MeshInspector vs ViaCAD
MeshInspector
meshinspector.comViaCAD
punchcad.comSide by side
| Figure | MeshInspector | ViaCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $25/mo | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 15 |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 9.0 (#12) | 8.2 (#63) |
| File formats | Supported data includes STL, OBJ, PLY, 3MF, DICOM, E57, STEP, G-code and other mesh, volume and point-cloud formats. | The product reads and writes current AutoCAD DWG and DXF; the site also lists formats including STL, 3MF, SAT, OBJ, SKP, SVG, and 3DS. |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Bothell, Washington, USA | Novato, California, United States |
| Integrations | The MeshInspector Web Suite page says it can integrate a viewer and tools into a customer platform and work with AWS and Azure servers. | The site lists KeyShot LiveLinking for rendering and native SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, and CATIA file exchange for SharkCAD Pro, rather than ViaCAD. |
| Platforms | MeshInspector is available in a web browser and as desktop applications for Windows, macOS and Linux. | ViaCAD is offered for Windows and Mac, with Windows 11 and macOS Tahoe support listed for version 17. |
| Purpose | MeshInspector processes 3D data for mesh repair, scan transformation and quality inspection, including workflows for printing, simulation and manufacturing. | ViaCAD is 2D/3D CAD software for drafting, modeling, rendering, and preparing designs for 3D printing. |
| Support | Paid pricing includes premium support with an advertised priority response of approximately 12 hours, and support is also offered by email. | Every licence includes twelve months of technical support and maintenance, and the maker provides tutorials and a user forum. |
| Trial | The Professional plan has a 30-day free trial without requiring credit card information, after which the account automatically moves to the Community plan. | The maker offers a free 15-day trial. |
Plans
MeshInspector
- CommunityFree
- Makers$300 a year
- Professional$790 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
ViaCAD
- ViaCAD 17 2D — Own it$129.99 a month
- ViaCAD 17 2D — 1-year term$59.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D — 3-year term$159.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — Own it$279.99 a month
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 1-year term$119.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 2D/3D — 3-year term$339.99 a year
- ViaCAD 17 Pro — Own it$599.99 a month
- ViaCAD 17 Pro — 1-year termPrice not published
- ViaCAD 17 Pro — 3-year termPrice not published
- ViaCAD 17 2D$59.99 a year
In their own words
MeshInspector
MeshInspector processes 3D data for mesh repair, scan transformation, and quality inspection in printing, simulation, and manufacturing workflows. It handles meshes, point clouds, volumetric data, lines, distance maps, and G-code, and supports model import and export. Tools include STL editing and repair, mesh conversion, inspection measurements, distance comparisons, segmentation, and CT/MRI scan inspection.
The free Community plan includes viewing, basic mesh and point-cloud editing, basic repair, and measurements. Makers costs $300 a year per user and adds one-click repair, advanced editing, basic inspection, and alignment tools. Professional costs $790 a year per user and adds batch repair, lattice generation, point-cloud and CT/MRI-to-mesh workflows, QC reports, advanced measurements, and Python automation. Its 30-day Professional trial does not require a credit card; afterward, the account moves to Community. Web files are processed and stored in browser local memory, while desktop files are handled and stored locally. The product describes workflows for engineers, service bureaus, dental labs, and scanning professionals.