From the massive skyscrapers in New York City and the tallest building in the United Emirates to the millions of cars driven on the road everyday and the electronics that consume everyone's life, computer aided drafting plays a part in shaping each of these entities. Also known as computer aided design, this form of drafting plays a vital role in every aspect of the design and manufacturing process. Without this career field, the world would not be as advanced as it is today and the process of creating new ideas and buildings would be an even more difficult process.
Constructing elaborate buildings and designing innovate automobiles requires a lot of time and important details that most people are not aware of. To help complete these projects, computer aided drafting is used. It is primarily used in architectural design, mechanical design, as well as customization and programming. However, there are many fields that require computer drafting and design. Drafters use computer programs to create products, such as buildings or automobiles by creating two-dimensional designs, technical drawings, three dimensional models or prototypes.
The type of software used with computer drafting has come along way since its first inception, and the program used depends on the type of results the end user would like to achieve. There are programs available for every need, such as animation, freeform surface modeling, engineering models and three-dimensional parametric modeling, among other programs. Each program is uniquely designed for the task at hand.
Not only can computer aided drafting systems create models, but it can work as a database as well. A lot of times when architects or engineers are creating products, there is a lot of data and calculations involved in the process. Many of these systems are able to do calculations to help with the development of the products. They can also import and export data to various programs allowing users to easily display information for individuals who do not have access to a system, but still need the information. Most systems are also automated, which makes the process of creating a project easier for the user. By having automated software, users can input information about the product and let the software begin the process.
In order to become a drafter or designer, individuals need the proper education and training. This would include attending a college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer aided drafting. While in school students will learn the important aspects of drafting. This includes knowledge in how to create models and drawings using the necessary software, how to customize using the computer equipment, how to develop three-dimensional designs and various other skills necessary for the career field.
Students will also gain real world experience in this career field, which allows them to develop a portfolio of work. Once a student begins the job search, it is important to have an established portfolio that displays the work they have completed. It shows that not only does the student have the basic knowledge of this career field, but also is able to take the knowledge he or she learned in the classroom and implement it in real job functions. If a potential employer interviews one graduate who has excellent grades in a computer aided drafting program, but has no practical experience and interviews another graduate who also has excellent grades, but has an established portfolio from practical experience, the employer is most likely going to choose the experienced candidate. It just goes to show how important it is for students to gain hands on experience.