Autocad

we used autodesk's analysis and simulation software for designing most of our prototypes. they do offer a lot of software functionality. even within their simulation category, they offer 8 different and separate software systems that narrows the function down. the downside is if you want a software system that has multi function into one prepackaged entity, you will not get that. you will have to purchase multiple packages to fulfill the task. with their software for our prototyping design, it allowed us to design, visualize, and simulate our potential product. the software also allows us to streamline documentation, data management and collaboration. they do have a very vivid software functionality and the design you are able to create with their software is compelling and very realistic which aids in visualizing the product before it becomes real. the functionality of the software is great but if you are looking for a all-in-one prepackaged software with multi functionality in one, this may not be for you. they are multi functional but you will have to purchase them separately

Strengths: software with a lot of flexibility, functionality, and customization. can be used for 2-D, 3-D, infrastructure and simulation work, creation and design software available as well. technical support is responsive.

Needs to improve: software pricing is fair at best, the software does the job but it has nothing that makes it exceptional

Durring the time I used AutoCAD it was very great for 2D. It would allow you to dimension any part with any view that were required. I do like that AutoCAD gives you the ability to set things up on layers and based on that: you will be able to manage the design through layers. It takes a bit getting used to, buit it can be a great time saver. I would say that AutoCAD still out shines from a 2D CAD perspective and I cannot say for sure, but their 3D portion is a big improvement over the past versions. They are always trying to improve the CAD software to make it support engineering, so we can do engineering and not spend time on just documantation...

Strengths: AutoCAD is a great 2D Package. Customer Service - Technical Support - Readily Available - Great WEBsite

Needs to improve: It was a bit difficult to use the 3D version of AUTOCAD. During the time I was using it took an extreme amount of time to learn. Compared with Solidworks & Solid-Edge it was way behind on the 3D development end. Also, if you did not have the models correctly setup, it would cause a bouillon error

I could never get into autocad. Came up learning both autocad and solidworks at the same time and found myself gravitating towards solidworks for many reasons (windows-like menu structure, logical progression of developing your model, 3D, etc). Autocad may serve itself better in architectural drafting applications, but for myself in engineering design, i haven't found it that useful and more frustrating.

Strengths: lines, very straight lines

Needs to improve: Manual commands

We use Autocad to design prototypes for medical devices such as stents, coils, fixtures, etc. Most of the advanced users of autocad are our senior engineers. Most of the newer fresh engineer graduates are versed well in solidworks however not so much in autocad. Not a big deal, we can train for autocad but it seems like it is slowly becoming outdated. Its still fairly easy to use and they offer training classes for autocad but I personally still prefer solidworks as it seems like it is more mainstream. LIcensing for each computer in our office is pretty cheap as we have a long standing relationship with them. Overall I'm happy with using autocad however I can see the direction that will slowly phase autocad out in favor for solidworks.

Strengths: 3d modeling

Needs to improve: software updates slow

autocad has been pretty much replaced by solidworks within industry. my issues with autocad from the time i've spent using it has been that solidworks out-shines it in ease of use for the user and also ability for 3D modeling. for me, i find solidworks much more efficient and faster in generating my models or designs than when i tried doing similar tasks with autocad

Strengths: 2-D

Needs to improve: none

Their 2-D CAD software took a lot more work to use. I had to visualize what the other sides look like. The company is responsive to questions.

Strengths: Their CAD program can do drag and draw.

Needs to improve: Their CAD program requires typing different keys just to dimension a part. Hard to imagine what the other faces would look like. AutoCAD doesn't offer much updates.

I learned how to draft and model using an early version of Autocad. While it wasn't the most user friendly modeling software, it has always been great for 2D drawing. Given the need for complex designs and assemblies in medical devices, Autocad has gone the way of cassette tapes. It may still be of great value in other industries or for other applications such an electrical circuit layout.

Strengths: Great for 2D drawings

Needs to improve: No longer has 3D modeling capabilities.

We use autocad software to design our educational toys. Everyone who designs anything pretty much uses autocad, so we won't have to praise the program itself. It does have some flaws here and there, but its the industry standard. The GUI has improved and advanced greatly thanks to autocad's own team. We enjoy working and conversion with them. We think they are fantastic. Customer service always keeps us around. Helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

Strengths: design and modeling software

Needs to improve: some bugs still in program

AutoCAD is easy to learn and can be useful when depicting simple components or cross-sections of assemblies where the scale does not have to be accurate (e.g., microcatheters with the diameter:length ~1:90) in a drawing.

Strengths: Easy to learn; quick to draft

Needs to improve: You can dimension the entire model, but obviously won't be able to view the solid model like in Solidworks

I've used AutoCad throughout my career and ensure that a license is purchased for my own use.

Strengths: Great drafting tool that makes the life of an industrial engineer easy when dealing with layouts. Very easy to use and learn

Needs to improve: Not sure if they have 3D or not, but they would be good if they did.

Overall I use Autocad products frequently for CAD work and the software is highly reliable and suits most of my needs.

Strengths: Autocad is an industry leader in computer-aided design. It has a lot of features and capabilities.

Needs to improve: The cost of Autocad is high and the learning curve is fairly steep for beginners.

I learned drafting on AutoCAD and it maybe a dying skill. More draftsmen and designer should use AutoCAd first to learn drafting.

Strengths: AutoCAD is great 2D that everyone should learn to use at some point.

Needs to improve: 3D modeling is what everyone uses and AutoCAD is not that.

Autocad is a good company and has excellent customer service.

Strengths: We were able to design prototypes for our coils and stents for our medical devices. We use Autocad on a daily basis for CAD work and their software is reliable and great to use.

Needs to improve: None

I used to use AutoCad all the time for 2D modeling and was very easy to learn. It is definitely more useful in the Architecture space then any other fields.

Strengths: 2D modeling is great, easy to use

Needs to improve: Not for 3D modeling

I trained in Autocad several years ago and haven't used it since. Solidworks is taking over. Autocad may have its place in other industries but not in Medical

Strengths: easy to learn user interface

Needs to improve: 3D moldeling

haven't used autocad for quite some time. solidworks for my typical modeling requirements is far more useful these days.

Strengths: none

Needs to improve: not very easy to use