Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

NETGEN VS Pointwise

Compare NETGEN VS Pointwise and see what are their differences

NETGEN logo NETGEN

NETGEN is an automatic 3d tetrahedral mesh generator.

Pointwise logo Pointwise

Pointwise is the choice for CFD Meshing. It's easy to use, highly automated, provides direct interfaces to popular CFD analysis software, and comes with professional tech support.
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  • Pointwise Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-12

NETGEN features and specs

  • Robust 3D Mesh Generation
    NETGEN offers a powerful capability to generate complex 3D meshes, which is advantageous for users working on intricate engineering and scientific problems.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source tool, NETGEN allows users to access, modify, and distribute the software freely, enabling customization and widespread use without licensing costs.
  • Integration with Finite Element Software
    NETGEN can be integrated with finite element software, such as NGSolve, allowing seamless workflows in the simulation and analysis of physical systems.
  • Automatic Mesh Size Control
    The software includes automatic mesh size control, which simplifies the process of creating meshes that are optimized for specific computational needs.
  • Versatile Input Options
    NETGEN supports various input formats, including STEP and IGES, making it adaptable to a wide range of CAD systems and user requirements.

Possible disadvantages of NETGEN

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For users unfamiliar with mesh generation or finite element analysis, NETGEN may present a steep learning curve, requiring time and effort to fully understand its features.
  • Limited User Interface
    Compared to some commercial meshing tools, NETGEN's user interface may be considered less intuitive or lacking advanced visual editing features.
  • Performance for Extremely Large Models
    Although NETGEN is capable, it might struggle with performance issues when handling extremely large models, potentially affecting efficiency.
  • Community-based Support
    As an open-source project, support primarily comes from the community, which might not always meet the demands for prompt, professional assistance.
  • Specific Features Depend on Community Development
    The availability of certain advanced features can depend on ongoing community development, which may result in uneven implementation or longer wait times for updates.

Pointwise features and specs

  • High-Quality Mesh Generation
    Pointwise is renowned for generating high-quality meshes that are essential for accurate and efficient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
  • Flexible Grid Types
    The software supports a variety of grid types, including structured, unstructured, and hybrid grids, which allow for greater flexibility in handling complex geometries.
  • Advanced Control
    Users have advanced control over mesh generation parameters, which enables more precise tuning and optimization of the mesh for specific simulation needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Pointwise features an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of mesh generation, making it accessible even to users who may not be experts in the field.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users with different system preferences.

Possible disadvantages of Pointwise

  • Steep Learning Curve
    While powerful, the complexity and advanced features of Pointwise can pose a steep learning curve for new or inexperienced users.
  • Cost
    Pointwise is a commercial product, which means it requires a purchase or subscription, potentially making it less accessible for smaller organizations or individual users with limited budgets.
  • Limited Post-Processing
    The software primarily focuses on mesh generation and provides limited post-processing capabilities, requiring users to rely on additional tools for comprehensive analysis.
  • Specialized Use Case
    Pointwise is specifically designed for CFD applications, which may not be suitable or required for users working within other engineering simulation domains.
  • Resource Intensive
    Generating high-quality meshes using Pointwise can be computationally demanding, requiring significant hardware resources for optimal performance.

NETGEN videos

NetGen NG2100 Action Camera Unboxing!! #GoWithTheFlow.

More videos:

  • Review - NETGEN NG2100 ACTION CAMERA || UNBOXING ND REVIEWS||
  • Review - NETGEN Morgen 20W NFC Earth-Shaking Powerful Speaker, just WOW!

Pointwise videos

Photograph - Pointwise Review

More videos:

  • Review - MobileNet - Depthwise and Pointwise CNN Review | Mobile Net Research Paper Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NETGEN and Pointwise)
3D
100 100%
0% 0
Numerical Computation
58 58%
42% 42
Technical Computing
65 65%
35% 35
CFD
54 54%
46% 46

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing NETGEN and Pointwise, you can also consider the following products

Gmsh - Gmsh is a 3D finite element grid generator with a build-in CAD engine and post-processor.

ANSYS Fluent - ANSYS engineering simulation and 3D design software delivers product modeling solutions with unmatched scalability and a comprehensive multiphysics foundation.

TetGen - A Quality Tetrahedral Mesh Generator and a 3D Delaunay Triangulator

Altair - Visually Analyze Any Data at the Speed of Business

IdealSimulations SimWorks - SimWorks is a free CFD software built upon established open-source simulation tools integrated into an intuitive GUI. It supports the entire CFD simulation process: CAD import, pre-processing, meshing, running and fully integrated post-processing

GiD - GiD is a universal, adaptive and user-friendly pre and postprocessor for numerical simulations in science and engineering.