Mechanical Design

1. 3DExperience

The 3DEXPERIENCE® platform is a business experience platform from Dassault Systèmes. It provides software solutions for every organization in a company – from marketing to sales to engineering – that help customer, in customer’s value creation process, to create differentiating consumer experiences. With a single, easy-to-use interface, it powers Industry Solution Experiences – based on 3D design, analysis, simulation, and intelligence software in a collaborative, interactive environment. It is available on premise and on cloud.

2. 3DS Max

Autodesk 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation

3. 3D Slash

Simplistic package that uses the power of little blocks that can be either deleted or used to create a 3D model. The software offers different tools, including transformation of parts from an STL-file or just a picture to 3D.

4. AC3D

3D software for creating models for games, virtual reality and flight simulation, scientific, medical and general data visualization, rapid prototyping and 3D printing, etc.

5. Alias

Autodesk industrial design software, most often used for sketching, concept modeling, surfacing, visualization.

6. Alibre Design

A comprehensive suite of tools allowing 3D Part Modeling, Assembling, Sheet Metal Design, Drawing Preparation, Rendering.

7. Antimony

Open source CAD tool in which CAD software evolved from Lisp machines rather than drafting tables. Antimony's geometry engine uses functional representations for solid modeling, with standard library that defines many shapes and transforms, from basic (rotate, scale, Boolean operations) to unusual (attract, repel, bend).

8. AutoCAD Mechanical

An add to AutoCAD that incorporates the functionality of AutoCAD with libraries of standard-based parts and tools to drive mechanical CAD. It is designed to draw piping, plumbing, ducting, and electrical, and is primarily used for the 3D design and prefabrication of building systems.

9. Blender

A free, open source 3D modeling tool for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and computer games.

10. BlocksCAD

This 3D software is specifically created for educational purposes, its development is done so that anyone can later use OpenSCAD, a more professional CAD software. BlocksCAD is a cloud-based 3D modeling tool, where the objects and their transformations are represented by colour blocks, reminiscent of the well-known construction toys, LEGO.

11. BricsCAD

A 3D CAD software based on DWG, allowing to create 3D models from 2D DWG. It has several modules, namely, 2D/3D CAD and applications for Civil, Structural, GIS, HVAC, Electrical, and AEC; Building Information Modeling for architects, engineers and contractors; Mechanical design for Assembly Modeling and Sheet Metal.

12. BRL-CAD

A powerful open source cross-platform constructive solid geometry (CSG) solid modeling CAD system that includes interactive geometry editor, high-performance ray-tracing support for graphics rendering and geometric analysis, computer network distributed framebuffer support, scripting, image-processing and signal-processing tools. The entire package is distributed in source code and binary form and contains geometry libraries for application developers.

13. CATIA

The world's engineering and design leading software for product 3D CAD design excellence. It is used to design, simulate, analyze, and manufacture products in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, industrial machinery, and others.

14. CMS lntelliCAD

A fast and efficient CAD program with all the power and versatility of standard programs such as AutoCAD® by Autodesk®, Inc., or MicroStation® by Bentley Systems, Inc. CMS IntelliCAD® provides unparalleled compatibility with AutoCAD®, using most of the same file formats including those for drawings (.dwg files), commands, linetypes, hatch patterns, and text styles.

15. Creo Parametric

Creo Parametric, (formerly known as Pro Engineer) is one of the market leaders in product design, developed by Parametric Technology Corporation more than 30 years ago. It provides apps for 3D CAD parametric feature solid modeling, 3D direct modeling, 2D orthographic views, Finite Element Analysis and simulation, schematic design, technical illustrations, and viewing and visualization. It also integrates many functionalities such as thermal, structural, motion, parametric and freestyle surface generation and direct modeling.

16. DesignCAD 3D Max

An easy-to-use 2D/3D CAD software for beginners to create high-quality designs, simple renders and animations. It has everything needed to design anything, from simple hobby projects to professional precision drawings.

17. DesignSpark Mechanical

3D CAD modeling software that enables professional engineers, hobbyists or makers to design and make in 3D in innovative ways and to rapidly prototype and reverse engineer objects quickly and easily. It contains the library of CAD models, and the interactive BOM interface.

18. DraftSight CAD Software

A 2D CAD drafting solution for architects, engineers and construction service providers, as well as professional CAD users, designers, educators and hobbyists. DraftSight CAD Software allows design engineers to access existing DWG files and create new ones, as well as to go from 2D drafting to 3D modeling and back again in order to optimize and maximize designs.

19. DynaMaker

A cloud service for building and publishing online 2D and 3D CAD tools that can make product customization easy and fully automated for users. With the help of CAD libraries for automation, configurable parameters, automatic export of 2D drawings, 3D files and BOM lists, user can create online applications that automates the process from the end customer down to producing machines.

20. FreeCAD

An open source parametric 3D CAD modeler specifically made for mechanical engineering to design real-life objects of any size. FreecAD includes tools similar to SOLIDWORKS. Parametric modeling allows to easily modify design by going back into model history and changing its parameters. The software reads and writes to several open file formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, and others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into design workflow.

21. Fusion 360°

Fusion 360 is an Autodesk cloud-based 3D CAD program for design and 3D CAD modeling. It provides capabilities of sketching, parametric, direct, freeform and surface modeling, modeling of sheet metal and mesh, as well as assemblies.

22. Geomagic Design for Artec 3D scanners

A professional reverse engineering software with a smart combination of history-based CAD with 3D scan data processing, helps design engineers create digital models of physical objects for reverse engineering, product design, inspection, and analysis. Artec Studio 12 and SOLIDWORKS license holders can now export 3D models directly into SOLIDWORKS by using the Geomagic professional plugin. Geomagic’s reverse engineering algorithms can reconstruct missing design data, which is especially useful when a user needs to make old or broken molds anew, or to recreate lost design files.

23. Inovate

An IronCAD 3D CAD software that bridges the gap between today’s viewer technology and a full-blown CAD seat. Enabling true upstream and downstream design collaboration, INOVATE allows users across an organization to create, modify, and share design concepts in 3D, ensuring that all stakeholders are fully involved before taking the next step toward production.

24. Inventor

An Autodesk 3D CAD software for product development that offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. It contains parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based design capabilities.

25. IronCAD

An integrated 3D and 2D Design and modeling software providing intuitive platform that helps easy reposition of components with the patented TriBall™ visualization tool, resize objects by stretching them with handles, and drag and drop predefined shapes into the design scene for a better, faster design process.

26. KeyCreator

A manufacturing-oriented non-parametric, non-history based, "direct" 2D/3D solid modeling CAD software. Originally known as CADKEY, it was first released in 1984, being one of the first CAD programs with 3D capabilities for personal computers. Besides solid modeling, KeyCreator is also capable of wireframe and surface modeling, as well as drafting.

27. KOMPAS 3D

A flexible 3D modeling system that allows you to create models by several methods, including the following ones:

• Bottom-up modeling using finished components;
• Top-down modeling by designing components to match specific designs;
• Modeling based on layout drawings, such as kinematic diagrams;
• Or any combination of these modeling methods.

28. Leopoly

A cloud-based 3D modeling software that was developed by the Hungarian startup, LeoPoly. It offers different options when modeling an object, such as a library of available objects designed by the company that can be customized in terms of color and text, importing user’s own STL or OBJ models, or choosing a model from a gallery of files created by other users. This software is mostly aimed at teaching 3D modeling to students of different ages, but can also be used by designers, developers and customers that are beginners in 3D modeling.

29. MachineBuilder

Cloud-based CAD platform for machine design using standard components from the online database.

30. MechDesigner

An engineering design tool developed specifically for the design and analysis of machines and products that have moving parts, all cam types, gears and complex mechanisms. It has integrated MotionDesigner module to design the motions for each mechanism in the model. MechDesigner is fully compatible with SolidWorks and can directly export or import models to/from it.

31. Meshmixer

An Autodesk state-of-me-art 3D software tool for working with triangle meshes. Product engineers choose Meshmixer when they need to clean up a 3D scan, do some 3D printing, or design an object that fits something else. Meshmixer is not a typical CAD software, as it does not allow to create a product from the scratch. Instead, this software will help user with animation, modeling, zippering, hole filling, hollowing, 3D sculpting and surface stamping, converting to solid for 3D printing, and auto repair of pre-existing models that a user modifies to a specific need.

32. Modo

A flexible 3D modeling, texturing and rendering toolset empowers artists and product designers to explore and develop ideas without jumping through technical hoops. It includes fast direct modeling, flexible procedural modeling, the MeshFusion Boolean toolset and built-in sculpting tools.

33. Moment of Inspiration (MoI)

A 3D modeling tool for designers and artists, but can be also used by engineers, that features an intuitive user interface that blends a fluid workflow with powerful tools. MoI is less complex than other CAD tools but it is a complementary tool for a polygon-based shapes since its CAD toolset and advanced Boolean functions enable rapid creation of custom models.

34. NX for Design

NX of SIEMENS is one of best Product Life cycle Management (PLM) software on the market. It includes NX for Design, which is used for design, simulation, design validation, machine tools solution. The application targets product design, industrial/electro-mechanical design, and mechatronics design. NX is also used for structural, thermal, flow analysis, simulation and optimization. UG NX plays a major role in CAM for machine tool control, direct numerical control, CMM programming as well as for tooling and fixture design.

35. Onshape for Professional Design Teams

A cloud-based computer-aided design software system, delivered over the Internet via a Software as a Service model. This CAD platform, that combines 3D CAD, PDM, collaboration and analytics tools in the cloud, was designed by former members of the SolidWorks team. Onshape can be instantly deployed on any computer or mobile device, enabling teams to work together globally and rapidly. Onshape requires no downloads, installations, or license codes and can be accessed with any modern web browser.

36. OpenJSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is a script-only based modeller that uses its own description language; parts can be previewed, but it cannot be interactively selected or modified by mouse in the 3D view.

37. OpenSCAD

A software for creating solid 3D CAD models. It is free and available for Linux/UNIX, Windows and Mac OS X. Unlike most free software for creating 3D models (such as Blender) it does not focus on the artistic aspects of 3D modelling but instead on the CAD aspects. OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file. It provides two main modelling techniques: a) constructive solid geometry and b) extrusion of 2D outlines. Autocad DXF files can be used as the data exchange format for 2D outlines; as well it is also possible to read design parameters from DXF files.

38. Pro/Engineer

Brand of CAD software, subsequently named ‘Wildfire’, and now ‘Creo’ (the family of products still widely referred to as Pro/E).

39. ProNest

A CAD/CAM part nesting software designed for advanced mechanized cutting. It provides a single solution for various cutting needs – including plasma, laser, waterjet, and oxyfuel, helping to increase material savings, boost productivity, lower operating costs, and improve part quality.

40. PunchCAD

A set of comprehensive computer-aided design software that incorporates different design tools through an intuitive interface: SharkCAD Pro, ViaCAD 2D, ViaCAD 2D/3D, ViaCAD Pro.

41. QCAD

A free, open source application for 2D computer aided drafting in Windows, macOS and Linux. With QCAD user can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schematics and diagrams.

42. RecurDyn Professional

A Multibody Dynamics CAE software solution for design engineers that consists of three modules: modeler, solver, and Process Net. With RecurDyn Professional, design engineers can simulate and test various conditions, as well as detect problems and product defects and solve them.

43. Rhino (Rhinoceros)

A 3D modeler used to create, edit, analyze, document, render, animate, and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids, point clouds, and polygon meshes without any limits on complexity, degree, or size beyond those of hardware.

44. SALOME

An open-source software that provides a generic Pre- and Post-Processing platform for numerical simulation. It is based on an open and flexible architecture made of reusable components. SALOME can be used as a) a standalone application for generation of the CAD model, its preparation for the numerical calculations and post-processing of the calculation results; b) a platform for integration of the external third-party numerical codes to produce a new application for the full life-cycle management of CAD models.

45. SelfCAD

An online CAD software for 3D modeling and 3D printing, both for browser- and cloud-based. SelfCAD is a polygon mesh-based design program.

46. SharkCAD Pro

See PunchCAD.

47. Shapr3D

A 3D design app for iPad that combines intuitive direct modeling with industry-leading quality and power, using the same Siemens Parasolid engine as SOLIDWORKS. Using a tablet and Apple Pencil, an engineer can design parts, visualize concepts, collaborate and solve production issues with builds accurate to 10 decimal points.

48. SketchUp

A 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design.

49. Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a 3D CAD portfolio of software tools that addresses all aspects of the product design and development process for design engineers, including 3D solid modeling, assembly modelling, 2D orthographic view functionality, simulation, manufacturing, design management. With its synchronous technology, Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design.

50. SolidFace

A 3D modeling, assembly, and engineering drawing CAD software designed for designers, mechanical engineers, 3D printing, civil engineers, collaboration, etc. The software was built with a top down approach in a modern design environment, incorporating parts of existing CAD products that work as well as innovative modeling and cloud-based collaboration tools.

51. SolidWorks

A solid modeling CAD and CAE software package from Dassault Systèmes, that includes 3D part design and assemblies, 2D drawing preparation, file management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, professional collaboration capabilities, powerful simulation and design validation, reverse engineering, advanced wire and pipe routing functionality. It runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. While it is possible to run SolidWorks on MacOS, it is not supported by SolidWorks.

52. SolveSpace

A parametric 3D CAD program for modeling 2D and 3D parts, exporting for 3D printing, preparing CAM data, mechanism design, and using plane and solid geometry.

53. SpaceClaim

A 3D Modeling Software as a primary design tool to create and analyze geometry.

54. Strata Design

A tool to complete professional 3D projects. Intended for illustrators, product & package designers, display & interior designers, and other creative professionals. This 3D modelling software includes integrated modeling and scene composition so that user can get to the final high-quality images and animations that professional studios demand.

55. TinkerCAD

An online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser, a popular platform for creating models for 3D printing as well as an entry-level introduction to constructive solid geometry in schools.

56. TopSolid Design

A powerful CAD/CAM solution for modelling, simulation and production (geometry, assemblies, structural calculation, dynamics, etc.). Such functions provide a powerful means to meet industry-specific requirements for the drafting, design and manufacture of products.

57. TurboCAD 2016 Deluxe

A complete, powerful 20/30 CAD software package with tools for drawing, modifying, dimensioning, and annotating. Product engineers can share their work with AutoCAD and SketchUP or print in 3D. TurboCAD runs on Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.

58. VariCAD

3D/2D CAD software for mechanical engineering from Czech Republic, runs on Windows and Linux. VariCAD provides support for parameters and geometric constraints, tools for shells, pipelines, sheet metal unbending and crash tests, assembly support, mechanical part and symbol libraries, calculations, bills of materials, and more.

59. Vectary

An online 3D modeling tool, based on a combination of standard mesh modeling, subdivision modeling and parametric plugins. It has a library of free scenes, models and materials so that customer don’t have to start from scratch or spend a long time getting up to speed in 3D.

60. ViaCAD

See PunchCAD.

61. WEBENCH Design Center

A web tool from Texas Instruments for engineering education. WEBENCH Design Environments are unique and powerful software tools that deliver customized power, lighting, filtering, clocking and sensing designs in seconds. These tools help students generate, optimize and simulate designs for a variety of coursework design needs. They allow them to learn how to make value-based tradeoffs at a design, system and supply chain level.

62. XDesign

XDesign is a cloud-based 3D modeling tool integrated into the Dassault system 3DExpireince platform. This parametric modeling tool for parts and assemblies allows for the complete CAD modeling experience from any web browser. Simple to use, this user-centric software provides design guidance and social collaboration to meet your modeling challenges. This is a perfect tool for anyone from entrepreneurs, casual users, all the way to the most advanced users. On top of that, the integration to the 3DExperience platform allows for direct integration into simulation, sub-D Modeling, and rendering applications.

63. XShape

SOLIDWORKS xShape is the 3D subdivision modeling tool on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, used for creating designs that require organic shapes with very smooth transitions. It is the second “xApp” in a portfolio from SOLIDWORKS that allows industrial designers, digital artists, and engineers to create innovative products in a new way. It runs fully in a browser, so no installation is necessary, meaning more freedom to choose the device you want to work on.

64. ZW3D

An integrated CAD/CAM solution designed for the whole process of product development, features the fastest kernel for Solid-Surface Hybrid Modeling (ZW3D CAD Module), non-solid mold parting (ZW3D Mold Module) and smart CNC machining strategies from 2-axis to 5-axis (ZW3D CAM Module).