There are many different job titles in the engineering and design industry, each with its own responsibilities and qualifications. A CAD designer holds one of the most popular job titles in the industry. The term “computer-aided design,” or CAD, refers to the use of software to produce precise technical drawings and designs. But the issue of whether a CAD designer is an engineer still exists.
The solution is not obvious. Although they collaborate closely, CAD designers and engineers have separate roles and responsibilities. Engineers are in charge of conceptualizing and creating systems or products, and CAD designers are tasked with producing technical drawings and blueprints based on the engineer’s concepts. CAD designers produce precise and thorough blueprints that engineers can utilize to build the final product using their knowledge of software and drafting.
Computer-aided design (CAD) professionals often have specific training in programs like AutoCAD or SolidWorks. To guarantee that their drawings are precise and comprehensive, they also need to have a solid grasp of engineering principles and technical requirements. CAD designers, however, often lack an engineering degree and are not held to the same standards of accountability as engineers.
A good career option in terms of job outlook and pay is CAD drafting. The median annual wage for drafters, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $56,830, and employment is expected to expand by 7% between 2016 and 2026. Numerous CAD designers also have the chance to grow in their professions and work as senior designers or managers.
Getting certified in AutoCAD is a typical initial step for people who want to work in CAD design. Depending on the location and certification level, the cost of AutoCAD certification might range from $175 to $250 per exam. Although certification is not necessary to work as a CAD designer, it can be a great addition to a resume and show a high degree of software competency.
The time required to earn a CAD certification varies according to the certification level and the candidate’s level of software expertise. However, passing a series of exams—which might involve months of preparation—is a requirement for most certification programs.
The software contains hundreds of commands, which brings us to our final point about the quantity of AutoCAD commands. While it is not required to memorize all of them, it is crucial for success in the industry to have a firm grasp of the most frequently used instructions.
CAD designers and engineers collaborate closely, but they also have separate roles and responsibilities. While engineers are in charge of creating and developing goods or systems, CAD designers use their expertise in software and drafting to produce precise and thorough blueprints. A certification in AutoCAD can be a useful addition to a résumé, and CAD drafting is a reliable employment choice.
For the purpose of creating digital 2D and 3D drawings and models, the computer-aided design (CAD) software application AutoCAD is largely employed in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In other fields including manufacturing, product design, and urban planning, it is also employed.