stl vs CNC Maker Assistant
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
stl
Read full descriptionHide full description
stl-er is the world's first AI-powered 3D model generator built for 3D printing. Simply describe any object in plain text โ and get a fully parametric, functional 3D model in seconds. No CAD experience needed. HOW IT WORKS 1. Describe what you want (e.g., "phone stand with cable slot") 2. AI generates a precise 3D model using CAD 3. Adjust dimensions with live parameter sliders 4. Download the STL file โ ready for your 3D printer KEY FEATURES โข AI-Powered Generation โ From text prompt to 3D model in seconds โข Live Parameter Sliders โ Fine-tune dimensions, rounding, and details in real-time โข AI Refinement โ Modify designs with follow-up prompts ("make it taller", "add ventilation holes") โข Instant STL Downloads โ Export files ready for any 3D printer or slicer โข 3D Preview โ Rotate and inspect your model before downloading โข Community Library โ Browse, remix, and share models created by other makers โข Cross-Platform โ Seamlessly sync between iPhone, iPad, and Web PERFECT FOR โข 3D printing enthusiasts and makers โข DIY builders and hobbyists โข Product designers and engineers โข Educators and students โข Anyone who wants custom 3D models without learning CAD software WHY stl-er? Traditional CAD software has a steep learning curve. AI model generators produce meshes that aren't optimized for printing. stl-er combines the precision of parametric CAD with the simplicity of natural language โ every model is mathematically exact, fully customizable, and ready to print. Every design is solid, manifold, and slicer-ready. Start creating. Now. Terms of Use: https://www.stl-er.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy Policy: https://www.stl-er.com/privacy-policy/
CNC Maker Assistant
Read full descriptionHide full description
CNC Maker Assistant is a workshop tool for hobby CNC users โ not a chat app. IMPORT & VISUALIZE Import your G-code (.nc, .gcode, .ngc, .tap, .cnc) and see the actual toolpath rendered in 3D, with a 2D top-down mode too. Orbit, pan, and zoom with touch gestures, jump to any CAD-style view (Top/Front/Iso/etc.), or play the program back move-by-move with a scrubber โ see exactly what your machine will do before you cut. DETERMINISTIC SAFETY CHECKS Every file is analyzed by real, deterministic logic โ not a language model guessing. Rapid moves into stock, dangerously low Z clearance, a missing spindle start: these are found by code, then explained and prioritized by AI. The AI never invents a warning that the analyzer didn't already find. FEED & SPEED CALCULATOR Pick your material, tool diameter, flute count, and machine's max RPM, and get a starting feed rate and spindle speed from real formulas and curated cutting-data tables โ aluminum, steel, acrylic, HDPE, wood, and more. The AI explains the "why" behind the numbers; it never calculates them. CNC KNOWLEDGE, GROUNDED Ask questions in a focused chat โ tool selection, troubleshooting chatter, G-code reference โ and get answers grounded in a curated knowledge base, not generic web search results. BUILT FOR THE WORKSHOP Big touch targets, offline-capable calculators, and a toolpath viewer designed to be legible with gloved hands next to a running machine. Cutting recommendations are conservative starting points to test on your own machine โ always verify feeds, speeds, and workholding before running a real job. Free to start: 1 AI-explained G-code import, 5 feed/speed explanations, and 5 chat messages per day. CNC Maker Assistant Pro removes all three daily limits. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
stl and CNC Maker Assistant are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters โ price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them โ neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. stl sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and CNC Maker Assistant sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | stl | CNC Maker Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | โ | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 84 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | THOMAS CHRISTIAN HAGNAUER | Yakup Ad |
In-app purchases
stl
- Premium โ 100 AI Models/mo$5.991 Month
- Pro โ 500 AI Models/mo$15.991 Month
- Premium โ 100 AI Models/mo$59.991 Year
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Pro โ 500 AI Models/mo$159.991 Year
- Pro Credit Top-Up$15.99
CNC Maker Assistant
- Pro Monthly$4.991 Month









