Finding volumes of product from 2d drafts

[Ninoshka]

So, I have recently been offered a position to calculate the amount of metal that will be used to make aluminum parts. I've taking a look at some of the drafts given and most are 2D drafts of the Front/Side/Top views. I could use some advice on converting 2D drafts to 3D. Mostly i can visualize, but some of these parts are very complicated. Most CAD drafting i've done were school work, mostly 2D drafts. I'm usually good at finding my way around the program, but this is something i'd like to master. The work does not begin for a week, so just getting info for now.

 

I've attached a draft from the web that i found which is similar to the type of parts i will be working with.

[ReMark]

This does not appear to be an easy task utilizing only 2D drawings given the complexity of the part. 3D would appear the way to go.

 

Have you any experience using Inventor? It might be better suited to this type of work.

[JD Mather]

... I could use some advice on converting 2D drafts to 3D.

 

Find all the 3D tutorials you can and start modeling.

You have about a 6-month learning curve ahead of you.

 

As you run into trouble - attach your 3D models here.

[ReMark]

JDM: You are referring to learning Inventor correct?

[JD Mather]

Any 3D CAD program.

[ReMark]

Would you agree that the OP would be better off using Inventor for this type of work? Wouldn't it be easier is what I am asking.

[JD Mather]

I would consider the task to be something akin to torture in AutoCAD.

[ReMark]

I would consider the task to be something akin to torture in AutoCAD.

I would agree with that statement. What about Fusion 360?

[Organic]

Inventor is going to be of no use to the OP if the company he will be working for doesn't have it.

[ReMark]

Then again they might be willing to buy it. It wouldn't hurt to ask.