AutoCAD is a computerised drafting package that lets people draw pictures.
Mechanical engineering is more than just knowing how to draw pictures in two or three dimensions.
Amongst other things, mechanical engineers are required to know about:
- Strength of materials
- Energy
- Power
- Torque
- Stresses
- Bending moments
- Couples
- Torsion
- Efficiency
- Thermodynamics
- Heat & heat transfer
- Psychrometry
- Fluids & fluid mechanics
- Hydraulics
- Pneumatics
- Tribology
- Kinematics
- Statics & dynamics
- Structural analysis
- Mechanical cycles like the Carnot cycle
- Gears & gear teeth design
- Crank shafts
- Vibration
- Manufacturing processes
- A good knowledge of chemistry, maths and physics is definitely required
You won't learn any of this from AutoCAD or any other drafting package. Such software may help you develop drafting skills.
All forms of engineering need to be studied at universities or colleges to ensure those who study engineering are qualified and competent. It's not something you pick up by reading a book or learning how to use one or more software packages.
