On budget On time and On shape
Overall Satisfaction with Onshape
At Kuhns Mfg we are moving from SOLIDWORKS to Onshape as our CAD platform. We are using it for any new projects that we take on. Because of the cloud based nature of the software it is very easy to share information with other departments and we plan to be using it to share information with vendors. One of the main reasons we switched was because of the incredibly collaborative nature of the software. It is seamless for other users to jump in to the same model at the same time. This is a huge difference from the previous problems we had with conflicting files with SOLIDWORKS.
Pros
- Collaboration. Multiple users can simultaneously view and edit the same model at the same time. This feature is even powerful enough that one user can "follow" another user as he manipulates and edits the model. The user that is following sees everything the other user does. This is useful when showing features or developing new ones. Onshape is commonly compared to Google Docs in it collaborative prowess.
- Information Management. Onshape does not use a traditional file structure for the information it handles. It is instead based on database infrastructure so it can easily handle concurrent users. There is also no need to save what you are working on because when you work, you are committing to a database. Literally everything you do is saved as you do it. Onshape can also handle traditional files so it is possible to store pictures and other documents along with the model and accompanying drawings.
- Ease of Access. Because Onshape is truly cloud based, it is possible to use any platform, including Apple and Android based mobile devices. Modern browsers can pretty easily handle the software on pretty much any fairly recent computer. Your internet connection doesn't even need to be that great for it to work well.
Cons
- Features. Onshape does not yet have feature parity with leading CAD software packages. That being said, they are on an aggressive development schedule and the team is quite capable of producing them. It is only a matter of time until this is no longer an issue.
- We are still transitioning to Onshape. The projects we have done with Onshape have gone smoothly.
Onshape does not have complete feature parity with SOLIDWORKS. But neither does SOLIDWORKS have all the features Onshape has. The reasons we went with Onshape was the ability to collaborate and the lack of need for file management. There is also no need for an initial purchase. Just start the subscription and go. While Onshape does not yet have all the features that it should, the team is working very hard to develop them. In fact many of the Onshape team came from SOLIDWORKS and developed the same features they are developing now. I have no doubt that Onshape will eventually have all the features and in many cases will be done better than the SOLIDWORKS version of them. I know this because many of the features that are already there are better and smarter than the SOLIDWORKS version. I know this as a 6 year SOLIDWORKS user.
Using Onshape
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- Using the same sketch for multiple features is easy.mmmmmm
- Sheet metal parts are super easy to edit in both 3d and flat pattern, simultaneously.
- Understanding the concept Onshape uses between parts and assemblies is difficult to understand.
Yes - Onshape provides an iOS and Android app that can be used for viewing and editing. It is very powerful and intuitive to use. I would not plan on doing too much on it though because the nature of such a tiny screen is impossible to do a lot of work on.
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