HOOPS Exchange vs Vertessia

HOOPS Exchange is a C++ SDK for adding 2D and 3D CAD import and export to applications through one API. It gives development teams access to B-REP geometry, PMI, model trees, views, persistent IDs, styles, construction geometry, and visualization data. The product lists more than 30 import formats and more than 10 export formats, including CATIA, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Revit, IFC, JT, STEP, STL, and FBX. HOOPS Exchange uses PRC for data access and says it preserves geometry accuracy and data integrity; the maker says files can be compressed up to 100 times smaller than the original CAD files. The SDK integrates with Parasolid and lists connections to ACIS, Open Cascade, Polygonica, HOOPS Visualize, OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, Unity, and Unreal. APIs are available for C, C++, and C#. Windows, Linux, and macOS are listed, with limited functionality on iOS and Android. A free 60-day evaluation offers full access and technical expert support, but evaluation keys expire at the end of the period and cannot be used for production software.

Vertessia converts meshes and scans into editable STEP CAD surfaces through web and API access. Organic mode creates smooth NURBS patches for organic shapes, while Mechanical mode fits exact planes, cylinders, and cones. Accepted files include STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, GLB, glTF, and STEP, with uploads up to 100 MB. Mesh conversions and STEP-to-mesh conversion are free without an account. A free account enables reconstruction and a browser 3D preview before downloading, with three free STEP downloads at signup. The site says typical reconstruction takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Jobs rebuilding under 85% of a mesh fail without charge; 85% to 95% coverage produces a warning. Plans include Free, Maker at $19 a month, Pro at $79 a month, Team at $249 a month, and Pay as you go at 3030.00 USD once. Files are processed in Canada and deleted within 24 hours, except paid STEP files retained 30 days.