ActCAD Software vs. CATIA

Some dimensions move for no apparent reason. 3d modeling could be improved upon. As a 2D program I use it daily and prefer it to 3D modeling programs for drawing details.

CATIA is probably the most preferred 3D modeling tool in the automotive and aerospace industries. This specific surface (it can be handled well by the experienced users) is well suited to use parametric design principles and hence result in great products. One of the issues we have in the automotive industry is to work with large surfaces for body exterior (main body, gate, hood.) or interior trim (door, headliner.) panels. CATIA enable us to design surface perfectly through the lines. Also, assembly features for intricate designs (gearbox, exhaust, engine, suspension.) are more than adequate. I did not find any inefficiency while designing products with CATIA. Only the interface and handling of the menu and mouse is not the best - or at least you need time to get used to it.

Incentivized

• This is one of the most complete packages that I've used, very intuitive, thus saying user-friendly is somewhat on the mild side, as it is a pleasure to use
• Functionality is straightforward and all pertinent information are right on the screen
• Its ease-of-use cuts down on documentation time thus allowing me to spend more time where it's really needed

• There really is no 3D software that offers all the design modules, drafting and assembly options and manipulation tools that CATIA offers.
• There are a specific module and tool for just about anything you need to do, so the design process with CATIA can be very optimized.
• Great surface modeling capabilities.

Incentivized

• My major complaint is sometimes the dimensions do not stay where I place them.
• 3D modeling is complicated for me.
• Need to specify wall types and be able to create custom walls.
• Need to have a roof manager to make trusses or hand-stack framing.

• Updating an existing design can become really frustrating. You have to reassign all the radiuses, for example, even if they moved slightly.
• CAE function is not that good.
• Radiuses are slightly bad and can cause you lots of problems.

Incentivized

It is a good software for conception. But it is too hard sometimes to work with and understand the different options available

I generally contact with IT or internal CATIA support team, so I cannot comment in detail. I remember we have struggled to move to v6 update, and it required a long and detailed work to update all the systems. There were some times we had limited support from Dassault, but it is normal for a company of our size. So I cannot criticize much.

Incentivized

We all agree that if you understand AutoCAD, then ActCAD is a very very easy fit. That along with pricing, being able to purchase it outright without having to do a yearly lease or whatever it's called make it a very cost-effective solution for a small business allowing us to appropriate funds to continue to grow our business

Once major advantage I realized when using CATIA is surface modelling, and modifications or changes in part model later. SOLIDWORKS provide a really good and quick way to part modelling. However, part modifications and assembly modifications take time. In CATIA, complex geometries can be easily generated, when compared to SOLIDWORKS. Managing and updating designs of large scale models and complex geometries made me realize an advantage of CATIA over other CAD software.

• ActCAD reasonably does what proprietary software does.

• The ease of modeling helps a lot to save time, in both modeling new parts and also assemblies, which in the end makes a great positive impact on the development.

Incentivized