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Mechanical Drafter What They Do

Prepares detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Develops detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Lays out and draws schematic, orthographic, or angle views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
Coordinates with and consult other workers to design, lay out, or detail components and systems and to resolve design or other problems.
Checks dimensions of materials to be used and assigns numbers to the materials.
Reviews and analyzes specifications, sketches, drawings, ideas, and related data to assess factors affecting component designs and the procedures and instructions to be followed.
Modifies and revises designs to correct operating deficiencies or to reduce production problems.
Computes mathematical formulas to develop and design detailed specifications for components or machinery, using computer-assisted equipment.
Positions instructions and comments onto drawings.
Lays out, draws, and reproduces illustrations for reference manuals and technical publications to describe operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Designs scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components.

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Mechanical Drafters

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People who do this job report that:

You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

CAD Drafter (Computer-Aided Design Drafter) -- Uses computer software to create technical drawings, blueprints and plans that are used to build a variety of items.
Mechanical Engineer -- Performs engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.