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OpenSCAD VS Solid Edge

Compare OpenSCAD VS Solid Edge and see what are their differences

OpenSCAD logo OpenSCAD

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

Solid Edge logo Solid Edge

Solid Edge is an industry-leading mechanical design system with exceptional tools for creating and...
  • OpenSCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-19

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

  • Solid Edge Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-28

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.

Solid Edge features and specs

  • Comprehensive Feature Set
    Solid Edge offers a broad array of tools and functionalities including 3D CAD, simulation, electrical design, and manufacturing, catering to a variety of industrial needs.
  • Synchronous Technology
    The Synchronous Technology allows for faster design changes by combining the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design.
  • Scalability
    Solid Edge can be used by companies of different sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, making it a versatile tool suitable for a growing business.
  • Integrated Data Management
    The software includes built-in data management tools that help in organizing and managing complex product data efficiently.
  • High-Quality Rendering
    Solid Edge delivers high-quality rendering capabilities, which can be crucial for marketing presentations as well as internal reviews.

Possible disadvantages of Solid Edge

  • Learning Curve
    Solid Edge has a steep learning curve, particularly for users who are not familiar with CAD software or the specific functionalities it offers.
  • Cost
    The licensing and subscription costs can be high, which might not be feasible for very small businesses or individual freelancers.
  • System Requirements
    The software requires a high-performance system to run efficiently, which can mean additional hardware investment.
  • Complex Interface
    The extensive range of tools and options can make the user interface appear cluttered and complicated, which might overwhelm new users.
  • Third-Party Integration
    Although Solid Edge supports various industry standards, integration with third-party applications can sometimes be cumbersome and may require additional configuration.

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

Analysis of Solid Edge

Overall verdict

  • Solid Edge is considered a strong choice for CAD software, particularly for engineering and manufacturing sectors. Its combination of powerful features and user-friendly design makes it a highly regarded tool in the market.

Why this product is good

  • Solid Edge is a professional CAD software developed by Siemens that offers an array of features such as synchronous technology for rapid design changes, comprehensive 3D modeling, and engineering simulation capabilities. It is well-respected for its user-friendly interface, robust design tools, compatibility with other Siemens PLM solutions, and strong support for collaboration and data management. It also includes features for sheet metal design, assembly modeling, and advanced rendering which make it suitable for a variety of industries.

Recommended for

    Solid Edge is recommended for professional engineers, designers, and companies in the automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer products industries looking for a comprehensive CAD solution with strong simulation and data management capabilities.

OpenSCAD videos

Tutorial: Using OpenSCAD To Make Your Wife Happy

More videos:

  • Tutorial - OpenSCAD Tutorial - Beginners Quickstart

Solid Edge videos

Introducing Solid Edge ST8

More videos:

  • Demo - Solid Edge Drawing Review Demo
  • Review - Solid Edge V20: Drawing Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenSCAD and Solid Edge)
3D
61 61%
39% 39
Architecture
79 79%
21% 21
Numerical Computation
0 0%
100% 100
CAD
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 Solid Edge

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.

Solid Edge Reviews

We have no reviews of Solid Edge yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenSCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 103 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 (103)

  • AI 3D tools need product evals, not benchmark faith
    Official references like OpenSCAD help when your generation target is code-based, because you can often parse, render, and inspect outputs deterministically. That is much safer than evaluating only by screenshot quality. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • GenCAD
    Anyone finding this interesting will likely also like OpenSCAD - generate 3D CAD models from code. https://openscad.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Ask HN: What are your top open source apps/software?
    Love OBS and Blender. Recently started using Kdenlive and it is awesome. Big fan of OpenSCAD[1] and solvespace[2] for making functional 3D prints. I'm going to branch out a bit here and say GrapheneOS is my favorite thing going on right now. [1] https://openscad.org/ [2] https://solvespace.com/index.pl. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • I wanted a camera that doesn't exist โ€“ so I built it
    BTW, if you want to design some models for 3D printing but the only thing you know to do is to code, you can use OpenSCAD & program the obejcrs into existence: https://openscad.org/ Also recommend using the BOSL2 library with OpenSCAD - it turnes an already very powerful tool into something insane: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • 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 Holmรฉr 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 / over 1 year ago
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Solid Edge mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Solid Edge yet. Tracking of Solid Edge recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Inventor - Inventor is a 3D CAD software that lets you quickly create 3D models with embedded intelligence, intuitive workflows, and optimized performance.

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

Autodesk Fusion 360 - Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation.

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

MATLAB - A high-level language and interactive environment for numerical computation, visualization, and programming