good way to learn cad?
06-09-2005, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by platypus
I'm interested in learning CAD and 3d modeling. Any suggestions as to how to go about it?
-Bis
06-09-2005, 11:42 AM
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wow, De Anza even has classes on SolidWorks (which is what I'd really like to learn). Looks like CDI 50 is where I'll need to start (in addition to burning up my sketchbook building up what little drawing skills i have).
06-09-2005, 11:57 AM
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i learned autocad in hich school and college, pro-e in college. while those classes will teach you a lot of things, they cannot teach you technique. if you can draft on paper and mentally visualize a part in 3d, you will be able to learn any drafting / solids modeling package pretty easily.
06-09-2005, 12:06 PM
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As Russ said, if you can draw by hand now, CAD will be easy to pick up. The different programs out there have gotten a lot more sophisticated and user friendly, so if you are computer literate, you'll be fine. I learned on AutoCAD R.9 way back in college and then re-taught myself on R.12 using a book that came with a floppy full of examples and exercises a couple of years later. But, I learned 10x more during the first couple of months I actually used CAD at work. That's when you pick up all of the shortcuts and tricks.
06-09-2005, 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by platypus
wow, De Anza even has classes on SolidWorks (which is what I'd really like to learn)...
06-09-2005, 03:53 PM
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they don't teach you too much in school. you learn some of the basics but even still, its not enough to go straight into the workforce and do well.
What kind of stuff do you want to do? There are some big differences between 3D modeling and CAD/CAM/CAE
Once you figure out what you want to do, figure out what the best software out there is for it (probably best off learning what is used in the industry most often)
Then I would suggest taking some sort of training for it. companies like CVIS offer some great training/jump schools for AutoCAD, Land Desktop Deveolpment and Civl 3D
Also, the best way to learn is to get a job doing it. Using it everyday for hours at a time makes you learn 20 times faster amd more than any class can give you
What kind of stuff do you want to do? There are some big differences between 3D modeling and CAD/CAM/CAE
Once you figure out what you want to do, figure out what the best software out there is for it (probably best off learning what is used in the industry most often)
Then I would suggest taking some sort of training for it. companies like CVIS offer some great training/jump schools for AutoCAD, Land Desktop Deveolpment and Civl 3D
Also, the best way to learn is to get a job doing it. Using it everyday for hours at a time makes you learn 20 times faster amd more than any class can give you
Last edited by ish; 06-09-2005 at 03:57 PM.
06-09-2005, 03:56 PM
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specifically, what I'm wanting to do is create models of cars (and wings, splitters, etc) and feed those into Fluent (or something similar) for aero work.
06-09-2005, 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by platypus
specifically, what I'm wanting to do is create models of cars (and wings, splitters, etc) and feed those into Fluent (or something similar) for aero work.
So you are going to want to stay away from any Autdesk/AutoCAD application as none of them are well suited for that type of thing.
You are looking more into CFD and FEA stuff to analyze aerodynamic forces and effects on something.
Not sure the extents of Pro-E and if that program does any decent CFD/FEA stuff
06-10-2005, 01:45 AM
#13
Originally Posted by platypus
specifically, what I'm wanting to do is create models of cars (and wings, splitters, etc) and feed those into Fluent (or something similar) for aero work.
p.s. I'm trying to get IDEAS running on my machine this weekend. It has a pretty decent mesher (though nowhere near as friendly as nodal based ones like Hyperworks)...Fluent can import IDEAS .unv. PM me after the weekend...
Last edited by stevenkhau; 06-10-2005 at 01:48 AM.
06-10-2005, 10:14 AM
#14
Originally Posted by platypus
specifically, what I'm wanting to do is create models of cars (and wings, splitters, etc) and feed those into Fluent (or something similar) for aero work.
Last edited by WRXDad; 06-10-2005 at 10:17 AM.
