Lab View was originally created in 1986 as a way for scientists and engineers to graphically solve their programming problems. Over the years it has developed in to quite the software editor, and a pictorial graphs will help.

1) Physical measurements and I/O

2) Analysis and signal processing

3) Data logging so that you can go back and see what changes you made days ago.

4) Report generation that are ready to bring to a meeting as they are.

5) Optical Character Recognition is a feature that can translate an image of text in to editable text or pictures in to standard encoding scheme that represents them.

6) Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit aids in the finding of the cause of a problem.

7) LabVIEW Mobile Module allows you to read and edit your drawings on your Windows Mobile or your Pocket PC.

8 ) NI LabVIEW Embedded Module for ADI Black fin Processors aids in embedded programming without extra set up or training.

9) LabVIEW System Identification Toolkit is a security tool used to ensure, that if your network was ever breached your information is not taken.

10) LabVIEW PID Control Toolkit allows you to compare features on line.

Con’s:

1) It is expensive, and in the several thousand dollar range it is a bit over priced.

2) Too many releases too soon. Some have complained that they are still working out kinks from one software release when another one comes along.

Review:

Using a system of wizard like creation you can program your CAD software to talk to your hardware. It is fast and simple to do and it saves you the time of writing the code. Lab view is a like drawing a picture of what you want programmed and allowing the software to do the work. With a basic understanding of C or even VB programming languages and an understanding of the project you need to complete you can create a program to read data, interpret data, and spit that data out in a usable format. There are tons of other possibilities, but that is just one example. Lab View is expensive at several thousand dollars per license; although it is impressive, in today’s economy it might be smarter to pay the same amount for Auto CAD which is a market leader. The learning curve to figure out where each task can be completed may take a while, but it was easy to get on and play around. Lab View 8.6 should be supported on Mac as well which is a nice feature for the other 10% of the population. There are measures of security that are built in so that if your network or a computer has ever been hacked there is tracking to catch him.

CadStd has the ability to create home design, blueprint, and mechanical drawings.

1) Window’s XP and Vista are supported.

2) Has the ability to create arcs, linear dimensions, lines, poly lines, etc.

3) Tutorial and User Guide that are helpful and a technical support team that actually helps.

4) Create chamfer and fillets.

5) Search and replace text globally. Saving you time searching for the same text.

6) Isometric grid settings.

7) Print scaled down drawings on standard 8 ½ X 11 paper, and standard paper is always cheaper than buying specialized paper.

8 ) License never expires! Simply enter your username and password to upgrade to the latest version.

9) Kohler has a free symbol library that can be imported and works with Cad Std.

Con’s:

1) There is no uninstaller provided. I had to uninstall through Window’s Program manager.

2) Some have complained that the interface is complex. If you’re a beginner with no CAD experience and little basic computer knowledge then I could see that.

3) Some have complained of not much functionality, but the Lite version is free.

4) There are occasional global protection faults due to some bugs not worked out yet.

5) Some have complained that it doesn’t download or install properly and that sends them elsewhere. I downloaded it just fine, installed it fine, and designed with it fine.

Review:

I downloaded the Lite version and was able to create a basic layout of a 6′ x 12′ shed. Functionality is limited, but it’s a Lite version and it’s extremely affordable to purchase the pro version at less than forty dollars. The feel of it is the same as other CAD software. I can’t stress how limited the program is, but if you just looking for a basic drawing software to make some home design or blueprints, possibly a mechanical drawing, than this software can do it for you. Of course, you only have .DXF, .HPGL, .PDF, PostScript, and .SFG as export options, but Google SketchUp can import several of those and provide more functionality. Cad Std is a straight 2D design with your basic edit functions such as copy, move, undo (up to 250 levels with the pro version), mirror, rotate, array, layers, snap, join, etc. I’ve heard of people complaining that they hate it because it doesn’t do what they want when it comes to their graphics. It is NOT Photoshop folks, it is meant for home design. How does Cad Std compare to Auto CAD or Smart Draw? It doesn’t. How does Cad Std align to what they claim it to be? Perfectly! I would highly recommend Cad Std as a general purpose design software that is cheap and easy to use.

Turbo CAD offers mechanical and practical tools, and it’s fully compatible with nearly 40 other CAD and graphic formats.

1) Advanced Drawing tools include over 40 line, arc, curve, and spline tools plus over 50 modification tools. They aren’t organized exactly like Auto CAD, but they are still easy to find.

2) What if analysis is provided to streamline your design process. Being able to plan ahead and see if your ideas would work out without spending a lot of time designing them.

3) Select, copy, and editing tools allow you to edit more than one component at a time and can save you time by copying similar objects and editing them to create a new object.

4) Parametric design allows you to create objects and components that you can reuse throughout your project. For those of you who are experts there is also a scripting function to design your parts.

5) The Light works rendering engine has been updated to allow illumination to be added anywhere in your design. This is a nice wow feature for when you’re doing “the sell” presentation.

6) You can connect to any ODBC database and define bill of materials, field reports, and part lists.

7) With the Arch and Platinum edition you can add sheetrock, wiring, etc. Also a nice wow feature, but also a good way to keep building costs in mind.

8 ) Doors and windows parametrically designed can be dragged and dropped into place and yes they’re self healing.

9) Stairs, railings, and slabs have all been improved and there are tons of options.

Con’s:

1) Turbo CAD has lots of save as options, but some work better than others.

2) Text, multi-lines, poly-lines, and various other areas mess up when importing from Auto CAD.

3) When you save as a DWG or any other file it changes your TCW file into a group of pictures that is no longer self healing. (TIP: always save a TCW before saving as any other file. That way you can still make changes without losing data.)

4) There aren’t as many standard keyboard shortcuts so you have to customize them. It takes a little longer to set up, but in the long run saving you time.

Review:

Turbo CAD is very similar to Auto CAD, both having different options and similar options. It’s hard to say one is better than the other. Some people are raving about the improved ability to import and export from Google sketch, and being able to connect to an off site or network database are two extremely helpful improvements. Because Turbo CAD isn’t a market leader they are offering more options than Auto CAD who is the market leader; so although the programs are similar, Turbo CAD software is the way to go since they are offering more functionality and features.

Smart Draw is not just drawing software. With Smart Draw you start with a template and then add on parts, but it can take a while to learn all the functionality of the program.

1) Smart Draw Draws for You, all you have to do is select which shape or item and Smart Draw will place it on your diagram in the right place.

2) Smart Draw is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF. You can drag-n-drop your designs into Word and Power Point.

3) Integrated Photo Capability actually allows you to upload pictures directly from your camera and crop, resize, or adjust colors and brightness.

4) Smart Power Point Integration allows you to design a serious of slides then with the push for a button Smart Draw transfers them to Power Point slides for you.

5) Web Page Annotation allows you to select a web page and right notes or add components on top of the page. It’s great for suggesting changes.

6) Automatic Website Mapping organizes a selected website in to a logical map all with one click.

7) Presentation Story Boards help you plan what you’re going to say in your presentation before you begin your Power Point. Saves time too because you can print off the story board and bring it with you eliminating the need to have speaking notes.

8 ) Mind Map helps you organize your thoughts in to a logical flow chart simply by adding your ideas as you have them then simply place all of your ideas in to an organized whole.

Con’s:

1) The learning curve can actually be higher if you’re an expert CAD software user because you have to stop drawing everything and start finding it.

2) If you’re using the trial version, a watermark does appear until you purchase the software.

3) Text tools can be difficult to use.

4) Smart Draw tutorials can be dry.

Review:

Smart Draw claims to have over 30,000 shapes and images in its libraries, and they’re all organized into categories so you can find them based on your field of work. You can’t say they didn’t think of everything. Some have used Smart Draw to create flow charts for their employee manuals as a way to display visually difficult processes and policies. Thanks to Smart Draw’s intuitive design and features such as drag and drop, making flow charts is easier than Microsoft Word or even Flow Charter. Even people with no experience in graphic design or engineering have designed colorful, professional fire evacuation plans. Smart Draw CAD software can be used outside the office too. Just think about it, you’re in a car accident and the insurance company doesn’t believe you; simply pull up Google Maps select, select the intersection, drop that map into Smart Draw, add a few cars and arrows, and you have convincing evidence for your insurance company.

ZWCAD 2009 is very similar to Auto CAD 2009 in that it provides almost all of the same features as Auto CAD and a few extras options that Auto CAD does not offer. I will list a few features and finally a short review.

1) DWG support allows importing and editing Auto CAD files without losing data.

2) The interface is completely customizable, so if you are used to Auto CAD then you can arrange the toolbars, etc to your fit your preferred style of work.

3) Programming is easy using SDS (a language similar to C++), Microsoft VBA, and LISP (a light programming language used to assist in expanding the functions for ZWCAD).

4) Drawings can be exported in bmp, wmf, emf, svg, dwf, eps, pdf, and sat formats.

5) Drawing and Editing are very similar to Auto CAD so anyone familiar with that software should be able to use ZWCAD with a miniscule learning curve.

6) Unlimited undo and redo functionality which can save time in editing steps.

7) Publish allows you to print or print to file a series of drawings to be viewed by anyone want. Saving you time printing one at a time then having to sort out your drawings from everyone else in the office printings and putting them in order.

8 ) Pop ups display next to the cursor providing you with help, labels, or command line prompts.

9) Mtext is a window that can display multiple languages which can help to bridge the gap between you and your overseas clients.

10) The quick Calculator provides standard calculator functions as well as more advanced functions such as geometric, scientific, and/or unit’s conversion.

Con’s:

1) Not a user friendly interface.

2) Some have had a hard time opening drawings without some level of conversion.

3) Some have complained that the API’s are not advanced enough yet, but I think 2009 has fixed that.

4) No dynamic blocks, tables, or fields.

5) It is very difficult to find out the price.

Review:

ZWCad is extremely affordable, and that is it’s single greatest feature. Add its affordability to its similarity to Auto CAD software and you have a very nice product. Is it as powerful and robust as Auto CAD? No, but it is a LOT cheaper. Some designers have said its 2D functionality is excellent, but its 3D needs to be more stable and easier to use. Each new release is fixing more bugs and many designers feel that it will be competition to be reckoned with when the bugs are worked out. ZWCad needs to be more open about their price or even start selling it at retail stores would be ideal. That is probably the biggest complaint out there. I would recommend it in one or two more releases.

Alibre Design Expert comes with tons of features that can save time and money. A few of those features are:

1) Fully Parametric Design easily defines relationships and sketch constraints; as an added benefit, the constraints automatically update throughout your entire project.

2) Push/Pull Technology allows you to grab parts in your design and change the size and/or position without modifying your sketches or design features.

3) Drag and Drop Constraint Creation assembles multiple parts into a moving prototype. Allowing you to see your part in action before you spend any money on actual prototypes.

4) Interference Detection is a diagnostic test that checks for design issues by allowing you to see your part move how you designed it to operate as well as automatically create warnings for parts interfering with other parts.

5) Alibre is compatible with almost any other CAD software and files, all without any extra add ons. Unlike other CAD packages that sell you an affordable program, but charge for compatibility options.

a. Import or Translate: Solid Works: 1999 to 2009 (*.sldprt, *.sldasm) , STEP 203/214, IGES, Rhino 3DM, SAT, DWG, DXF, BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF, TIF, DIB, RLE, JFIF, EMF, AutoDesk Inventor: v10 to 2009 (*.ipt, *.iam), Pro/E: 2000 to Wildfire 4 (*.prt, *.xpr, *.asm, *.xas), Solid Edge: v10 to v20 (*.par, *.psm, *.asm), Catia: v5 from R10 to R18 (*.CATPart, *.pCATProduct), Parasolid: v18 (*.x_t, *.x_b, *.xmt_txt, *.xmt_bin)

b. Export or Translate: STEP 203/214, IGES, SAT, STL, DWG, DXF, BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF, TIF, DIB, RLE, JFIF, EMF, Solid Works: 2004 (*.sldprt, *.aldasm), Parasolid: v18 (*.x_t, *.x_b, *.xmt_txt, *.xmt_bin)

Con’s:

1) The 30 day trial is free, but after your time is up you lose a lot of functionality.

2) Some people have had the program crash their computers, but no virus warnings.

Review:

The Alibre Design demo has helped many designers choose the pro package. There is skepticism as to whether it is fully integratable due to its low cost, however, there have been times that an outsourced designer has convinced his customer’s in house engineers to switch from Solid Works and other CAD software programs because they are able to download the demo for free and see how intuitive Alibre Design is that after a quick price comparison they can purchase more than one Alibre Design and pay less than one license from Alibre’s competitors. In the end both out sourced and in house engineers are switching to Alibre Design pro because of its intuitive design and low cost. Alibre Design can bring countries and governments together under your company’s roof. Alibre is compatible with the Algor Mechanical Events Simulation package. Several companies have found the FEA standards are easier to meet since Alibre Design can import compatible files from Algor. Alibre Design is also hurdling language barriers caused by overseas manufacturers thanks to Alibre Design’s collaborative design features. Alibre basically does everything but manufacture the product for you.

1) The 3D kernel has been updated and should improve blending, chamfering, shelling, Booleans, direct face editing etc. This should fix those well known bugs in previous versions.

2) Some 2D drafting tools have been added to fix some of the known bugs (e.g. being able to cut out the floor, but not the ceiling) when you’re trying to design.

3) Multiple Viewports allow you to open multiple views of any given component. Allowing you to analyze from all different angles.

4) New Using Wizard allows you to create new components and keep all your settings. It’s always quicker to complete a task once rather than over and over again.

5) Local Face Modeling allows you to rapidly make changes to components imported from other CAD software.

6) Powerful 2D architectural tools to create precise, healing walls quickly and easily. Also fixing a known bug.

7) Pro version includes more powerful tools like tangent lofting, G1/G2 surface matching, surface analysis and Booleans, and much more.

8 ) Intelligent Design allows you to consider all possible scenarios (e.g. what if my component does blank?)

9) Punch CAD is very affordable and should be seriously considered before trying other brands.

Con’s:

1) Some have reported no support for Mac, but that should be fixed in the most recent version.

2) Some have had a hard time with instillation until they updated their video drivers (simple fix if you know going in to it).

3) Punch does not include a user guide, the one you can download from support doesn’t explain clearly for a novice, and it is in PDF format so there isn’t help on specific items or components.

4) Some have said they have a hard time figuring out the software because they are not experts, and since the user guide isn’t helpful they get stuck.

5) Some have reported that the software isn’t compatible with Windows Vista.

Review: There are a lot of bad reviews of Punch software, however, I believe the new version (Punch Professional Home Design and Landscaping Suite) should satisfy those who are not able to find the tools they want and the annoying bugs. The 3D preview function allows you to see your finished product without spending money on prototypes or completed work. The drag and drop feature saves design time since some basic objects are already created for you, and there are many other features that make this product very usable. The biggest issue most people have is that the trial version doesn’t allow you to use the most important features that differentiate Punch CAD software from AutoCAD, Solid Works, Smart Draw, etc. Many have commented that if you can’t try it before you buy it then they aren’t buying….

1) Drawing tools include the usual square, circle, triangle, lines, etc.

2) All toolbars are floating and/or dockable allowing for some customization ablity.

3) Objects can be edited with your mouse.

4) Chamfer and filet tools are available; adding a level of realism.

5) If you combine the drawing and snap tools you can edit objects perpendicular, parallel, or tangent at the same time.

6) Radius, diameter, angle, and other information are displayed as a pop up during your design.

7) English and Metric measuring systems are available which can help depending on where you live.

8 ) Measurements are displayed on readouts.

9) Changes to the design can be made from the readouts window which can save time.

10) There are over 5000 symbols when you order CAD Pro.

11) Custom shapes and symbols can be created; if a shape or symbol isn’t provided you can always design one.

12) Drag and drop rulers are provided for positioning objects in your design and double checking measurements.

13) Scroll through your design easily by hovering you mouse over the ruler and using your mouse’s scroll wheel.

14) There are plenty of design options such as deck plan, floor plan, landscape design, drafting, fence design, office design, home design, furniture design, restaurant design, and electrical. CAD Pro can help the average designer around the house, but an expert should purchase another program since there are no mechanical or 3D options.

Con’s:

1) Tech support does not answer the email address or the fax number provided. CAD Pro’s website lists a forum, but if you click to go to the forum a page is displayed for you to submit a complaint.

2) Window’s Vista is listed on the home page of cadpro.com, but in the FAQ it says only Windows 98, ME and 2000 are supported.

3) Mac is not supported.

4) The several features (i.e. snap tools) on CAD Pro’s website are restated multiple times.

Review:

There is little to no information online about this CAD software. For this review, 30 websites were viewed to find a success story. Two were found on one popular website, but the rest were negative reviews claiming no help from tech support. I decided to download the demo, but there was no demo to download! There are nine videos if you include the introduction. The videos show somebody working very fast and pulling from an off screen program. This could possibly be classified as training videos, but definitely not a demo. I checked CAD Pro’s website for reviews and news, but there isn’t anything from the last two years and most of the information is from 2005. Based on my research and efforts for this program I would highly recommend looking for a program somewhere else.

Whether automated documentation, seamless communication or extreme customization, Auto Desk’s AutoCAD allows you to design and document your project with incredibly easy to use features and more efficient processes that make you successful. Auto Desk has, for over 26 years, proven to be a reliable company with a great product.

Here are some features of Auto Cad 2010:

1) Parametric Drawing can reduce your revision time by simply defining persistent relationships between all of your objects, parallel lines, and concentric circles.

2) Annotation Scaling creates a single annotative-type object that can be resized to reflect a specific viewport or model-space scale.

3) Dynamic Blocks allow you to edit specific block geometry which means you don’t have to create an additional block for each and every variation, saving you time and money.

4) Sheet Set Manager can organize your drawings and link sheet set information into title locks and plot stamps. Allowing you to find a particular drawing faster and easier.

5) Data Extraction Wizard can extract property data from various objects and automatically output it to a table allowing you to see detailed info without having to analyze an object.

6) AutoCAD automates table creation, after you define table styles and formatting, so that, with minimal effort, your information stays consistent throughout the project.

7) Quick View displays files as thumbnails which makes choosing the correct design project quicker and easier thanks to the at-a-glance view.

8 ) DWG True View eliminates new version/old version problems by translating them forward and back and offers a set of accurate measurement tools. That saves you the worry if your customer is using the same version and if they’re willing to spend the money to upgrade.

9) Free Form Design Tools provide complete customization so that you can draw almost anything imaginable. Another great feature is you can add specific parts to your existing diagram thanks to free form design tools.

10) Now you can print 3D models and bring them to a meeting or give them to the customer, saving you the hassle of bringing power and network cords, USB drives, or worrying about whether you can access your network from the hotel just before your big presentation.

Con’s:

1) Not compatible with Window’s Vista 64 bit operating system.

2) Some have had a hard time installing on their systems

Review:

Whether it’s DWF blowing away the competition or meeting the highest level of precision that your manufacturer demands Auto CAD software is in a continual state of improvement. Thanks to AutoCAD’s high performance and subscription pricing option staying ahead of the competition has moved to the realm of affordable. From conception of the product to the delivery to the customer AutoCAD is the program to see you through.

Solid Works CAD has tons of features, here are several of them:

1) Workgroup Product Data Management was developed to help small engineering workgroups multiplying their effort by automatically capturing file revision history and managing data access.

2) The User Interface can be set up to suit the needs of the user; this saves time in design since the tools you need are more accessible.

3) Part Modeling allows you to create and modify parts by simply clicking and dragging. Other CAD software does that, but what’s impressive is with Solid Works you can use DimXpert to create 2D drawings and drawingless data and bring it to design production.

4) Real View Graphics allows you to view your product, parts, or assemblies without having to render. Which is a nice feature considering rendering can take some time.

5) Advanced Surfacing and complex Shapes helps you think ahead and improve the design by allowing you to modify geometry and surfaces.

6) Sheet Metal Design Tools give you the capability to create lifelike parts that even have folds, bends, tabs, etc. Allowing for more precise products.

7) Simulate Assembly Motion allows you to grab various components and check to see if there is interference and how each part will work in motion.

8 ) Assembly modeling allows you to grab various components and plug them in to other components so that you have a working prototype on screen rather than spending money on a physical prototype.

9) Data Translation provides support for the following data types: DWG, DXF^TM, Pro/ENGINEER®, IPT (Autodesk Inventor®), Mechanical Desktop®, Unigraphics®, PAR (Solid Edge®), CADKEY®, IGES, STEP, Parasolid, SAT (ACIS), VDA-FS, VRML, STL, TIFF, JPG, Adobe® Illustrator®, Rhinocerous®, IDF, and HSF (Hoops) formats.

10) Bill of Materials automatically creates a running list of materials needed according to your design. If you change your design then your bill of materials automatically updates.

Con’s

1) Some have said that the photo realistic representations are good, but they don’t solve ergonomic issues which means they have to produce prototypes after all.

2) Rendering time is slow.

3) Not fully compatible with many FEA programs.

Review:

Some users have lowered costs, improved quality, and shortened design time by thirty percent in all three categories; that has led to a twenty percent increase in market share. All thanks to Solid Works features such as its intuitive design, lofting and surfacing capabilities, ease of communication, and simulation software. Others are claiming an increase of sixty percent in gross sales, reduced turnaround over sixty percent, and improved precision of forty percent. All because Solid Works has streamlined their development process by its easy to use interface and great features like parametric design. Solid Works is an all around great CAD software product that can save time and money thanks to some great features and compatibility with your clients’ software.