3.1: Selecting a software for you
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There are many CAD software options from different companies that help engineers design. Each software has its own strengths and weaknesses, and as an engineering student, you have a unique opportunity to explore them. NC State offers students a SolidWorks license, and Autodesk provides free access to nearly their entire software library, including Fusion 360 and AutoCAD. Normally, licenses for these professional-grade tools can cost thousands of dollars, but as a student, you can access them for free, making this an invaluable learning opportunity.
The three primary CAD programs you'll likely encounter are SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and AutoCAD. Each of these programs serves different purposes and is tailored to specific engineering disciplines. Gaining proficiency in these tools will give you a strong foundation in engineering design, modeling, and simulation, setting you apart in the industry.
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is primarily used by mechanical and aerospace engineers. It operates on a "constraint-based" sketching system, meaning you create your geometry first and then dimension it. This feature allows you to revisit and modify your designs easily without having to start from scratch. Unlike freeform modeling tools, SolidWorks enforces geometric constraints that ensure accurate, repeatable designs.
SolidWorks also simplifies creating technical drawings from your parts or assemblies with its built-in sketching tools. These drawings are essential for manufacturing and documentation, making SolidWorks a go-to tool for engineers involved in product development. Additionally, it has a wide range of extensions, allowing you to expand its functionality for more complex tasks such as sheet metal design, electrical schematics, and advanced surface modeling.
It is commonly used by Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical engineers across the world due to its robust design and simulation capabilities.
Simulation and Testing
One of SolidWorks' biggest advantages is its simulation and analysis capabilities. It provides a suite of finite element analysis (FEA) tools, allowing users to simulate:
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Stress and strain analysis for mechanical parts
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Fluid flow analysis (CFD) to study aerodynamics and thermal effects
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Motion analysis to examine how assemblies function under different conditions
These simulations are applied to assemblies where different parts are linked with mates and constraints, ensuring realistic motion and interaction between components.
Solidworks Does not work on MAC computers
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is excellent for 3D modeling and includes machining capabilities, making it popular among Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) students at NC State. It is often the first CAD software engineers use due to its intuitive interface and versatility.
Fusion 360 emphasizes cloud connectivity, making it easy to collaborate and share designs with team members in real time. Unlike traditional CAD software, which relies on local storage, Fusion 360 allows you to access your designs from any device with an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for team projects, remote work, and cloud-based manufacturing.
Fusion 360 is widely used across many engineering disciplines and has become common across various industries due to its ease of use and powerful CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) tools. Machinists and Industrial Engineers most commonly use it, but it is also gaining traction among mechanical engineers, product designers, and hobbyists.
Accessibility & Industry Adoption
One of Fusion 360’s standout features is its affordability and accessibility:
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The student license is free, and a hobbyist license is available at a lower cost than SolidWorks.
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Fusion 360 supports parametric modeling, freeform modeling, and direct editing, making it a flexible tool for different design needs.
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It has an integrated CAM workspace, allowing engineers to create toolpaths and generate G-code for CNC machines directly from the software.
Due to its widespread adoption, Fusion 360 includes a comprehensive range of simulation tools for stress testing, heat transfer analysis, and motion studies. This makes it a strong alternative to SolidWorks for students who need a balance of CAD, simulation, and CAM capabilities in one package.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD, also from Autodesk, is known for its extensive library of extensions and its integration with other engineering software. It is frequently used by chemical and electrical engineers for its geometry-based modeling, allowing for the efficient creation of complex designs such as factory layouts, piping schematics, and circuit diagrams.
AutoCAD is different from SolidWorks and Fusion 360 in that it focuses more on 2D drafting and detailed architectural or engineering drawings rather than parametric 3D modeling. While 3D modeling is possible in AutoCAD, it is not as intuitive as in SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
Key Features
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2D Drafting & Detailing – Essential for engineers designing floor plans, schematics, and blueprints.
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3D Capabilities – Supports basic 3D modeling but is not as robust as SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for mechanical design.
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Industry-Specific Toolsets – Includes features tailored for architecture, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
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Integration with Other Software – Works well with Revit, Inventor, and other Autodesk products, making it ideal for large-scale engineering projects.
Because of its flexibility, AutoCAD is ideal for designing large-scale projects that involve intricate spatial arrangements, such as manufacturing plants, electrical grids, and chemical processing facilities.