How to Be Mechanical Drafter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Mechanical drafters are responsible for creating technical drawings and plans used to construct components and machinery. They must have a high level of technical knowledge and be able to visualize complex components, as well as have a keen eye for detail. The demanding nature of the job requires a great deal of skill, as even the smallest errors can have costly consequences.

As a result, having a highly-trained drafter on staff can be essential for engineering and manufacturing businesses, as it can help them save time, money, and resources. Without the expertise of mechanical drafters, companies could face increased costs and missed deadlines due to expensive mistakes, resulting in a decrease in productivity and revenue.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require mechanical drafters to have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
Take a Drafting Course. Students interested in mechanical drafting should take a drafting course at the high school level, which can teach students the basics of engineering drawings, including line types and dimensioning conventions.
Earn an Associate Degree in Mechanical Drafting. Most employers prefer to hire drafters with an associate degree in mechanical drafting or a related field. These degree programs typically include courses in mathematics, physics, 3-D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD).
Gain Work Experience. Employers typically prefer job applicants with prior work experience in mechanical drafting or a related field. This can be done through internships or apprenticeships while pursuing an associate degree.
Obtain Certification. Certifications offer a way for drafters to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers a Certified Professional Draftsman (CPD) certification for mechanical drafters.

In order to stay ahead and remain capable in mechanical drafting, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the field. This includes keeping abreast of new technology, software, and processes that have become available, as well as staying informed on industry best practices. having a strong understanding of CAD/CAM systems, engineering principles, and design tools can help one to stay ahead of the competition and remain capable in their drafting work.

Finally, having a good understanding of the regulations, standards, and procedures related to the industry can help ensure that the mechanical drafter produces accurate drawings that meet the necessary requirements. All of these aspects are necessary to staying ahead and remaining capable in the field of mechanical drafting.

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Job Description

Create detailed drawings of mechanical components and assemblies using CAD software
Prepare assembly drawings that show the relationship between parts
Develop detailed plans for mechanical systems
Utilize three-dimensional models for design projects
Analyze engineering data to determine the best design solutions
Work with engineers to develop solutions to meet customer specifications
Create bill of materials, assembly instructions, and other technical documents
Troubleshoot design problems and recommend modifications
Review drawings to ensure accuracy and completeness
Monitor projects to ensure deadlines are met

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mechanical drawing principles, standards, and techniques
Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Solidworks, Inventor, etc. )
Strong understanding of engineering concepts and materials
Ability to interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics
Skilled in assembling and detailing mechanical components
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and other drafters

Mechanical drafters play a crucial role in the engineering industry, as they are responsible for creating detailed drawings that are used in the production of various machines and products. Their skillset is absolutely essential for the success of any engineering project. To be a successful mechanical drafter, having a good understanding of engineering principles and the ability to accurately interpret technical drawings are essential.

having strong attention to detail and good problem-solving skills are also essential for success in this field. proficiency in computer-aided design software is also a must as it is used to create the majority of technical drawings. Finally, communication skills are also important because mechanical drafters need to be able to effectively communicate with engineers and other stakeholders to ensure accuracy in their work.

All of these skills must be honed and combined in order to be a successful mechanical drafter.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in designing mechanical parts and components?
How comfortable are you working with CAD software?
What challenges have you faced while working as a Mechanical Drafter?
How have you incorporated customer feedback into your designs?
Describe a project you completed that youre particularly proud of.
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy in your drawings and models?
How do you stay current with the latest technological advancements in the field?
How do you collaborate with engineers and other professionals to ensure the success of a project?
What methods do you use to ensure that your designs meet safety standards?
What has been your most difficult drawing assignment?

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. A computer-aided design (CAD) program used to create 2D and 3D drawings. (eg: AutoCAD)
Dimensioning Instruments. Tools used to measure dimensions of mechanical parts. (eg: Vernier caliper)
Drafting Board. A flat working surface used for manually producing technical drawings. (eg: Parallel Straightedge)
Technical Writing Software. Software used to create technical documents associated with mechanical drawings. (eg: Microsoft Word)
Drafting Table. A tilted working surface used to manually produce technical drawings. (eg: Adjustable Drawing Table)
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software. Software used to prepare programs for the operation of CNC machines. (eg: Mastercam)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
American Welding Society (AWS)
National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Project Management Institute (PMI)

We also have Topographic Drafter, Architectural Drafter, and Plumbing Drafter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

CAD. Computer-Aided Design - a computer system used to create 2D and 3D models and drawings of objects.
CAM. Computer-Aided Manufacturing - a computer system used to control machine tools in the manufacturing process.
GD&T. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing - a language used to describe the precise size, form, orientation, and location of features on a part.
Feature Recognition. The process of automatically identifying the features on a drawing or model and assigning the appropriate dimensions and tolerances to them.
Solid Modeling. The process of creating 3D models with precise geometric shapes and parameters.
Assembly Modeling. The process of creating 3D models that represent the assembly of multiple parts into a larger unit.
FEA. Finite Element Analysis - a computer simulation process used to analyze the stresses and deformations of complex parts and assemblies.
BOM. Bill of Materials - a list of all components that make up an assembly, including their size, shape, material, finish, and other related information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mechanical Drafter?

A Mechanical Drafter is a professional who produces technical drawings, diagrams and illustrations that are used to build and manufacture machines and mechanical parts.

What skills are needed to be a Mechanical Drafter?

A Mechanical Drafter needs to be proficient in computer aided design (CAD) software, have an understanding of engineering principles, and possess strong technical and problem-solving skills.

What type of work does a Mechanical Drafter do?

A Mechanical Drafter produces drawings for parts and assemblies, using CAD software to generate 2D and 3D models. They may also analyze existing parts and assemblies to create revisions, or design components from scratch.

What qualifications do you need to become a Mechanical Drafter?

To become a Mechanical Drafter, one typically needs a relevant associate's degree or vocational certificate, as well as experience in CAD software. Additional certifications may also be required depending on the specific role.

What is the expected salary for a Mechanical Drafter?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Mechanical Drafters is $54,170 as of May 2020.

Web Resources

Mechanical Drafter | Manhattan Area Technical College manhattantech.edu
Mechanical Drafter | Community College of Philadelphia www.ccp.edu
Mechanical Drafter - Lancaster County Career & Technology Center lancasterctc.edu