Altair SimLab
Altair SimLab is a process-oriented multidisciplinary simulation environment that enables you to automate the setup of complex engineering analysis through highly synchronized modeling and robust multiphysics workflows.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade computer-aided design platform that combines 3D modeling, data management, and real-time collaboration tools into a single cloud-native solution for modern product development teams.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Altair SimLab | PTC Onshape |
|---|---|---|
| Website | altair.com | onshape.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1985 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Troy, USA | Boston, USA |
Overview
Altair SimLab
Altair SimLab is a multidisciplinary simulation environment designed to help you automate the setup of complex engineering analyses. Instead of manually creating meshes for every part, you can use feature-based modeling to automatically recognize CAD geometry like holes, fillets, and ribs. This allows you to move from raw CAD data to a functional simulation model in minutes rather than hours, ensuring your engineering cycles keep pace with rapid design changes.
You can perform various analyses including structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics within a single interface. The platform is particularly effective for mid-to-large scale manufacturing companies in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors. By capturing and automating repetitive modeling tasks, you reduce human error and free up your engineering team to focus on interpreting results and optimizing product performance.
PTC Onshape
Onshape is a professional-grade CAD platform built entirely in the cloud, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or complex installations. You can design complex 3D models, manage your product data, and collaborate with your team in real-time from any web browser or mobile device. Because it uses a single source of truth, you never have to worry about version control issues or overwritten files again.
You can streamline your entire product development lifecycle by using built-in release management and automated workflows. The platform is designed for engineering teams of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises, who need to move faster and work more flexibly. It solves the traditional headaches of file-based CAD by providing a secure, always-accessible environment where your entire team can contribute simultaneously.
Overview
Altair SimLab Features
- Feature-Based Meshing Automatically identify CAD features like holes and fillets to create high-quality meshes without manual intervention.
- Multiphysics Analysis Solve complex engineering problems by coupling structural, thermal, and electromagnetics simulations in one unified environment.
- Automated CAD Update Sync your simulation models with CAD changes instantly so you never have to rebuild a mesh from scratch.
- Drop Test Simulation Set up and run impact simulations for electronic devices or consumer goods using dedicated, streamlined workflows.
- Fatigue Analysis Predict the lifespan of your components by simulating repeated loading cycles to identify potential failure points early.
- Automated Reporting Generate comprehensive technical reports automatically to share critical performance data with your stakeholders immediately.
PTC Onshape Features
- Multi-Part Part Studios. Design related parts in a single environment to ensure perfect fit and function without managing complex external references.
- Real-Time Collaboration. Work simultaneously with your teammates on the same design and see their changes instantly with live editing tools.
- Built-in Version Control. Track every change automatically and return to any previous state of your design without ever saving a separate file.
- Branching and Merging. Experiment with new design ideas in isolated branches and merge the best versions back into your main project seamlessly.
- Cloud Simulation. Test your assemblies with integrated structural analysis tools that run in the cloud without slowing down your local machine.
- Mobile CAD Editing. Create and edit professional 3D models on your phone or tablet using native apps designed for touch-screen precision.
Pricing Comparison
Altair SimLab Pricing
PTC Onshape Pricing
- Public documents only
- Full professional CAD tools
- Real-time collaboration
- Standard content library
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited private documents
- Release management
- Company-wide sharing
- Custom properties
- Consolidated billing
Pros & Cons
Altair SimLab
Pros
- Significant reduction in time spent on manual meshing tasks
- Excellent handling of complex assemblies with many parts
- Seamless integration with other Altair solvers and tools
- Highly repeatable workflows through powerful automation scripting
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to Altair units
- Requires high-performance hardware for complex multiphysics solves
- Documentation can be overly technical for beginner engineers
PTC Onshape
Pros
- Eliminates file crashes and data loss
- No installation or high-end hardware required
- Superior version control and history tracking
- Seamless collaboration with external vendors
Cons
- Requires constant high-speed internet connection
- Steep learning curve for complex surfacing
- Annual billing only for professional tiers