[bumbada]

We use those tools for industrial prototyping because we can program those in things like python.

We use it for creating as crappy designs as fast as possible, not getting designers to premature optimization.

For serious design no, we use expensive commercial software for that, once it is clear what the solution is.

For exploring lots of different spaces cheap 3d printer, cheap CNC milling machines and laser cutters are amazing.

We restrict access to serious software for early prototyping because people will try things like super complex organic shapes that require supports or special milling machines instead of machines that cost 100 less money.

That makes time to market so long and a design a competitor could squash the price when he uses cheap alternatives for manufacturing.

[benhurmarcel]

> We restrict access to serious software for early prototyping because people will try things like super complex organic shapes that require supports or special milling machines instead of machines that cost 100 less money.

Restricting access to CAD features is a perplexing way to compensate for lack of mechanical engineering skills.

[Brian_K_White]

I get it. I see no room to be perplexed since he explained it.

Aside from that, in general, requiring a student to do without a magic tool so they are forced to percieve and understand some fundamental that the magic tool hides, is hardly a new or perplexing concept. Otherwise, you get exactly what he just said, they got.

[benhurmarcel]

He's not talking about education, but about professionals producing prototypes.

And designing a part to be manufactured easily with the intended process is a basic mechanical engineering skill.

[Brian_K_White]

He certainly is talking about education, at least, exactly as much as I was by using the word "student".

"student" just means "one who studies". It doesn't say anything about what they study or what kind of building or organizational structure they happen to inhabit at the time.

The principle I attempted to articulate is general and applies in any context, including this one.