Hello!
It sounds like you're working on an interesting project with a combination of building design, process flow, and utility integration. Based on your requirements and the software you’ve listed, here's my take on each of the options you mentioned, along with some suggestions:
Autodesk Inventor
-
Pros:
- Autodesk Inventor is specifically designed for mechanical design, so it's well-suited for detailed 3D modeling of mechanical components and assemblies.
- You can create highly detailed models, including piping systems (using AutoCAD Plant 3D or Inventor's piping modules).
- It works well with .STEP files and is widely used by engineers and suppliers for designing machines and production lines.
- Strong interoperability with other Autodesk products (AutoCAD, Navisworks, Revit, etc.), which could be beneficial as you’re working with Archicad and suppliers who also use Inventor.
-
Cons:
- As you noted, Inventor can be quite expensive, especially if you don’t need all its advanced features.
- It’s more focused on mechanical design rather than architectural or building structures.
Fusion 360
-
Pros:
-
Fusion 360 is a very versatile tool that combines CAD, CAM, and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) capabilities, and it's cloud-based, making collaboration easier.
- It has a much lower cost compared to Inventor and can still handle .STEP files, making it suitable for working with your suppliers’ models.
- You can do 3D modeling and also work with parametric design, which could be helpful when modifying building structures and processes.
- It has strong modeling capabilities for pipes, structures, and mechanical components, though it's more oriented toward mechanical design.
-
Cons:
- Fusion 360 may not have the same extensive features for handling large, complex projects with detailed building and utility integration as some other tools (like Revit or AutoCAD).
- It might lack the full feature set of Inventor when it comes to more advanced mechanical or process piping design.
Navisworks
-
Pros:
-
Navisworks is great for model coordination and clash detection, especially when combining different models (from suppliers, architects, etc.).
- It's an excellent tool for 3D visualization and project coordination, helping you analyze conflicts and detect potential issues in the design before construction.
-
Integration with BIM: If your project has any BIM elements, Navisworks can be extremely helpful.
-
Cons:
- As you mentioned, Navisworks is primarily focused on model coordination and does not have the ability to directly design or modify structures and piping.
- It won’t allow you to easily modify building structures or work directly with process designs like piping systems or layout modifications.
SketchUp
-
Pros:
-
SketchUp is simple, easy to use, and great for quick visualizations. If you need to rapidly create a basic 3D layout and communicate the concept to suppliers or stakeholders, it can be very efficient.
- SketchUp is fairly inexpensive and has an active community of users, so there’s a lot of support available.
-
Plugins like SketchUp’s Sefaira can help with more detailed design tasks.
-
Cons:
- While it’s great for quick 3D modeling, SketchUp lacks the advanced features of Inventor or Fusion 360 when it comes to detailed mechanical design or handling complex piping systems.
- It may not import .STEP files well. Depending on the complexity of the models you receive, you might have issues with compatibility or loss of detail.
- It’s more suitable for basic building structure and layout, but modifying mechanical systems (like pipes) might be cumbersome.
Other Options
- Revit (with MEP)
- If you need to manage building design, utilities, and infrastructure (e.g., piping, HVAC), Revit could be a good choice, especially if you are dealing with building structures.
- Revit’s MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) module could allow you to design the systems (like pipes) and integrate them with architectural elements.
-
Cons: Like Inventor, Revit is expensive, but it integrates well with other Autodesk products like Navisworks for clash detection.
- SolidWorks
-
SolidWorks is another strong candidate if you're focusing heavily on mechanical design and want to modify complex assemblies and piping systems.
- It's similar to Inventor but can sometimes be a better fit for product design.
- BIM 360
- If you’re already using BIM, Autodesk’s BIM 360 could help with collaboration and managing your project data across teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
My Recommendations:
-
For Quick Layout and Feasibility Study: Fusion 360 might be a great balance between cost and functionality. It can handle 3D modeling of processes, buildings, and basic utility integration while being affordable and relatively easy to use.
-
For Project Execution (3D Modeling, Clash Detection, and Utility Integration): If you need to handle clash detection, Navisworks is excellent for coordinating various 3D models. Pair it with Revit or Fusion 360 for building structure and piping design.
-
If Piping Design is Key: If your focus is on mechanical and process piping design, then Inventor or SolidWorks would be more suitable.
Ultimately, Fusion 360 might be the sweet spot for your needs: it’s more affordable than Inventor, capable of handling .STEP files, and can manage some piping and building structure changes. For clash detection and model coordination, Navisworks would still be a good option, though you’ll need another tool to handle piping or structural changes.
