Civil and mechanical engineers depend on drafting and design technicians to create and perfect their sketches. Technicians convert them into rough drafts and eventually into finished products with notes, specifications, dimensions, or materials used. From there, the work goes forward for building roads, bridges, dams, components, or equipment. Simply put, the design and drafting phase is where all the ideas begin to take shape.
The civil and mechanical engineering fields are significant forces for building and maintaining infrastructure and machinery. We drive over bridges, on the roads, and use mechanical devices in our everyday lives. Drafting and design technicians work hand-in-hand with engineers on thousands of projects each year. The best way to break into an entry-level job in this career is by earning an Associate Degree.
Design Is the Starting Point for Creating Projects
The design process is the initial step in a civil or mechanical engineering project. Technicians break down the project into several manageable chunks to understand the overall perspective.
- Designing means making drawings that reflect the requirements for projects.
- The design creates an initial pictorial representation of projects.
- Technicians and engineers confer with clients to ensure the desired result.
- These teams produce drawings that are the right size and shape for the projects.
- Once the project is designed, it is sent to the drafting department.
More women are entering design and drafting careers because they have a fine eye for detail. Jobs are available in many cities, and the best way to obtain one is with a college degree combined with your natural skills.
Drafting Completes the Design Phase
Drafting takes the project design and sees it to completion with sufficient details for correct interpretation of the project. Drafters typically use computer-aided software programs to complete drawings and add technical specifications. These drawings are used as blueprints for the construction of engineering projects.
Drafting is more detailed than designing and may involve drawing one segment of a project or all of it. This process is a graphical representation that depicts how the work should proceed.
Occasionally, projects are drawn mechanically with traditional drafting tools but most of them are created with 2D and 3D CAD and CADD software. In summary, drafters create:
- Templates
- Blueprints
- 3D drawings
- Working model drawings
Without designers and drafters, projects would not begin and we would not enjoy their benefits.
“Civil and mechanical engineers depend on drafting and design technicians to create and perfect their sketches. Technicians convert them into rough drafts and eventually into finished products with notes, specifications, dimensions, or materials used.”
Civil Drafting Plays a Crucial Part in Engineering
If you enjoy drafting and design and want to work outdoors, civil engineering drafting may be the career for you. This job consists of drawing and representing these types of projects:
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Civil drafters produce drawings with computer-aided (CAD) software, drafting machines, and manually with conventional drawing tools. These instruments are primarily used for drawing the infrastructure plans discussed above. Drafters work from sketches and notes provided by civil engineers and construction managers. They also document their work and report it to their supervisors, and train new employees when qualified.
Mechanical Drafting Is Also Indispensable
Drafting professionals who work with mechanical engineers create 2D and 3D drawings to show how parts of models look from each direction. These employees work with:
- Engineers’ and designers’ notes and sketches
- Drafting symbols and units of measure
- Notation systems and page layout styles
- Drawings for mass-manufacturing
- Blueprints for simple components to complex machinery
- Recording and storing drawings and data in computers
Businesses and industries worldwide depend on drafting technicians to help create thousands of objects in the preproduction phase of manufacturing. Common products we buy include auto parts, tools, and machinery that are drawn by mechanical engineering drafters.
Gain the Knowledge and Skills You Need for an Entry-level Job
Let us assist you with the education and skills needed for an entry-level job in this fascinating career. ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge has an excellent Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Drafting and Design Technology.
Faculty, staff, and administration work closely with students to help ensure your educational success. Learn more about our college and program by requesting information online.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: https://iticollege.edu/disclosures/
