ICEM Surf vs OrCAD X
ICEM Surf
3ds.comOrCAD X
cadence.comSide by side
| Figure | ICEM Surf | OrCAD X |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Simulation Software | 8.1 (#7) | 7.4 (#9) |
| Purpose | ICEM Surf is a curve and surface modeling tool for defining, analyzing, and visualizing complex free-form CAD surface models. | OrCAD X is an AI-enabled electronic design automation platform for schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation, aimed at small to medium-sized businesses designing medium-complexity boards. |
| Security | Dassault Systèmes says its 3DEXPERIENCE cloud platform ISMS is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022; this certification is stated for the platform, not specifically ICEM Surf. | OrCAD X OnCloud describes enterprise-grade encryption, access controls, and audit trails, while the FAQ says Cadence OnCloud uses layered security and Defense-in-Depth principles. |
| Support | The ICEM Surf support page directs users with further hardware or software questions to ICEM Surf support. | Premium support offers major and minor product updates, OnCloud access, and phone and case-based technical support; community forums and online training are also available. |
Plans
ICEM Surf
- ICEM Surf Learning EditionFree
- ICEM Surf commercial licensesPriced on request
OrCAD X
- OrCAD X ProfessionalPrice not published
- OrCAD X Professional PlusPrice not published
- OrCAD X StandardPrice not published
In their own words
ICEM Surf
ICEM Surf is a curve and surface modeling tool for defining, analyzing, and visualizing complex free-form CAD surface models. It is used in automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and press-tool design. Its modeling tools and dynamic diagnostics support creating and checking Class-A surface geometry. Listed modules include Professional, Master, Magic, Advanced Tools, Safety Analysis, Scan Modelling, and Immersive VR Review and Realtime Rendering. The Scan Modelling add-on handles dense, ordered, or random point clouds from laser and photo digitizers. Safety Analysis detects sharp edges and corners by simulating a sphere rolling across model geometry. Realtime Rendering supports shadows, environments, materials, lighting effects, and VR design reviews. ICEM Surf supports Windows 10/11 64-bit; its 2026 visualization and rendering requirements specify Windows 11 H2 or newer. It needs at least 8 GB of 64-bit main memory. Commercial pricing is on request, and some interfaces and add-on modules require additional licenses. A free Learning Edition is available after signing in or creating a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, for personal learning only and without support.
OrCAD X
OrCAD X is an AI-enabled electronic design automation platform for small and medium-sized businesses making medium-complexity boards. It combines schematic capture, PCB layout and circuit simulation across web and Windows deployments. Layout tools include interactive and automatic routing, design-rule checks, constraint-driven tools, 3D viewing and design-for-manufacturing checks. Integrated PSpice handles analog and mixed-signal simulation with Monte Carlo, worst-case and sensitivity analyses. Capture connects to Ultra Librarian, SamacSys and SnapMagic for symbols and footprints. ECAD/MCAD collaboration supports SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, Siemens NX, Autodesk Fusion and PTC Creo. Professional and Professional Plus add Live BOM information on lifecycle, availability, inventory, lead time, alternatives and pricing. Standard, Professional and Professional Plus are yearly single-user licenses with region-dependent pricing. The commercial Professional Plus trial lasts 30 days, requires no payment details and provides unrestricted access to that tier.