An important element to fabricating any material, particularly in the construction industry, is the design of the components. Before the component is made, it needs to be designed to fit the particular specification. The same goes for pipework. Before pipework is fabricated, it requires specified CAD design and spool drawings before being manufactured for several key reasons including the accuracy and precision, coordination and planning, and quality assurance.

CAD design for pipework 

Computer-aided design (CAD) is used to create 2D and 3D digital drawings of material products before they are manufactured. It has revolutionised the way engineering and construction projects are planned, designed, and executed.

In the pipework fabrication industry, CAD design plays an important role in creating detailed and accurate spool drawings.

Spool drawings for pipework

Spool drawings are essential documents that show the layout, dimensions, and specifications of individual material components. They enable the precise fabrication and installation of pipework, including the exact configuration and arrangement of pipes, as well as the connection points and orientations of fittings and valves.

CAD design software allows engineers and designers to create spool drawings with unparalleled precision and efficiency. By leveraging advanced modelling tools and libraries of piping components, CAD enables the creation of 3D models that accurately represent the intended piping system. These models can then be translated into 2D drawings that provide detailed views, dimensions, and annotations necessary for fabrication.

Abbey Pipework’s in-house CAD and spool drawing facility

Investing in the latest CAD design software is an important factor when it comes to creating pipework spool drawings.

Although we do not get involved in the initial design process here at Abbey Pipework Fabricators, we use the latest technology to ensure our customers get the most accurate results based on the designs they send over to be worked up into spool drawings. This is completed in-house, which allows for quick turn-around times for customers.

The first step for creating spool drawings is to ensure the customer provides us with the relevant information specific to their project. This usually includes the correct and most up to date design drawings in either dwg or Revit format, to the correct valve and plant detail to ensure their design is correct to the products being installed on site.

See CAD drawing examples below.

Once this information is received it allows us to prepare their itemised General Arrangement drawings (the design plan and sectional views) by inputting the spool numbers and dimensions for ease of call off and installation on site.

Once the itemised general arrangement drawings have been prepared we are then able to create our spool drawings. A copy of these spool drawings are made available to our clients to check and authorise prior to manufacture, and will enable any last minute changes to be made if necessary prior to fabrication commencing.

We use AutoCad 2024 and Revit 2024 software to produce this.

About AutoCAD

With a great reputation across various industries, AutoCAD is a versatile program that caters to both 2D and 3D drafting and design needs. It allows users to create a wide range of outputs including designs, equipment layouts, section planes, and model documentation.

Mastering the use of this software really is the key to unlocking their full potential. Luckily for us, our experienced team knows the ins and outs of AutoCAD to make it work for our customers.

While AutoCAD is designed to meet the demands of experts with backgrounds in algorithmic model programming, its user-friendly interface and extensive features make it accessible to a range of professionals seeking precise and efficient design solutions.

About Revit

Revit is another excellent program with a great reputation. It allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to model shapes and structures in 3D with precision and ease.

Its useful features allow teams to be more efficient, collaborative, and impactful.

How do we draw the spool drawings?

To draw the spool drawings quickly and digitally, we use a software called Intergraph Smartplant Isometric. This program ultimately means we can ensure the accuracy of our spool drawings.

Watch this short Smartplant Isometric YouTube tutorial for more information.

See some examples of our finished spool drawings below.

By investing in the latest technology, Abbey Pipework can assure customers that their designs will be produced with the highest accuracy.

Not all pipework fabricators offer these facilities in-house. So, we’re pleased to make things easier for our customers. With our services being all in one place, it reduces the length of project timelines and ultimately enables us to complete the project more quickly and efficiently.

Not to mention, as well as CAD drawings, we’re also able to fabricate pipework based on simple hand sketches in a number of formats. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.