3Shape
3Shape provides advanced 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software solutions for dental professionals to digitize workflows, improve treatment precision, and enhance patient experiences through innovative digital dentistry tools.
nanoCAD
nanoCAD is a professional-grade CAD platform that provides a familiar interface and native DWG support for creating, editing, and sharing complex 2D and 3D design documentation across engineering disciplines.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 3Shape | nanoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 3shape.com | nanocad.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Subscription |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | Berlin, Germany |
Overview
3Shape
3Shape offers a comprehensive ecosystem of digital dentistry tools designed to move your practice or lab away from manual impressions and physical models. You can capture high-accuracy 3D scans of a patient's mouth using their intraoral scanners and then transition immediately into treatment planning. Whether you are focused on restorative work, orthodontics, or dental implants, the software provides the digital workspace you need to design precise crowns, bridges, and clear aligners.
You can collaborate seamlessly with labs and other specialists through their integrated cloud platform, ensuring that your digital files move quickly between stakeholders. The system is built to be open, meaning you can connect your scans with various third-party mills and 3D printers. By adopting these digital workflows, you reduce chair time for patients and increase the overall predictability of your clinical outcomes.
nanoCAD
nanoCAD provides you with a high-performance CAD environment that feels instantly familiar if you have ever used traditional drafting software. You can create complex 2D drawings and 3D models using a native DWG format, ensuring your files remain compatible with partners and clients without data loss. The platform is designed to handle large-scale projects efficiently, offering a professional toolset for engineers, architects, and designers who require precision and reliability.
You can customize your workspace with an open API and specialized modules for mechanical design, construction, and topography. Whether you are drafting simple floor plans or developing intricate mechanical components, the software provides the speed and accuracy you need. It serves as a cost-effective alternative for teams of all sizes, from solo freelancers to large engineering firms, by offering flexible licensing options that fit your specific budget and project requirements.
Overview
3Shape Features
- Intraoral Scanning Capture accurate 3D digital impressions of your patient's teeth and gingiva in lifelike colors within minutes.
- Treatment Simulation Show your patients their projected results before treatment begins to increase case acceptance and manage expectations.
- 3Shape Unite Manage all your digital dental apps and patient cases from a single, intuitive interface that connects your entire workflow.
- Cloud Collaboration Share your 3D scans and design files instantly with dental labs and colleagues through a secure cloud-based platform.
- CAD Design Tools Design highly accurate dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers using automated tools and anatomical libraries.
- Open Ecosystem Connect your digital files to a wide range of 3D printers and milling machines for flexible manufacturing options.
nanoCAD Features
- Native DWG Support. Open, edit, and save drawings in the industry-standard DWG format to ensure perfect compatibility with your clients and partners.
- Familiar User Interface. Switch easily from other CAD systems with a classic ribbon or toolset interface that requires almost no retraining for experienced drafters.
- 3D Modeling Engine. Create complex 3D geometries and surfaces using professional modeling tools that help you visualize your designs from every possible angle.
- Dynamic Blocks. Save time by creating intelligent objects that you can adjust and manipulate visually without redrawing individual components from scratch.
- Open API Access. Build your own custom commands and automate repetitive drafting tasks using C++, C#, or Python to speed up your unique workflow.
- Sheet Set Manager. Control hundreds of drawings from a single panel to organize your project documentation and automate the printing of entire drawing sets.
Pricing Comparison
3Shape Pricing
nanoCAD Pricing
- Basic 2D drafting tools
- Native DWG support
- Classic CAD interface
- Unlimited for personal use
- Community-based support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 3D solid modeling
- 2D/3D constraints
- Dynamic blocks support
- Professional technical support
- Advanced API access
Pros & Cons
3Shape
Pros
- Industry-leading scan speed and accuracy for clinical use
- Seamless integration between scanning hardware and design software
- Excellent visual communication tools for patient education
- Open system architecture allows for flexible hardware choices
Cons
- Significant initial investment cost for hardware and software
- Annual subscription fees are required for software updates
- Steep learning curve for advanced CAD design modules
nanoCAD
Pros
- Excellent compatibility with legacy DWG files
- Very low learning curve for AutoCAD users
- Significantly more affordable than major competitors
- Stable performance even with large drawing files
Cons
- 3D capabilities are less advanced than specialized BIM software
- Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem than older platforms
- Occasional translation issues in technical documentation