# Flux vs Siemens NX: We model Siemens NX-level parts for you. Compare Flux and Siemens NX. NX is CAD, CAM, and CAE software that your engineers operate. Flux is an AI hardware engineer that designs the board, the mechanical parts, and the firmware. Your engineers use NX to sketch, constrain, and model all features. For Flux, you define the part. Next, the AI engineer builds a model, runs checks, and arranges manufacturing. [Start Free Trial](https://flux.seobdtools.com/signup) [Book a Demo](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/demo) ![Flux editor: the AI engineer plans and delegates tasks while the 3D view shows the complete device: enclosure, circuit board, and wiring](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-hero-device.webp) ## What Flux and Siemens NX are ### What Flux is Flux gives your team an autonomous hardware engineer. Provide a requirement to the AI. It prepares design plans, chooses parts, drafts schematics, completes board routing, designs mechanical parts, and programs firmware. The software confirms its own work via design rule checks and simulation. Finally, your engineers receive files that are ready to manufacture. ### What Siemens NX is NX is software from Siemens for product design, simulation, and manufacturing.[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) NX was first called Unigraphics. Siemens Digital Industries Software has owned it since 2007.[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) ## What Siemens NX does ### Design to manufacturing NX includes CAD and CAM, so your engineers can take a part from the model to the machine.[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) ### Integrated simulation NX includes simulation with design and manufacturing in one solution.[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) ### Parasolid kernel NX builds its geometry on the Parasolid kernel.[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) ## How Flux differs Use everyday language to explain the part or change. Flux constructs the parametric model and assigns the right CAD kernel to each part. It executes stress, thermal, and airflow simulation, then outputs STEP, STL, or 3MF files. Your engineers verify and adjust the result. Flux functions within your web browser. ![Close-up of a red guitar pedal board in its enclosure](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/compare-photo-1009080.webp) Real boards and enclosures created in Flux. Flux compared with Siemens NX | Feature | Flux | Siemens NX | | --- | --- | --- | | Requirements and specification | The AI engineer turns your idea into requirements and a product specification, and checks the design against them. | Teamcenter integrates requirements across the product lifecycle.[\[8\]](#compare-source-8) | | What it is | AI hardware engineer providing its own design tools | CAD, CAM, and CAE software[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) | | Where it runs | Use your web browser without installation. The cloud stores your projects. | Desktop software for Windows that you install on your computer[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) | | Who does the design work | The Flux agent. Your engineers review and edit. | Your engineers model parts and assemblies in NX.[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | How a part is made | Give details for a part. The AI engineer develops a parametric model. Next, your engineers check and revise it. | Your engineers model each part in the tool[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | CAD kernel | Kernel agnostic: includes OpenCascade, NVIDIA SMLib, and Siemens Parasolid on request. The AI engineer selects the kernel for each part. | Parasolid[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) | | Mechanical CAD | Kernel agnostic and built in. From a complete robot arm down to an enclosure. | Built in[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Mechanical simulation | Airflow, stress, and thermal finite-element simulation | Static, dynamic, electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid analysis[\[2\]](#compare-source-2) | | Mechanical manufacturing | Quotes for CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, and sheet metal, along with 3MF, STL, and STEP files | CAM for machined parts[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | CNC toolpaths and G-code | The AI engineer writes the toolpaths, the G-code, a toolpath preview, and a setup sheet for the parts that it designed. | NX CAM creates machining toolpaths and G-code.[\[3\]](#compare-source-3) | | Import from other tools | Imports complete projects from Altium, OrCAD and Allegro, KiCad, PADS and Xpedition, CADSTAR, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, EasyEDA, DipTrace, and SOLIDWORKS PCB. Flux imports Labcenter Proteus SDF netlists with Specctra board exports. IPC-2581 revision B and C files become board projects with reusable footprint parts. IDF 2.0 and 3.0 board files become board projects with the outline, cutouts, drilled and mounting holes, part placements, and 3D part heights. | Imports and translates common CAD formats into NX.[\[4\]](#compare-source-4) | | Versions, branches, and merges | Full change history. The AI engineer forks a design into a second version, keeps both, and merges the changes that you pick. | Teamcenter manages design revisions and release workflows.[\[5\]](#compare-source-5) | | Who reviews the work | The whole team, in one live project in the browser: electrical, layout, mechanical, and firmware engineers | Your engineers review the design in the NX desktop app.[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Product images, videos, and documents | Product images, product videos, datasheets, and regulatory documents, made from the design in the project. | NX creates photorealistic product images with Ray Traced Studio.[\[9\]](#compare-source-9) | | Tool licenses | Your Flux plan provides the editor, simulation, mechanical CAD, parts data, and manufacturing files. You do not need to buy anything else. | Designcenter CAD and NX CAM are separate products and bundles[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Plus the electronics | | Schematic and parts | Built in. Picks from 734,000+ public parts. | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Placement and routing | The AI engineer places the parts and routes the board like an experienced designer. Your engineers review and edit. | Not in Siemens NX for PCB trace routing[\[6\]](#compare-source-6) | | High-speed design | The AI engineer plans DDR topology and timing budgets, routes differential pairs and length-matched buses, tunes length and skew, fans out BGAs with blind, buried, and microvias, and sets trace impedance from your stackup. It checks the routed board with S-parameters, TDR, eye diagrams, crosstalk analysis, and a signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC review. Your engineers review and edit. | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Parts and sourcing | 734,000+ public parts, with live prices and stock from distributors | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Simulation and design rule checks | SPICE, power delivery network, full-wave electromagnetic, signal integrity, thermal, and mechanical simulation, plus design rule checks | Designcenter includes structural, motion, and thermal simulation.[\[7\]](#compare-source-7) | | Firmware | Writes firmware for the board it designed | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Wiring harnesses | Built in. Flux designs the wiring harnesses between the boards: connectors, pinouts, and wires, in the same project. | Designcenter routes wire harnesses through 3D assemblies.[\[6\]](#compare-source-6) | | Manufacturing files | Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, bill of materials, pick-and-place, and more; Flux can check the files before you order, including copper gaps, silkscreen, board outline, BOM, and pick-and-place files. | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | | Quotes and orders | Quotes and orders for boards, 3D printing, CNC machining, and wire harnesses, from the project. | Not in Siemens NX[\[1\]](#compare-source-1) | ## Considering an alternative to Siemens NX? Start a Flux project free and describe the device you want to build. [Start Free Trial](https://flux.seobdtools.com/signup) ## [Mechanical design](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/mcad), created by the AI engineer. ### Parts and full assemblies Flux engineers complete assemblies and single parts. These range from an enclosure or a bracket, ending with a complete robot arm. It integrates every part into one model. ### Fits the physical board Flux adjusts every part to fit the real board, including its cutouts, mounting holes, and connectors. The agent can modify mechanical parts and the board at the same time. ### A single parts library A single library for the complete product holds the chips and connectors. It also contains devices not on the board, plus mechanical hardware including screws and standoffs. ### Editable CAD code Flux creates editable CAD code and a STEP file for each part. Your engineers can examine and change the code. ## Use Flux to import your NX work. Upload your mechanical parts. Use plain words to instruct Flux to revise them. After that, get them manufactured. ![An engineer fits a board into a green 3D-printed enclosure](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/compare-photo-1008492.webp) Real boards and enclosures created in Flux. ### Updates your team's current STEP files. The request, as typed in Flux “The holder must cover a much taller power supply. Make the bent side flange 40 mm deeper. Keep the 4.4 mm hole in the flange where it is. Then cut five 5 x 30 mm vertical vent slots in the new part of the flange, 15 mm apart and centered on the flange width.” ![Before: the STEP file from Autodesk Inventor. The bent flange is 24.5 mm deep.](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-step-edit-psu-before.webp) Before: the STEP file from Autodesk Inventor. The bent flange is 24.5 mm deep. ![After: the flange is 64.5 mm deep, with five 5 × 30 mm vent slots. The 4.4 mm hole did not move. Flux saves a new STEP file and editable CAD code.](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-step-edit-psu-after.webp) After: the flange is 64.5 mm deep, with five 5 × 30 mm vent slots. The 4.4 mm hole did not move. Flux saves a new STEP file and editable CAD code. ### Import your existing work Import 3D models, part libraries, and complete projects. The process keeps parts, placement, and schematics, plus routing from most formats. ### Make progress with your AI engineer The team can modify imported designs without delay. Tell Flux "make the enclosure tighter" or "move the USB cutout 3 cm left", and Flux finishes the work. ### Send it to manufacturing Flux creates all necessary files for your manufacturer. For the board, you get Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, bill of materials, and pick-and-place. For mechanical parts, you receive STEP, STL, or 3MF. View all file formats Complete projects Flux imports complete projects from Altium, Cadence OrCAD and Allegro, KiCad, Siemens PADS and Xpedition, Zuken CADSTAR, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, EasyEDA, DipTrace (XML export), and SOLIDWORKS PCB. Schematics, parts, connections, board outlines, and placement come across. Flux imports Labcenter Proteus SDF netlists with Specctra board exports. IPC-2581 revision B and C files become board projects with reusable footprint parts. IDF 2.0 and 3.0 board files become board projects with the outline, cutouts, drilled and mounting holes, part placements, and 3D part heights. Part libraries Altium, OrCAD, PADS, KiCad, Eagle, Fusion Electronics, EasyEDA, and DipTrace libraries, Allegro footprints, and JEP30 part models become Flux parts. Mechanical files STEP, STL, OBJ, 3MF, and glTF models, plus DXF board outlines. Handoff to manufacturing and electronics tools Gerber, ODB++, IPC-2581, IPC-D-356 test netlists, bill of materials, pick-and-place, EDIF netlists, GenCAD, and KiCad board files. Handoff to mechanical design The full board and its parts as STEP, compressed STEP, BREP, VRML, glTF, and STL models, plus DXF layer drawings. Enclosures and brackets that Flux designs export as STEP, STL, and 3MF, ready for your mechanical tools or a 3D printer. Kernel-agnostic CAD ## Uses the right CAD kernel to create every part. Traditional CAD tools restrict designs to one geometry kernel, passing these limits to every part. Flux works as a kernel agnostic tool, like its model agnostic design. For each part, the AI engineer chooses the right kernel. If a kernel fails to create a feature, the AI engineer replaces it. Next, the AI engineer merges every part into one model. - ![Open Cascade](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/opencascade.svg) ### OpenCascade Other CAD tools and CAM cleanly read the exact, standard geometry. It is strong for multi-part assemblies and machined parts. - ![NVIDIA](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/nvidia.svg) ### SMLib Create smooth, curvature-continuous surfaces for consumer and hand-held products. - ![Siemens](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/siemens.svg) ### Parasolid On request This kernel runs in SolidWorks, NX, Solid Edge, and Onshape. It supports native-quality exchange with these tools. ![Curvature combs on an enclosure in the Flux 3D view](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/pcb-3d-analysis-curvature-combs.webp) **1\. Shape the enclosure.** For the front enclosure, NVIDIA SMLib constructs the curved edges. Curvature combs display the bending of every curve to help you determine where the surface flows versus where it breaks. ![Cross section through an enclosure and its board in the Flux 3D view](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/pcb-3d-analysis-cross-section.webp) **2\. Check the board inside.** Flux divides the same enclosure in two. Inside, you see the displays, the knob, and the board. Before you print, you check each clearance. **Visible surface quality.** Zebra stripes, curvature maps, and curvature combs demonstrate the smoothness of every surface before the part moves to tooling. Verification lab ## Before you build, it simulates and tests its own work. Generating designs is just the start for Flux. The AI engineer uses professional-grade solvers to simulate these designs. It checks its own work, then shows the results to you. ### Mechanical simulation Perform finite-element stress analysis on enclosures, brackets, and mounts. ### Thermal simulation Simulate heat and airflow for enclosures and boards before you build them. ### Fluid simulation Cooling and airflow through the enclosure ensure fans, vents, and heat sinks operate before the first prototype. ### Circuit simulation The AI engineer runs and reviews SPICE simulations of power, analog, and mixed-signal circuits. ### Electromagnetic simulation Run a full-wave simulation on the routed board to analyze impedance, S-parameters, crosstalk, and antennas. ### Design rule checks Run manufacturing and electrical rule checks on every board and schematic. ### Datasheet verification It reviews every part datasheet to verify the design complies with pinouts, ratings, and limits. ![SPICE load step of a 3.3 V buck converter](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-spice-load-step.webp) SPICE load step of a 3.3 V buck converter ![Thermal map of top and bottom copper](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-copper-thermal.webp) Thermal map of top and bottom copper ![Stress analysis of an aluminum bracket](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-bracket-stress.webp) Stress analysis of an aluminum bracket ![S-parameters of a USB data line, simulated on the routed board](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/verification-lab-usb-line-s-parameters.webp) S-parameters of a USB data line, simulated on the routed board Manufacturing ## Obtains quotes from your fabricators during design changes. Flux contacts fabricators directly to receive quotes for circuit boards and assembly, 3D printing in plastic and metal, CNC machining, sheet metal, laser cutting, injection molding, casting, and wiring harnesses. The AI engineer analyzes price and lead time. It inspects the design to verify compliance with the rules of every fabricator. If the design changes, the AI engineer maintains a current quote. ### Mechanical parts - ![Craftcloud](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/craftcloud.svg) Craftcloud - ![JLC 3D printing](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/jlcpcb.webp) JLC 3D printing - ![PCBWay 3D printing](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/pcbway.svg) PCBWay 3D printing - ![Shapeways](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/shapeways.svg) Shapeways - ![OSH Cut](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/oshcut.svg) OSH Cut - ![SendCutSend](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/sendcutsend.svg) SendCutSend ### Circuit boards and assembly - ![JLCPCB](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/jlcpcb.webp) JLCPCB - ![PCBWay](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/pcbway.svg) PCBWay - ![OSH Park](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/oshpark.webp) OSH Park - ![AISLER](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/aisler.webp) AISLER ### Cables and wiring harnesses - ![MiniProto](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-logos/miniproto.webp) MiniProto ## Reasons teams replace desktop tools ### All of the design in a single tool One project contains the mechanical parts, the firmware, and the board. The AI agent can edit these mechanical parts and the board at the same time. You do not need to exchange files between a mechanical tool, a code editor, and an electronics tool. ### Operates in your web browser Flux requires no installation or license server management. It functions on all computers containing a modern web browser. ### Each project has one live copy Send a link to share a project. Several engineers can edit it at once. Nobody sends files via email or asks what the latest version is. ### Zero software upgrades New features and fresh AI models deploy directly into the application. You avoid installing newer versions or migrating your projects to them. ### Parts are ready immediately You start without creating a part library. The Flux library offers 734,000+ public parts. ### Your team starts in minutes Share a link to invite engineers. Project-level permissions and single sign-on set who views what. One platform ## Along with electronics and firmware. Flux is not a bundle of unlinked CAD applications. Engineers work inside one AI-native engineering platform. Here, every discipline operates on the same project and identical data, alongside one shared AI engineer. 1. ![USB-C power input schematic in Flux](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-usbc-power-schematic.webp) ### [Electrical engineering](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/eda) Define requirements, research parts, capture schematics, and simulate. 2. ![Routed board layout of the ESP32 x86 PC in Flux](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-x86-layout.webp) ### PCB layout Part placement, trace routing, board stackups, design rule checks, along with inter-board wiring harnesses. 3. ![STM32 current-loop firmware that Flux wrote and compiled, in a syntax-highlighted code block](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/teams-stm32-current-loop-firmware.webp) ### Firmware Firmware for the board created by Flux, such as Arm Cortex-M, RISC-V, AVR, or Pico. The code is then built, analyzed, and unit tested. ![A guitar pedal board in a purple enclosure, next to a red board with the Flux logo](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/compare-photo-1008548.webp) Real boards and enclosures created in Flux. Model-agnostic AI ## We add our engineering expertise to your favorite AI models. Frontier AI models generate reasoning. Flux integrates these models into an advanced agent system created for CAD and EDA. Flux also adds the workflows, project context, and engineering tools necessary to build working hardware from this reasoning. - OpenAI - Anthropic - Google Gemini - More as they ship Adaptive model assignment ### 30% lower cost for frontier performance. Adaptive breaks every engineering job into separate tasks. The system matches each task with a model that works well for the price. Frontier models evaluate hard design decisions. Fast, low-cost models execute routine work. Independent tasks execute in parallel, making complete devices ready faster. Your team collaborates with one AI engineer. Flux organizes these assignments behind the scenes. ### Frontier AI models - Reasoning - Planning - Language ### Flux engineering harness - CAD and EDA tools - Project context - Simulation - Design rules ### Working hardware - Schematics - Boards - Enclosures - Firmware - Fab files - Product videos ### All frontier models on one platform In Flux, use the frontier models that your team already trusts. ### Built-in engineering capabilities Flux gives every model specialized engineering tools, workflows, and project context. ### Adopt new models without migrating Your team receives an improved model upon release, without leaving engineering platforms. ### Avoid single-vendor lock-in Do not let your engineering capacity rely on only one model provider. ### A suitable model for all stages Adaptive selects the correct model for each engineering step. The steps range from deep design decisions through routine checks. ## Your designs remain yours. - SOC 2-aligned cloud infrastructure - Single sign-on (SSO) - Project-level permissions - Every input and output remains your IP - No training on customer data ## Flux pricing - ### Explore For learning and evaluation, with light AI usage and unlimited manual editing. - ### Build For active hardware projects, with included AI usage and additional usage available. - ### Pro For larger projects and heavier AI usage, with hands-on support from experienced electrical engineers. - ### Teams For teams on shared projects, with pooled AI usage, member seats, and priority support. Eligible individual plans include a free trial. Teams subscriptions start paid; trial and pricing terms depend on your current offer. [See all plans](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/pricing) Not ready to pick a plan? [Start for free](https://flux.seobdtools.com/signup) ## When to use which Select NX if your engineers wish to machine and model parts by hand. Select Flux so an AI engineer can design the firmware, the board, and the mechanical parts for your engineers to review. ## Questions ### Can I bring my NX models into Flux? Yes. Add your parts via STEP or alternative mechanical files. Type plain words to tell Flux to alter them. For example, ask to cut vent slots or request a deeper flange. Flux then creates CAD code engineers can edit, plus a new STEP file. Next, send the parts to manufacturing. ### Can Flux design mechanical parts and assemblies? Yes. Flux builds individual parts and entire assemblies. Examples range from an enclosure covering the board up to a full robot arm. It exports the designs into STEP, STL, or 3MF. ### Which CAD kernel does Flux use? Flux does not need a specific kernel. It makes parts with NVIDIA SMLib and OpenCascade, and Siemens Parasolid upon request. The AI engineer chooses a kernel for every part. If a kernel cannot make a feature, the AI engineer changes to another kernel. ### Does Flux check mechanical parts? Yes. Flux evaluates the components it designs using finite-element stress analysis, thermal simulation, and airflow simulation. ### Does it require any installation? No. Flux works inside your web browser. The product receives new AI models and new features, so it does not require upgrades. ### Can my team contribute to the same project? Yes. Provide a link to share a project. Several engineers can edit it together. Single sign-on and project-level permissions determine what each engineer views. ### Does Flux train on my designs? No. Flux does not learn from customer data. Every input and output remains your IP. ![](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/assets/homepage-v2/compare-photo-1008291.webp) ## Send Flux your next requirement. Book our team for a demo, or view individual plan offers. [Start Free Trial](https://flux.seobdtools.com/signup) [Book a Demo](https://flux.seobdtools.com/p/demo) ## Sources 1. Siemens NX: [https://plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/nx/](https://plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/nx/) 2. Siemens NX (Wikipedia): [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens\_NX](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siemens_NX) 3. NX CAM software: [https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/nx-manufacturing/cam-software/](https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/nx-manufacturing/cam-software/) 4. Designcenter CAD interoperability: [https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/cad-interoperability/](https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/cad-interoperability/) 5. Teamcenter integration for NX: [https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en\_us/Images/14046\_tcm1023-62630.pdf](https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/Images/14046_tcm1023-62630.pdf) 6. Designcenter wire harness design: [https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/electronic-electrical-cad/wire-harness-design/](https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/electronic-electrical-cad/wire-harness-design/) 7. Designcenter CAD-integrated simulation: [https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/mcad/cad-simulation/](https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/designcenter/nx-cad-software/mcad/cad-simulation/) 8. Teamcenter requirements engineering: [https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/teamcenter/solutions/requirements-engineering/](https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/teamcenter/solutions/requirements-engineering/) 9. NX visualization and Ray Traced Studio: [https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/designcenter/whats-new-in-nx-visualization-june/](https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/designcenter/whats-new-in-nx-visualization-june/)