Alternative to AutoCad for Engineering?

[iVikD]

Hi, I'm a mechanical and systems engineering student and I've been using the AutoCad 2012 provided by my university on my mac, and AutoCad 2010 in class (on a PC). I've found it a bit hard to get used to the mac version, but so far, I'm doing good. However, I've had several people tell me there are 'better' alternatives to AutoCad for 3D modeling. I'm sure there's plenty of people here with more experience than me, so I ask you, do you think there's a more efficient tool?

 

[Hansr]

Vector Works springs to mind.

But if they teach AutoCAD I recommend sticking with AC. Might move to the VMWare+Windows+2010 if the Mac version bothers you a lot.

 

[miles01110]

Better in what sense? AutoCAD is the standard across the industry. Every business with a need to work with mechanical drawings will have the capacity to at least view and print AutoCAD files.

 

[iVikD]

Better in what sense? AutoCAD is the standard across the industry. Every business with a need to work with mechanical drawings will have the capacity to at least view and print AutoCAD files.

I was thinking maybe a different interface. However, I am getting used to typing out commands instead of looking around for them, so maybe I'll stick to this

 

[danpass]

I didn't know Autocad was even something people used in Engineering.

Not for solid modeling anyway.

Typically you see CATIA, Solidworks, ProE, Unigraphics in the aero and auto world.

 

[tjb1]

AutoCAD is horrible for 3D, use something like Solidworks or Catia...

 

[iVikD]

I didn't know Autocad was even something people used in Engineering.

Not for solid modeling anyway.

Typically you see CATIA, Solidworks, ProE, Unigraphics in the aero and auto world.

Thank you, I'll check these out :]