AutoCAD Mechanical vs AutoCAD: A Comparison for Mechanical Engineers

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a general-purpose CAD software program that can be used for a variety of purposes, including architectural, mechanical, and electrical design. It offers a wide range of features and tools, making it a versatile option for many different industries.

Some of the key features of AutoCAD include:

• 2D and 3D drafting
• Dimensioning
• Annotation
• Rendering
• Sheet metal design
• Manufacturing
• Import and export of CAD files

What is AutoCAD Mechanical?

AutoCAD Mechanical is a specialised CAD software program that is specifically designed for mechanical engineering design. It includes a number of features and tools that are specifically useful for mechanical engineers, such as tools for creating and dimensioning parts, as well as tools for generating bills of materials.

Some of the key features of AutoCAD Mechanical include:

• A library of standard parts and components
• Tools for creating and dimensioning parts
• Tools for generating bills of materials
• Tools for 3D printing
• Tools for analysis and simulation

Differences Between AutoCAD Mechanical vs AutoCAD 

There are a number of key differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD Mechanical. These differences include:

• Features: AutoCAD Mechanical includes a number of features and tools that are specifically useful for mechanical engineers, such as tools for creating and dimensioning parts, as well as tools for generating bills of materials. AutoCAD does not include these specialized features for mechanical engineering design.
• Interface: AutoCAD Mechanical has a more specialized interface that is designed to be more intuitive for mechanical engineers. AutoCAD has a more general-purpose interface that is designed to be more accessible to users from a variety of engineering disciplines.
• Pricing: AutoCAD Mechanical is typically more expensive than AutoCAD.
• Best uses: AutoCAD is a good choice for general engineering and design projects. AutoCAD Mechanical is a good choice for mechanical engineering design projects.

AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD Mechanical

AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD Mechanical are both CAD software programs that can be used for drafting, designing, and documenting. However, there are some key differences between the two programs.

AutoCAD LT is a 2D drafting and design software program that is designed for general engineering and drafting purposes. It includes a wide range of features and tools for creating and editing 2D drawings, as well as for dimensioning, annotating, and rendering drawings. AutoCAD LT is a less expensive option than AutoCAD Mechanical, and it is a good choice for users who need a 2D drafting and design software program for general engineering and drafting purposes.

AutoCAD Mechanical is a 2D and 3D drafting, designing, and documentation software program that is specifically designed for mechanical engineering. It includes a wide range of features and tools for creating and editing 2D and 3D drawings, as well as for dimensioning, annotating, and rendering drawings. AutoCAD Mechanical also includes a library of standard parts and components, as well as tools for creating bills of materials, generating 3D printing files, and performing analysis and simulation. AutoCAD Mechanical is a more expensive option than AutoCAD LT, but it is a good choice for users who need a 2D and 3D drafting, designing, and documentation software program for mechanical engineering.

Unique Tools in AutoCAD Mechanical

• AutoCAD Mechanical Sheet Metal Tools: These tools are specifically designed for sheet metal design, and they include features such as the ability to create flanges, bends, and hems.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Weldments Tools: These tools are specifically designed for weldment design, and they include features such as the ability to create weld symbols, weld beads, and weld joints.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Electrical Tools: These tools are specifically designed for electrical design, and they include features such as the ability to create wire routings, connectors, and switches.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Fluid Power Tools: These tools are specifically designed for fluid power design, and they include features such as the ability to create pipes, valves, and cylinders.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Geometric Tolerance Tools: These tools are specifically designed for creating geometric tolerances, and they include features such as the ability to create datums, tolerances, and modifiers.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Surface Modeling Tools: These tools are specifically designed for surface modeling, and they include features such as the ability to create surfaces, solids, and blends.
• AutoCAD Mechanical Advanced Rendering Tools: These tools are specifically designed for creating advanced renderings, and they include features such as the ability to create realistic shadows, reflections, and materials.

AutoCAD Mechanical and Autodesk Inventor Professional Integration

Inventor to AutoCAD Mechanical

There are two ways to import 3D models into AutoCAD Mechanical:

1. Import a 3D model from a file: You can import a 3D model from a file that is saved in a supported format, such as STEP, IGES, or Parasolid. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Click the Insert tab.
   2. In the Import panel, click Import.
   3. In the Import File dialog box, select the file that you want to import.
   4. Click Open.
   5. In the Import Options dialog box, select the options that you want to use for the import.
   6. Click OK.
2. Create a 3D model in Inventor and then import it into AutoCAD Mechanical: You can create a 3D model in Inventor and then import it into AutoCAD Mechanical. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Create the 3D model in Inventor.
   2. Save the 3D model in a supported format, such as STEP, IGES, or Parasolid.
   3. Open AutoCAD Mechanical.
   4. Click the Insert tab.
   5. In the Import panel, click Import.
   6. In the Import File dialog box, select the file that you want to import.
   7. Click Open.
   8. In the Import Options dialog box, select the options that you want to use for the import.
   9. Click OK.

If the model changes in Inventor, the changes will be updated in AutoCAD Mechanical if the following conditions are met:

• The model is saved in a supported format.
• The model is imported into AutoCAD Mechanical using the Import command.
• The Update Links option is selected in the Import Options dialog box.

If these conditions are not met, the changes will not be updated in AutoCAD Mechanical.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when importing 3D models into AutoCAD Mechanical:

• The model may need to be scaled or positioned correctly in AutoCAD Mechanical.
• The model may need to be converted to a different type of object, such as a block or a sketch.
• The model may need to be edited or modified in AutoCAD Mechanical.

By following these steps, you can import 3D models into AutoCAD Mechanical and keep the models up to date with changes made in Inventor.

AutoCAD Mechanical to Inventor

Inventor has a feature called AnyCAD that allows you to import and work with 2D DWG files in Inventor part, assembly, and drawing environments. AnyCAD is a powerful tool that can help you to save time and improve the efficiency of your design workflow.

To import a 2D DWG file into Inventor, follow these steps:

1. Click the File menu.
2. Select Import > 2D DWG.
3. In the Import DWG File dialog box, select the DWG file that you want to import.
4. Click Open.

The DWG file will be imported into Inventor as a Reference Model. Reference Models are special types of Inventor models that are linked to the original DWG file. Any changes that you make to the DWG file will be automatically updated in the Reference Model in Inventor.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when importing 2D DWG files into Inventor:

• The DWG file must be saved in a supported format, such as DWG or DXF.
• The DWG file must be opened in read-only mode.
• The DWG file must be placed on a Reference Plane in Inventor.
• The DWG file must be updated regularly to reflect the latest changes.

By following these steps, you can import 2D DWG files into Inventor and keep the files up to date with changes made to the original DWG file.

Here are some additional benefits of using AnyCAD:

• You can use Inventor tools to modify and edit 2D DWG files.
• You can create 3D models from 2D DWG files.
• You can create assemblies that contain both 2D DWG files and 3D Inventor models.
• You can create drawings that contain both 2D DWG files and 3D Inventor models.

AnyCAD is a powerful tool that can help you to save time and improve the efficiency of your design workflow. If you are working with 2D DWG files, I encourage you to try using AnyCAD in Inventor.

Which CAD Software is Right for You?

The best CAD software for you depends on your specific needs. If you are a mechanical engineer who needs specialized tools for mechanical engineering design, then AutoCAD Mechanical is the better choice. If you are a general engineer or designer who needs a more versatile CAD software program, then AutoCAD is the better choice.