AutoCAD -- the ONLY option for 2D CAD work
April 25, 2019
AutoCAD -- the ONLY option for 2D CAD work
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with AutoCAD
We do a lot of laser cutting at NoMo Diagnostics Inc. To do this, I use AutoCAD a lot. I draw out everything that I want to laser cut using AutoCAD before I print it. This is to make sure that what I am looking to laser cut looks correct and that it will cut correctly. The AutoCAD files are also used to send to the laser cutter to make it run.
- AutoCAD allows you to output many different file types for all kinds of different functions.
- It allows for the quick design of 2D parts if you do not want to load up SOLIDWORKS for larger, 3D parts.
- The software helps you use a variety of shop tools, such as laser cutters and the shopbot.
- AutoCAD could be easier to use; sometimes processes are very complicated.
- I do not like the giant cursor that you use while drawing things in AutoCAD, it can get difficult to create smaller parts.
- I also don't like the way that you select everything. Sometimes it is very hard to select all the things that I need to without selecting many other parts of a drawing as well.
- AutoCAD has helped make my prototyping more efficient in using a laser cutter, since it is a good way to rapidly create parts.
- It helps me visualize things before physically building a part, so that I can make sure it looks good before I create it.
- The software is very inexpensive, which helps keep our budget down.
- Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS
AutoCAD is better than both of these programs because it is cheaper, simpler, and a smaller program. It also makes it easier to print files you draw straight to a laser cutter, shopbot, or other shop machine. Fusion 360 is a great program for 3D drawings, but it does not stack up against AutoCAD for 2D files.