40IP vs AiCadGen
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
40IP
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40 Inventive Principles in one app. Speed up your idea generation process using the 40 Inventive Principles from the TRIZ toolbox. The theory of inventive problem solving, developed by Genrich Altshuller, offers a plethora of tools for generating innovative ideas to solve inventive problems. The 40 Inventive Principles are probably the best-known tool for taking the broader view when working on a task. 40IP contains the 40 Inventive Principles, explained by more than 400 illustrated examples, bundled as a compact reference for every situation. Use it to resolve technical as well as physical contradictions and take advantage of a wide variety of suggestions to increase your idea output. Features: - 40 Inventive Principles - 400+ illustrated examples - Engineering Contradiction (Altshuller Matrix, Matrix 2003) - Physical Contradiction
AiCadGen
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Transform ideas into manufacturing-ready CAD models using plain English. AiCADGen uses AI to generate 3D models, engineering drawings, and manufacturing files from simple text descriptions, sketches, technical drawings, or reference images. Whether you're prototyping a product, designing a mechanical part, or creating a custom component for 3D printing or fabrication, AiCADGen helps you move from concept to CAD in minutes instead of hours. Perfect for engineers, designers, makers, students, inventors, manufacturers, and anyone who needs professional CAD files without spending hours modelling. FEATURES ⢠Generate 3D CAD models from text prompts ⢠Convert sketches, photos, and technical drawings into editable CAD ⢠Create dimensioned engineering drawings automatically ⢠Export STL, STEP, DXF, PDF, SVG, OBJ and more ⢠Interactive 3D model viewer with zoom, rotate and inspect controls ⢠AI-assisted design refinement through natural conversation ⢠Parametric geometry generation ⢠Fast concept iteration and design exploration ⢠Generate printable models for 3D printing ⢠Produce files suitable for CNC machining, laser cutting and manufacturing workflows ⢠Cloud-based projects available across your devices CREATE FROM NATURAL LANGUAGE Describe your design as you would explain it to another engineer. Specify dimensions, materials, wall thickness, tolerances, hole sizes, mounting points, threads, clearances, manufacturing processes, or design intent. The more detail you provide, the better the generated result. IMPORT REFERENCE IMAGES Upload hand sketches, whiteboard drawings, screenshots, existing technical drawings, product photos, or concept artwork. AiCADGen analyses your references and uses them together with your instructions to generate accurate CAD models and engineering drawings. EXPORT FOR YOUR WORKFLOW Generate the formats your workflow requires. ⢠STL for 3D printing ⢠STEP for professional CAD software ⢠DXF for CNC machining and laser cutting ⢠PDF engineering drawings ⢠SVG vector files ⢠OBJ and additional 3D formats BUILT FOR ⢠Mechanical engineering ⢠Product design ⢠Industrial design ⢠Manufacturing ⢠3D printing ⢠CNC machining ⢠Laser cutting ⢠Sheet metal concepts ⢠Prototype development ⢠Education ⢠DIY and maker projects WHY AICADGEN Traditional CAD modelling can take hours for even simple concepts. AiCADGen accelerates early-stage design by generating models and drawings from natural language, allowing you to explore ideas, iterate quickly, and prepare files for manufacturing workflows faster. Whether you're creating brackets, enclosures, adapters, fixtures, storage systems, machine components, workshop tools, furniture parts, or custom mechanical assemblies, AiCADGen helps turn concepts into CAD-ready designs. GET STARTED Every new account includes credits to explore the AiCADGen workflow. Generate your first designs, inspect the interactive 3D model, and review engineering drawings before choosing the option that best suits your projects. When you're ready, unlock exports through a subscription or a one-time design unlock. GOOD TO KNOW AiCADGen is a design and drafting accelerator, not a replacement for professional engineering review. Generated models and drawings should always be verified before manufacturing, fabrication, installation, or safety-critical use. SUBSCRIPTIONS Choose the plan that fits your workflow. Paid plans include commercial use and CAD file exports, while higher tiers provide faster generation, higher-quality results, priority processing, team features, and API access. Individual design export unlocks are also available, and purchased credits stay on your account until you use them. Subscriptions renew automatically each month unless canceled at least 24 hours before the period ends. Manage or cancel in your App Store settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://aicadgen.com/privacy
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Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 40IP at none against AiCadGen's 9. AiCadGen's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 18 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. AiCadGen sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 40IP asks for nothing beyond the download.
40IP ships an update every 18 months, AiCadGen every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 11, 2026.
| Parameter | 40IP | AiCadGen |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Every 2 weeks ā better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No ā better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod ā better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 81 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | TRIZ Consulting Group GmbH | Ali El Ali |
In-app purchases
40IP
No in-app purchases
AiCadGen
- Maker Monthly Subscription1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- Starter Monthly Subscription$12.001 Month
- Pro Monthly Subscription$29.001 Month
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- Business Monthly Subscription$99.001 Month
- Export Unlock$3.00
- 50 Credits Top-up$5.00
- 100 Credits Top-up$10.00
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- 500 Credits Top-up$39.00
- 2000 Credits Top-up$119.99









