Furthermore, E3D supports industry-standard exchange formats like for collaboration with non-AVEVA users.
: Incorporates high-precision laser scans directly into the 3D environment for brownfield (existing) project accuracy. Automated Deliverables : Rapidly generates accurate 2D drawings
This article explores everything you need to know about AVEVA E3D (formerly known as AVEVA Everything3D), from its core architecture and key features to its role in the broader context of Digital Twins and Industry 4.0.
Typical roles using E3D include:
| Feature | AVEVA E3D | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Intergraph Smart 3D | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Central relational DB | File-based (DWG) | Relational DB (Oracle/SQL) | | Multi-User | Native, real-time | Limited, via XREF | Native | | Typical Project Size | Mega-projects (10k+ isos) | Small to Medium | Mega-projects | | Cloud Ready | Yes (AVEVA Connect) | Limited | Yes | | Brownfield (Laser Scan) | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
: E3D dramatically speeds up the production of piping isometric drawings and general arrangement drawings. What once took days can now be generated with a high degree of automation and accuracy.
From the first conceptual layout to the final as-built digital twin handed over to the operator, AVEVA E3D ensures that every pipe, beam, and cable tray exists exactly where it should—before a single piece of steel is cut. aveva e3d
Beyond pipes, E3D excels at routing electrical cable trays and HVAC ducts. It provides automatic bend creation, flattening for 2D extraction, and ensures that electrical systems respect the required clearance zones around process equipment.
: One of E3D's standout features is its ability to work directly with 3D laser scan data . Engineers can overlay point clouds from scanners like FARO or Leica onto the 3D model, ensuring that new designs fit perfectly within existing brownfield environments.
: The software ensures total integration between 2D P&IDs and 3D models . If a change is made in the schematic, the 3D designer is immediately notified, reducing the risk of costly mismatches during construction. Typical roles using E3D include: | Feature |
AVEVA E3D is not a standalone tool—it is part of the platform:
AVEVA E3D is a world-leading 3D design and modelling software specifically designed for the process plant, power generation, and marine industries. It is not merely a visual modelling tool; it is an engineering database wrapped in a 3D interface. Developed by AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, E3D is the successor to the legacy AVEVA PDMS (Plant Design Management System), offering a modernized architecture, improved user experience, and advanced integration capabilities.