solidworks vs inventor - job related

[shirt]

I posted in the computer section but didn't get an answer.

I have 4yrs experience with solidworks, none with inventor. I have an interview next week for a contract position using inventor.

how different are they from a user pov? if I'm asked to do a design exercise would I cope or embarrass myself? I'm thinking it may be an idea to source a copy to practice with.

[Fizpop]

Have you had much experience with any other Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD or 3DS Max? I havent used Inventor, but I have used all of Autodesk's other main products, AutoCAD, Map, Civil and Max. I found that the interfaces on all were very intuitive from one to the other. Moreover, from doing 3D work in MicroStation and moving to 3ds Max Design (separate developers) I found that I wasnt too lost. I would suggest ringing a CAD software provider and asking them of the differences. They will know as they usually have to flag them to potential clients. In additon, if you demonstrate your abilities in interview in another related platform then I can see them taking that as a benefit, if you know the theory and process then it's easy for them to train, show or give you tinker time on Inventor whilst haveing someone with Solidworks knowledge too.
Good luck!

[LJTS]

I use both on a day to day basis & they are basically similar packages

Inventor is easier to use I would say for a beginner

You can download an Inventor LT Trial from the Autodesk website!


http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?site...

Edited by LJTS on Friday 11th June 18:43

[shirt]

thanks, I'll get the download and play around this weekend.

I've used autocad but find it annoying compared to microstation. I'm not expecting much variance between the 3d packages other than menus, starting a sketch and creating drawing views. the role itself is well within my comfort zone.

[Engineer1]

Inventor is easy enough to pick up, but some things are different it less obvious how to design a part in an assembly, unless my settings are screwy. Inventor does have some nice design tools for bolted connections, springs, belt drives etc.

It may take a little time to convert over but good design knowledge and skills will convert. The issues will be daft stuff like drawing templates, and navigation of the model a 3D mouse is invaluable here.

Edit to add, Datum Planes seem to work differently meaning assemblies can be fun as can intricate shapes, if anyone can point me in the direction of a good source of info on them it would be appreciated.

Edited by Engineer1 on Friday 11th June 20:57

[matt12023]

wish I could help but i'm inventor all the way and though had a copy of solidworks never bothered playing with it. from speaking to people who have used both they are both very similar. inventor is so full of tutorials that with solidworks experience it'd be very easy to pick up

[shirt]

again, thanks for the link to the trial download. took bloody ages on my lethargic connection but I managed to adapt in an hour or so.

its very similar to solidworks, but I still prefer the latter for pure simplicity of the interface.