← all parity reports
Mechanical
Kerf vs Esko ArtiosCAD
The packaging industry's gold standard structural CAD — versus an open-core alternative that adds structural performance and chat-native design.
10/10in Kerf today
7/10in Esko ArtiosCAD (included)
0behind a paid tier
2026-05-24last reviewed
| Capability | Kerf | Esko ArtiosCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging ECMA / FEFCO code libraryD13 |
yes
packages/kerf-packaging/src/kerf_packaging/ecma_generators.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| Parametric 2D dieline authoringD13 |
yes
packages/kerf-packaging/src/kerf_packaging/dieline.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| 3D fold simulationD13 |
yes
packages/kerf-packaging/src/kerf_packaging/fold.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| Blank nesting optimisationD13 |
yes
packages/kerf-cad-core/src/kerf_cad_core/nesting/nfp.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| Structural performance (BCT / ECT)D13 |
yes
packages/kerf-packaging/src/kerf_packaging/bct.py
|
partial source ↗ |
| LLM / chat-native editingD13 |
yes
src/components/ChatPanel.jsx
|
no source ↗ |
| Die-making integration / CNC outputD7 |
yes
packages/kerf-packaging/src/kerf_packaging/dieline.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| Print pre-press / graphics integrationD7 |
yes
packages/kerf-cad-core/src/kerf_cad_core/packaging/pre_press.py
|
yes source ↗ |
| Material cost / yield estimationD14 |
yes
packages/kerf-costing/src/
|
yes source ↗ |
| Open scripting / automation APID1 |
yes
packages/kerf-sdk/README.md
|
partial source ↗ |
- yes shipped
- partial works with limits
- paid tier present, but behind an add-on or meter
- no not available
Corrections welcome. These rows are read off published documentation on the date shown and go stale as products ship. If a row is wrong, open an issue — the source file is public/compare/artioscad.md and every claim in it carries a link.