Master 37 Mechanical Engineer interview questions covering thermodynamics, CAD proficiency, and design problem-solving.
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Jason is a freelance mechanical engineer specializing in 3D Printing and CNC Machining.
If you are a candidate for a design role, or a position where Computer Aided Design (CAD) software will be used, you may be asked about your experience working with different modeling methods. Surface modeling and solid modeling are two different techniques used in CAD work, with the difference being whether or not you are creating surfaces or solids. Surfaces have no thickness, and were developed for the automotive and aerospace industries for contoured parts such as turbine blades and car bodies. Solid models have a thickness to them, and they are used for general manufacturing of parts like engine blocks, machine shafts and gears. When these methods are used together, they are known as hybrid modeling; they can be used to create intricate parts with the added capabilities of surface modeling.

Jason is a freelance mechanical engineer specializing in 3D Printing and CNC Machining.
"From my experience in product design, I know that the main difference is whether or not you are creating surfaces or solids within the design. Surfaces have no thickness, and they can be used to create complex geometries that would be difficult to design using solid modeling techniques. This could be used for a wind turbine blade, for example. Solid modeling is a more general purpose technique that generally uses extrusions, revolves, and sweeps to add and subtract material to create a solid. These can be used together in hybrid modeling to allow for additional contours and the ability to alter each part face individually."
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Written by Jason Toby
37 Questions & Answers • Mechanical Engineer

By Jason

By Jason