Importance of Drafting in Mechanical Engineering

A lot of people showing interest in AutoCAD Training in Nagpur have enquired about the Mechanical CAD courses that we have in our CADD Centre Nagpur.  Many have asked about how this course that teaches all about designs and drafting will be beneficial to mechanical engineers and how important is drafting for a mechanical engineer. Here, we will try and help you understand more about this topic. Let’s start from the beginning of what is mechanical engineering all about.

Mechanical engineers, simply put, are problem solvers who have to apply their skills to build, design, develop and test all kinds of tools, engines, machines and mechanical devices in almost every industry. They are part of teams that work together and develop a wide range of systems and products including aircraft engines, sensors, control systems, prosthetic devices, printers, turbines, semiconductor tools, compressors, robots, space shuttle vehicles, power plants and more. Mechanical engineers work with various teams to create projects from the drafting stages to the final construction stage and tests.

Drafting can be defined as the process of creating drawings that can help communicate how a particular object can be constructed. It is a method of showcasing a 3D object on a 2D sheet of paper and shows how the object would appear from each direction. Drafting is a necessary skill to build hands-on prototypes. Learning about drafting will have an emphasis on understanding detailed working diagrams of mechanical devices and machinery that include dimensions, finishes, tolerances and other technical information. Through the application of symbols, curves and lines arranged in a drawing, drafting makes it easier for a mechanical engineer to transfer theoretical ideas to the labourers or manufacturers.

Modern-day drafting is usually done through designing on a computer which is known as Computer-Aided Design (CAD). CAD refers to the use of a computer to assist in the creation, modification, operation and analysis of a design or drawing. It helps in improving communication via documentation and also to develop a database for production or manufacturing.

 While mechanical engineers use their knowledge of maths and physics to construct efficient and functional design concepts, they also need to be able to complete complex tests to make sure that the machines built function properly, troubleshoot commonly existing issues and meet product specifications. Using CAD programs, they have to sketch 3D models and technical drawings test and verify the modelled structure through various test scenarios and schematics. After receiving feedback reports, they must make necessary adjustments in their drafts to ensure that their illustrated blueprints work well in real life. Mechanical engineers are also usually responsible for improving efficiency by redesigning older systems. Drafting helps engineers to communicate with other team members so that they can understand the prototypes and discuss design plans better to create more efficient machines. It is easier to troubleshoot design detail errors in drafts and optimise factors such as noise level, size, placement area etc. Drafting acts as an interpretation tool through which the missing dimensions are calculated in the drawings as they are created.

Mechanical CAD Courses which are specific drafting courses focus on the understanding of CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, computer skills, drawing and design so that the engineers can perform well in their jobs. The course helps them create more vivid designs, perform tests and come up with solutions for engineering problems. They can make effective adjustments in their drafts so that the prototypes can adhere to and maintain design standards like size or colour limitations. CAD has made work easier, more precise, more efficient, more economical and more time-saving than manual design and drafting options, especially as projects become complicated and more extensive. The tools are all digital and hence are infinitesimally accurate and they take less space as well. You can view in 3D version, using many display options such as wireframe, shaded views, hidden line removed views, assembly drawings, 3D rendering, rebar detailing, stairs, steel fabrications and even photorealistic renderings, in a smooth way that requires very less effort. This makes CAD truly a tool with universal application. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words and through CAD drafting, a mechanical engineer can depend less on words and more on drawings and spatial relationships, thus creating a shortcut to communication.

In short, CAD drafting offers:

- Better design quality

- Easier documentation process

- Enhanced productivity

- Automatic redrawing of design

- Easier transferability

- Cost optimisation

- Lesser time is taken to design

- Better saving and storage of drafts and other data

- Better visualisation

- Compliance with international standards

Hence, for straightforward concepts, it might be ok to get away with manual drafting, but it cannot match the features that are available with CAD. For complete details about the courses offered at our centre.

For any queries or details Feel free to call us on - Nandanvan- 7507111164 I Sadar-7507111145,   Or Visit our website- www.caddcentrenag.in/