Autodesk MeshMixer vs. NanoCAD

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
MeshMixer
Score 8.0 out of 10
N/A
MeshMixer is a 3D design and modeling tool for 3D printing or scanning, supported by Autodesk (acquired 2011). While not discontinued, the product will not receive updates and Autodesk states they intend to include all functionality in updates of Fusion 360.N/A
NanoCAD
Score 9.4 out of 10
N/A
NanoCAD is a free to use design software including both 2D and 3D design features. NanoCAD also includes premium features that users can upgrade to as needed.N/A
Pricing
Autodesk MeshMixerNanoCAD
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
MeshMixerNanoCAD
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details——
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Autodesk MeshMixerNanoCAD
Top Pros

No answers on this topic

Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Autodesk MeshMixerNanoCAD
Small Businesses
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.5 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.5 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.5 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.5 out of 10
Enterprises
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.7 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Autodesk MeshMixerNanoCAD
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(1 ratings)
9.4
(2 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Autodesk MeshMixerNanoCAD
Likelihood to Recommend
Autodesk
Autodesk MeshMixer is best for repairing STL files and basic modifications toward 3D printing. It is excellent for hollowing out models and adding escape holes for SLA printing or lost-wax casting. Its CSG (Boolean) functions to combine different meshes are good too and seldom cause the program to crash. There is even an integrated algorithm to optimize the layout of multiple files on a print bed in case of small-batch production. Autodesk MeshMixer's sculpting tools are there yet limited and there are a few better alternatives. Best of all, it is completely free.
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NanoSoft Ltd.
It is great when cleaning up CAD files and allowing for 3rd party add-ins. It allows you to delete used layers. It would be nice if it saved to smaller file sizes when saving as an older DWG. It is easy to scale drawings and make floor plan layouts. It would be nice if it would pick up the default units that I set for my preference when opening up a converted file from pdf.
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Pros
Autodesk
  • Auto-repair function works fast, and if it does not completely cover all problem areas, manual fixes will work 99.5% of the time.
  • Remeshing algorithm is fairly slow but does a wonderful job in creating meshes with homogeneous or adaptive triangulation.
  • It contains a comprehensive set of tools to optimize and prepare STL files for 3D printing, such as hollowing and support generation.
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NanoSoft Ltd.
  • Easy to use
  • Great for Drafting
  • Opens all CAD files from other systems
  • Same commands as other CAD programs
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Cons
Autodesk
  • The remeshing tool needs to be faster, as in some cases it takes up to a day of waiting time.
  • The sculpting tools need the addition of a proper brush for creating sharp creases and ridges.
  • The standard shape library is rather limited. It would be nice to have this connected to online repositories such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Cults3D.
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NanoSoft Ltd.
  • It lacks some functions that AutoCAD has, but for the price, it could be worth it on your end.
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Likelihood to Renew
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
NanoSoft Ltd.
We like NanoCAD for what it does for us and will renew or license when the time comes. There is no question of doubt because we are very happy with it.
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Alternatives Considered
Autodesk
Using Blender for STL file preparation is like swatting a mosquito with a wrecking ball, plus its boolean functionalities can be glitchy. ZBrushCoreMini proved too limiting as a sculpting tool, but so did Autodesk MeshMixer, so I am sticking to Sculptris. Materialise Magics and Netfabb are somewhat better at STL file repair and offer more advanced functionalities. But Magics does not remesh as well and Autodesk MeshMixer is far more compact and faster than Netfabb, so remains my weapon of choice.
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NanoSoft Ltd.
NanoCAD has been the best solution after using other high-priced software systems. It has all the tools I need and no need to upgrade my computer system. I run it on a Windows 11, Core i5 Computer with 8 gb of ram and integrated graphics with no issues. It does not use up much space in my ssd.
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Return on Investment
Autodesk
  • It speeds up projects by streamlining the CAD-to-3D-printing workflow
  • As an advanced user, I have written a few tutorials about it as well
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NanoSoft Ltd.
  • It's free to use
  • No need to buy special high end computers
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ScreenShots