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.
SimFlow
SimFlow is a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics software that provides an OpenFOAM-based GUI for simulating complex fluid flows, heat transfer, and multiphase interactions across engineering disciplines.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PTC Onshape | SimFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Website | onshape.com | sim-flow.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 0 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has 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 | 2012 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Boston, USA | Warsaw, Poland |
Overview
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.
SimFlow
SimFlow is a powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform that brings the capabilities of OpenFOAM to a user-friendly graphical interface. You can handle complex engineering challenges including compressible and incompressible flows, heat transfer, and chemical reactions without writing code. It allows you to import geometry directly from CAD software, create high-quality meshes, and monitor simulations in real-time to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Whether you are designing automotive components or optimizing HVAC systems, the platform provides the tools to visualize flow patterns and pressure distributions effectively. You can run simulations on your local machine or scale up to high-performance computing clusters for massive datasets. It is designed for engineering professionals and researchers who need the precision of open-source solvers combined with the speed of a modern, intuitive workflow.
Overview
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.
SimFlow Features
- Mesh Generation. Create high-quality hex-dominant meshes automatically for complex geometries using the integrated snappyHexMesh and cfMesh tools.
- Multiphase Flow. Simulate interactions between different fluids, such as water and air, to predict cavitation, splashing, or free-surface movements.
- Heat Transfer. Analyze conduction, convection, and radiation within your designs to optimize cooling systems and thermal management strategies.
- Real-time Monitoring. Track residuals and physical quantities during the calculation process to catch errors early and save valuable computing time.
- Parallel Processing. Speed up your simulations by distributing the workload across multiple CPU cores with seamless MPI support.
- Post-processing. Visualize your results with integrated ParaView support to create stunning animations and detailed vector plots of fluid behavior.
Pricing Comparison
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
SimFlow Pricing
- Limit of 200,000 nodes
- All physical models included
- Parallel processing support
- Standard mesh tools
- Community support access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited mesh nodes
- Priority technical support
- Perpetual license options
- Advanced geometry handling
- Full cluster compatibility
Pros & Cons
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
SimFlow
Pros
- Intuitive GUI makes OpenFOAM accessible to beginners
- Excellent mesh generation capabilities for complex parts
- Free version is highly functional for small projects
- Supports a wide range of physical solvers
- Regular updates keep the software stable and modern
Cons
- Commercial licenses require a custom quote
- Learning curve remains steep for CFD theory
- Hardware requirements are high for large meshes