Arden Software
Arden Software provides specialized CAD and CAM solutions for the packaging and display industries to streamline structural design and manufacturing workflows through its Impact software suite.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a professional 3D printing software that provides a complete suite of tools to import, slice, and control your 3D printer for high-quality results and faster print speeds.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arden Software | Simplify3D |
|---|---|---|
| Website | ardensoftware.com | simplify3d.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | One_time |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1988 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Stockport, UK | Cincinnati, USA |
Overview
Arden Software
Arden Software provides specialized tools for the structural design of packaging and point-of-sale displays. You can create complex 3D mockups, generate production-ready die-lines, and manage your entire design library from a single interface. The platform focuses on the technical requirements of the corrugated, folding carton, and tooling industries, ensuring your designs are both creative and manufacturable.
You can reduce errors by using automated layout tools and 3D prototyping features that let you visualize the finished product before it hits the production floor. Whether you are a small design shop or a large-scale converter, the software helps you speed up the approval process and maintain high precision in your manufacturing specifications.
Simplify3D
Simplify3D is a comprehensive 3D printing suite designed to bridge the gap between your digital models and physical objects. You can import your designs, simulate the printing process, and generate optimized instructions for your 3D printer within a single, integrated interface. It supports hundreds of different 3D printer models, ensuring you have a consistent experience regardless of the hardware you use.
The software focuses on giving you granular control over every aspect of your print. You can customize support structures, adjust cooling settings for specific layers, and use the lightning-fast slicing engine to prepare complex models in seconds. Whether you are an individual maker or part of a professional engineering team, it helps you reduce print failures and improve the surface quality of your finished parts.
Overview
Arden Software Features
- 3D Structural Modeling Create realistic 3D virtual mockups of your packaging designs to verify fit and function before physical prototyping.
- Automated Layout Tools Generate optimized sheet layouts and nesting patterns automatically to minimize material waste and reduce production costs.
- Extensive Standards Library Access thousands of pre-defined FEFCO and ECMA templates so you can start your designs from proven industry standards.
- Project Management Database Organize and search your entire design history and customer files within a centralized, secure database environment.
- Die-Making Integration Produce high-precision tooling and die-board designs that sync directly with your manufacturing equipment for flawless execution.
- Adobe Illustrator Plug-in Bridge the gap between structural and graphic design by importing your 3D CAD data directly into Illustrator.
Simplify3D Features
- Lightning-Fast Slicer. Slice complex 3D models in seconds rather than minutes so you can spend more time printing and less time waiting.
- Custom Support Structures. Place and remove support structures manually to protect delicate features and ensure easy removal without damaging your finished model.
- Dynamic Layer Settings. Apply different settings to different regions of your model to optimize strength, speed, or detail exactly where you need it.
- Realistic Print Simulations. Watch a detailed pre-print animation of your build process to identify potential issues before you waste any filament or time.
- Multi-Part Customization. Assign different settings to different parts on the same build plate to maximize efficiency during high-volume production runs.
- Extensive Printer Support. Connect with over 600 different 3D printers using pre-configured profiles that guarantee compatibility right out of the box.
Pricing Comparison
Arden Software Pricing
Simplify3D Pricing
- One-time purchase price
- Install on 2 computers
- Supports 600+ printers
- One year of free updates
- Professional support access
- Everything in Personal, plus:
- Shared network licensing
- Easily move between users
- Centralized seat management
- Ideal for labs and offices
Pros & Cons
Arden Software
Pros
- Highly specialized tools for structural packaging design
- Excellent 3D visualization for client presentations
- Massive library of standard industry templates
- Strong integration with manufacturing and die-making hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing is not transparent on the website
- Requires high-performance hardware for complex 3D rendering
Simplify3D
Pros
- Slicing engine is significantly faster than most competitors
- Manual support placement offers unmatched control over prints
- Extensive library of pre-configured professional printer profiles
- One-time purchase avoids the hassle of monthly subscriptions
Cons
- No free version available for casual hobbyists
- Major version upgrades often require an additional fee
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern apps