[kragen]

I think mechanical engineers mostly use 3-D CAD systems by now — SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, or something, not AutoCAD. EEs don't use AutoCAD; they use EDA systems ranging from schematic capture and PCB layout (like KiCAD) to HDL synthesis systems, and they use SPICE, and they write a lot of C++. AutoCAD is useless for any of those things. I don't know what bridge builders and airframe designers use nowadays, but given the importance of 3D in those realms and your batting average on the things I do know about, I'm guessing they don't use AutoCAD either. I'm interested to hear what the truth is, though.

[durbin]

AutoCAD is a 3D program. Electrical and Mechanical Engineers that work in the AEC industry use AutoCAD. "Bridge Builders" aka structural engineers use AutoCAD.

[snerbles]

> EEs don't use AutoCAD; they use EDA systems ranging from schematic capture and PCB layout (like KiCAD) to HDL synthesis systems, and they use SPICE, and they write a lot of C++.

If you're designing PCBs and chips, sure. For industrial automation design, AutoCAD Electrical is quite alive and well.

[kragen]

I didn't realize. Thank you!

[detaro]

In what way is AutoCAD not 3D?

[kragen]

If you're designing machine parts in AutoCAD 3D, do yourself a favor and upgrade to FreeCAD or SolidWorks or CATIA or at least Fusion 360. Heck, maybe even Blender or OpenSCAD.