Outdating of Softwares
Hello guys,
I am student studying in 2 year Mechanical Engineering and I have been using CATIA for more than a year now and do not wish to change to new softwares as I am planning on learning 1 software completely.I wanted to ask something that is bugging me from many days.A few weeks back I saw this modelling software named Shapr 3D designed for I pad.This softwares learning curve is so simple and somany complex models can be modelled within minutes.
What bothers me is that I have put somuch time in learning somany tools in CATIA and if it will all go to waste as these new softwares like Shapr 3D have a very low learning curve and that modelling is going to be very simple in future and will not take much time.
I also kind of get demotivated when I am working thinking that whatever tools I am learning is going to be completely outdated in future and that that I am simply wasting time.
So is it really worth spending lots of time in learning the softwares or should be focussed on doing something else or if my entire thinking about the softwares needs to be changed.
Please give me your valuable advice.
3 Answers
Drawing 3D shapes is only one aspect of being a Mech. Eng. If you paid attention in Geometry and Trig class you’ll be able to 3D in any software. But how are your real math skills... do you know FEA... do you sim and optimize your designs? Ever run a CFD problem? Working in the field you’ll learn quickly each task has a suite of engineering tools you use to get the job done. Although I’m sure CATIA is very powerful there is no one stop shop. Ok for drawing stuff catia or solidworks or whatever is fine. If you do go full on expert level at one particular software, that might be good in some ways (able to fill a niche) and bad in others (limited breadth).
See my friend.
You are now in the second year as you mentioned.
You have to decide the area in which you want to make the career.
See, if you want to go in the design field, there are various domains in that too.
You may take the advice from the expertise that which are software required for that particular field.
If you go for trim BIW.. you need to work on CATIA and Autodesk ALIAS.
Hope this helps you:)
Shapr 3D looks interesting as a concept modeling tool, but I don't see it replacing proper CAD software anytime soon. SpaceClaim is another (more powerful) program which excels at direct editing of models.
Anything you learn today runs the risk of becoming obsolete. The alternative is not learning. Which option offers you a better future?
Building a 3D model is not the challenging part. Anyone can learn to use Catia, SOLIDWORKS, or Shapr 3D. The challenge is designing an object which can be manufactured, and function for the intended application.
I learned to draw parts on paper with a pencil, compass, and triangle. I now use SOLIDWORKS. Drafting lessons didn't help me use SOLIDWORKS, but they gave me a foundation in design and engineering to build on. The experience of learning has likewise prepared me to learn new topics in the future.
Keep studying.
