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trial versionHas a licenseCAD Software for Industry
A straightforward guide to what sets CAD programs apart, how much they cost, and how to choose the right one for your workshop, design department, or woodworking shop. Solidmakarna has been providing CAD solutions to Swedish industry since 1988, and for most needs, we recommend IRONCAD.
Student or teacher? Free student versionDo you just want to open and view CAD files? COMPOSE is free
Since 1988Support and training in SwedishPermanent licenseClients such as NEFAB, Husqvarna, and Ankarsrum
Used daily in Swedish engineering departments
Help me choose
Answer four quick questions, and you'll receive a recommendation based on how you actually work—not on feature lists.
Compare Methods
All CAD programs are based on one or more of the methods listed below. The method used by default in the program determines how long a change takes.
What makes this unique is that all three can be combined in the same file. Want to learn more? Read about direct modeling or how it differs from parametric systems like SolidWorks.
Watch videos
Short clips taken directly from IRONCAD. Choose the one that most closely resembles your work.
Direct editing of imported geometry
Checklist
Feature lists look the same across all providers. These are the questions that determine whether the software will save you time.
Ask the vendor to demonstrate a change at the end of a project, not at the beginning. That’s where time is lost in parametric systems.
IRONCAD: The model can be freely modified at the detail and summary levels, even at a late stage.STEP, Parasolid, SolidWorks, and Inventor files should be able to be opened and edited without having to be redrawn.
In " IRONCAD": imported files are edited directly, without a history, in the same file as your own contributions.Exporting to DXF and drawings that are updated when the model changes should not require additional modules.
IRONCAD: Sheet Metal Bending, Unfolding, and Associative Drawings is included in the base license.Thousands of items can be stored in the same file until you decide to link them out.
At IRONCAD: one file instead of ten thousand, with a complete structure for importing and custom components.Check to see if the program stops working when you stop paying. That determines the total cost over five years.
IRONCAD: permanent license. A support agreement with updates is optional.Take into account the time it will take for a new engineer to start producing. Days or months?
At Solidmakarna: support —in Swedish—and training that gets you up and running in a matter of days.Examples
Price and License
The price depends more on the type of license than on the software itself. These are the three models you'll encounter, and what they mean over time.
You purchase the license once and own it. An optional support agreement provides access to new versions and support.
You rent the software on an annual basis. If you stop paying, the software will stop working, and the files will become difficult to open.
Sufficient for 3D printing and simpler parts. Usually lacks sheet metal, associative drawings, support , and accountability.
Would you like to know how much a license would cost for your specific situation? We'll get back to you with a quote tailored to the number of users and your needs. If you only need to view files, it's COMPOSE free.
Request a QuoteSee what's included in IRONCADCustomer Results
Mercado Produktion in Halmstad designs welding fixtures and shop floor layouts three times faster than with parametric systems.
Read the customer case study
Höga Kusten Teknikresurs manages sawmill projects involving hundreds of thousands of parties and saves at least 30 percent in time.
Read the customer case study
Hexagon Metrology switched from AutoCAD and SolidWorks to IRONCAD and now designs entire projects in a single file.
Read the customer case studyMore examples from workshops, machine builders, and woodworking shops can be found among our customer case studies.
Frequently asked questions
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. CAD software is used to create 3D models and 2D drawings of products, machines, and buildings, and to test, visualize, and develop manufacturing documentation before anything is manufactured.
2D CAD replaces the drafting table: you draw views by hand and have to modify each view whenever something changes. In 3D CAD, you build a model from which the drawings are generated, so a change to the model automatically updates all views, bills of materials, and area calculations.
Free software works well for hobbies, school, and 3D printing, but it usually lacks sheet metal features, associative drawings, support for importing industry-standard formats, and support. If you’d like to try professional CAD for free, IRONCAD offers a 30-day trial, a free student version, and a viewer COMPOSE , which is free.
It depends on the type of license. A perpetual license, such as IRONCAD, is a one-time purchase that you own, with an optional support agreement. A subscription costs less in the first year but more over time, and the software stops working when you stop paying. Request a quote to get a price based on the number of users you have.
It depends on the program. Parametric systems require you to learn how to set constraints and conditions before you start drawing. In IRONCAD , you draw directly in 3D, and most users are able to produce results after just a few days. Solidmakarna offers basic training on-site or remotely, as well as free self-study materials.
Yes. IRONCAD imports formats such as STEP, Parasolid, IGES, SolidWorks, and Inventor, and imported models can be edited directly without having to be redrawn. You can also export to the formats your customers and suppliers use.
Most professional CAD programs, including IRONCAD, are designed for Windows. On a Mac, you'll need to run Windows using Boot Camp or Parallels. Check the recommended system requirements before choosing a computer.
A standard office computer is sufficient for smaller models. For large datasets with thousands of parties, we recommend a dedicated graphics card, 32 GB of memory, and an SSD. The exact requirements can be found on the computer specifications page for IRONCAD.
Next step
Book a demo and we'll tailor it to your specific needs, or download the trial version and try it for 30 days. Support and training in Swedish.
