What it is
IRONCAD is Windows desktop software for 2D and 3D engineering design from concept through production. Its hybrid modeling environment combines parametric and direct modeling, with tools for assemblies, sheet metal, and surfaces. The TriBall tool positions components, while catalogs provide predefined shapes that can be dragged into a design scene. Assembly part data can be kept in one file, and feature, part, and assembly information can be stored in catalogs. IRONCAD imports and exports many 2D and 3D formats, including STEP, IGES, STL, DXF, OBJ, and 3D PDF, with additional translators for systems such as CATIA V5, Creo, NX, Inventor, and SolidWorks. The 2027 release includes a native Python package exposing the API for automation and customization. Perpetual licenses are offered, with pricing on request, and a 30-day trial is available. Current versions use 64-bit Windows, with Windows 10 or 11 recommended.
Who it suits. IRONCAD suits engineering and manufacturing users working on industrial equipment, machinery, metal fabrication, tooling, facility layouts, or modular products. It is intended for Windows desktop use rather than cloud collaboration.
Good
- Combines direct and parametric modeling
- Includes assembly, sheet-metal, and surface tools
- Supports many import and export formats
- Offers a 30-day trial
- Provides a Python API in the 2027 release
Watch for
- Windows desktop only
- Cloud collaboration is not available
- No free plan
- Pricing requires contacting IronCAD or a reseller
Verdict
IRONCAD provides a Windows-based design environment with hybrid modeling, assembly capabilities, and broad file interoperability. Its perpetual licensing and trial may suit teams that prefer desktop deployment, but cloud collaboration is not included.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| IRONCAD | — | — |
From IRONCAD's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026. Every plan
What the maker publishes
- Assembly design
- Yes source
- CAD translators
- The 2027 release describes translator support for formats including CATIA, Creo, NX, Inventor, SolidWorks, IFC, Rhino, DXF, and DWG. source
- Cloud collaboration
- No source
- Company
- IronCAD says it was founded in March 2001 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. source
- File import and export
- ACIS SAT, Parasolid X_T, STEP, IGES, Catia V4, 3D Studio, STL, DXF, OBJ, POV-Ray, Raw Triangles, VRML, HSF, 3D PDF; additional translators for CATIA V5, Creo, UG/NX, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, JT, Inventor, IFC source
- File management
- Assembly part data can be integrated in one file, and feature, part, and assembly data can be stored in catalogs. source
- Founded
- 2001 source
- Free plan
- No source
- Headquarters
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States source
- Intended users
- IronCAD describes its 2027 suite as optimized for industrial equipment and machinery manufacturing, metal fabrication, tooling, facility layouts, and modular product manufacturers. source
- Interoperability
- IRONCAD supports import and export of major 2D and 3D file formats for sharing and reusing design data. source
- Modeling
- Users can combine parametric and direct modeling in one environment. source
- Modeling method
- hybrid source
- Perpetual licensing
- IronCAD says it offers perpetual licenses and directs buyers to a representative or reseller for pricing. source
- Platform limit
- The Design Collaboration Suite is Windows-based; current versions support 64-bit Windows, and Windows 10/11 are recommended. source
- Product
- IRONCAD is desktop 3D and 2D design software for engineering design from concept through production. source
- Python API
- IRONCAD 2027 includes native support for a Python package that exposes its API for automation and customization. source
- Security
- The 2024 product update describes lock mechanisms for parts and assemblies designed to prevent unintended alterations and safeguard design data against unauthorized edits. source