Drafting

Drafting is making a true-to-life representation of an object in the form of a drawing. A T-square or parallel rule, triangle, and mechanical pens and pencils were what draftsmen first used to draft designs for their clients until the introduction of computers. It was in 1970 that drafting engineers at GM developed the first computer aided drafting (CAD) system. It wasn't until the 80s that computer software became sophisticated enough so that two and three dimensional graphics became the standard practice.

Storing designs on a computer helps drafters to review, edit, print, and program them directly into an automated manufacturing system. CADs show clients how they plan to build their structure or product. They show technical details, dimensions, materials used, and the procedure necessary to put the product together. CAD software can also be used with computer aided machine (CAM) software, taking the design developed by the CAD program and downloading the directions into a machine that makes parts for specific things.

There are many special areas of drafting, and to work in each area, a person needs specific training. Drafters work in offices at drafting tables or in front of a computer, which can cause eyestrain, back pain, and wrist problems due to the long hours of sitting in front of a drafting table or computer. While most utilize CAD and CAM, traditional tools must still be used for certain design methods. Most drafters are still trained in drafting by hand, which prepares them in case they need to draft without CAM and helps them to understand how drafting works.