By Sofiah Shariman
There’s been a growing number of apps made specifically for engineers today. For efficient management of your engineering firm, using resources, references and management tools – this is our selection of some of the best engineering apps you need in 2021.
1. Graphing Calculator X84
App Store: 4.6, Google Play: 3.7
IMAGE: Apple App Store
This app has quite a formidable reputation among students and engineers alike. It performs all the functions you need – from basic to advanced mathematical equations.
So, Why Should You Use Graphing Calculator X84?
This app is a great free alternative to many complex scientific calculators in the market such as the Casio FX, TI-83, TI-84 and TI-89. It turns your tablet or smartphone into a virtual scientific calculator, complete with the ability to graph up to four equations, graph in polar coordinates and parametric equations.
Not only that, the app can also solve quadratic equations and linear equations. It includes an in-depth user manual and tutorial to help you understand the app better. Now you no longer need to lug around your old, clunky graphing calculator!
Available on: iOS and Android.
Pricing: Free.
2. Jibble
Capterra: 4.8, Google Play: 4.4
IMAGE: Jibble
Jibble is a free time-clock app that accurately tracks time and attendance by using facial recognition, geolocation and timestamps. It also helps generate timesheets and reports, and even calculates overtime pay for your employees.
So, Why Should You Use Jibble?
Leading a team of engineers is no easy feat, especially when your team members are working at different on-site locations. With Jibble, you can streamline your day-to-day operations by easily monitoring when your employees clock in and out of work, where they are working from and how much time they spend on site.
To prevent buddy punching, you can even restrict team members to certain geolocations. If they are not within range, they will not be able to clock into work for the day. This ensures that your employees are on time, without the need for any micromanagement on your part.
Available on: iOS, Android, Mac and Windows.
Pricing: FREE. Paid plans start at $2 USD/employee per month.
3. AutoCad 360
App Store: 4.3, Google Play: 3.8
IMAGE: AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design and drafting software, originally released for desktops only. Now on mobile, you can save and store your files in the cloud system and access it whenever and wherever you are.
So, Why Should You Use AutoCAD?
By being able to design and edit DWG drawings while you’re on the go, you get to streamline your workload and go paperless. You can avoid back-and-forth trips to the office when you have all the files you need on your tablet.
Not only that, you can access real-time edits and work collaboratively with your team members and make notes at the job site. Plus, since all your designs are saved in the cloud, you can access them even while you’re offline and any changes made will be automatically synced once you regain Internet access
Available on: iOS, Android, Mac and Windows.
Pricing: FREE 7-day trial. Paid subscriptions start at $5 USD per month.
4. Engineering Cookbook
App Store: 5.0, Google Play: 4.3
IMAGE: Apple App Store
This app is a convenient resource for mechanical engineers, in particular. It is the Wikipedia of all things engineering.
So, Why Should You Use Engineering Cookbook?
It’s a virtual handbook that you can refer to for information about heating and cooling load estimation, fan basics, system design, duct design, motors and drives, and even design formulas and conversion factors.
Available on: iOS and Android.
Pricing: FREE.
5. Mechanical Engineering One
Google Play: 4.4
IMAGE: Google Play store
This is by far, one of the most powerful engineering tools you can have on your smartphone. It was designed by engineer Selcuk Hosoglu for other engineers.
So, Why Should You Use Mechanical Engineering One?
It provides mechanical engineers a one-stop resource to carry out their day-to-day tasks more efficiently. Not just for mechanical engineers, civil engineers, HVAC engineers and electrical engineers too can use this app to refer to different reference tables, calculators and convertors. The app’s unit convertors include both Metric (SI) and Imperial (US) units.
Available on: Android.
Pricing: FREE.
6. iEngineer
IMAGE: Apple App store
iEngineer is a simple yet comprehensive tool for all engineers. If you need to find the right screw or bolt for your project, you can refer to their database for all the information you need.
So, Why Should You Use iEngineer?
This is your go-to app for information on standard dimensions, tap sizes, clearance hole sizes and material strength, among others.
It includes over 93 different US screws from #0 to #4” and also 210 different Metric screws from M1.0 to M100. It will make your job as an engineer more convenient as you can copy and paste data values, and create fast and easy unit conversions with this app.
Available on: iOS.
Pricing: FREE.
7. iCircuit
App Store: 4.4, Mac App Store: 4.8
IMAGE: MacAkins Online
iCircuit is an easy-to-use app and software that performs analog and digital circuit simulations in real-time. It does a good job of replicating working circuits and includes elements over 30 elements.
So, Why Should You Use iCircuit?
You can play around with various elements like simple resistors, switches, MOSFETs, signal generators, and simulated AM and FM antennas.
Still not convinced? iCircuit even has a multimeter for instant voltage and current readings. It even has an in-app oscilloscope if you want to check how value changes over time. With these features, it’s no wonder this app is a favorite among many electrical engineers.
Available on: iOS, Android, Mac and Windows.
Pricing: $12.99 USD.
8. Steel Profiles
App Store: 4.4, Google Play: 3.4
IMAGE: Apple App Store
With Steel Profiles, you can quickly access information on steel profiles according to American (AISC), Canadian (CISC), British and European standards.
So, Why Should You Use Steel Profiles?
You can search steel shapes by name or by major properties such as minimum area, weight, moment of inertia and elastic modulus. Not only that, you can also find information on predefined, parametric (circular, regular, H, I, U) and freeform steel sections.
Available on: iOS and Android.
Pricing: Free.
9. Dext (a.k.a. Receipt Bank)
Capterra, 4.2, Google Play: 4.7
IMAGE: Dext
Dext, formerly known as Receipt Bank is a cloud-based bookkeeping tool. While not an engineering app per se, it does help to keep all your paperwork from clients, suppliers and utility providers all in one place. You can snap, save and organise all your invoices and receipts within seconds.
So, Why Should You Use Dext?
It can be difficult staying organised when you’re in charge of multiple projects and dealing with invoices for different clients at a time. With Receipt Bank, you can stay on top of your paperwork as it digitizes all your receipts and invoices, and converts them into data.
This way, you’ll save time and can easily extract the data for you and your client’s viewing. You no longer need to chase after your client for outstanding paperwork as you can directly request for it on your client’s mobile app. More importantly, you can individually categorise and label your documents so you can pull them out whenever you need them.
Available on: iOS and Android.
Pricing: Free. Paid plans start at £12.50/user per month.
10. Build A Bridge!
App Store: 4.6, Google Play: 4.1
IMAGE: Puzzle Game Master
Need to keep yourself and your team members entertained during your lunch break? The last app on this list is a video game that puts your engineering skills to the test. Not all apps for engineers need to be for work, they can be for fun too!
So, Why Should You Use Build A Bridge?
This video game requires you to build a bridge that’s strong enough to withstand the weight of a car, truck, bus or monster truck – it differs with every level you play. You need to get your creative juices working and design a bridge in simple, 2D before switching to 3D mode and testing if your bridge passes the test. It’s just a fun yet educational game for you and your team members to pass the time.
Available on: iOS, Android, Mac and Windows.
Pricing: Free.
Cover image sourced from mindandi on freepik.
Jibble is a free time and attendance tracking software with 10,000s of users around the globe. Check it out here!
