How can Chemical Engineers improve their CAD proficiency?

Formal Courses: Enroll in CAD courses offered by accredited institutions or online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX. Look for courses specific to chemical engineering applications. You can also use the free tutorials available on the internet or the ones offered by the company itself. Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized CAD software providers, which can add credibility to your skillset. Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced CAD users in your network or industry. They can provide insights and tips that are not available in formal training. Professional Workshops and Seminars: Attend industry-specific workshops and seminars.

Try to invest time watching in CAD courses, like Coursera, Udemy. Practice a lot in free versions, to progress from basic to advanced. Even ten minutes to half hour per day is a progress. Try to be consistently

As a Chemical Engineer, you can enhance proficiency by consistently practicing CAD tasks and by engaging in real-world projects or create hypothetical chemical engineering designs. Collaborate with colleagues or classmates on engineering projects that require CAD design, fostering practical application and learning. Utilize CAD templates specifically designed for chemical engineering applications, which can streamline the design process. Explore research opportunities where CAD can be applied in chemical engineering, providing hands-on experience and deepening understanding.

Chemical engineers are generally familiar with CAD software as part of their chemical engineering bachelor's degree program. They typically cover CAD-related courses during their studies. However, it's important for them to enhance their skills in specific software based on their project needs. This can be achieved through various resources such as software websites, manuals, YouTube tutorials, free online courses, open courseware from universities like MIT, and LinkedIn Learning.

It happens very often we cannot choose the software for some specific tasks. Normally clients have their own program to develop products and then we, the new users involve ourselves into that. Sometimes by self-learning methods and others just receiving training done our companies.

When it comes to mastering anything, learning from internet resources is without a doubt the best approach to do it. Even the same software companies take the time to provide textual resources and multimedia content, such as e-books, papers, handbooks, and other similar materials. There are times when it is vital to "filter" all of the content that is accessible. By this I mean that it is essential to do good scanning and skimming reading in order to locate the greatest resources that are available.

Learning online is a very effective way to improve CAD skills as there are a lot of resources relating to CAD on the internet. Sometimes they are free and other times they are to be paid for. These resources come with flexibility as regards their utilization.

Learning from online resources is definitely a right way to master anything. Even the same software providers prepare multimedia material, written resources such as ebooks, papers, handbooks, etc. Quite often is necessary to "filter" all the material available, I mean, it is important to do proper scanning and skimming reading to find the best available resources.

Enrolling into CAD courses specific to Chemical Engineering applications and discipline. So many platforms offer online courses that cover softwares like AutoCAD, SolidWorks or other specific Chemical Engineering CAD tools.

En un mundo donde la tecnología está al alcance de todos, un paso importante es aprender de los recursos que tenemos en línea, tutoríales y sitios web para mejorar nuestras habilidades en los aspectos básicos en CAD

Nothing better to master you as user of something than: Real-world problems. Challenging your skills, from the very beginning, assuming small tasks until you are proficient and capable to solve very complex and advanced projects.

In my teaching, I emphasize a research-driven approach to familiarize students with the latest developments in process simulation. I incorporate findings from my research, like dynamic simulation linked to CAD software, into the curriculum. This enriches learning and promotes critical thinking and student engagement. Additionally, I use case studies and real-world scenarios to connect theory with practice, preparing students for future professional challenges.

There’s a saying that, Practice makes Perfect. The key to Proficiency is Practice. Work on design except uses, personal projects or even sample projects to apply CAD skills consistently and build more confidence.

Industry related problems must be practiced on simulation software like Aspen Plus, Aspen Hysys, Simulink, MATLAB, UniSim etc.

First, try to reproduce a simple system in the CAD software set. In a 3D modeller, you will find out about intrinsic problems such as the Topological Naming Problem, and why some "best practices" exist. In a simulator (in which you input a 3D model), you will find out that there are many sets of parameter values which produce equivalent results. In practice, that means multiple ways to make your simplified "digital twin" similar enough to the real system in the aspects of reality which matter to you.

The most important role which mentorship plays is it brings in experience of the mentor which possibly cannot be documented anywhere. Learning best happens from mistakes, and no better than a good mentor can make that possible by sharing his/her own mistakes.

Mentorship is always important in learning as it would aid swift development and help you gain vital insights based on the experiences shared by the mentor. It would also help you avoid going through the same mistakes that others ahead had whilst they were learning and developing their CAD skills.

Having a good mentor is a huge plus. Their experiences and insights can significantly accelerate the learning process. I had a really good professor who opened my eyes to seeing things in a new perspective making it easier to visualize and create in a digital format.

Interact with colleagues and peers who are knowledgeable about CAD. You can learn more quickly when you work together on projects or ask someone with greater experience for advice. Also share tricks and tips with people in your professional network.

Depending on how much you really want to dominate a tool, it's always important to keep you updated from all the new features, applications, shortcuts, functions and a large etcetera. From magazines to newsletters, including seminars, many possible ways to get new relevant information.

Change is the only permanent thing in this world. People need to deal with changes and do continuous learning to refine one's craft.

I would say it is easier to learn when you enjoy something. In this case, it was really easy for me to become proficient in CAD because it is enjoyable. It is important to enjoy the process and not just focusing on finishing it. I have found that some people find collaborating with others more enjoyable.

It is required to understand the subject and enjoy the subject. If is required to develop 3D way of thinking to crack all the topics of CAD

Choose projects that genuinely interest you. Whether it's designing a new chemical process or optimizing a reactor, aligning your projects with your passions adds a layer of enjoyment to the learning process and encourages you to practice more.

As I said in item 3, the first practical step is to make a "digital twin" of a simple real system. It is extremely satisfying to watch the "digital twin" behave just like the real system side to side. So, record a video of the real system, reproduce the same camera angle in the simulator and put them side-by-side or, even better, semitransparent overlaid. This is actually how DEM simulations are calibrated. After you master reproduction, you can start experimenting with optimisation and design.

Once before a person told me: "Process Engineers should no spend valuable time doing CAD activities, because is it not an efficient way to invest their time". Obviously that person never had to deliver an important drawing in the project deadline! Skills are never a waste of time. Some of them are more often used than others, no doubt, but it makes you an even better professional.

Attend Workshops and Training Sessions: Participate in workshops, training sessions, or webinars conducted by CAD software providers or industry experts. These sessions often cover advanced features, tips, and best practices, providing hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the software. Remember, continuous learning and practical application are key to mastering CAD skills.

It is really necessary for Chemical Engineers to be proficient in CAD. The ways to do it are by using continuous practice and learn new tricks, shortcuts from Youtube. There are lot of Youtube videos on CAD by professionals so no need to do paid classes.

Keep yourself updated on industry standards and best practices related to CAD in chemical engineering. Know the context and policies in the industry. Understanding how CAD fits into broader industry standards will enhance your overall proficiency.

Generative Systems In generative systems, a set of rules or formulae establishes the framework for a computer based production process. The author-designer sets up the rules and the resulting computer process generates shapes and designs without the designer individually determining each solution. For example, Bentley Systems’ relatively new commercial system, Generative Components sets into play a series of user defined transactions and parameters, generates forms, and then allows the designer to make dynamic modifications in order to adjust the results