Modern industrial equipment demands precision, adaptability, and efficiency. At S2, the integration of 2D and 3D CAD technology has enhanced every phase of design and manufacturing. By visualising equipment in multiple dimensions, the engineering team at S2 ensures accuracy before production begins, improving the outcome and reducing revisions.
In process industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the need for custom-built equipment is standard. CAD software enables S2 to tailor equipment geometry to customer-specific plant layouts and processing conditions. It also helps avoid costly rework by identifying spatial constraints and component interferences during the digital modelling phase.
2D drawings have long been used for technical documentation, but 3D CAD adds a new layer of depth by allowing engineers to see equipment in true scale and detail. At S2, engineers simulate how each piece of equipment will function, how it will fit within a facility, and how it will be accessed for maintenance. This reduces unexpected complications during installation.
3D models also enable realistic renderings and walkthroughs that assist clients in understanding the final product. Whether it’s a pressure vessel, reactor, or heat exchanger, clients can review designs visually before production. This enhances collaboration and speeds up the approval process.
Bespoke equipment often demands changes in dimensions, inlet/outlet positions, or internal features. Using advanced CAD tools, S2 customises base designs for each client’s exact process requirements. This includes:
Instead of starting from scratch, S2 can quickly adapt templates using CAD libraries and parametric modelling. These adjustments are reflected in real-time, and simulations can test performance under varying loads or process conditions.
Beyond visual modelling, CAD software allows the team at S2 to run simulations that test how equipment behaves under real-world conditions. This includes:
Such digital prototyping helps avoid structural failures and ensures each design complies with industry regulations. By anticipating how equipment will perform in service, S2 optimises wall thickness, weld placement, and material selection to balance strength with cost-effectiveness.
Translating designs into production is seamless when using CAD. S2 exports design files directly to CNC machinery and laser cutting systems, ensuring precision manufacturing. Tolerances, part numbers, and materials are all embedded in the files, reducing manual interpretation errors.
The CAD system also generates detailed bills of materials (BOMs), part lists, and fabrication drawings, supporting efficient procurement and shop-floor coordination. At S2, this digital consistency shortens delivery cycles and supports higher quality assurance.
Designs created in CAD are easily shared across departments. Fabrication teams, project managers, and quality inspectors can access the same source files with annotations, version control, and change logs.
Clients working with S2 benefit from CAD-generated PDFs, 3D visual files, and real-time design revisions. This improves transparency and minimises delays due to miscommunication.
Every change made in a CAD environment reduces the likelihood of errors during fabrication. Instead of redoing parts due to misfits or layout issues, the team at S2 addresses these concerns before cutting a single sheet of metal.
This proactive design strategy supports lean manufacturing and resource efficiency. Whether producing a single unit or a full-scale process skid, S2 leverages CAD to reduce material waste, lower rework costs, and maintain faster lead times.
Industrial equipment often requires strict documentation to meet regulatory standards. CAD systems allow S2 to generate:
This documentation is essential for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where compliance with cGMP and FDA guidelines is mandatory. S2 uses CAD to ensure that each product meets both functional and documentation requirements.
S2 continues to invest in next-generation CAD tools that include virtual reality (VR), digital twins, and real-time simulation integrations. These tools are expected to:
Digital transformation in engineering is not a concept of the future—it’s already underway at S2. With every new project, CAD helps deliver better results with more control and precision.
S2 combines advanced 2D and 3D CAD modelling with real-world engineering experience to deliver custom process equipment tailored to your industry. From visual clarity and digital simulations to streamlined manufacturing, CAD has become an essential tool for delivering value with precision.
Looking to optimise your equipment design?
Contact the team at S2 today to discover how our CAD expertise can support your next project.
