Modelica
Simulation & CAE software
Furniture modeling software
Furniture rendering software
Garment CAD software
Interior rendering software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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€20 per year
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
- Energy and utilities
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and logistics
What is Modelica
Modelica is an open, object-oriented, equation-based modeling language used to build and simulate complex physical systems (e.g., mechanical, electrical, thermal, fluid, and control). Engineering and R&D teams use Modelica models for system-level simulation, design exploration, and virtual prototyping, typically through Modelica-compatible tools rather than a single standalone application. It emphasizes acausal, multi-domain modeling and reusable component libraries, which differentiates it from purely signal-flow or code-first numerical computing environments.
Acausal multi-domain modeling
Modelica supports equation-based (acausal) modeling, which lets engineers connect components by physical interfaces rather than prescribing input-output signal flow. This approach fits multi-physics systems where causality can change depending on operating conditions. It is commonly used for system-level simulation that spans mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fluid domains. The language design supports modular composition of large models.
Standardized, tool-independent language
Modelica is defined by an open specification and is implemented by multiple commercial and open-source tools. This can reduce lock-in compared with proprietary, single-vendor modeling environments, especially when models follow the standard language features. It also enables sharing models across teams and organizations when they align on supported language versions and libraries. The ecosystem includes standardized libraries that accelerate common modeling tasks.
Reusable component library approach
Modelica encourages building systems from reusable components (e.g., motors, valves, heat exchangers) with parameterization and inheritance. This can improve maintainability versus monolithic scripts by separating component behavior from system configuration. It also supports variant management through parameters and replaceable components. For organizations doing repeated product-line simulations, this structure can reduce rework.
Not a single product
Modelica is a language and standard, not a single packaged application, so capabilities depend heavily on the chosen Modelica toolchain. Features such as solvers, debugging, FMI support, code generation, and performance vary by vendor and version. Procurement and governance can be more complex because the “product” is effectively an ecosystem. Teams often need to evaluate multiple tools to match requirements.
Steep learning curve
Equation-based, object-oriented modeling requires different skills than spreadsheet-style analysis or procedural numerical scripting. Users must understand physical modeling concepts, initialization, and solver behavior to build stable simulations. Debugging can be challenging when issues arise from implicit equations, events, or poorly conditioned models. Training and modeling guidelines are typically needed for consistent results.
Limited fit for listed design domains
Modelica is not primarily intended for furniture modeling, furniture rendering, garment CAD, or interior rendering workflows. It does not provide native capabilities for photorealistic rendering, pattern drafting, or direct CAD-style geometry authoring typical in those domains. Integrations may exist via co-simulation or data exchange, but they are not the core use case. Organizations seeking those functions usually require dedicated CAD/visualization tools alongside simulation.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modelica language & Modelica Standard Library | Free | Open, standardized modeling language and standard library; freely available (no licensing fee). |
| Individual membership (Modelica Association) | €20 per year | Individual membership in the Modelica Association; voting rights and participation; billed annually. |
| Organizational membership — ≤ 5 employees | €750 per year | Organizational membership (very small companies); voting rights and participation; billed annually. |
| Organizational membership — ≤ 50 employees | €1,500 per year | Organizational membership (small companies); voting rights and participation; billed annually. |
| Organizational membership — ≤ 500 employees | €3,000 per year | Organizational membership (medium companies); voting rights and participation; billed annually. |
| Organizational membership — > 500 employees | €7,500 per year | Organizational membership (large companies); voting rights and participation; billed annually. |
Seller details
Modelica Association
Linköping, Sweden
1996
Non-profit
https://modelica.org/
https://x.com/modelica
https://www.linkedin.com/company/modelica-association/
