FreeCAD vs Impact Finite Element

Struggling to choose between FreeCAD and Impact Finite Element? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

FreeCAD is a Development solution with tags like 3d-modeling, cad, parametric-design, open-source.

It boasts features such as Parametric 3D modeling, Assembly modeling, Part modeling, Drafting, Finite element analysis, Sketcher, Robot simulation, Architecture design, Mesh modeling and pros including Free and open source, Highly customizable, Large community support, Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wide range of plugins and addons.

On the other hand, Impact Finite Element is a Development product tagged with finite-element-analysis, structural-analysis, impact-simulation, crash-testing.

Its standout features include Nonlinear transient dynamic finite element analysis, Explicit time integration for high-speed events, Material models for metals, composites, foams, and more, Contact modeling for complex interactions, CAD import and meshing tools, Graphical pre- and post-processing, and it shines with pros like Specialized for impact, crash, and blast problems, Fast simulation of short duration events, Robust nonlinear material models, Smooth element technology for accurate results.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily for mechanical engineering product design. It allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them to build solid 3D objects. Key features include part modeling, assembly modeling, drafting, finite element analysis, and more.

Categories:
3d-modeling cad parametric-design open-source

FreeCAD Features

  1. Parametric 3D modeling
  2. Assembly modeling
  3. Part modeling
  4. Drafting
  5. Finite element analysis
  6. Sketcher
  7. Robot simulation
  8. Architecture design
  9. Mesh modeling

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Highly customizable

Large community support

Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Wide range of plugins and addons

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited tutorials and documentation

Not as intuitive as some commercial options

Rendering and textures not a focus


Impact Finite Element

Impact Finite Element

Impact Finite Element is finite element analysis software used to simulate high-velocity dynamic events like crashes, impacts, and explosions. It can analyze the effects of these events on structures and components.

Categories:
finite-element-analysis structural-analysis impact-simulation crash-testing

Impact Finite Element Features

  1. Nonlinear transient dynamic finite element analysis
  2. Explicit time integration for high-speed events
  3. Material models for metals, composites, foams, and more
  4. Contact modeling for complex interactions
  5. CAD import and meshing tools
  6. Graphical pre- and post-processing

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Specialized for impact, crash, and blast problems

Fast simulation of short duration events

Robust nonlinear material models

Smooth element technology for accurate results

Cons

Not suitable for static or frequency response analyses

Limited to explicit dynamics solver

Less flexible than general purpose FEA codes