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[deltaChe]

Dear all

Could anyone suggest easy software to draw sample piping instrument drawing
except Ms. visio, excel autocad (because these are not such easy to use)


thank you very much.

[kkala]

Could anyone suggest easy software to draw sample piping instrument drawing
except Ms. visio, excel autocad (because these are not such easy to use)

I have tried several drafting packages, as the ones mentioned, but my personal opinion is that an early version of autocad (say autocad 13 and on) is quite easy, probably easier than other drafting software. Autocad seems complex because it has a lot of possibilities, but you do not need to learn all of them in order to draw PIDs. And since it is widely known, you can easy find someone to help. Concepts of drafting are more or less same for all drawing packages, yet autocad seems to be the leader.
The serious disadvantage of autocad is its high price, making it a "not good value for money" according to many people not needing its full potential. This may be true even for autocad LT, having no 3D drafting (not necessary for PIDs). All other drafting software may be a "better value for money" for many people. And almost anything can cover the drawing of a PID, on the condition you have got familiarity with the software. So if you are accustomed to a specific piece of softare, stick with it (files may have the possibility of conversion into autocad files).
In case that you start now, google "free cad software" and download some of it (this is not pirate software, some companies supply their older software free). E.g. I have been satisfied with "SmartDraw" of this category. After you have got experience in drafting you can try another software, e.g. I have bought Turbocad. Or you may stick to the former, depending on your drafting needs.
Concerning the drafting possibilities of MS Office, I believe they cannot rival a drafting package, even though some colleagues have been so well trained that they could make even PIDs! MS Office can be used for simple flow sheets, hardly for PIDs.

Edited by kkala, 29 June 2010 - 03:18 PM.