Mathematica vs Solid Edge

by Gralio Feb 23, 2025

Mathematica excels in complex computations and data analysis, while Solid Edge focuses on 3D modeling and manufacturing. Choose Mathematica for research and scientific applications, and Solid Edge for product design and manufacturing.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 470 reviews and 60 websites, saving 3 hours, 6 minutes of reading.

Mathematica

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Solid Edge

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About

Mathematica is a powerful software tool used by scientists, engineers, and other professionals to perform complex calculations, analyze data, and create interactive simulations. Its strength lies in solving mathematical problems, both numerically and symbolically. While not a spreadsheet or presentation tool, Mathematica excels at handling large datasets, uncovering patterns, and generating visualizations, making it suitable for research and development in various fields.

Solid Edge is a suite of software designed to help businesses create and manage product designs. It offers tools for 3D modeling, simulating product performance, and managing the manufacturing process. Solid Edge aims to be user-friendly and affordable, making it suitable for mid-sized companies looking for a comprehensive product development solution.

Summary

Main difference

Mathematica is a powerful computational platform ideal for complex calculations, data analysis, and algorithm development, making it best suited for research, engineering, and scientific applications. Solid Edge, conversely, is a 3D CAD software focused on product design, simulation, and manufacturing processes, catering to businesses in need of efficient design and manufacturing workflows.

Relative strengths of Mathematica (compared to Solid Edge)

Superior mathematical and computational capabilities for complex calculations and simulations.
Advanced data analysis and visualization tools for research and development.
Extensive built-in libraries and functions for various scientific and engineering disciplines.

Relative weaknesses of Mathematica (compared to Solid Edge)

Steeper learning curve and less intuitive user interface compared to Solid Edge.
Limited direct integration with manufacturing processes and CAD workflows.
Higher cost and subscription model can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

Who should use Mathematica VS. Solid Edge

Mathematica is a powerful computational software best suited for enterprises in fields like manufacturing, education, and professional services. Users praise its symbolic computation and visualization tools, finding it invaluable for complex calculations and data analysis. However, some find the learning curve steep and the cost high. It's a valuable tool for those needing advanced mathematical capabilities.

Solid Edge is a comprehensive 3D design and product development software suite ideal for small to large manufacturing businesses. Users praise its Synchronous Technology for flexible modeling and powerful parametric and assembly capabilities. However, some find the interface challenging and experience occasional stability issues. Solid Edge excels in sheet metal design and offers integrated rendering with KeyShot.

Best fit for enterprise companies.
Ideal for Manufacturing, Education, and Professional Services.

Ideal for small to large businesses, especially those in manufacturing.
Best fit for Manufacturing, Retail, Consumer Goods, Education, Construction, Transportation, and related sectors.

Mathematica and Solid Edge features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Not supported

Mathematica can generate 3D models but lacks tools for creating 2D technical drawings from them.

Supported

Solid Edge can create 2D drawings from 3D models.
3D Solid Modeling

Supported

Mathematica supports 3D solid modeling using constructive solid geometry and other advanced geometric tools.

Supported

Solid Edge supports creating solid models with extrusions, cuts, and revolves.
Dimensioning

Partially supported

Mathematica might allow creating custom dimensioning tools, but doesn't have built-in features.

Supported

Solid Edge supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.
Design Sharing

Supported

Mathematica supports design sharing through its cloud integration and notebook sharing features.

Supported

Solid Edge supports design sharing with various stakeholders via Teamcenter Share integration.
Machining Simulation

Not supported

Machining simulation is not directly supported.

Not supported

Solid Edge does not appear to offer machining simulation.
2D Sketching

Not supported

Mathematica excels at plotting and visualizing 2D shapes programmatically, but lacks interactive CAD-style sketching.

Supported

Solid Edge supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry using its 2D Drafting module.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

-0.18

Neutral sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.5

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

No data

+0.51

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

No data

+0

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

No data

+0.05

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

No data

+0.4

Rather positive sentiment

Mathematica and Solid Edge Pricing

Mathematica offers Premium, Monthly, and Premium Plus plans for commercial users. Each plan includes the latest version of Wolfram Language, two activation keys, upgrades, and cloud access. Additional features include installation and activation support, advanced technical support via email and phone, and access to Wolfram experts for help with Wolfram Language programming. The Premium Plus plan also includes a perpetual desktop license, allowing users to retain desktop access even if their subscription lapses. All plans offer 2 controlling processes per desktop installation, 8 computing processes, 12,000 Wolfram|Alpha API calls per month, 15 GB cloud storage, a 1 GB cloud file size limit, a 10-minute cloud computation time limit, and a 2 GB cloud session memory limit. Users also receive 50,000 Cloud Credits, with the option to purchase additional credits each month. All online subscriptions automatically renew, and users can cancel their subscription at any time through their Wolfram Account or by contacting Wolfram Customer Support.

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.08

See full Pricing page

Mathematica and Solid Edge review insights

384 reviews analysed from

Users love

Powerful symbolic computation capabilities.
Excellent visualization and graphical representation tools.
Extensive built-in mathematical functions and libraries.
Interactive notebooks for documentation and exploration.
Useful for a wide range of scientific and engineering applications.

Synchronous Technology is frequently praised for its speed and flexibility in modeling.
Powerful parametric and assembly modeling capabilities.
Excellent sheet metal design tools.
Built-in rendering with KeyShot (in some licenses).
Good integration with Teamcenter and other Siemens PLM software.

Users dislike

Difficult learning curve for new users.
Lack of clear error messages and debugging tools.
Limited interoperability with other programming languages.
High cost and subscription model can be prohibitive.
Performance can be slow with complex computations.

Difficult user interface, especially for new users or those transitioning from other CAD software.
Software crashes and stability issues, particularly with large assemblies.
Limited customization options compared to competitors.
Weldment module has some recurring issues.
Limited access to training resources and online tutorials.

Mathematica and Solid Edge Ratings

G2

4.1/5

(86)
Glassdoor

3.0/5

(287)

G2

4.3/5

(385)

Company health

Employee growth

4% decrease in the last year

No data

Web traffic

29% decrease in the last quarter

No data

Financing

No data

How does each product's 3D modeling approach impact design flexibility?

Mathematica's 3D modeling approach is primarily focused on visualizing mathematical structures and simulations, offering flexibility in representing complex equations and data. It's not ideal for detailed mechanical design. Solid Edge uses a parametric and synchronous modeling approach, providing more direct manipulation and flexibility for design changes and revisions, making it better suited for product design and manufacturing.

Which product better integrates with existing data analysis workflows?

Mathematica better integrates with existing data analysis workflows. Its strength lies in complex calculations, data analysis, and visualization, making it suitable for research and development. While Solid Edge is good for product design and manufacturing processes, Mathematica's focus on data analysis and its interactive notebooks for documentation and exploration make it a stronger choice for those already working with data.

What are the advantages of Mathematica?

Mathematica's advantages lie in its powerful symbolic computation capabilities, extensive mathematical functions and libraries, and excellent visualization tools, making it ideal for complex calculations, data analysis, and creating interactive simulations in scientific and engineering fields. While Solid Edge focuses on 3D modeling, simulation, and manufacturing process management for product design, Mathematica excels in abstract mathematical problem-solving and research.

What are the disadvantages of Mathematica?

Mathematica's disadvantages include a steep learning curve, often unclear error messages, limited interoperability with other programming languages, a high cost, and potentially slow performance with complex computations.

Alternatives to Mathematica and Solid Edge

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

MATLAB

MATLAB is a powerful software used by companies and universities for analyzing data and building complex mathematical models. It lets you visualize data, create algorithms, and run simulations for various engineering and scientific applications. MATLAB is particularly recognized for its capabilities in handling complex calculations and is often the go-to choice for tasks involving robotics, climate modeling, and financial analysis.

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection

Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection is a comprehensive suite of tools designed for businesses that create and manufacture products. It includes software for 3D design, engineering, simulation, and manufacturing planning, aiming to streamline the entire product development process. The collection offers advanced features beyond basic CAD software and connects different stages of development, making it beneficial for mid-sized companies looking to improve collaboration and efficiency.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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