You are here:

AutoCAD/difference between Autocad LT and mechanical desktop

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/28/2008


Question
Hi Bill,

What is the fundamental difference between Autocad LT and Mechanical Desktop?  Can a drafter with Autocad 2000 easily pick up Autocad LT 2002?

Answer
The difference between the two applications is more than fundamental.  There are extreme differences between the two.  AutoCAD LT is not a true 3D program.  Mechanical Desktop IS.  Mechanical Desktop is a vertical product of full AutoCAD - not AutoCAD LT.  Therefore it is capable of LISP, VBA, and ARX program interpretation and execution.  AutoCAD LT does not automatically create 3D objects without the help of third-party software.  Mechanical desktop creates 3-D versions of gears, pulleys, sprockets, v-belts, and other essential mechanical components.  
AutocAD LT is cheap (despite its price).  Mechanical Desktop is a 3-D program built on top of full AutoCAD.  

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

AutoCAD

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Bill DeShawn

Expertise

I can address all 2-D questions and some 3-D questions. I do programming in AutoLISP if it doesn`t involve solid modeling. I can also address menu customization issues and can help you find answers to questions I can`t answer by taking your question directly to Autodesk via their newsgroups.

Experience

I used to do electronic and mechanical design for a flat panel monitor manufacturer, and now I do architectural drafting for an architect. I did and do AutoLISP and menu customization and take pride in making my lisp routines to do the work exactly the way the client likes them done.

Publications
I had a routine published in CADENCE magazine (no longer in publication and taken over by CADALYST). Some of my routines are published on my website at http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.