A high-level comparison that focuses on capabilities, workflow, and technology.
Created by Copilot AI.
| System | Primary strength |
|---|---|
| SampleMaker | Fast, parametric packaging CAD with modern UI and low cost |
| ArtiosCAD | Industry standard; huge ecosystem; deep manufacturing integration |
| Impact | Strong die-making workflows; excellent production tools |
| EngView | Advanced parametric design and 3D visualization; strong template library |
| Feature | SampleMaker | ArtiosCAD | Impact | EngView |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto constraints | ✔️ Very fast | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✔️ Strong |
| Named variables | ✔️ Built-in | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Yes |
| Convert dieline → parametric | ✔️ Auto Constrain | ❌ Manual | ❌ Manual | ⚠️ Semi-automatic |
SampleMaker’s Auto Constrain is unusually powerful — it can take a flat DXF and turn it into a parametric model with minimal manual work.
| Feature | SampleMaker | ArtiosCAD | Impact | EngView |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create templates from any design | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Auto-extract parameters | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ Partial |
| Thumbnail generation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
“Make Standard” is simple and automated, reducing setup time when turning one-off jobs into reusable parametric templates.
| Feature | SampleMaker | ArtiosCAD | Impact | EngView |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time OpenGL | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Interactive folding | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Export STL/OBJ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Realistic materials | ⚠️ Basic | ✔️ Advanced | ✔️ Advanced | ✔️ Advanced |
SampleMaker focuses on responsive, real-time visualization; others add more photorealistic rendering for marketing visuals.
All four systems support key production formats such as DXF/DWG, CFF2, DDES2, PDF/EPS, and various CNC outputs. ArtiosCAD and Impact offer deeper table/ERP integrations; SampleMaker emphasizes speed and simplicity.
| System | Cost (typical) |
|---|---|
| SampleMaker | $15/month (very low cost) |
| ArtiosCAD | $10,000–$25,000 plus maintenance |
| Impact | $8,000–$20,000 |
| EngView | $6,000–$18,000 |
SampleMaker sits in a different price category, making it attractive for small shops, freelancers, and cost-sensitive teams.