Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Drafting Overview
Computer aided drafters use software to design everything from industrial parts to products that we use every day. Acting on specifications given to them from engineers or commercial and industrial designers, they prepare technical drawings, plans and specifications for the manufacturers of the products to follow. These plans include dimensions, materials, and procedures used to manufacture. While drafters once drew plans by hand, they now use computers, ensuring that designs are easy to modify and to transmit electronically. Though drafters now use computers, they still often need knowledge of traditional drafting techniques such as sketching and making calculations.Computer Aided Drafting Training & Education
Students can often obtain education in computer aided drafting from technical or two-year colleges, though some four year colleges and universities also offer computer aided drafting programs. Students should look carefully before selecting a computer aided drafting program because the quality of programs vary significantly. As early as high school, students can often take courses like mathematics, science, computer science, and design that will aid them in a later career in computer aided drafting. Some computer aided drafters choose the Armed Forces as a career path in order to gain computer aided drafting skills to later use in a civilian career.Computer Aided Drafting Career & Salary Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer aided drafting field is expected to grow at a slower rate than other fields in the next decade. Drafters' earnings vary, with the median annual earnings of architectural and civil drafters at $41,960, the median annual earnings of mechanical drafters at $43,700, and the median annual earnings of electrical and electronic drafters at $46,830.
About 49% of all computer aided drafters work in service firms, another 25% work in manufacturing industries and about 5% are self employed. The rest are dispersed among various firms, agencies, and corporations that require computer aided drafting.
Characteristics of a Successful Computer Aided Drafter
Successful computer aided drafters have mechanical drawing skills, visual acuity, and good spatial perception. Artistic ability is also helpful. A solid background in mathematics, science, and engineering will serve a computer aided drafter well.
Though most employers do not require certification, drafters wishing to prove their skills may opt to take the American Design Drafting Association’s (ADDA) certification exam. Applicants are tested on basic drafting concepts and an ADDA certification is certainly viewed as a plus by potential employers.
Computer Aided Drafting Career Fields & Specializations
Aeronautical Drafters: Aeronautical drafters draw plans and technical specifications for aircraft, missiles, and related parts.
Architectural Drafters: Architectural drafters draw specifications and plans for buildings and structures. They often specialize in residential, commercial, industrial, or other structure types.
Electrical Drafters: Electrical drafters use computer aided drafting programs to diagram the locations of wiring and electrical distribution systems in structures with complicated electrical needs.
Mechanical Drafters: Mechanical drafters use computer aided drafting programs to draw schematics and technical drawings for machinery, tools, and other industrial products.
For some, computer aided drafting is simply a stepping stone toward another career in engineering, design, or architecture.
Article Resources:
Bureau of Labor StatisticsSouthwestern Illinois College
American Design Drafting Association
