GrabCAD Workbench (discontinued) vs. PTC Mathcad

GrabCad Workbench is well suited for group projects, where all my team members can view the designs at the same time, and by integrating it with CAD software like SolidWorks, all my team members can see the live changes in the projects based on the recommendations received. I can also do conversations with my team, which are project-specific, thus reducing time in email and video conferences. For assemblies, I can generate a Bill of materials with a single click. However, there are some drawbacks like every member needs to have an account in order to sync files with everyone, and the platform requires good internet connectivity otherwise file uploading will be time-consuming.

Incentivized

It is definitely a must have for every design engineer. The formulas can be written in the expanded format which facilitates the process. The measurement unit feature is very useful and helps prevent errors in formulas. Mathcad is now equipped with a decent spell checker which is also very helpful.

Incentivized

• GrabCad is great at uploading files to the cloud.

Incentivized

• MathCad has a relatively easy to learn and easy to use programming language.
• It is easy to deploy and manage seats of MathCad.
• Documentation and support are reasonably strong.

Incentivized

• One major drawback is, that it cannot display sketches and drawing files, only solids and surfaces can be seen on this platform.
• The platform sometimes becomes unstable, it lags when I try to upload complex assemblies. Hence, GrabCad teams need to work to improve the stability of the platform.

Incentivized

• A limited number of file formats for export, especially those that support visual graphics in vector format
• Interfaces for mathematics and equations with MathType and LaTeX / MikTex / Tex
• Limited functionality for visualization of data in a 3D format

Incentivized

Higher-order math, despite symbolics, become tedious and variable nomenclature isn't as forgiving as other programs. Due to it's sheet-like nature, the greater the complexity the more bothersome the screen usage becomes. But it's a trade-off between a sketchpad-like interface or lines and lines of code. Pick your poison but MathCad was our choice.

Incentivized

Never needed.

Incentivized

SOLIDWORKS PDM is great because it is connected with your windows explorer, so you can guarantee that you will get the most recent version of the file. You need to remember to regularly update your files when using GrabCAD. SOLIDWORKS PDM has a more useful interface, where you can see previews, find BOMs, and view configurations without opening any files or checking them out. GrabCAD was chosen as a starting point to get the team started and familiar with a PDM system with the intention that another PDM would be chosen at a later date

Incentivized

I have not found an alternative that is as useful as [PTC Mathcad]. In fact it is exactly what I've been looking for for some time.

Incentivized

• Our team can share and open their files from anywhere, and we don’t lose time.

Incentivized

• Mathcad has allowed us to take legacy hand written calculations and document them in an electronic format. Now we can quickly run different design scenarios using the legacy calculations. It allows us to quickly vet new design options.
• Sharing new design concepts is quicker and easier within our various design groups.

Incentivized