An Investigation into Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) in the Saginaw Area from the Viewpoint of Mechanical Drafting and Design Employers.

The extent to which computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) was being used in local businesses in Saginaw, Michigan, was investigated. Focuses of a literature review were types of CADD systems, categories of CADD users, and the symbiotic relationship between industry and education in providing CADD training. The survey questionnaire was administered to drafter and designer employers who used CADD systems to design and detail mechanical and machine tool products. Twenty-seven of 34 questionnaires were returned. Six respondents who classified themselves architectural/civil were eliminated from the survey results; the remaining respondents were categorized into three groups: manufacturing/design/process engineering company, contract design drafting service, or other. Two-dimensional design/drafting was rated the highest use of CADD and having the highest need for inservice training. Digitizing drawings was rated the lowest use and the lowest need for training. The most used mainframe CADD system was Unigraphics. Currently employed CADD operators acquired skills to operate CADD systems on the job or in apprenticeships most often and in a high school setting least often. According to most respondents (62 percent), 76 to 100 percent of work was being done on CADD systems rather than to manual procedures. (The instrument, 20 endnotes, and 10 references are appended.) (YLB)