[mmcwilliams]

I think a better distinction here is mesh vs. solid geometry. This is a tool for creating mesh-based models and has a focus on rendering. STL is a mesh format that you can print with consumer 3D printers and it looks like Vectary supports that as an export format, but it's not a product built for engineering or mechanical design.

That said it looks really cool and I would definitely print something made with it. Trying that out now, actually.

[bcohen5055]

The distinction you are looking for is parametric vs. geometric.

Parametric models such as Solidworks or Creo use complex equations to derive the 3D geometry. Geometric models use a point cloud built from polygons to develop surfaces. These point clouds are defined by the user and are not as "stable" when used in product development setting where you are trying to create multiple iterations/sizes of an object

[nraynaud]

it's more like Brep is the distinction, is the internal representation a list of operations on a Brep model?

But it's true that model history is preferred for mechanics, but I have seen some proto model history in 3DS max with the modifier stack.

[mmcwilliams]

Thank you for clarifying. I wasn't sure if the Vectary editor was or wasn't parametric, but it seems clear that it isn't for building CSG models.