ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.
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 | ArborCAD | Simplify3D |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cad.com.au | simplify3d.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | 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 | Sydney, Australia | Cincinnati, USA |
Overview
ArborCAD
ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.
The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.
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
ArborCAD Features
- Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
- Tree Survey Plotting Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
- Automatic Report Generation Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
- Scale-Accurate Drafting Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
- Species Database Integration Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
- DXF/DWG Compatibility Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.
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
ArborCAD 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
ArborCAD
Pros
- Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
- Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
- Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
- Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD
Cons
- Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
- Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
- Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
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