SolidWorks is a software solution that covers all the product development processes with an integrated workflow in the process of verification, data and communication handling, and ensuring a design that is sustainable. It is used by designers and engineers to handle large areas of design with a lot of simplicity; this reduces the cycle of design and enhances productivity, thereby, producing products which are innovative in the market.
SolidWorks is a design automation software used to sketch ideas and experiment with different design tools to create 3D models. It is used by students, designers, engineers, among other professionals to produce simple and complex parts, assemblies, and drawings.
The software is essentially made up of the following:
- Drawings
- Assemblies
- Parts
One component in designing is a single 3D object made up of features. It can represent a component in an assembly and is usually represented by 2D images in an image. Examples of parts involve pins, plates, bolts, screws and so on. Features are comprised of the shapes and operations that are put together to construct the parts. Base features refer to the first feature that is created and forms the foundation of the feature.
Rationale
SolidWorks software comes with a comprehensive learning tutorial that equips users with an hands-on reference in the form of modules and a video. This is meant to help users master the engineering design processes including 3D design, parts, assemblies, drawings, simulation and sustainability. In addition to professional and advanced users, SolidWorks provides simple and fun projects for learners. This includes objects such as robots, Legos, F1race cars, travel mugs and wind turbines.
The modules in SolidWorks include 3D CAD, simulation, product data management, technical communication and electrical design. 3D CAD enables users to translate new ideas into great products. Simulation presents the designs to real world conditions to improve the quality of the products and minimize expenses for live prototypes and testing. Product data management sorts out and repurposes files, parts, and drawings. It also shares design information as well as automating workflows and ensuring manufacturing consistencies. Having invested time and money in the development of the product, designers want to ensure that it gives a good first experience with the consumers. Technical communication products communicate complex product details by using current 3D CAD data in the organization with the designed products to produce polished contents and animations. Finally, electrical designs combine electrical schematic functionalities of the software with 3D modeling capabilities to produce an easy-to-use package. SolidWorks professional is a suite that supports electrical and mechanical design integration and is used by advanced designers and engineers.
For non-technical users, technical communication tools leverage 3D CAD data to create dynamic graphics that succinctly and effectively depict the most of the complex design concepts and products parts. The software’s easy to navigate and use interface provide the necessary tools to develop the informative graphics for a wide range of applications.
The software can support adds-on for the creation of 3D PDF of a part or assembly in a more graphic display. The new add on known as Presentation Studio is inbedded into the SolidWorks software for the creation of presentation documents.
The software is compatible with many Windows applications and functionalities. Minimum requirements include 32 bit Windows XP operating system and above, 2GB of RAM and 5GB free disk space. Recommended requirements include 64 bit Windows 7 OS, 8GB of RAM and 40GB hard disk space with Intel or AMD SSE2 64-bit support. Windows functions incorporated in the software include common features such as open, create a drawing, save and drag. SolidWorks document Window include such features as Manager Design Tree, Property Manager and Configuration Manager.
The software costs $3500 compared to other CAD tools such as TurboCAD and DesignCAD 3D Max, it is slightly more expensive. It’s premium and professional versions sells for ($7,995.00) and ($5490.00) respectively. It is thus unsuitable for personal users though Dassault systems offer subsidized versions for high school and college students. TurboCAD and DesignCAD 3D Max is used for small projects with less components. SolidWorks is very complex software which incorporates extensive parametric design capabilities and parts cataloging as well as tolerance controls. It is the best tool because it provides the needed level of complexity for the design process.
Comparison with other CAD systems
Other CAD systems like QCAD and NX are multiplatform with the capability to support Windows, Linux, UNIX, and Mac operating systems. ArchiCAD supports Windows and Mac while AutoCAD works on windows only. AutoCAD is another powerful tool that creates stunning designs in 3D with enhanced speed and Cloud connectivity. Unlike SolidWorks, AutoCAD is available in numerous versions including mobile apps. Collaboration is highly enhanced to allow Cloud-based design technologies. For a base price of $3599 AutoCAD provides advanced capabilities such as 3D design, rendering, reality capture and software customization. It is cheaper as compared to SolidWorks.
Conclusion
In summary, SolidWorks is arguably the best design tools for all users at all levels because its functionalities and tools are applicable for both complex and simple designs. It delivers in terms of drawings, assemblies, and parts for detailed and simple designs. As a result, I recommend the software for use from high school design students up to professionals.
