Save time and get the design done
February 22, 2019

Save time and get the design done

Kevin Eppers | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

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
I come from using SOLIDWORKS for four years, and as much as I love it over Pro-E, I find Onshape has the same level of functionality in regards to part design. Assemblies are easier to make functional. Where OnShape really shines is that the integrated release management is significantly easier and does not leave any possibility for the release process to be done wrong. This is huge when being audited. You can also store any file type for design history records in OnShape. If you don't need release management and just design parts there aren't a lot of benefits other than the ease of access from anywhere on any device. OnShape is not perfect, but the problems cost less time and frustration than any other CAD I have used.