HiCAD
Dortmund 3D CAD and PDM for steel, metal, sheet metal and plant engineering, built on the vendor's own ESM kernel
Quick Overview
| Company | ISD Software und Systeme GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | CAD Software |
| Headquarters | Dortmund, Germany |
| Founded | 1977 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop application |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | 3D CAD, 2D/3D in one model, free and parametric modelling, sheet metal, steel and plant engineering, HELiOS PDM, trial edition |
| Pricing | See website; trial edition offered |
| Best For | Steel, metal and plant engineering firms in German-speaking markets |
| Replaces | SolidWorks, Inventor |
Detailed Review
ISD was founded in June 1977 in Dortmund and started CAD development in the 1980s, which produced HiCAD. The company says its systems run on its own ESM kernel (European Solid Modeller).
The imprint names ISD Software und Systeme GmbH, Hauert 4, Dortmund, registered at the Dortmund district court under HRB 4601.
One model, several trades
HiCAD can show sheet metal, steel and plant construction elements in one 3D model, according to the vendor.
Free and parametric
Users can combine free modelling with parametric modelling for standardisation and automation.
HELiOS PDM
HELiOS is the product data management system derived from HiCAD's database component, with document management and an ERP interface.
Limitations to Consider
Prices are not published. The product aims at engineering and industry projects, so it is a poor fit for plain DWG drafting; see ARES Commander for that. The vendor materials are written mostly for the German-speaking market.
Who Should Use HiCAD
Metal construction, steel engineering and plant firms that want a German CAD and PDM vendor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Own modelling kernel
- 2D and 3D within one model
- Integrated PDM with HELiOS
- Industry packages for facades, steel and plant
- Trial edition available
Cons
- No published prices
- Not a general-purpose drafting tool
- Niche industries
- Smaller community than the big CAD vendors
Alternatives to HiCAD
Other European cad software worth comparing before you decide:
BricsCAD
Belgium · DWG-based 2D and 3D CAD from Ghent, with BIM and mechanical toolsets
ARES Commander
Germany · Family-owned Berlin CAD in DWG for Windows, macOS and Linux
Archicad
Hungary · BIM design software for architects, from Budapest
Allplan
Germany · BIM platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering
See all European cad software or compare them directly against SolidWorks on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering design, steel and metal construction, sheet metal, plant engineering and facades.
ISD Software und Systeme GmbH in Dortmund, Germany, founded in 1977.
Yes, HELiOS is the vendor's PDM solution.