1.
What makes you a professional? I've been working with various CAD programs as a Design Engineer for about 17 years...first 5 as a GMI co-op with a quick-connect/hose company, and the last 12 with Delphi Connnection Systems as a 3D modeler and Component Designer.
2.
What is the greatest advantage Inventor has over other drafting softwares? Inventor, while very basic compared to other high-end softwares (UG, CATIA, etc.), has a quality Sketcher tool that can pump out parametric solid models very nicely, and it has the ability to create both constrained assemblies and basic drawings quickly and easily. However, I think the greatest advantage by far is the cost comparision. Sure, the higher-end CAD softwares can do a lot more, but at a huge cost--easily $10K-40K+ per license depending on the features.
3.
How would you describe the thought process used with CAD? When modeling in Inventor, look at the part and try to picture the primary profile of the body, sketch it parametricly using the Sketcher tool, create the basic solid body, and add the final details to finalize.
4.
What is your favorite tool and why? By far, the Sketcher tool. It's just as good as the higher-end systems. The program allows for parametric modeling, which is so helpful in designing from scratch. You will not do it perfect the first time, and parametric modeling with properly-used dimensional and geometric allows for faster modifications on the fly.
5.
How do you teach this software to someone new? The tutorial is one way--they can learn at their own pace. If doing it one-on-one or small groups, teach them Sketcher and Modeling basics, then introduce small parts and projects to develope their expertise--nothing makes a designer better more than experience. Print-reading should also be incorporated, with drawing generation towards the end.
6.
What companies do you know that use this software? I know of none.
7.
Please list the tools that you would show in a 5-7 minute demonstration? Sketcher, Extrude, Holes, Fillets, Edit Sketch, Edit Feature, Assemblies, Assembly Constraints
8.
Is there anything else you can think of that is of importance? Never go to bed angry...She's always right, you're always wrong--accept this and life will be easier...Wait, you mean about Inventor...sorry...even if other companies don't use Inventor, understanding the basic concepts of modeling, constraints, and parametrics will translate into every CAD program out there--the commands may be called something different, but they're all the same in the end.
9.
What is your primary CAD software? At work, it's Unigraphics, currently UG/NX3, with some jobs in CATIA v5.
Hope this helps out...
