Technical Drawing and 3D Modeling Terms Cheat Sheet
3D Modeling
The process of developing and generating a 3D representation of an object via specialized
software. It can be displayed as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering or used
in a computer simulation (used in BIM). 9Wood can do 3D modeling using software called AutoCAD and Inventor. Please
coordinate with your PL and PM to understand the time and costs involved for 3D
modeling on a specific project.
Attributes
Embedded product information and performance data that is part of a 3D model, e.g. fire
rating info, acoustical absorption data, percentage opening, species, accessibility, etc.
Right now, 9Wood does not have attributes for its 3D models.
BIM
BIM is an acronym that stands for Building Information Modeling. It is a process involving
the generation and management of digital representations, often including 3D models,
2D drawings, renderings, photos, specs, and manufacturer information of physical and
functional characteristics of places. (Note: "BIM model" is redundant. Correct usage is
“BIM,” “model,” “BIM database,” or “BIM object.”)
9Wood can provide 3D models for geometric analysis that architects may use, typically for
collision detection, etc. Our content does not include product attributes (e.g. performance
data).
CAD
CAD is an acronym that stands for computer-aided design. DWGs are a common file
format for storing 2D and 3D CAD drawings, including those produced in AutoCAD.
We do this all the time!
Level of Detail
Sometimes abbreviated LOD, this applies to 3D objects and how granular the details are
rendered to.
LOD gets pretty technical pretty quickly. But there are people at 9Wood who get it. If you
are asked about it, give us a call and we’ll get an engineer on the phone.
Object
A representation of a physical body (an identifiable collection of matter). Often used in
conjunction with BIM, eg. BIM object.
9Wood is developing a library of objects applicable to our product line, using Revit. We are
testing early versions with architects now, but the completion date is TBD.
Your Wood Ceiling Experts. Design to Delivery.
Technical Drawing and 3D Modeling Software Cheat Sheet
AutoCAD
A software program developed by Autodesk. It is the predominant software used for 2D
and 3D technical drawings, including shop drawings. AutoCAD can create 3D model
geometry used for a project BIM, but it is not able to add product attributes.
9Wood uses AutoCAD for our shop drawings (2D and 3D).
Inventor
A software program developed by Autodesk. It is a computer-aided design application for
creating 3D digital prototypes used in the design, visualization and simulation of
products.
9Wood’s R&D department often uses Inventor for product development, as well as for
developing design solutions for individual projects.
Revit
A software program developed by Autodesk. It allows users to design a building and its
structure and components in 3D and to access building information from the building
model’s database. Unlike AutoCAD, Revit is able to add product attributes.
9Wood uses Revit to convert Revit files into DWG files. Several drafters are being trained in
usage of the Revit to generate BIM drawings. 9Wood is also using Revit in the testing and
development of our 1100 Cross Piece Grille objects, with schedule TBD.
Rhino
Short for Rhinoceros 3D, a software program developed by Robert McNeel & Assoc., this is
a 3D CAD and graphics application that is particularly well suited to producing
mathematically precise representations of curves and freeform surfaces. It can work with
DWG files and other 3D modeling software files, but does not work with Revit files.
9Wood does not use Rhino. We use AutoCAD or Inventor instead.
04/2015
Your Wood Ceiling Experts. Design to Delivery.