HIIE Engine vs Meshy premium: which 3D path to use
HIIE offers two 3D generation paths. Knowing which one to use saves time and credits.
The HIIE Engine (default)
The HIIE Engine is a server-side build123d service that generates real B-rep parts and returns STEP, STL, and GLB outputs. In the Design UI it is selected via the "HIIE Engine" tab. It is Camelia's default and preferred CAD path: it runs a vision quality loop that inspects rendered snapshots and refines the part across multiple passes, has no monthly count cap, and meters a small flat rate (about 10 credits) per generation. It is the only path that produces manufacturing-grade STEP — the format factories, quotes, and CAD software need.
Meshy premium (text-to-3D)
Meshy is the premium path, selected via the "Meshy · Premium" tab. It runs as a background generation (about 5 minutes) and produces a realistic, textured, print-ready model — a GLB for web viewing plus a printable STL — auto-archived into your project's Design folder. It excels at organic, sculpted, and product-realistic forms that parametric CAD struggles with. It does not produce a STEP file or exact tolerances. Each generation costs 75 credits (refunded automatically if the job fails); the Free plan includes 2 premium generations per month, and you can connect your own Meshy key under Connections to run on your own account instead.
How to choose
- Need dimensioned, manufacturable geometry or a STEP for a factory or quote? Use the HIIE Engine.
- Want a realistic, textured model of an organic or product-styled object, ready to print? Use Meshy premium.