CAD Exchanger

CAD Exchanger pairs a desktop model-inspection and editing tool with an SDK for bringing CAD and BIM data into software. It suits engineers who need to examine and convert models, and developers building applications that work with engineering data. Its breadth is compelling, but licensing terms deserve close attention—especially the license-server requirement for floating licenses.

Overview

CAD Exchanger addresses two distinct jobs: CAD Exchanger Lab is for working directly with 3D models, while its SDK lets development teams add CAD and BIM data access to their own applications. Lab supports exchange in more than 30 CAD and BIM formats, with tools to inspect assemblies, geometry, properties and PMI; measure models; create sectioned or exploded views; and edit models.

The split makes it more than a file converter, but buyers should be clear about which product they need. Lab is aimed at people handling models themselves; the SDK is for teams embedding data access in web, server or desktop applications. The company was founded in 2014 by Roman Lygin and is headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia.

Key features

Model inspection and editing

Lab’s combination of assembly inspection, measurements, PMI review and sectioned or exploded views gives engineering users several ways to understand a model before changing it. Editing extends the tool beyond view-only review. Batch conversion is supported, which is useful for repeated file-handling work, though animation conversion is not.

SDK for application developers

The SDK offers C++, Python, C#, Java and JavaScript libraries, with integrations including Unity, Three.js, UNIGINE, Parasolid, Open CASCADE, C3D, ACIS and Rhino/OpenNURBS. That range makes it relevant to teams building engineering software, 3D web experiences, AR/VR applications or manufacturing-as-a-service workflows. Parallel computing is used for tasks such as import, export, healing, meshing, visualization and simplification; the emphasis is on integrating and processing CAD data, not simply viewing it.

Licensing and support

Lab can be licensed as a subscription or perpetual product, with node-locked or floating options. A floating license permits simultaneous use only up to the number of licenses purchased and requires a license server in the customer’s environment—an operational constraint to account for before choosing that arrangement. A Lab subscription stops working when its term ends; a perpetual license continues after maintenance lapses, but no longer receives new releases. Technical support is available through the company’s contact route.

Pricing

CAD Exchanger uses paid, custom pricing. CAD Exchanger Lab has perpetual and subscription licensing, with node-locked and floating license options; the choice affects both ongoing access and deployment. A subscription ends when its period expires, while a perpetual license remains functional after maintenance ends but stops receiving new releases. Floating licenses also require an in-environment license server and cap concurrent use at the number purchased.

A free trial is available by requesting an evaluation and selecting a product. That gives prospective buyers a way to assess the relevant product before committing, but it is not a permanent free plan.

Platforms

CAD Exchanger’s platform coverage includes Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as Android, iOS, web and API. Lab is supported on Windows, macOS and Linux. The SDK’s web, backend and engineering application deployment focus gives development teams options beyond a desktop workflow.

Who it's for

Lab is a strong fit for engineers and other model users who need to inspect, measure, edit or batch-convert CAD and BIM files across a broad format range. The SDK is better suited to development teams integrating CAD data into web, backend, desktop, Unity, AR/VR or engineering applications. It is less suitable for someone seeking a free, standalone converter or a tool for animation conversion.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Broad CAD and BIM exchange: Lab supports more than 30 formats, useful when workflows involve varied model sources.
• Developer flexibility: Five programming-language libraries and integrations with established 3D and geometry tools suit teams embedding CAD access in their products.
• Batch conversion: Repeated file conversion is supported, reducing the need to handle files one by one.

Cons

• Paid, custom pricing: Buyers cannot compare a published Lab price before contacting the company.
• Floating-license overhead: Concurrent use is capped by purchased seats, and the customer must install a license server.
• Subscription shutdown: Lab stops working when the subscription ends, unlike a perpetual license that remains usable after maintenance lapses.
• No animation conversion: It is not the choice for workflows that need to convert animation.

Alternatives

Compare 3D file converter software if you want to weigh this against other tools in the category.

• HOOPS Exchange is worth considering when an evaluation with full access and technical expert support is the priority; its evaluation lasts 60 days.
• Convert3D is a better fit for readers who want a freemium API with a defined monthly free allowance: its Free API includes 10 conversions per month, while the Starter plan provides 5,000 conversions per year for $899 a year.
• CAD Assistant is the free option for personal or commercial use, but commercial import components restrict model export and conversion.
• 3D-Tool suits Windows users who want a no-time-limit free viewer for DDD, STL and 3MF files; that viewer cannot export CAD files.
• 3D_Evolution is another paid option for web, Windows and Linux.
• 3D InterOp is another paid option for Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Spin 3D may suit non-commercial users seeking a free version.
• NuGraf is a paid alternative with a Windows package priced at 495.00 USD once; optional add-on converter modules are sold separately.

Verdict

Choose CAD Exchanger if you need substantial CAD and BIM model inspection and editing, or a developer SDK to integrate engineering data across applications. Its format breadth and development integrations are the strongest reasons to consider it. Look elsewhere if you need published pricing, a permanent free option, animation conversion, or floating licensing without the work of running a license server.