Overall Satisfaction with Onshape
OnShape is the 3D CAD software I have chosen to use for new product development. We are two users working with injection molded parts, machined parts, purchased parts, and large assemblies. For larger assemblies, I save a lot of time with the convenient mate tools. We also take advantage of the integrated release management system to save a ton of time not using a vault check in check out system.
- Part modeling is clean convenient and user-friendly.
- Assembly mates are amazingly quick and robust.
- Working on the cloud allows us access from anywhere.
- I would like to see more functionality and options for dimensioning drawings. Customizing text positioning can be critical to optimizing a layout that has a lot of tightly packed features, unfortunately, there are not many options.
- Version history is great in theory, but it needs a search function to make it useful. Example: There is no way to find a list of changes to "Extrusion 1" without manually going through. And the problem is that my team and I use CAD as a development tool to get an idea into 3D space, then review details with the team once there is a visual. The result is hundreds to thousands of line items in the version history, so manual searching is not feasible.
- I don't believe that branching is useful (yes I have reviewed the self-guided material about it, and have gone through the instructor lead training).
- Save time being able to access from anywhere.
- Crashes still happen occasionally, and unfortunately, when they do it takes longer to recover because I can't just reset my computer. Customer support at OnShape needs to get involved. They have always fixed things within 24hr for me, so it is not the end of the world.
- Onshape is a similar cost to my previous CAD, so value is the sole reason to choose Onshape.
I have used SOLIDWORKS for over four years, and the vault system is time intensive for control of design history, and revision management. I have used Pro-E for over four years, and this has the capability but is not user-friendly. Not needing high-end computers is another great reason to choose Onshape