Top 10 Best Injection Mold Design Software of 2026

Autodesk Moldflow is the industry-leading injection molding simulation software that enables engineers to analyze and optimize the entire molding process, from fill, pack, and cool to warpage and fiber flow. It provides accurate predictions of defects like sink marks, weld lines, and short shots, helping to reduce physical prototypes and production costs. With modules like Moldflow Adviser for quick studies and Insight for advanced analysis, it supports complex geometries and multi-cavity molds. Integrated seamlessly with Autodesk CAD tools, it streamlines design-to-manufacturing workflows.

Moldex3D is a premier CAE simulation software specialized for plastic injection molding, allowing engineers to virtually predict and optimize the entire molding process from filling and packing to cooling and warpage. It excels in analyzing complex phenomena like fiber orientation in reinforced plastics, gas-assist molding, and overmolding, helping to identify defects early and reduce physical prototypes. With seamless integration into CAD workflows and a vast material database, it streamlines mold design validation for high-precision manufacturing.

SolidWorks Plastics is an advanced simulation add-in for SolidWorks CAD software, focused on injection molding analysis for plastic parts. It simulates the entire molding process—including fill, pack, cool, and warp stages—to predict defects like sink marks, warpage, and short shots. Users can optimize gate locations, runner designs, and cooling lines directly within their 3D CAD models, reducing iterations and manufacturing costs.

Siemens NX is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE platform with specialized tools for injection mold design, including the Mold Wizard module for automating parting lines, core/cavity extraction, runner systems, and cooling channels. It integrates design, simulation (via NX Moldflow integration), and manufacturing preparation in a single environment, supporting complex multi-cavity molds and high-precision geometries. Ideal for professional engineering workflows, it enables validation through flow analysis and optimization before production.

PTC Creo is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE software suite from PTC, featuring dedicated modules like Creo Mold Design for creating high-precision injection molds, including cavities, cores, runners, gates, and cooling channels. It supports parametric modeling, automation for mold layout, and integrated simulation for flow analysis and optimization. Ideal for complex geometries, it streamlines the entire mold design process from concept to manufacturing preparation.

CATIA, from Dassault Systèmes (3ds.com), is a high-end PLM suite with dedicated workbenches for injection mold design, enabling precise 3D modeling of cores, cavities, slides, lifters, and cooling systems. It integrates advanced simulation tools for mold flow analysis, warpage prediction, and structural validation directly within the design environment. Widely used in demanding industries like automotive and aerospace, it supports associative design updates across complex assemblies for efficient iteration.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE platform that supports injection mold design through advanced parametric modeling, automated parting line generation, core/cavity creation, and draft analysis tools. It integrates simulation capabilities for mold flow, cooling, and warpage prediction, often via extensions like Moldflow. Additionally, its CAM workspace enables direct toolpath generation for machining molds, streamlining the workflow from design to production.

Cimatron, developed by 3Shape, is a powerful CAD/CAM software suite tailored for injection mold design, toolmaking, and die manufacturing. It offers advanced automation for creating complex molds, including parting lines, cores, cavities, cooling channels, and undercuts. The software integrates seamless design-to-manufacturing workflows with high-speed NC programming, making it suitable for precision mold production.

SigmaSoft Virtual Molding (SIGMASOFT®) is a comprehensive 3D simulation platform specialized for injection molding processes, enabling users to virtually prototype and optimize mold designs. It simulates the entire molding cycle—including filling, packing, cooling, and warpage—with high fidelity to predict defects and refine parameters. Primarily used by mold makers and OEMs, it bridges design and production to minimize physical trials and iterations.

VISI Mould from Hexagon is a specialized CAD/CAM software suite designed for the complete design and manufacture of plastic injection molds. It offers advanced 2D/3D surface modeling, automatic mold base creation, cooling line design, and integrated CAM for high-speed machining. The tool excels in handling complex geometries with features like reverse engineering, electrode design, and plastic flow simulation via VISI Flow integration.