17 Great Mobile Apps for Engineers
By: Leslie Stevens-Huffman
If you’re looking to save time or be more efficient, you’re in luck – because there’s an app for that. Engineers have a plethora of free or low-cost tools and mobile apps at their disposal. As of 2014, Android’s library contained an estimated 1.3 million apps and Apple had 1.2 million.
With so many apps to choose from, we asked Jeremy Regnerus, user advocacy and community manager at SOLIDWORKS, how to go about selecting the best tool for the job.
“Start by defining your specific problem or need,” he advised. “Then, check out the reviews or ask for recommendations on one of the engineering discussion forums. Your colleagues will be happy to steer you toward the best material calculator or the best stress simulation tool, for example, once they understand exactly what you’re looking for.”
To make your life easier, here’s a sampling of top-rated engineering apps for your digital toolbox.
CAD and Simulation Tools
TurboViewer offers three markup and sharing apps that support both 2-D and 3-D CAD DWG files. The apps have won numerous awards and are available in iOS and Android.
AutoCAD 360 provides free web and mobile apps that let you view, create, edit, and share CAD drawings nearly anytime or anywhere. It’s available on multiple platforms including Apple and Android.
eDrawings Viewer allows you to view, print and review a variety of eDrawings files from your Android or Apple device.
ForceEffect performs simulation and engineering calculations on your mobile device. The app is available in iOS or Android and has garnered rave reviews from users and professional reviewers.
GrabCAD provides access to both the GrabCAD public library of CAD models (over 700,000) as well as private projects stored on GrabCAD Workbench. The app is available in iOS and Android.
Unit Converters
Engineering Unit Conversion is a comprehensive unit conversion tool that’s compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, although it’s optimized for iPhone 5. Current cost is $1.99.
Engineering Unit Converter is a free option for Android users.
Reference Tools
Formulas Free provides a collection of calculus and differential equations and formulas for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users. An updated version is in the works.
Mechanical Reference Library is a reference library for all things mechanical according to its developer. It costs just $.99 on the iTunes store.
Mechanical Engineering Toolbox offers common unit conversions and other calculations that are especially handy for mechanical engineers, naval architects, civil engineers, HVAC engineers and electrical engineers. There’s a free version and a professional version available to Android users. The professional version retails for $3.58.
Engineering Hand Book Lite lets you reference a variety of engineering concepts on-the-go. It’s available free to Android users.
Productivity Enhancers
Pocket Slide Rule offers a compact, portable slide rule in an app. It’s compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
PCalc Lite is a free and fully functional version of a scientific calculator that works on iPhones or iPads. You can also purchase an upgraded package designed for engineers.
RealCalc Plus is the enhanced version of Android’s top scientific calculator. It costs $3.49.
Evernote was named a “Top 10 Must-Have App” by The New York Times. You can use it to take notes, make lists or record your voice on-the-go. It’s available in Android and iOS.
WorkflowMax helps with time tracking, job costing and tracking, project management, invoicing and more. It’s perfect for freelance engineers and it works with Apple, Android and BlackBerry.
What’s your favorite app or tool? Please comment and let us know!
Other information of potential interest
Six Steps to Better Communications with Your Engineering Manager and Colleagues
Convince Your Project Manager to Give You More Responsibility
How to Engineer a Productive Relationship with a Recruiter
Defining the Ideal Resume for Contract Engineers
Five Tips for Landing Repeat Assignments
Help PEAK find the right placement for you: Submit or Update your resume.