AutoCAD, Inventor, or Other

[Andy Baker]

Originally posted by D.J. Fluck
Last I heard Delphi was 100% with Unigraphics Solutions (Creators of Solid Edge)

Andy B, is this still true?

No, DJ. Unigraphics is what I use as a machine designer, but there are many other programs used here at Delphi. Here is a breakdown of what is used within the Delphi-Delco division:

Unigraphics is used by machine designers and product designers.

Solid Edge is used by a few production engineers and system engineers who are not as CAD-intensive as the UG users.

AutoCad 2000 and v14 is used by EEs and MEs in manufacturing.

Mini-Cad is used by plant engineers (I think).

There are many other programs that are used for circuit board and IC layout, but I don't deal with that too much.

I just gotta say that using a Spaceball while designing is the best thing since sliced bread. A spaceball is not a mouse. It is a group of sensors which tell your CAD model to move around on your screen when you apply a force ot it.

For instacne, if I push my spaceball to the right, my CAD image moves to the right. If I pull the spaceball toward me, I zoom in on my CAD image. If I twist the spaceball, my CAD image starts rotating. The spaceball doesn't move, it stays still... but it senses the forces applied to it. I've had it for about 7 years. It would be great to use in games like Sim City or Starcraft.

Andy B.