Direct modeling in CAD
Direct modeling in CAD (also known as direct editing or non-history-based modeling) is one of the three modern modeling approaches in 3D CAD. Here, you can modify geometry directly on surfaces and volumes—drag, rotate, or move—without having to go back in the history tree or deal with constraints. IRONCAD three methods into a single system: flexible modeling, parametric modeling, and direct modeling.
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The image depicts a drilling rig designed in IRONCAD Ornunga Maskin & Teknik AB.

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Henrik Ljungbäcker, Stoeryd

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Urban Olars, NEFAB Packaging
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Annika Lindholm, Aratron

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Åke Lindholm, Husqvarna

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Lennart Freidlitz, Innopend Teknikpartner AB

"It is impossible to create better training material than this. The learning process is truly effective."
Johan Hertz, Ankarsrum Electric Motors AB
"Everyone at Mixon is extremely satisfied with both IRONCAD and the support."
Birger Johansson, Mixon AB

"The best educational material I have seen across all categories."
Christer Lilja, Nominit

"Profits clearly increased after switching to IRONCAD."
Daniel Erlandsson, Lerocon

"You are incredibly good at providing feedback and finding accurate solutions."
Henrik Ljungbäcker, Stoeryd

"You consistently provide excellent service, truly outstanding"
Thomas Pettersson, HangOn AB
"Fantastic support. Always easy to get hold of someone. Knowledgeable people."
Robert Åberg, Quiptec AB

"IRONCAD meets our diverse design needs better than any other 3D system."
Urban Olars, NEFAB Packaging
"Quick and thoughtful responses from Solidmakarnas support"
Annika Lindholm, Aratron

"We have seen significant benefits from using IRONCAD."
Åke Lindholm, Husqvarna

"Solidmakarnas has outstanding support!"
Lennart Freidlitz, Innopend Teknikpartner AB

"It is impossible to create better training material than this. The learning process is truly effective."
Johan Hertz, Ankarsrum Electric Motors AB
"Everyone at Mixon is extremely satisfied with both IRONCAD and the support."
Birger Johansson, Mixon AB

"The best educational material I have seen across all categories."
Christer Lilja, Nominit

"Profits clearly increased after switching to IRONCAD."
Daniel Erlandsson, Lerocon

"You are incredibly good at providing feedback and finding accurate solutions."
Henrik Ljungbäcker, Stoeryd

"You consistently provide excellent service, truly outstanding"
Thomas Pettersson, HangOn AB
"Fantastic support. Always easy to get hold of someone. Knowledgeable people."
Robert Åberg, Quiptec AB

"IRONCAD meets our diverse design needs better than any other 3D system."
Urban Olars, NEFAB Packaging
"Quick and thoughtful responses from Solidmakarnas support"
Annika Lindholm, Aratron

"We have seen significant benefits from using IRONCAD."
Åke Lindholm, Husqvarna

"Solidmakarnas has outstanding support!"
Lennart Freidlitz, Innopend Teknikpartner AB

"It is impossible to create better training material than this. The learning process is truly effective."
Johan Hertz, Ankarsrum Electric Motors AB
"Everyone at Mixon is extremely satisfied with both IRONCAD and the support."
Birger Johansson, Mixon AB

"The best educational material I have seen across all categories."
Christer Lilja, Nominit

"Profits clearly increased after switching to IRONCAD."
Daniel Erlandsson, Lerocon

Sawmill machine designed in IRONCAD by Höga Kusten Teknikresurs AB
IRONCAD an intuitive and flexible 3D CAD program (with support for 2D drawings) that lets you design mechanical products in a natural and fast way—using drag-and-drop, push/pull tools, and TriBall instead of complicated constraints.
It’s one of the easiest CAD programs to get started with—you’ll learn quickly and can focus on design instead of complicated tools.
Workflows in IRONCAD
IRONCAD is unique because it doesn’t force you to choose a single modeling type.
You have all three methods at your disposal and can switch between them or
combine them however you like—all within the same file.
Best suited for models that require a predetermined approach to dimensional variations. Uses constraints and assembly conditions. Powerful when appropriate.
MOST POPULAR
The fastest and most productive method. It uniquely combines intelligent models with flexibility in a way that no other 3D CAD system can offer. Total freedom and precision at the same time.
Modify imported geometry directly. Select a surface and drag, rotate, or move it—regardless of its history. Entire assemblies can be imported and customized directly.
The genius of it? You can combine all three in a single file. Start with flexible modeling,
add parametric relationships where needed, and use direct modeling on imported parts.
Everything flows together seamlessly—no other CAD program makes it this easy.
Many people who search for “direct modeling CAD” want to avoid the common problems associated with traditional parametric CAD: locked models, over-constraint errors, and time-consuming redesigns when changes are made.
Direct modeling solves much of that. But in IRONCAD , flexible modeling IRONCAD it a step further:
IRONCAD across a range of industries to make the design process
easier, faster, and hassle-free.

"NEFAB has over 300 IRONCAD users spread all over the world. IRONCAD solves our various design needs that no other 3D system can do."
Urban Olars
CAD responsible
Read more about NEFAB

"As a design tool we use IRONCAD and as a PDM solution we use DDM. We are very happy with both solutions."
Jan Wikar
Senior Interior Designer
Read more about Baltic Yacht

"We switched to IRONCAD and have not regretted it for a second. With IRONCAD we can modify our designs quickly. IRONCAD definitely saves us time and money."
Daniel Erlandsson
CEO/Sales
Read more about Lerocon
To help you get the most out of your CAD tools, we at Solidmakarna a wide range of training courses.
Learn the basics of modeling, drafting, and documentation.
Learn more about our introductory courses
Learn the basics of modeling, drafting, and documentation.
Learn more about our continuing education programs
Free options to get started at your own pace.
Learn more about our self-study courses and webinars
Flexible modeling is IRONCAD unique and most popular method, which includes free-form editing as well as TriBall, catalog, and intelligent modeling. Direct modeling is part of it—perfect for imported geometry—but flexible modeling offers even greater freedom and productivity.
Yes! That’s IRONCAD greatest strength. You decide when to use flexible, parametric, or direct modeling—and they work together seamlessly.
Absolutely. Import STEP, IGES, or other formats and edit them directly using IronCAD Direct Face Modeling tools.
No. Use it exactly when you need it. Flexible modeling is standard, and parametric modeling is optional.
Most people get started in just a few hours. With our training courses, you’ll reach a professional level in days, not weeks.
Yes. Combine it with parametric control for variants and maintain the flexibility to make quick changes.
Contact us for a personalized demo and see how IRONCAD streamline your work with
3D modeling and design.