Hexagon VISI vs Solid Edge

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.

Solid Edge is a product development portfolio that combines direct modeling with parametric design through synchronous technology. It covers 3D design, simulation, manufacturing, technical publications and data management. Each of its four 3D design packages includes part and assembly design, 2D drafting, common 2D and 3D file import and export, data management and mesh modeling. Capabilities include animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine and 3D print export. Package features vary: Foundation includes sheet metal, frame and weldments, surface modeling and basic FEA simulation; Classic adds reverse engineering and generative design; Premium adds advanced motion and stress simulation, optimization, point cloud visualization, electrical routing, PCB collaboration, and pipe and tube design. Integrated data management includes Windows Explorer integration, thumbnails, Revision Manager and View and Markup. Solid Edge integrates with Teamcenter and Teamcenter Share for product data management and cloud collaboration. Siemens offers a 30-day PC trial and free editions for students, teachers, qualifying startups, personal community use and 2D Drafting. Solid Edge 2026 is certified for supported 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 Enterprise or Professional editions.