Many fields now use CAD programs to enhance their productivity and efficiency, such as aerospace, interior design, fashion design, graphic design, civil engineering, landscape architecture, drafting, tool and die making, motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, and general commercial and industrial design.
The aerospace field has used CAD programs as long as any other industry and continues to use them to help manufacture, design, and test parts for helicopters, rockets, fighter jets, and spacecrafts. These are very costly to make, so ensuring the least amount of mistakes and errors will reduce the money invested in them.
Interior designers use computer aided design to design a 3D plan in great detail and present it to the client and make changes based on the client's likes and dislikes. The client can get a better sense of the space and see the completed project without having even put the first coat of paint on the walls. By using CAD programs, the interior designer can estimate the costs of the materials beforehand as well.
Fashion designers also use computer aided design to limit the number of hand drawings they need to produce and translate sketches to the computer. CAD programs allow fashion designers to view their hand bags, suits, dresses, and shoes in multiple colors and patterns. This allows fashion designers to limit the number of prototypes needed later in the design process.
Graphic designers and graphic artists deal in many different aspects of design. Graphic designers can use computer aided design to create, plan, and analyze any type of product, such as company logos, marketing brochures, promotional displays, and the layouts of many printed materials and web pages.
Civil engineers use CAD programs very frequently to help them construct and design water and sewage systems, bridges, highways, buildings, and dams. Civil engineers must perform many experiments and tests to find the best solutions possible by analyzing and calculating data using computer aided design programs.
Landscape architects use CAD programs to plan for a given site and to give an idea of what the final design will look like to the client. The landscapes can be rather large, so it's very important to have a solid design before beginning. Landscape architects must take into account many regulations, and by using computer aided design they can be well prepared.
Drafters use CAD software to electronically store and save previous hand drawings so they can make corrections and alter them quickly. Drafters still use the traditional methods of drawing by using protractors, pencils, pens, triangles, and compasses, and CAD programs are a way to edit efficiently without having to re-draw everything.
Naval architects can also use CAD programs to help in designing and constructing aircraft carriers, ships, submarines, and other maritime equipment.
If you are looking to become a CAD student, there are many colleges and universities all across the United States, with physical campuses and online, which offer computer aided design courses that will help you find the career you are looking for. There are even self-learning auto CAD training materials, such as CDs and software, so you can learn at your own pace. This can be an effective tool, yet most people still prefer the hands-on approach of being taught in classrooms and by teachers. While taking courses online may be convenient for some by saving time on travel, others like the personal teaching experience.
Certain CAD training programs will offer certification upon 150 hours of training completed. Some computer aided design courses may not be offered directly to the public, and you may have to register with a university first to be enrolled. Courses can be done within a certain amount of time (for example, six months). If you do not finish the course in that given time an extension can be requested. Financial aid may not be provided to CAD students because these may be non-credited course and not eligible for financial aid. After completion of the courses instructors may help in creating a well-written professional resume. Instructors cannot place you in an entry-level job, but you now have the tools to apply for one. Unlike “regular” college and university courses, online CAD training can start at any time.
The best way to learn a CAD system is to start out with a basic CAD training program and gradually move to more advanced ones once you have a good understanding of the basics. CAD students will become CAD professionals if they spend the time and effort learning the CAD programs which lead to a successful career in your field of choice.
