Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenSCAD VS ANSYS Workbench

Compare OpenSCAD VS ANSYS Workbench and see what are their differences

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

ANSYS Workbench logo ANSYS Workbench

Simulation and Multiphysics platform
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

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

  • ANSYS Workbench Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-31

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.

ANSYS Workbench features and specs

  • Integrated platform
    ANSYS Workbench provides a unified environment that integrates multiple simulation tools, facilitating seamless transitions between different stages of analysis.
  • Comprehensive simulation capabilities
    It offers a broad range of simulation types, including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics, allowing users to address various engineering challenges within a single platform.
  • Automation and optimization
    The software includes powerful tools for parametric analysis, design optimization, and script-based automation, enabling users to efficiently refine their designs.
  • User-friendly interface
    The graphical user interface is designed to be intuitive, making it easier for users to set up simulations and interpret results without extensive training.
  • Extensive support and resources
    ANSYS provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support, along with a large user community, helping users troubleshoot and improve their simulation work.

Possible disadvantages of ANSYS Workbench

  • High cost
    ANSYS Workbench can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or independent users, which might limit accessibility and adoption.
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
    Despite its user-friendly interface, mastering the software's full capabilities requires significant time and effort, posing challenges for new users.
  • Hardware requirements
    Running complex simulations on ANSYS Workbench often demands high-performance computing resources, which can be a barrier for users with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Complexity for simple tasks
    For simpler analyses, the advanced features and options of ANSYS can be overwhelming and may increase the time and effort required to complete a task.
  • Limited interoperability with non-ANSYS tools
    While it integrates well with other ANSYS products, interoperability with third-party tools can be limited, potentially complicating multi-platform workflows.

Analysis of OpenSCAD

Overall verdict

  • OpenSCAD is a robust tool, especially if you have a programming background or enjoy algorithmic design. It may not be as intuitive for those accustomed to traditional CAD software interfaces, but its capabilities for parametric modeling make it a valuable tool in the right hands.

Why this product is good

  • OpenSCAD is a script-based 3D CAD modeler that offers a solid platform for those who prefer designing through coding rather than a traditional graphical interface. Its parametric nature allows for precise and customizable 3D models, which is ideal for complex designs.

Recommended for

  • Engineers and designers with programming experience
  • Hobbyists and makers interested in 3D printing
  • Users who prefer parametric and script-based design
  • Projects requiring precision and repetitive patterning

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

ANSYS Workbench videos

Introduction to ANSYS Workbench 2020: Part 1 of 6

More videos:

  • Review - Structural modeling with ANSYS Workbench Mechanical

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenSCAD and ANSYS Workbench)
3D
86 86%
14% 14
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Simulation Software
0 0%
100% 100
3D Modeling
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

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.

ANSYS Workbench Reviews

We have no reviews of ANSYS Workbench yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 99 times since March 2021. 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.

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 / 11 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
View more

ANSYS Workbench mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ANSYS Workbench yet. Tracking of ANSYS Workbench recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

T-FLEX CAD - Top Systems offers the comprehensive set of integrated applications for T-FLEX Parametric CAD, including CAM, FEA and PDM

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

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

Solid Edge - Solid Edge is an industry-leading mechanical design system with exceptional tools for creating and...

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone