I just got a job working for the College I attend. We fabricate food processing equipment for research and development purposes. My boss wants me to take a computer design class to learn how to draw up our ideas and present them to the fabrication shop that we have build our ideas, rather than paying them top dollar, I can save my boss hundreds if not thousands by designing and drafting up the drawing myself. We design simple stuff like tube in tube heat exchangers, different size and shape dies, mills, etc.
My question is, which program is better for 3D designs and which is more commonly used in the fabrication industy. The fabrication company we go through uses SW but the engineer is skilled in both AC and SW.
What course should I enroll in?

 

there is probably an actual AutoCAD course where you attend.

 

SW for sure. You will learn modeling, assemblies, and draft work. This will be more valuable to yourself and your company.

 

Sounds like you need to learn both. you can download AutoCAD trials go thru tutorials and get some of the basic commands down or more. don't know much about SW but sure their free tutorials downloads to get you started. that way if or when you do start a coures you'll understand the program an where get the tools you need. If you have any question let me know. Been making a living w/ AutoCAD for awhile now.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2704278

 

AutoCAD can go 3D but the industry standard IMO is SW.

 

yeah autoCAD not the best for 3d it more gear for 2d I would go take SW class.

AllMotorRandy is right SW is the standard for industy fabrication.