Any CAD Technicians on here?

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Discussion

herbialfa

1,489 posts

202 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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surveyor said:
I've got drawings coming out of my ears. Not helped by the drawing contractor that I was using being completely gash. Dropped them.

Simple 2D floor layouts to Land Registry standard if anyone is interested smile
Email sent!

The Beaver King

6,095 posts

195 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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48Valves said:
I know exactly what you mean. I was doing huge prefab jobs 10/12 years ago. It amuses me now when I hear people talking about it like its some great new thing that they have invented.

At this very minute I'm sat in a BnB trying to think of a way I can create a new angle to do my MSc thesis on BIM and prefab.
Yeah, we have a running joke that offsite construction has been the 'new' thing for 10 years....

Hmmmm, tough one. The only thing I can think of that has caught my interest recently is 3D laser scanning refurb projects, importing it into CAD and coordinating prefabricated services around them. It's interesting because generally refurb jobs have been a 'no-go' for prefab as the existing services tend to create issues, usually because there are no decent/accurate 'As Fit' drawings available.

A few people I know are exploring the option of 3D laser mapping structures and M&E services, creating a wire frame model from that, then importing it into various software to give an 'As Fit' model. You can then use this to coordinate new services, including prefab.

Might be something, might be nothing. Good luck anyway thumbup

OctaneV8

136 posts

211 months

Sunday 22nd May 2016
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Hi all, I'm reading this thread and it has struck a chord - I'm keen to network with mechanical design / CAD engineers.

I am keen to increase my experience short-term, and income long-term as a mechanical design engineer.

I currently have over 8 years experience as a mechanical engineer, with design in mainly special purpose machinery using Catia and Solidworks, however I want to branch out and get experience in other areas to increase my employability as a perm or contractor in the future.

In response to The Beaver King and other contributors, I notice a lot of vacancies for "M & E" and "building services" mechanical designers. Can anyone help me to learn more about how to get into these roles.

Many thanks, I am on linkedin if that helps.

bucksmanuk

2,311 posts

170 months

Monday 23rd May 2016
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OctaneV8 said:
Hi all, I'm reading this thread and it has struck a chord - I'm keen to network with mechanical design / CAD engineers...........................
This is a tough one, as the demand is NOW, and it takes some time to cross over, and by the time you have done that, the market could be something else altogether.
I know 3 contract people (small sample I know) who have been caught out by the oil boom/bust. One went to a permie role in the oil industry 18 months ago, and is being made redundant in the next 4 weeks. The other (pressure vessel expert) has gone from £65/hr to £35/hr in 6 months…. Another has gone from £44/hr to £36/hr.
I know the oil industry is a different animal then civil M&E, the timescale for change is longer, but the principle remains the same.
If you can change over, then the very best of luck to you and let us know how you get on.