Polycam
Polycam is a powerful 3D scanning application that uses LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you create high-quality 3D models, floor plans, and digital twins using your mobile device or web browser.
UltiMaker Cura
UltiMaker Cura is an open-source slicing software that converts 3D models into instructions for 3D printers, featuring a powerful engine and seamless integration with professional CAD workflows.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Polycam | UltiMaker Cura |
|---|---|---|
| Website | poly.cam | ultimaker.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 7 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2020 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Utrecht, Netherlands |
Overview
Polycam
Polycam is a versatile 3D scanning tool that turns your smartphone or tablet into a professional-grade modeling suite. By using LiDAR and photogrammetry technology, you can capture physical objects and spaces to create accurate 3D reconstructions. Whether you are an architect measuring a room or a game developer sourcing assets, you can generate high-resolution textures and precise geometry in minutes.
You can easily share your captures via web links or export them into over a dozen professional file formats like OBJ, GLTF, and DXF. The platform also features a collaborative social feed where you can explore thousands of free 3D assets created by the community. It simplifies the transition from the physical world to digital environments, making 3D capture accessible to everyone from hobbyists to enterprise teams.
UltiMaker Cura
UltiMaker Cura is the bridge between your digital 3D models and physical reality. You can import common file formats like STL or OBJ and prepare them for printing with an intuitive interface that balances simplicity for beginners and deep control for experts. It handles the complex math of generating toolpaths, support structures, and infill patterns so your prints come out exactly as intended.
You can choose from hundreds of pre-configured printer profiles or customize every detail of your print job. The software integrates directly with popular CAD tools like SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor, allowing you to send designs to your printer with a single click. Whether you are a hobbyist at home or an engineer in a professional lab, it provides the reliability you need for successful 3D printing.
Overview
Polycam Features
- LiDAR Scanning Capture large spaces and entire rooms in real-time with incredible speed using your device's LiDAR sensor.
- Photo Mode Transform a series of photos into high-quality 3D models with detailed textures using advanced photogrammetry processing.
- RoomPlan Mapping Generate accurate floor plans and architectural 3D models of interior spaces automatically as you walk through them.
- Professional Exports Download your models in formats like .obj, .fbx, .stl, and .dae to use in Blender, Revit, or Unity.
- Web Editing Upload photos from any camera to the web version for cloud processing and manage your library from your desktop.
- Measurement Tools Take precise linear measurements and calculate area or volume directly within your 3D captures for project planning.
- AI Texture Generation Enhance your models with AI-driven tools that help you refine surfaces and create realistic materials for your assets.
- Team Collaboration Share private links with clients or teammates so they can view and interact with your 3D scans in any browser.
UltiMaker Cura Features
- Pre-configured Profiles. Select from over 400 tested printer profiles to get perfect results immediately without manual calibration.
- CAD Integration. Connect your favorite design tools like SolidWorks and Siemens NX to streamline your prototyping process.
- Marketplace Plugins. Download community-made plugins to add new features and material profiles that expand your printer's capabilities.
- Custom Infill Patterns. Choose from various internal structures to balance part strength and material usage for your specific needs.
- Per-Object Settings. Apply different print parameters to individual models on the same build plate for maximum efficiency.
- Remote Printing. Send your sliced files directly to network-connected printers and monitor progress from your desktop.
Pricing Comparison
Polycam Pricing
- Unlimited LiDAR captures
- Limited Photo Mode captures
- Basic sharing links
- Access to Explore feed
- Web viewer access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited Photo Mode processing
- All professional export formats
- Blueprint and floor plan exports
- Private captures and sharing
- Priority cloud processing
UltiMaker Cura Pricing
- Open-source slicing engine
- Access to UltiMaker Marketplace
- Standard material profiles
- Community support access
- Plugin compatibility
- Everything in Personal, plus:
- Unlimited cloud project storage
- CAD file direct import
- Professional material profiles
- UltiMaker Academy courses
- Email support
Pros & Cons
Polycam
Pros
- Extremely fast processing times for LiDAR scans
- Intuitive mobile interface makes scanning very easy
- High-quality texture resolution for photogrammetry captures
- Seamless export process to major 3D software
- Active community provides endless free 3D assets
Cons
- Requires latest hardware for best LiDAR results
- Subscription is required for most export formats
- Large scans can consume significant device storage
UltiMaker Cura
Pros
- Completely free and open-source for personal use
- Massive library of pre-configured printer profiles
- Extensive plugin marketplace for added functionality
- Regular software updates with new features
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive on older computers
- Occasional bugs in new beta releases
- Steep learning curve for advanced settings