Sumit Dubey

I started to use SolidWorks on 2007, aprox. 16 years ago. After all this time learning CATIA, NX, SolidEdge and other software tools, you realize that CAD softwares are just…TOOLS!

The good designer/engineer have the understanding of the project itself. He/She uses the CAD package to acomplish a specific goal with the help of his clear understanding of the theory (You can project a pressure vessel without knowing some theory).

Trying to summarize, you would have to:

• Spend long hours on tutorial/courses/on-the-job training of a specific CAD software (Solidworks, Catia, NX, SolidEdge). Which software do you need? It deppends on what you want to work and what technical field you porsue.
• Spend some time just working around with other packages (if you are good at SolidWorks, you need to know how SolidEdge works and vice-versa)
• Conclude a bachelor/master/phd on the field of your project. I know some good designer that stucked just because they don’t have a diploma.
• Specialize in some workbenchs. If you are dealing with aerodynamics (car development), being a good part designer will not help you. You will need to be good at ICEM/Class A surface design (in this case). At the same time, you can work for a furniture designer company where you’ll need to be good at polygonal modelling (faster and good for catologs), instead of NURBS (used as default in CATIA and CAD industry)
• Work in a good company with a good team (this in my opinion, is the most important)
• Find a mentor
• Keep learning everyday, until you die.

1. Find blogs and tutorials specific to your field of work. ...
2. Search for exercises that will help you to memorize various commands by practice. ...
3. Start by learning how to use 2D & 3D drawing tools and applying what you learn to 2D drawings. ...
4. Practice, practice and then practice some more.

After M.Tech In CAD/CAM, you have numbers of opportunities to fulfill you career growth. I will explain quite few of them (irrespective of M-factor)…

1. Start a career as Design Engineer in core Mechanical Industry. There you could get opportunity to apply you Mechanical design, SOM, TOM, Heat transfer concepts on actual Industrial Products & Processes. Also with your command on CAD/CAM/CAE/FEA/ Automation software, you can explore advanced technologies to optimize designs and manufacturing techniques usually any industries like automobile, space research, aeronautical and bio mechanical.
2. Start a career as Software Developer in a Software Industries. If you have interest in CAD/CAM/CAE/FEA/ Automation software and programming techniques which are used to build those software then this is field for you. You would need strong programming skills & Understanding (C,CPP,C#, java, python, VB, Angular JS etc).
3. Build your career as Software Testing Engineer. Once you have enough CAD/CAM/CAE software working experience in industries, you can also shape your career as Software Quality Testing Engineer. You would have to know details for software modules and should achieve expert level knowing industrial use of those modules. Then you could contribute your end user experience to improve Software quality.
4. Apart from above mentioned opportunities there are several fields where one can contribute such as Technical Services and Research (PhD) in new technologies in Manufacturing fields such as 3D printing / Additive Manufacturing etc.

The primary reasons for this trend are enumerated as follows:

Rapid shift from manual Design and Production system of Engg. Industry to highly productive quality and cost effective CAD/CAM/CAE system. In fact most of Tool and Die, Automotive, Heavy Engg., Industrial Equipment industry etc. in India and the World are totally working on CAD/CAM/CAE equipment. In continuation in above points many of companies as recruiters are looking at CAD/CAM/CAE knowledge as part of essential profile of recruiting students.

Knowledge of CAD/CAM/CAE system shall be an added weapon for students seeking admission to post graduate M.S. courses and jobs abroad.

These CAD/CAM/CAE systems shall prove to be an excellent tool for Industry, Research setup for Professors and Academically Bent Students. The question, Which are the industries that need more skilled man power and what for these segments skill sets are available, such of these segments are:

Tool Room                 Process M/C          

M/C Tool                    Defence                        

Automobile                Auto Ancillaries

GEOMETRIC MODELLING: -

Design involves the development of the shape and dimensions of a component. During designing several factors are to be considered simultaneously. Some of them are stress requirements, method of manufacture. Geometric modeling is the first step in CAD. A geometric model is created on the screen using different techniques. Once creating this model can be easily altered in geometry and configuration to yield a satisfactory shape. The next step is deciding on the exact dimensions. The results of geometric modeling will further be use by CAM in the preparation of NC tapes for the component.

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS: -

The most important function of CAD is engineering analysis. Engineering analysis basically involves deciding the exact dimensions of the component. These values have to be arrived at by analyzing the component in terms of the loads it has to withstand in function. CAD provides sophisticated method like the finite element technique. Unsatisfactory design may require several iteration of the whole process. The computer scores over the human in its capabilities of rapid information retrieval, numerical processing and repeating a process without fatigue.

 SIMULATION: -

Simulation, in the CAD/CAM context, means duplicating on the video screen a replica of the actual physical situation the designed component is likely to be in. for instance, an aeroplane will be subjected to wind loads. In the conventional method, the aeroplane will be tested in a wind tunnel using a prototype. This is an expensive and inflexible process, expensive because of the physical construction of the wind tunnel and the prototype, inflexible because it may not be possible to test various sizes and shape under a set of test condition. Computer simulation gets rid of both these limitations. It involves the testing of a graphic model whose size and shape can be varied at will. Computer simulation does not completely do away with prototype testing. A near perfect shape can be determined using simulation, which can later be tested with a prototype under test conditions.

DRAFTING: -

The logical step would be to produce a drawing of the component. A drawing is dispensable for the production of the component. Not only the components designed by engineering analysis, but also complex layouts, assemblies can be created interactively and plotted in about one tenth of the normal time. Automated drafting has resulted in enormous productivity gains in terms of time, labour and expenses.   

EXPERT SYSTEMS: -

The latest development in CAD is the use of Expert systems. An Expert system has an “ intelligent data-base” called knowledge base and reasoning logic. It may contain, for example, the details of the breakdowns that occurred in the industry. On a later date, the user has only to feed in the conditions under which a breakdown occurred. The expert system discovers the reason for the breakdown. This is only one application of expert systems. Wherever decision making under multiple constraints is involved expert systems are used as logic support systems. 

• A sound knowledge of engineering design principles.
• Good numeracy and computer skills.
• Good communication skills.
• A knowledge of material properties.
• An understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Creative flair.