Mechanical Desktop

[Baldy]

Hi!!

I've been using Acad for 10 years now R12 to R14 all 2D design and drafting. I have the opportunity for a position at a company that does everything in 3D Mechanical Desktop.

I've seen Desktop and it's a nice product.

I would like some opinions on what the average learning curve is from switching from 2D to 3D with some off-site training.


Thanks,
Mark

 

[TWong]

Mark,
If you ever get the chance to learn 3D solid modeling, take it. Most people with past cad experience should pick up Mechanical Desktop in two weeks of informal training. (Mech Desktop will be replaced by a product called Inventor, if it hasn't happened already.) Other more complex programs such as Pro Engineer or Solid Works are only slightly different in their approach and can easily be picked up in 3 weeks. You will find that 3D is actually more intuitive than you think. But once you get spoiled, it's hard to go back!
Good luck!
Tommy

PS. My personal cad experience:
86-87 Generic cad - 2D
86-89 Autocad 9.0 - 2D
89-92 Fastcad - 2D
91-92 Pro Engineer 11.0 - 3D
92-97 Fastcad - 2D
96-97 Solid Works - 3D
97-00 Mechanical Desktop 4.0 - 3D
Aug 00 to Present - Autocad Lite 2000 - 2D

 

[Baldy]

Thanks Tommy