Autodesk Inventor vs Hexagon VISI

Autodesk Inventor is Windows software for mechanical design, documentation, simulation, and model-based definition. Its 3D tools combine parametric, direct, freeform, and rules-based modeling, with support for assembly design, sheet metal, and surfaces. Inventor can open designs from other CAD systems without translation. Parts can be exported to formats including DWG, IGES, JT, OBJ, STEP, and STL; assembly exports also include RVT, while drawings support DWG, IDW, DWF/DWFx, and DXF. Design connections include Revit family data, Vault, Factory Design Utilities, and Inventor Nastran. Automation options include iLogic, the API, and Autodesk Platform Services. Inventor is paid, with a 30-day trial and no permanent free tier. Displayed monthly, annual, and three-year prices are placeholders, not figures. A subscription permits installation on up to three devices, but only the named user may sign in and use it on one computer at a time.

Hexagon VISI is paid CAD/CAE/CAM software for designing, analysing and validating moulds and dies, especially plastic injection tooling. Its suite covers complex 3D modelling, electrode design, progressive die development, 3D data repair and sheet-metal unfolding. VISI Mold creates 3D moulds with parametric controls and standard libraries, while VISI Flow analyses injection-moulding flow. VISI Machining creates toolpaths for complex 3D parts and generates NC code using high-speed milling and smoothing algorithms. The software uses hybrid modelling and includes assembly design, sheet-metal tools, surface modelling, multiresolution and voxel sculpting, and texture painting. It runs on 64-bit Windows 11 Professional and specifies 4 GB RAM minimum. Imports include ACIS, CATIA, STL, DXF/DWG, IGES, STEP, Inventor, NX, SolidWorks, Parasolid and Creo; exports include 3D PDF, ACIS, CATIA V5, STL, IGES, JT Open, Parasolid, STEP and VDA. Pricing is on request.