build123d vs Siemens NX
build123d
build123d.readthedocs.io
Siemens NX
plm.sw.siemens.comSide by side
| Figure | build123d | Siemens NX |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.3 (#20) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.4 (#43) | 8.5 (#31) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | No | Yes |
| File import and export | Import: STEP, STL, 3MF; export: BREP, DXF, glTF, OBJ, STL, STEP, SVG, 3MF | NX X Manufacturing Essentials can import, export, and visualize Parasolid, IGES, DXF, STEP, STL, and JT models. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Modeling method | parametric | hybrid |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The documentation points users to a Discord server shared with CadQuery for help in the build123d channel. | Siemens provides NX customer support and links users to its support center and NX community. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux (Python package) | Windows desktop; NX X Design is cloud SaaS and supports browser-based access |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Siemens NX
- NX X Design Essentials, Standard, Advanced and PremiumPriced on request
In their own words
build123d
build123d has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Siemens NX
Siemens NX is a product development suite spanning design, engineering, and manufacturing. It uses hybrid modeling and includes assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. Windows desktop use is supported, while NX X Design provides browser access as a cloud SaaS service with built-in data management. NX X Design has Essentials, Standard, Advanced, and Premium tiers, built on a common core with progressively added functionality. The tiers can share data without translation with other Siemens Xcelerator software. NX supports IGES, STEP AP203, STEP AP214, DXF/DWG, STL, and 3MF; NX X data exchange also lists JT, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks open. Design Copilot NX answers questions using documentation for the user's NX version and can link to documentation or launch mentioned commands. Other listed tools include virtual and augmented reality design, model-based inspection characteristics, sketch checking with automatic correction, and routed-systems design with rule checking. NX is paid, with pricing on request and a 30-day free trial; no free plan is listed.