In the community of 3D modelling, are Shop Drawings still used? Absolutely! There is no an alternate way to effectively transfer info on the design/detail end for the shop floor. Some Fabrication Shops are using a lot more ‘robotic’ capabilities, but they are few in number. You will find machines out there that can needless to say cut, drill, weld and prepare pretty much anything , but very little is effective at assembling. Assuming that this continues there will also be a need for a Shop Drawing detailer/designer. Shop Drawing and detailing has changed a lot over the past two decades. Back in the day an ‘art’ form with drafting tables, electric pencil sharpeners and shavings brushes. Right now its a mouse as well as a monitor and higher powered computer software such as Auto CAD, Tekla Structures, SDS2, Auto Desk Revit, Auto Desk Inventor and every other Auto Desk product.