Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
(OP)
I thought I had asked this earlier, but must have not confirmed the thread, and it disappeared. Oops.
Well, anyway I am trying to return to mechanical engineering after seventeen years doing other things; IT, Realtor, being a stay-at-home father while my wife traveled the world with her executive job.
Anyway, I am ready to return to engineering and was wondering the best path to do this after being away from it for so long. One of my thoughts were to do this through learning current CAD/CAM skills, like Pro/E, SolidWorks or another. If this is a viable method of getting back into engineering, please let me know which platform is best or most often used. I sure don't want to pursue this one that won't help me return to the engineering workforce.
I know my path back will not be quick, but this just means that I have time to prepare as much as possible with new skills that might make me more attractive to an employer. I appreciate all helpful comments.
Well, anyway I am trying to return to mechanical engineering after seventeen years doing other things; IT, Realtor, being a stay-at-home father while my wife traveled the world with her executive job.
Anyway, I am ready to return to engineering and was wondering the best path to do this after being away from it for so long. One of my thoughts were to do this through learning current CAD/CAM skills, like Pro/E, SolidWorks or another. If this is a viable method of getting back into engineering, please let me know which platform is best or most often used. I sure don't want to pursue this one that won't help me return to the engineering workforce.
I know my path back will not be quick, but this just means that I have time to prepare as much as possible with new skills that might make me more attractive to an employer. I appreciate all helpful comments.
Kurt





RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Once you've found it again you may want to delete this double post.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Inappropriate post?
If so, Red Flag it!
At the bottom of your post and ask for it to be deleted.
In future you can always find your posts by looking at 'My Threads' under 'My Stuff' at the top of the screen.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Sorry for any confusion. I had though I input this post before but couldn't find it in my profile, so I must not have selected the final submit button.
Kurt
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
What sector & geographic location are you looking at getting into as different CAD software packages may be more common in some sectors/geographic areas.
Also, you only mention CAD, but what about actual drafting skills, do you already have these? For instance in machine design in the USA (including vehicles etc.) ASME Y14.5M-1994 is probably the most common standard though a new version came out at the end of 2009 (ASME Y14.5-2009). There are also ISO standards used in some places.
However, for HVAC and the like, they may use more construction industry focused standards.
Perhaps take a look at job adds for jobs you'd be interested in and see what if any CAD packages they specify.
Pretty sure similar questions have come up a few times before so you may be able to find those threads (probably in that forum) & get some idea.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Kurt
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Sorry about not posting in the right forum. I am new to this forum and will get my figure it out.
Thanks to all for the helpful comments.
Kurt
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Our designers use mostly UG for our automotive plastic design. However, they sometimes use Catia. Our engineers use Solidworks to check the designers work. I even have a copy of AutoCAD I use on occasion for quick layouts.
Quite a few of my friends from school do HVAC and use primarily AutoCAD (but this was 6 years ago). My sister, who is in construction, still deals with companies that use AutoCAD.
here in MI I have seen plenty of ads fo Pro-e, UG, Catia with some asking for Solidworks, Inventor or AutoCAD.
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Thanks again.
Kurt
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Best to research your chosen field first though.
Warning, rant follows: I do more industrial type engineering (piping, pressure vessels, minor structural stuff) and am not allowed to touch CAD (drafters only please). Here they use either AutoCad or Microstation. That is fine but they draw everything in 3D and then redo it all again in 2D. They don't understand the concept of true 3D packages such as SW or Pro-E. It's an endless source of frustration when you know something could be done in half the time but the drafters know better... Don't even get me started on the passing over the wall of CAD to FEM and back. Grrrr.
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering
Yes, I remember the frustration with drafting too. However, I also remember that once you find a really good drafter that gets it, hold on and treat him will.
You have commented on my other thread. Thanks for your helpful words. I will take your advice and let you know as my engineering career sputters to life again.
Kurt
RE: Best 3D modeling program for returning to mechanical engineering