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For CAD application, this program is as intuitive and user-friendly as it gets

For CAD application, this program is as intuitive and user-friendly as it gets

Vote: (26 votes)

Program license: Subscription

Developer: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation

Version: 2022

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(26 votes)

Subscription

Developer

Version

Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation

2022

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Uses a simple-to-realize component-based design approach
  • Integrates a collaboration panel
  • Capable of modeling and then rendering intricate mechanical parts
  • Assembles and tests parts assemblies
  • Used on Windows workstations

Cons

  • Requires a beefy hardware setup
  • There's a learning curve to address

SolidWorks is a popular and powerful CAD program. It's used to model, design, and analyze mechanical structures in a 3D computer space. Indeed, this is one of the most well-recognized 3D design programs in use today. Manufacturers have SolidWorks computer workstations, as do machine workshops, medical device designers, fabrication shops, and construction companies. From conceptualization to fabrication, the software package takes care of every manufacturing stage by employing the very latest in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technology.

There are, of course, numerous 3D modeling packages on the market. They take common shapes and use them to create sophisticated 3D models. Once visualized and modeled, those graphics can be rigged and animated in real-time. That's how Hollywood studios make their movies now, by employing rooms full of such powerful computer workstations. SolidWorks is different. The 3D modeling program is specially designed to develop mechanical parts. As a designer works with the software, intricately outlined mechanical elements are CAD generated and combined until complex devices assemble out of the designer-visualized graphical elements. A multi-toothed sprocket or gear, a machine housing or structural weldment, even an intricately outlined mechanical drive system, all of these mechanisms and more are commonly modeled on SolidWorks computers.

Using mouse gestures and easily accessible tools, SolidWorks designers sketch out their creations on simulated paper. It's an eminently simple approach to a complex problem. It's always been easy for designers to visualize and sketch flat drawings like this. The problems start when someone tries to transform that drawing into a three-dimensional model. Again, the SolidWorks graphical user interface simplifies this concern by adding extrusion tools to the computer workspace. Actually, if this wasn't such a serious task, the whole job would be fun. A mouse cursor intuitively brings up hidden toolbars and settings. Dimensional constraints fall into place, annotations tag shapes, curves and straight lines automatically join, and complicated visualizations come together before the eyes of an expert CAD designer. Then, with the two-dimensional construct completed, it's extruded and given that all-important third dimension.

As a powerful, industry-standard 3D design tool, SolidWorks workstations have become something of essential parts modeling utility. Manufacturers use the software throughout their offices to construct intricate parts assemblies, so a collaborative panel has been integrated. If a model needs to be revised, someone can go into the package and make the changes. Those design alterations are then mirrored across every other instance of the project. Past versions are still stored, of course, so the design team can always return to an earlier version of a model. In summary, capable of visualizing, modeling, realistically rendering and even printing complex mechanical parts assemblies, components-based SolidWorks CAD workstations can pretty much design and test anything that can be imagined.

Pros

  • Uses a simple-to-realize component-based design approach
  • Integrates a collaboration panel
  • Capable of modeling and then rendering intricate mechanical parts
  • Assembles and tests parts assemblies
  • Used on Windows workstations

Cons

  • Requires a beefy hardware setup
  • There's a learning curve to address