AutoCAD Plant 3D Training

Lesson 1 • Plant 3D Interface Overview

Covers the ribbon, toolbars, and workspace panels specific to Plant 3D. It establishes spatial awareness of the environment before any drawing begins.

Lesson 2 • File Management and Drawing References

Explains how Plant 3D manages drawing files and external references within a project. Students learn to attach, detach, and reload references correctly.

Lesson 3 • Coordinate Systems and Navigation

Introduces World and User Coordinate Systems and 3D navigation tools. Accurate model placement depends on mastering these fundamentals.

Lesson 1 • Annotations and P&ID Standards

Explains annotation tools, title blocks, and adherence to industry diagramming standards. Consistent annotation ensures drawings are readable and auditable.

Lesson 2 • P&ID Validation and Error Checking

Uses the built-in validation tools to identify connectivity errors and missing data. Validation must pass before data is promoted to the 3D model.

Lesson 3 • Placing Equipment and Instruments

Covers inserting, positioning, and tagging equipment and instrument symbols on a P&ID. Correct tagging feeds the project database automatically.

Lesson 4 • P&ID Workspace and Symbol Libraries

Introduces the dedicated P&ID drawing environment and available symbol catalogs. Understanding symbol libraries is prerequisite to placing any P&ID component.

Lesson 1 • Structural Grid and Levels

Covers creating structural grids and elevation levels that anchor all 3D plant objects. Grids provide the spatial framework referenced throughout the model.

Lesson 2 • Model Layers and Display Settings

Teaches layer management and visual style settings specific to the 3D plant model. Proper layer control improves clarity and supports downstream deliverables.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Foundations and Nozzles

Introduces placing equipment foundations and defining nozzle locations in 3D space. Nozzle data drives pipe routing start and end points.

Lesson 1 • Parametric Equipment from Catalog

Covers selecting and configuring parametric equipment shapes from the Plant 3D catalog. Catalog-driven equipment ensures consistent geometry and property data.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Tagging and Properties

Covers assigning tag numbers and engineering properties to placed equipment. Tags link 3D objects to P&ID data and populate the equipment data report.

Lesson 3 • Custom Equipment Creation

Teaches building custom equipment shapes using primitive solids and the equipment editor. Custom shapes are needed when catalog items do not match vendor geometry.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Supports and Hangers

Introduces placing pipe supports and hangers at correct intervals along pipe runs. Support placement affects stress analysis inputs and fabrication drawings.

Lesson 2 • Editing and Modifying Pipe Runs

Covers grip editing, stretching, and rerouting existing pipe runs without breaking connectivity. Efficient editing reduces rework during design review cycles.

Lesson 3 • Inserting Fittings and Valves

Explains how to add elbows, tees, reducers, and valves from the active spec. Fittings are inserted automatically or manually based on routing context.

Lesson 4 • Routing Pipes in 3D Space

Teaches orthogonal and non-orthogonal pipe routing techniques in the 3D model. Routing decisions must respect clearances, supports, and equipment nozzle orientations.

Lesson 1 • Structural and Piping Coordination

Explains how to coordinate structural steel with pipe routing to avoid conflicts. Early coordination reduces costly clashes found during construction.

Lesson 2 • Steel Structure Fundamentals

Introduces structural member types, section profiles, and placement methods in Plant 3D. Structural members form the physical framework that supports all other plant objects.

Lesson 3 • Ladders and Stairways

Teaches placing parametric ladders and stairways between platform levels. Correct placement requires referencing the elevation levels defined in Chapter 3.

Lesson 1 • Running Clash Detection

Covers configuring and executing clash detection between piping, equipment, and structure. Clash detection must be run before any drawing extraction begins.

Lesson 2 • Resolving Piping and Equipment Clashes

Explains rerouting pipes and repositioning equipment to eliminate detected clashes. Each resolution must be re-validated to confirm the conflict is cleared.

Lesson 3 • Interpreting and Prioritizing Clashes

Teaches reading clash reports and categorizing conflicts by severity and discipline. Prioritization ensures critical clashes are resolved before minor ones.

Lesson 1 • Orthographic Plan and Section Views

Explains creating plan, elevation, and cross-section views from the 3D model in layout space. Orthographic views communicate overall plant arrangement to civil and structural teams.

Lesson 2 • Data Extraction and Reports

Covers extracting line lists, equipment lists, and material take-offs from the project database. Accurate reports depend on complete and consistent property data in the model.

Lesson 3 • Automatic Isometric Drawing Generation

Covers configuring and running the automatic isometric generator for pipe runs. Isometrics are the primary fabrication deliverable produced from the 3D model.

Lesson 4 • Drawing Issue and Revision Control

Teaches managing drawing revisions, issue statuses, and title block updates within the project. Revision control ensures teams always reference the current approved drawing.