Likelihood to Recommend When it comes to modelling a product using multiple parts, CATIA becomes tedious. One need someone to sit with and learn with the experience from a frequent user. If switching from any other software to CATIA, it can be intimidating as learning curve is lengthy. For example, when working with complex shape in a knuckle joint, more steps are needed in part modelling. This cause part modelling lengthier and consume time more time, in comparison to
SOLIDWORKS . However, CATIA is tremendously helpful in generating really complex features. Surface modelling is way easier when one know how to use it. It becomes really handy to make changes to the design later as well. The design history tree is also very well organized, which save time in later modifications
Read full review NX CAD is very good when it comes to three dimensional modelling and rendering and visualization. Furthermore, the export to jt function together with import into other Siemens software packages, such as
Teamcenter , is a major reason why I am using
NX . However, it can be a little more computationally expensive compare to other CAD packages.
Read full review Pros Surface modeling module is extremely developed and successful. 2D drafting module is doing the job effectively (AutoCAD is no more required). Read full review Seamless interaction across multiple departments. The software allows you to create a very high level of control and organization within your engineering staff. This reduces the companies mistakes and maximizes productivity. The software makes it very easy to track your product through every phase of the production cycle. Read full review Cons The software is pretty heavy, even with computers designed for heavy-duty loads, resulting in long wait times to load files and make changes, reducing productivity. Read full review Keeping the colors of surfaces if volume bodies are linked Show and keep symbolic threads For me, I miss more information why a surface can't be deleted or a radius is not possible. And maybe a solution, how could it look like, if NX CAD adds a new surface. Read full review Likelihood to Renew possibility of integration and customization
Read full review Usability Siemens NX CAD has been has been simple in design & user interface. It is best among the competitors. It can develop heavy models & designs with very ease. It has Layers options for arranging multiple assemblies in the same file. It does not require heavy system investment & works fine on professional PCs
Read full review Support Rating We got frequent updates on CATIA. There are lots of update notes. Also, there are lots of lots of videos online to solve the issues that you can stumble upon. It also has a built-in help manual, which helps occasionally. I have gotten my education through a physical class on CATIA, so there are opportunities like that as well.
Read full review NX CAD version is going out of support after only 12 months. Changes will not be implemented after 12 months from prodcution
Read full review Implementation Rating the manitenance period is too small for our implementation timeline
Read full review Alternatives Considered You can create solid or 3D figures more easily and efficiently using Catia than in other programs or in specific
AutoCAD . You can also create different pieces to later assemble them and thus create figures even more complex or in greater detail. In the same way, you can make 2D drawings without much complication.
Read full review The only reason why NX was chosen was due to the process management, and revision control that's built-in. And being able to limit access to files and if they can be modified.
Read full review Return on Investment If designing large assemblies or very complex ones, especially in the aerospace industry, CATIA is the way to go. The graphics are really good, and the software offers many possibilities to view a design: 2D, 3D, bird's eye view... Controls pan zoom rotate are easy. Read full review The software itself is pretty expensive compared to other CAD-systems. Implementation is not out of the box, it requires a lot of consulting and iteration cycles. On the positive side is to mention the seamless of downstream functionalities, from product development to manufacturing and visualization, etc. Read full review ScreenShots