CAD Software Review

The two systems I choose to compare and review are the very popular Solidworks and Creo CAD software's. My background using the two programs is I've used Solidworks at my previous job for two years so I consider myself very knowledgeable using that program. With Creo I have not had much time using it. The first time I have been exposed to it was just last month but I have been working with it daily since. I will try to keep myself from being bias because of my lack of experience with Creo but I will state the few pros and cons of each that I have come across so far.

There are many pros each program offers and in many ways do very similar things. Both programs will give you a fully defined blueprint packet and 3D modeling of every part. The main pro I see in Solidworks is that in modeling a part. Solidworks has been able to organize there commands for modeling by keeping the basic step commands together and then by separating the complex commands to be gathered together. I feel Creo has an assortment of commands all together which makes it more time consuming to create the part. Now a pro of Creo is in the formatting of the blueprints. They have a well structured way to create section, projection, detail views, and cross section views which is a good time saver for the engineer.

Those of a few examples of the Pros and Cons I've felt each program does well over the other. Overall both programs are great and by spending time working with either program you will come to appreciate the benefits they provide. At this point it would be hard and even bias for me to rate one over the other because of the lack of time I have spent with Creo. I will continue to learn more about each program with the exposure and time I put into them.

These two programs can also be compared in costs. Operating costs for Creo average around 15 K annually. While Solid Works average annually costs are between 10-12 K. The prices can very depending on any extras purchased with the standard package.

Mechanical Engineering Overview

On an average day a Mechanical Engineer will be problem solving issues at their job or designing a new prototype. They will fix issues that come up in current operations of machines that are already on the floor operating. Mechanical Engineers take the knowledge they have gained through their discipline help them solve real world issues no matter what industry they are working in. Also you have to remember that Mechanical Engineers also need to use other resources to complete some of their projects such as, electrical engineers, manufacturing engineers, computer engineers, or possible industrial engineers. Most teams at a job consist of a mixture of each engineering field that work together to complete projects or solve problems.

Mechanical Engineering is the discipline which includes the a knowledge base of physics, thermodynamics, material science, machine design, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanics. Mechanical Engineering has such a diverse curriculum because it is used in so many industries from manufacturing to petroleum and bio-medical.  Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest fields of engineering which largely developed during the industrial revolution.

A large proportion of mechanical engineers spend there time designing mechanical systems. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is an important tool used by mechanical engineers and they need to have knowledge using this type of software. Most of the tools used by an individual during their daily activities today has involved a mechanical engineers design or process for example vehicles, cell phones, computers, kitchen appliances, etc.  Mechanical engineers create the processes and systems that drive technology and industry.

Mechanical engineers will always be needed in every situation that deals with motion or mechanics. An engineering team will never be complete without a Mechanical engineer. I am excited to become a part of such an important position and to help problem solve issues that occur each day.


Thank you,

David Dickey