What it does
IRONCAD combines direct and parametric modelling with reusable shape catalogues, assembly scenes and 2D detailing. It offers solid and mesh export formats with different appearance limits. Perpetual licences are sold by quote or through a reseller, with a registered 30-day trial for evaluation.
Drag a predefined shape from a catalogue into the scene, resize it with handles and position it with TriBall. The shared suite guide activates TriBall by selecting a shape or part and pressing F10, or choosing the toolbar control. A catalogue item can also attach TriBall automatically when dropped.
Direct edits and parametric features can be combined in one design. Parts and assemblies can share a scene file, while frequently reused features or assemblies can be stored in catalogues.
To deliver geometry, select a part or assembly and choose File > Export > Export Part. Pick the destination, name and format, save, then complete any format-specific options. Deselecting everything exports the whole scene only where the chosen format supports it.
STEP, Parasolid, ACIS, IGES, STL and OBJ serve different handoffs. OBJ can carry colours and textures; STEP can carry colours but omits textures and the camera or lighting environment. CATIA V5 translation requires an additional translator.
Perpetual licences are available through a quote or reseller. The registered free trial normally lasts 30 days and permits evaluation, not productive or revenue-generating use. The desktop software requires 64-bit Windows, and Windows Home editions are unsupported. Supplied catalogue content also has redistribution restrictions, including use in other model libraries.
Strengths
- Shape catalogues and size handles provide reusable starting geometry.
- Direct and parametric edits can be combined in the same design.
- Export documentation identifies which formats retain colours, textures and scene data.
Watch out for
- Windows Home editions are not supported.
- CATIA V5 file translation requires an additional translator.
- The trial cannot be used for productive or revenue-generating work.
Best for
- Mechanical concepts assembled from reusable shapes
- Part and assembly delivery with a specific geometry-format requirement
Sources
- IRONCAD | Catalogue, Handle, TriBall and Modelling Scope (Oct 28, 2026)
- IronCAD Suite | Activate TriBall and Attach on Drop (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Selected Part, Assembly and Scene Export (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Supported Solid and Mesh Formats (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Appearance and Whole-Scene Export Table (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Windows and Unsupported Home Editions (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Free Trial Registration and Current Agreement Link (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Registered 30-Day Trial (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Perpetual Purchase by Quote or Reseller (Oct 28, 2026)
- IRONCAD | Current-Linked Agreement: Content and Trial Limits (Oct 28, 2026)