Siemens NX vs ZW3D
Siemens NX
plm.sw.siemens.comZW3D
zwsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Siemens NX | ZW3D |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $3,000/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 14 |
| Spec score · 3D CAD Software | 8.6 (#7) | 7.3 (#63) |
| Spec score · 3D modeling software | 8.5 (#31) | 7.4 (#126) |
| Assembly design | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| File formats | NX X Manufacturing Essentials can import, export, and visualize Parasolid, IGES, DXF, STEP, STL, and JT models. | Import/export converter formats include IGES, Parasolid, STEP, DWG/DXF, VDA, and STL; direct open/save/edit is listed for CATIA, Inventor, NX, SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, Creo/ProE, and ACIS. |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Modeling method | hybrid | hybrid |
| Sheet-metal tools | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows desktop; NX X Design is cloud SaaS and supports browser-based access | Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11; browser-based viewing and collaboration are documented. |
| Surface modeling | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Siemens NX
- NX X Design Essentials, Standard, Advanced and PremiumPriced on request
ZW3D
- Lite$3,000 a month
- Lite$3,000, paid once
- Standard$4,500 a month
- Standard$4,500, paid once
- Professional$7,000 a month
- Professional$7,000, paid once
- Advanced$7,500 a month
- Advanced$7,500, paid once
- 2-Axis Machining$3,500 a month
- 2-Axis Machining$3,500, paid once
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.