SampleMaker

Comparison with ArtiosCAD, Impact, EngView

Overview

A high-level comparison that focuses on capabilities, workflow, and technology.

Created by Copilot AI.

Core focus

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

Parametric design

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.

Standards library

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.

3D visualization

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.

Production output

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.

Pricing

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.

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