You may be wondering what the need for 2D drafting is, especially since we live in an advanced world with 3D modelling. 2D drafting is the traditional method of passing product manufacturing information to the machinist on the shop floor. It was the primary communication tool for engineers to properly and successfully pass designs for product manufacturing. There are, however, a few shortcomings of 2D drafting such as time burden and frequency errors which tend to delay the project manufacturing time. 

Pros and Cons of 3D modelling

There are many issues that people encounter regarding 2D drafting, some of these include inaccuracies even though the drafting process in 2D is time consuming. This is why many engineers now rely on 3D models to design, iterate and communicate with manufacturing and processing engineers. Many high precision manufacturing processes rely solely on 3D models to generate tool paths so these days, 2D draft may seem unnecessary. Nowadays you can hire a 3D modelling company to help you with the process if you are unfamiliar. 

What is the difference between 2D drafting and 3D modelling?

The main benefit to 2D drafting that 3D modelling has not yet reached is that it is available anywhere and is easy to access. A 2D draft communicates important data on a piece of paper whereas a 3D model requires a computer with propriety software. This can be housed in a company but if the manufacturing is outsourced there is no guarantee that the manufacturer will have the necessary software for the job. 

Blending 3D modelling and 2D drafting

One way that you can get rid of errors that are found in 2D drafting from the incorrect data like dimensions or misinterpretation is by making use of 3D CAD programs. Rather than using models or drafts, using both of these methods will ensure that project timelines are accelerated. 

3D modelling allows you to make changes easily since the spatial relations are obvious. However, you can run drafts on the model to decide whether any other design changes need to be made. Once the design is ready for manufacture, a 2D draft can be produced with reference to the 3D model. The 2D draft will be able to translate the necessary information about the model’s design and be less likely to have mistakes since the 3D model was the reference for it. 

The use of 3D models

3D modelling techniques are changing, and the 3D software types are becoming more feature packed. 3D modelling is used for various purposes. Modellers in the 3D modelling studios adopt many unique ways of meeting the specific demands of the 3D model in industry. 

 There is a growing demand for computer generated imagery known as CGI and thus 3D modelling is increasing. Trained and experienced modellers are finding many new career opportunities in present times. It is important to know that in order to be accurate it may be necessary to utilise both 2D drafting and 3D modelling until the relevant changes are made and accuracy can be reached using just one method.