Design Materials vs Link3D MES
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Design Materials
This app serves as an offline reference guide for various design materials, including polymers and metals. It allows users to manage their own material data, view 3D models, and capture objects with their device's camera. Ideal for professionals and hobbyists involved in product design and 3D printing.
- Offline material reference guide
- Custom material and resin management
- 3D model viewer and import/export
- Object capture via device camera
- Favorites and notes section
- Cross-device compatibility (iOS, macOS)
Read full descriptionHide full description
Design Materials is an offline material reference guide trusted by hundreds of Engineers, Architects and Designers all over the World. The App was created to be a personal tool to help me take design decisions during the concept ideation of industrial products, in particular for 3D printing. Due to high demand, I decided to make it public and share it's information and power. Basically, it provides the fundamentals for most design/engineer materials on the market, based on reliable and curated academic sources. In addition, you can now create and manager your own Material, Resin or Filament data. Finally, the App features Apple Intelligence (AI) with a pair of Entity Masters in material engineering and STEM: HAL 9000 and Elemento, which can be accessed 24/7 while being on or offline (no internet). The guide contains material categories such as polymers, metals, naturals and more. All of these include synthetic, organic, bio-degradable, plastic, and much more subcategories. Each material contains information such as: About, Properties, Tags, Applications, Types and Photos. HAL 9000 & Elemento (AI entities): The legend of HAL is back. Ask anything from space to robotics or biology, HAL and Elemento are Gods of material engineering and science. HAL does precise flawless analysis while Elemento brings fresh human creativity with an attitude. In addition, you can choose the Tone of AI: Formal, Friendly, Direct or Arrogant. Both AI Entities work offline 24/7. Other features includes: • AI Chat with HAL 9000 or Elemento • Material Packs (subscribers) • 3D-model viewer/import/export • Object Capture: Scan Objects • Favorites section • Offline reference (no Internet needed) • Long list of properties per material • Save Notes per material/resin/filament • Create Designs using Apple Pencil • Support for all iPhone screen sizes • Dark Mode • iPadOS support • MacOS support • Continuous Updates with New Content • UNIVERSAL PURCHASE - One Payment for all Devices New Pro version auto-renew subscriptions: - 1 year (Gold) | 3 month (Silver) | 1 month (Bronze) subscriptions* - Access to all material database ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. • Terms of use (EULA): https://www.termsfeed.com/live/faff17b4-8765-4690-b57e-9aabde3d2950
Link3D MES
This app streamlines manufacturing processes for order fulfillment and production. It automates data entry for materials, production parameters, and quality compliance using a QR code scanner. Features include post-production management and a quality management system.
- Order processing and production streamlining
- Post-production management
- Quality management system (QMS)
- Automated data entry via QR code scanner
- Work instruction management
- Material and consumable inventory tracking
Read full descriptionHide full description
Link3D Additive MES & Workflow Software offers a mobile application to help manufacturers process orders and streamline production until order delivery. Link3d's Post Production Management and Quality Management System. (QMS) can answer all quality questionnaire data as they manage work instructions listed in job travellers/MOR's. QR code scanner enables shop-floor employees to automate data entry of material and consumable inventory, production parameters and other quality data needed for customer requirement compliance.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Link3D MES at 5.0 against Design Materials's 4.5. Link3D MES also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Design Materials sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Link3D MES asks for nothing beyond the download.
Link3D MES holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 6 respectively.
Design Materials ships an update every 3 months, Link3D MES monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Design Materials | Link3D MES |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (6 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 6 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 28 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Chrystian Enriquez | Materialise |
Customer experience
Design Materials
Link3D MES
In-app purchases
Design Materials
- Bronze member$7.991 Month
- Silver member$17.993 Months
- Gold member$49.991 Year
Link3D MES
No in-app purchases









