Likelihood to Recommend AutoCAD LT is suitable for engineers that uses DWG formats casually and don't rely on
AutoCAD as the main tool to issue drawings in the workflow.
AutoCAD LT is best suited for firms that do not use LISP functions in
AutoCAD and do not care about 3D modeling. Although
AutoCAD LT has other missing functions when compared to standard
AutoCAD , these features are of less importance and can't be noticed.
Read full review Autodesk MeshMixer is best for repairing STL files and basic modifications toward 3D printing. It is excellent for hollowing out models and adding escape holes for SLA printing or lost-wax casting. Its CSG (Boolean) functions to combine different meshes are good too and seldom cause the program to crash. There is even an integrated algorithm to optimize the layout of multiple files on a print bed in case of small-batch production. Autodesk MeshMixer's sculpting tools are there yet limited and there are a few better alternatives. Best of all, it is completely free.
Read full review Pros The library feature for all areas is to me AutoCAD LT's extra strong point, it makes it easier to find information within the program itself. The fast solutions and precise development of drawings and projects is also another strong point. I use the floor plans, elevations, sections and the hydraulic designs to work with my students on physics projects. The software allows you to scale model and remodel as many times as you need, from simple to more complex designs Importing and exporting files is also very simple to perform making corrections and quick feedback to students easy. Read full review Auto-repair function works fast, and if it does not completely cover all problem areas, manual fixes will work 99.5% of the time. Remeshing algorithm is fairly slow but does a wonderful job in creating meshes with homogeneous or adaptive triangulation. It contains a comprehensive set of tools to optimize and prepare STL files for 3D printing, such as hollowing and support generation. Read full review Cons All individual lines are to be made a polyline to perform actions like Hatching, filling, etc which is very hectic. - Wish need not make it in the future. Read full review The remeshing tool needs to be faster, as in some cases it takes up to a day of waiting time. The sculpting tools need the addition of a proper brush for creating sharp creases and ridges. The standard shape library is rather limited. It would be nice to have this connected to online repositories such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Cults3D. Read full review Alternatives Considered Although
AutoCAD LT is the lite software when compared to standard
AutoCAD , it does all the work when it comes to 2D modeling and issuing design drawings. When comparing it to
BricsCAD ,
AutoCAD LT shines, as it works without freezing and is usually more responsive than
BricsCAD , it just outclasses it.
Read full review Using
Blender for STL file preparation is like swatting a mosquito with a wrecking ball, plus its boolean functionalities can be glitchy. ZBrushCoreMini proved too limiting as a sculpting tool, but so did Autodesk MeshMixer, so I am sticking to Sculptris. Materialise Magics and Netfabb are somewhat better at STL file repair and offer more advanced functionalities. But Magics does not remesh as well and Autodesk MeshMixer is far more compact and faster than Netfabb, so remains my weapon of choice.
Read full review Return on Investment The impact is always positive in my case when I use AutoCAD LT, because I provide intelligent lessons with few resources The negative impact usually happens with professionals who don't like to innovate, study, or put a little more effort into their work. AutoCAD LT enables the enchantment at the end of the project by the public and at the beginning by the students that are delighted with so many tools Read full review It speeds up projects by streamlining the CAD-to-3D-printing workflow As an advanced user, I have written a few tutorials about it as well Read full review ScreenShots