Freedom251 › 3D modeling software
Cubit
What Cubit is
Cubit is a desktop toolkit for generating two- and three-dimensional finite-element meshes from solid models. It is intended for production mesh generation and research work, with a stated goal of unattended processing for complex geometries at scales reaching millions of elements and thousands of parts. Geometry functions include primitives, Boolean operations, web-cutting, healing, virtual geometry, and interactive diagnosis and repair. Meshing options include mapped, swept, paved, triangular, hexahedral, and Delaunay tetrahedral methods, with automated scheme selection and sizing controls. Cubit supports command-line operation, journal playback, batch mode, APREPRO scripting, and Python access through an API. It reads formats such as ACIS, STEP, IGES, STL, AVS, and Exodus II, and exports meshes for several engineering applications. A built-in render engine and 3D-print export are included. Linux, macOS, and Windows desktop versions are listed. Sandia’s free plan is restricted to U.S. government use, requiring contract proof.
Who it suits
Cubit suits U.S. government users who need finite-element mesh generation, geometry repair, scripting, and engineering file exchange on desktop systems. Other commercial or academic users are directed to Coreform Cubit.
What it does well
- Handles two- and three-dimensional finite-element meshes
- Supports multiple automated and controlled meshing methods
- Offers command-line, batch, journal, APREPRO, and Python access
- Includes broad engineering import and export formats
- Provides built-in rendering and 3D-print export
What to know first
- Sandia license is limited to U.S. government use
- Proof of a current government contract is required
- No trial licenses are offered by Sandia
- Download availability is currently being restored
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. government-use license | There is no charge for U.S. government-use licenses of Cubit®. · U.S. government use only · Proof of a current U.S. government contract required · Limited-term licenses available to companies under direct U.S. government contract | Free |
As cubit.sandia.gov lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Cubit combines extensive geometry, meshing, scripting, and file-format support in a desktop toolkit. Its licensing and download conditions make the Sandia offering relevant mainly to eligible U.S. government users.
Facts from Cubit's own pages
- Animation tools
- No · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Boundary conditions
- The page lists Exodus II sidesets, nodesets and element blocks for generic loads and boundary conditions, plus interactive definition and visualization for ABAQUS and NASTRAN/PATRAN. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Download availability
- The download page says customer download capabilities are currently being restored; other users with a valid license may request a copy by email and specify the version. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Eligibility
- Sandia says its Cubit license is for U.S. government use and requires proof of a current U.S. government contract; other users are directed to Coreform Cubit. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- File formats
- Listed formats include ACIS SAT/SAB, STEP, IGES, STL, AVS, Exodus II, and mesh exports for Abaqus, Patran, NASTRAN BDF, IDEAS Universal, Dyna3D and Fluent. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Geometry tools
- Geometry capabilities include primitives, Boolean operations, web-cutting, healing, virtual geometry and interactive diagnosis and repair tools. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- License process
- Government-use license requests go through the ASC Software Request form, and processing can take a few weeks. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Meshing
- Meshing methods include mapped, swept, paved, triangular, hexahedral and Delaunay tetrahedral meshing, with automated scheme selection and sizing controls. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- desktop · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Platforms
- Cubit is available on Linux, Windows and macOS. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- 3D print export
- Yes · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- Cubit is a two- and three-dimensional finite-element mesh-generation toolkit for solid models, used for production mesh generation and as a research testbed. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Render engine
- built-in · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Scale
- The stated goal is robust, unattended mesh generation for complex geometries, scaling to millions of elements and thousands of parts. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- Cubit supports command-line use, journal playback and batch mode, APREPRO scripting, and Python access to internal functionality through an API. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Sculpting tools
- No · cubit.sandia.gov, 22 Sept 2026
- Support
- Cubit support is offered by email and mailing lists, but Sandia states it is not obligated to provide technical assistance under a Cubit license or use. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Support response
- The support page says questions are usually answered within 24 hours and provides separate arrangements for classified-problem assistance. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
- Trial
- Sandia does not offer Cubit trial licenses; it directs commercial or academic users to Coreform for trial licenses. · cubit.sandia.gov, 11 Oct 2026
Where Cubit stands on Freedom251
- 3D modeling software#42 of 147