Comparison

The Fabricator vs STFM/MMTS

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The Fabricator

Features
Read full description

The FABRICATOR® is North America's leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. The FABRICATOR has served the industry since 1971. The FABRICATOR is the official publication of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) and of FABTECH®. Here's just a sample of the technologies you'll find featured in The FABRICATOR: •Sheet Metal Punching, Bending, Cutting •Coil Processing •Roll Forming •Stamping •Finishing •Plate & Structural Fabricating •Lasers •Tube & Pipe •Welding & Joining •Material Handling •Safety 1 year subscription for $11.99 or a single issue for $.99.  Subscriptions will start from the most current eCommerce enabled issue going forward for one year from the date of purchase. Your subscription will automatically renew via your iTunes account 24-hours prior to the end of your subscription at the rate of $11.99 for one year. You can turn off the auto-renew feature up to 24-hours before the end of your subscription by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Subscriptions cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period.  http://www.gtxcel.com/privacy http://www.gtxcel.com/TOS This application is powered by GTxcel, a leader in digital publishing technology, provider of hundreds of online digital publications and mobile magazine apps.

About

STFM/MMTS

Access exclusive manufacturing content, event information, and industry insights. Connect with experts, discover the latest trends, and navigate events with smart recommendations and detailed schedules.

Highlights
  • Exclusive community content
  • Event information and navigation
  • Networking opportunities
  • Industry expert connections
  • Smart recommendations
  • Latest manufacturing trends
Features
Read full description

Join SME’s 365 community for exclusive content, event information, and valuable manufacturing resources. Connect with industry experts, access insights, and stay updated on the latest trends. SME+ features: SME Events: Find critical event details, navigate the floor plan, build your agenda, access networking, preview exhibitors, and much more! • RAPID + TCT • Smart Manufacturing Experience • Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show (MMTS) Harness the power of SME's smart recommendations for deeper connections on topics that matter to you.

Screenshots

The Fabricator4 screens
STFM/MMTS4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: STFM/MMTS at none against The Fabricator's 10. STFM/MMTS also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 11 months). The Fabricator's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (10.2 vs 17.0). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. The Fabricator sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per year. STFM/MMTS asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Fabricator ships an update every 11 months, STFM/MMTS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
The Fabricator versus STFM/MMTS: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe FabricatorSTFM/MMTS
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.0 (23 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—42.9% of reviews
Number of ratings—23 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS10.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB141 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFabricators & Manufacturers Association, InternationalSociety of Manufacturing Engineers

In-app purchases

10 purchases

The Fabricator

Subscriptions1
  • The Fabricator Subscription$10.991 Year
One-time9
  • The Fabricator - January 2014$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20141210130904$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20141210130909$0.99
Show 6 more
  • The Fabricator: 20141210130917$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20141210130924$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20150114113712$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20150114113719$0.99
  • The Fabricator: 20150114113720$0.99
  • The Fabricator$0.99
None

STFM/MMTS

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Fabricator free?
The Fabricator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is STFM/MMTS free?
STFM/MMTS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Fabricator or STFM/MMTS have ads?
Neither The Fabricator nor STFM/MMTS shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Fabricator or STFM/MMTS?
The Fabricator ships an update every 11 months, and STFM/MMTS every 2 weeks. Most recently, The Fabricator was updated on November 11, 2026 and STFM/MMTS on November 3, 2026.

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