2D Drafting still important for CAD users

A survey in to the use of CAD (computer-aided design) has found that 2D Drafting remains important to users, despite the advancement in 3D Modelling.

The IT, software and telecom industry research specialist Business Advantage Group, surveyed 610 professionals from around the world, covering 15 trends, including BIM (building information modelling), Cloud Based CAD and Simulation.

The survey looked in to the last three years of use, and predicted the trends over the next five years.

It found that the strongest growth potentials are Pay As You Go, Cloud Based CAD, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Mobile Access to CAD, Advanced real time Rendering and Visualization, and 3D Printing.

3D Modelling is widely adopted but 2D Drafting remains important, with two thirds of users rating 2D drafting highly important.

Meanwhile, 39% of design work produces 2D drawings, 27% 3D models and 34% both 2D drawings and 3D models.

Chris Turner, CEO and managing director of Business Advantage Group, said, “Mapping the future growth trends of your market area is vital for the planning of any business.

“This annual CAD Trends survey of design, engineering and management professionals is designed to assist CAD, CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), CAE (computer-aided engineering), PDM (product data management) and PLM (product lifecycle management) users and software companies with their planning for 2016 and beyond.”