CATIA · Getting Started Opening CATIA V5 for the first time can be disorienting — especially if you’re coming from AutoCAD or Inventor. The layout is different, the mouse works differently, and it’s not immediately obvious where to even begin. “What am I supposed to click on this screen?” This post covers the three things […]
AutoCAD · Basics Starting out in AutoCAD can feel overwhelming. You open the program and stare at a blank black screen — not sure where to click, how to type a command, or even how to draw a straight line. “How do I even enter a command? I can’t draw a single line properly…” This
Design Practice · Material Selection One of the first things that trips up new machine designers is material selection. When filling out a parts list, questions like “Should this base plate be SS400?” or “Does this shaft need S45C with heat treatment?” can take up a surprising amount of mental energy. “Using the toughest material
Body Jig · Design Basics In automotive production, one piece of equipment quietly holds everything together — the Body Jig. It is the foundation that ensures every panel is welded in exactly the right place, every single time. “Wait — what exactly is this steel structure I keep drawing in CATIA?” If you’ve ever sat