The Digital Battle — 2D Drawings vs. 3D Drawings

For thousands of years all drawings were 2D, but in today’s digital age anyone can create 3D digital models. With all that 3D drawings offer, why would anyone want to keep their drawings on paper? Are 2D drawings really still necessary, or should we transition to 3D only? To shed some light on both sides of the debate, on the latest Digital Battle Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome back Digital Enterprise Society Content Trustee Mark Pendergast for another round, this time about drawings.  There are strong arguments for both keeping and eliminating 2D drawings, and with strong opinions on both sides from Mark and Craig, and maybe even some switching sides, this is a digital battle you won’t want to miss.   On today’s podcast, you will learn: An overview of 2D vs 3D according to Craig 2D is just the way it’s always been done. Precision manufacturing enhanced 2D drawings were used by skilled craftsmen to obtain key measurements. The evolution of 2D drawings came with what was needed on the factory floor. The three-dimensional model offers infinitely more views than the 2D model, for better and for worse. Transitioning to 3D models requires a willingness to change, which isn’t easy to come by. The end of 2D models will come when only machines are making parts.   An overview of 2D vs 3D according to Mark There will be reasons to live in the 2D drawing world forever. Commercial and legal requirements will always demand 2D drawings. Manufacturing is still largely stuck in the 19th century, which demands the specificity of 2D drawings. The 3D drawing doesn’t draw your focus into any one point, while a 2D drawing clearly highlights the critical points. The clarity and specificity of what is important drives the value of 2D drawings. 2D drawings can more easily be shared and understood by anyone.   The challenges of eliminating 2D drawings Manufacturers don’t always have access to the technology required by 3D drawings. 2D drawings don’t require specific software sets or tools to be read. 3D drawings need to be auto-generated and free to be widely accepted by manufacturers.   Hiding and sharing proprietary information Proprietary data structures are challenged when 2D drawings are eliminated. Hiding proprietary information is easier with 2D drawings. There is significantly more control with 2D drawings. 2D drawings allow for specific communication of what you think is important, while the 3D model requires that you share everything.   Finding the right balance between 2D and 3D Paper clearly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so a balance must be found. If a 2D model exists, generate a 3D model as well. 3D should be the king and 2D should be generated only when needed (according to Craig). 2D is king and 3D is around only because it makes it easier to make 2D (according to Mark).   Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.   Digital Download: Virtual Round-Table Series