PolyWorks|Modeler vs SketchUp

PolyWorks|Modeler is Windows desktop software that extracts CAD entities from polygonal models of digitized parts. It creates polygonal models from point clouds in real time and repairs geometry by filling holes, smoothing surfaces, cleaning boundaries, recovering sharp edges, and making surfaces watertight. Editing includes boundary extrusion, surface offsetting, fillet reconstruction, and Boolean operations with CAD models. A NURBS workflow combines interactive curve creation with automatic surfacing to produce editable CAD-friendly models. Users can create constrained parametric 2D sketches with arcs, lines, circles, and splines, then use listed import add-ins for CATIA V5-6, NX, Creo, Inventor, and SolidWorks. Supported polygonal formats include POL, PQK, JT, Nastran NAS, OBJ, PLY, STL, and VRML 2.0; CAD formats include IGES and STEP. NURBS surfaces export to IGES, JT, and STEP, while sketches export to PWSF or IGES. Windows 10 Pro or 11 Pro 64-bit is required, with an x64 quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM, and a professional OpenGL card with 1 GB memory. Pricing is on request; a free demo is available by request.

SketchUp is 3D modeling software with parametric modeling, animation tools, rendering, and 3D-print export. It runs on the web, iOS, and Windows, though Studio’s advanced visualization and BIM workflows are Windows-only. A free browser-based plan includes Trimble Connect storage and 3D Warehouse access, but is not for commercial use. SketchUp for Schools is free with an eligible Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account and works on Chromebooks or other internet-connected computers. Its education tier includes lesson plans, 3D printing, community support, and storage through Google Drive or OneDrive. Paid plans add different capabilities: Go includes web and iPad access, Pro includes desktop modeling and 2D documentation, while Studio adds point-cloud modeling and rendered animations. Go Annual costs $10.75 a month billed annually; Pro Annual costs $33.25 a month billed annually. Users can share and collaborate through Trimble Connect, and Extension Warehouse offers more than 600 extensions. SketchUp is part of Trimble and was founded in 2000.