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what are some tools of the trade i should be familiar with

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Glenn’s Answer

I am in product development, so the tools of the trade are different than if you are in other career paths. For product development as a Mechanical Engineer, you will need to be skill in Solid Modeling in CAD. Creo and SolidWorks are the most common, but some companies use other tools. Analysis tools are also useful. This can include CFD, FEA, and Moldflow Analysis. Understanding of statistics can also be useful, as we use SPC, Cp and CpK.

For me, the most important thing to have coming out of college is to understand the concepts of physics and being able to apply then to design situation. This will give you insights into solving design issues.

Glenn recommends the following next steps:

Learn the fundamentals in college
Classes in CAD, FEA, CFD
Classes in applied statistics.
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Paul T.’s Answer

I believe the biggest and most important tool for engineers coming out of school is the ability to know how to use 3D modeling softwares. There are a bunch of different softwares to learn, but I would say that knowing Solidworks is the most wide-spread and easiest to transfer to other programs.

That being said, knowing how to use the program and actually modeling within the program are two different things. Anyone can learn how to use the commands on a 3D modeling program and send it off to a 3D printer and get decent results. However, what makes you a true engineer, is knowing how things are made and manufactured. When in school, try to learn all the trades you can to get an understanding of how to build stuff. Making things out of plastic is very different than machining something, which is also very different then choosing the right materials and tools for the job. Understanding machine design and the manufacturing of products will get you very far in the engineering world.

Paul T. recommends the following next steps:

Learn a 3D Modeling Program
Study Machine Design
Build your design in the Machine Shop
Assemble your work
Re-Design based on your struggles
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