX and CSV |
| Installation | None | Spreadsheet program | Usually installed on the computer | None; works in the browser |
When paper or a spreadsheet is enough
For a small, one-off job with a few lines, a sketch on paper and a list in a spreadsheet are quick and need no preparation. The work grows with every change: the drawing, the list and the estimate are adjusted separately, and every count is done again.
When a general CAD package fits
A general CAD package draws any geometry, from floor plans to machine parts. For piping, the components, the bill of materials and the isometric drawings are drawn or counted separately, unless add-ons for piping are used.
What FlowCAD3D is made for
FlowCAD3D is made for piping: drawing in 3D with components from standards, isometric drawings and the bill of materials from the model, the cost estimate, and the fitter who draws and reports on the tablet. It works in the browser, with a licence per user per month.
Frequently asked questions
Does FlowCAD3D replace a general CAD package?
FlowCAD3D is made for piping. Models and drawings are exchanged with other packages through DXF, STEP and IFC.
Can existing drawings and models be used?
IFC and STEP assemblies are imported as a reference model, a line list from XLSX or CSV, and point clouds from a scan.
Is a 3D model needed for an isometric drawing?
With Isometric drawing, the line is drawn directly on a live isometric, and the 3D model is built at the same time.
Start with FlowCAD3D
Engineer € 169 and Fitter € 119 per user per month, excluding VAT; cancellable per month.