The biggest difference between AutoCAD and MDT (Autodesk Mechanical
Desktop) relate to productivity tools. MDT is an extension to AutoCAD
which enhances its capabilites, but (with some very specific
exceptions) does not remove any capabilities. It's possible to use
MDT exactly as you use AutoCAD, though that is not the intent of the
authors.
AutoCAD contains tools for creating and editing 2d and 3d (mesh and
boundary representation) geometry and annotations. MDT automates
those tools to a very high degree by creating and maintaining
relationships between 2d and 3d elements. To exploit MDT is it
neccessary to prefer working with the extention's commands rather than
the AutoCAD commands you may be accustomed to. Hence, you are
encouraged to create solid models of your design using MDT's commands,
and document the model with 2d drawings generated with other MDT
commands. Very little time will be spent in generating geometry for
drawing views, though the time spent in annotating (dimmensioning)
those view may be comprable to what you're accustomed to in AutoCAD.
When making design changes per ECO, etc. it will be much more
productive in MDT since the relationships captured during the modeling
and detailing stages allow MDT to (to a large extent) automate the
changes.
MDT's tools are specifically crafted to serve the needs of mechanical
designers and engineers, and are less suited to users in other
disciplines. |
