Best 3D Modeling Software in the UK

The 2022 Plant 3D toolset is included with AutoCAD. Create and edit P&ID’s, 3D models, and extract piping orthographics and isometrics with industry-specific toolset for plant design. Collaborate on plant design models across project teams and maintain compliance requirements, all in a cloud-based common data environment. The Plant 3D toolset is delivered with standard symbol libraries in the tool palettes. They include PIP, ISA, ISO/DIN, and JIS. Quickly identify possible errors by scanning P&IDs for data consistency according to user-definable rules. Quickly create 3D plant models using parametric equipment modeling, structural steel libraries, and project-specific piping specifications using industry standard piping catalogs. Extract piping orthographic drawings directly from the 3D model and update them as the 3D model is being updated. Work with other industry disciplines to create BIM models for the plant.

SOLIDWORKS is the industry-standard 3D CAD and product development solution, trusted by millions of designers and engineers worldwide. For over 30 years, SOLIDWORKS has empowered innovators to transform ideas into real, manufacturable products through intuitive modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. The 2026 release introduces groundbreaking capabilities including AI-powered drawing automation, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI virtual companion. Integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it enables seamless cloud collaboration and data-driven decision-making. From startups to global manufacturers, users rely on SOLIDWORKS to accelerate design cycles, improve accuracy, and reduce time to market. It’s the complete ecosystem for taking any product from concept to production.

Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes.

AVEVA E3D Design is the world’s most technologically advanced 3D design solution for the process plant, marine and power industries. It enables powerful visualization, clash-free, multi-discipline 3D design, and rapidly generates accurate drawings and reports to reduce costs, timescales and commercial risks of both greenfield and brownfield capital projects. AVEVA E3D Design offers class-leading productivity and capabilities while retaining seamless compatibility with other AVEVA Engineering and Design solutions including AVEVA Unified Engineering. Available on our secure cloud platform AVEVA™ Connect, deploy quickly in days or weeks instead of months, and compilate data to create your engineering digital twin on the cloud as you work. AVEVA E3D Design can be quickly deployed and configured to suit specific company or project requirements across all industries whether it be for the industrial plant or the marine market.