3Shape
3Shape provides advanced 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software solutions for dental professionals to digitize workflows, improve treatment precision, and enhance patient experiences through innovative digital dentistry tools.
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS is a premier 3D computer-aided design software that provides engineers and designers with professional tools for modeling, simulating, and managing complex product development from concept to final manufacturing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 3Shape | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 3shape.com | solidworks.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark | Waltham, USA |
Overview
3Shape
3Shape offers a comprehensive ecosystem of digital dentistry tools designed to move your practice or lab away from manual impressions and physical models. You can capture high-accuracy 3D scans of a patient's mouth using their intraoral scanners and then transition immediately into treatment planning. Whether you are focused on restorative work, orthodontics, or dental implants, the software provides the digital workspace you need to design precise crowns, bridges, and clear aligners.
You can collaborate seamlessly with labs and other specialists through their integrated cloud platform, ensuring that your digital files move quickly between stakeholders. The system is built to be open, meaning you can connect your scans with various third-party mills and 3D printers. By adopting these digital workflows, you reduce chair time for patients and increase the overall predictability of your clinical outcomes.
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS gives you a comprehensive suite of tools to transform your ideas into physical products. You can create precise 3D models, generate detailed 2D drawings, and run complex simulations to test how your designs will perform in the real world. The platform handles everything from simple parts to massive assemblies with thousands of components, ensuring your engineering data remains organized and accurate throughout the design cycle.
You can also streamline your manufacturing process by using integrated tools for CAM, inspection, and technical communication. Whether you are designing consumer electronics, industrial machinery, or medical devices, the software helps you reduce development time and costs. It is widely used by mechanical engineers, product designers, and manufacturing teams who need a reliable, industry-standard solution for professional-grade product development.
Overview
3Shape Features
- Intraoral Scanning Capture accurate 3D digital impressions of your patient's teeth and gingiva in lifelike colors within minutes.
- Treatment Simulation Show your patients their projected results before treatment begins to increase case acceptance and manage expectations.
- 3Shape Unite Manage all your digital dental apps and patient cases from a single, intuitive interface that connects your entire workflow.
- Cloud Collaboration Share your 3D scans and design files instantly with dental labs and colleagues through a secure cloud-based platform.
- CAD Design Tools Design highly accurate dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers using automated tools and anatomical libraries.
- Open Ecosystem Connect your digital files to a wide range of 3D printers and milling machines for flexible manufacturing options.
SOLIDWORKS Features
- Parametric 3D Modeling. Create complex parts and assemblies quickly using sketch-based features that allow you to make instant design changes.
- Automated 2D Drawing. Generate production-ready 2D drawings automatically from your 3D models, complete with dimensions, tolerances, and bills of materials.
- Structural Simulation. Test your designs against stress, strain, and thermal loads to identify potential failures before you build a physical prototype.
- Design for Manufacturing. Check your parts for manufacturability issues like draft angles or wall thickness to ensure they can be produced efficiently.
- Data Management. Control your design revisions and collaborate with your team securely using built-in version control and file management tools.
- Photorealistic Rendering. Create stunning visual content and marketing materials directly from your CAD data to showcase your products to stakeholders.
Pricing Comparison
3Shape Pricing
SOLIDWORKS Pricing
Pros & Cons
3Shape
Pros
- Industry-leading scan speed and accuracy for clinical use
- Seamless integration between scanning hardware and design software
- Excellent visual communication tools for patient education
- Open system architecture allows for flexible hardware choices
Cons
- Significant initial investment cost for hardware and software
- Annual subscription fees are required for software updates
- Steep learning curve for advanced CAD design modules
SOLIDWORKS
Pros
- Massive community and library of pre-made components
- Industry-standard file formats simplify collaboration with manufacturers
- Highly logical parametric workflow for complex geometry
- Excellent integration between design and simulation tools
Cons
- Requires high-end hardware for smooth performance
- Significant learning curve for advanced surfacing features
- Windows-only desktop application limits operating system choices