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ImplicitCAD VS OpenSCAD

Compare ImplicitCAD VS OpenSCAD and see what are their differences

ImplicitCAD logo ImplicitCAD

ImplicitCAD is a programmatic CAD program, implemented in Haskell.

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.
  • ImplicitCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-02-23
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

We recommend LibHunt OpenSCAD for discovery and comparisons of trending OpenSCAD projects.

ImplicitCAD features and specs

  • Parametric Design
    ImplicitCAD uses a functional programming approach to define shapes, allowing parametric design which enables easy modification and customization of models by altering parameters.
  • Haskell-Based
    Built on the Haskell programming language, ImplicitCAD benefits from Haskell's strengths, like strong type-checking, which reduces errors in complex models.
  • Mathematical Precision
    The software provides high precision in mathematical computations, making it suitable for applications requiring exact dimensions and tolerances.
  • Open Source
    It is open-source, giving users the freedom to modify and improve the software, while also benefiting from a community-driven development approach.
  • Support for Complex Models
    ImplicitCAD can handle highly complex models that would be difficult to represent in traditional CAD systems, thanks to its mathematical approach.

Possible disadvantages of ImplicitCAD

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its reliance on Haskell and functional programming concepts, it can be challenging for users who are not familiar with these, leading to a steep learning curve.
  • Limited User Interface
    ImplicitCAD lacks a graphical user interface (GUI), making it less intuitive for users who prefer visual interactions over script-based modeling.
  • Performance Issues
    For very large and complex models, performance can be an issue, as the computational requirements may result in slower processing times.
  • Smaller Community
    Compared to mainstream CAD software, ImplicitCAD has a smaller user community, which might mean less documentation and fewer user-contributed resources.
  • Limited Integration
    ImplicitCAD may have limited integration with other software tools and workflows commonly used in industry, which can be a barrier for some professional applications.

OpenSCAD features and specs

  • Parametric Design
    OpenSCAD allows for parametric design, meaning that models can be easily adjusted and customized by changing parameters. This makes it highly adaptable for a wide range of applications.
  • Script-based Modeling
    Using a scripting language for modeling allows for precise control and fine-tuning of designs. Users can write scripts to generate complex geometries that may be difficult to achieve through traditional CAD interfaces.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source software, OpenSCAD is freely available to download, use, and modify. This encourages a community-based approach to development and support.
  • Cross-Platform
    OpenSCAD is available on multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling a wider range of users to access and use the software.
  • No GUI Overhead
    Because OpenSCAD relies on text-based scripting instead of a graphical user interface, it is lightweight and less resource-intensive compared to some other CAD programs.

Possible disadvantages of OpenSCAD

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    Users need to learn the OpenSCAD scripting language, which can be a barrier for those unfamiliar with coding or those coming from traditional CAD software background.
  • Limited GUI
    Unlike other CAD programs that offer extensive graphical tools for creating and modifying models, OpenSCAD has a minimal GUI. This can make it less intuitive for users who prefer visual interaction.
  • Rendering Speed
    Complex models can take a significant amount of time to render, which could be a drawback for users who need quick iterations and immediate visual feedback.
  • Limited Interactivity
    The interactivity in OpenSCAD is relatively limited. Users need to compile or preview their designs frequently to see changes, which can slow down the design process.
  • Fewer Features Compared to Professional CAD Software
    OpenSCAD lacks some advanced features and tools that are found in professional CAD software, limiting its use for certain complex design projects.

ImplicitCAD videos

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OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ImplicitCAD and OpenSCAD)
3D
14 14%
86% 86
3D Modeling
22 22%
78% 78
Architecture
16 16%
84% 84
CAD
11 11%
89% 89

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ImplicitCAD and OpenSCAD

ImplicitCAD Reviews

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OpenSCAD Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
OpenSCAD is a worldwide 3D CAD modeler that allows skilled programmers and designers to create solid 3D CAD objects in the shortest time feasible. The software works with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. This CAD application's distinguishing feature is that it is based on programming that includes 3D modelling, ready-to-use items and designs, and the ability...
9 Free CAD Software to Download
For those who want to work on the specifics, especially engineers, OpenSCAD is your ideal 3D modeling platform. It does not have interactive modeling for you to design your model, but instead relies more on what you defined in the parameters through the script files.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSCAD seems to be a lot more popular than ImplicitCAD. While we know about 99 links to OpenSCAD, we've tracked only 1 mention of ImplicitCAD. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

ImplicitCAD mentions (1)

OpenSCAD mentions (99)

  • Visual Explanations of Mathematics
    There is also Joyce's Java Version of Euclid's Elements: https://mathcs.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/elements/elements.html and I'm still impressed by the custom Unity tools which Freya Holmér uses for her videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvPPXbo87ds Wish Geogebra was both more capable and widely used: https://www.geogebra.org/ That said, these days if I need to plot out something I just use OpenSCAD:... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Powerful, Open-Source, Programmatic CAD
    Or you can download OpenSCAD. https://openscad.org. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Make a thing
    As part of the task, I needed code-based CAD and I found one, probably the most popular out there - Openscad https://openscad.org/. It’s well known solution and definitely the learning curve is more gentle, but also not trivial, especially for more complex shapes. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • POV-Ray – The Persistence of Vision Raytracer
    If you once enjoyed POV, check out OpenSCAD. It's quite similar in terms of CSG concepts and primitive animation capability, but more useful for getting actual mechanical design work done. https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Ask HN: What Underrated Open Source Project Deserves More Recognition?
    There's OpenSCAD, but I don't think it's exactly what you mean https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing ImplicitCAD and OpenSCAD, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

OpenJSCAD.org - OpenSCAD + JavaScript = OpenJSCAD, edit locally or remote online, preview in browser direct via...

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

CadQuery - CadQuery is a parametric cad script framework

BRL-CAD - BRL-CAD: Open Source Solid Modeling

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone