Siemens NX vs VariCAD
Siemens NX
plm.sw.siemens.comVariCAD
varicad.deSide by side
| Figure | Siemens NX | VariCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.6 (#7) | 7.6 (#57) |
| File formats | NX X Manufacturing Essentials can import, export, and visualize Parasolid, IGES, DXF, STEP, STL, and JT models. | The manual documents STEP import and export, DWG and DXF import and export, and STL and IGES export. |
| Support | Siemens provides NX customer support and links users to its support center and NX community. | The product navigation lists a manual, discussion forum, training, knowledge base, remote desktop support, and a questions page. |
| Trial | Siemens advertises a 30 day free trial of NX X. | The maker describes a free 30-day trial with the full feature set, limited to 30 days of use. |
Plans
Siemens NX
- NX X Design Essentials, Standard, Advanced and PremiumPriced on request
VariCAD
- VariCAD trialFree
- VariCAD Professional for LinuxPrice not published
- VariCAD Professional for WindowsPrice not published
- VariCAD ViewerPrice not published
In their own words
Siemens NX
Siemens NX is a product development suite spanning design, engineering, and manufacturing. It uses hybrid modeling and includes assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. Windows desktop use is supported, while NX X Design provides browser access as a cloud SaaS service with built-in data management. NX X Design has Essentials, Standard, Advanced, and Premium tiers, built on a common core with progressively added functionality. The tiers can share data without translation with other Siemens Xcelerator software. NX supports IGES, STEP AP203, STEP AP214, DXF/DWG, STL, and 3MF; NX X data exchange also lists JT, Solid Edge, and SolidWorks open. Design Copilot NX answers questions using documentation for the user's NX version and can link to documentation or launch mentioned commands. Other listed tools include virtual and augmented reality design, model-based inspection characteristics, sketch checking with automatic correction, and routed-systems design with rule checking. NX is paid, with pricing on request and a 30-day free trial; no free plan is listed.