First Class Design Software
February 11, 2019
First Class Design Software
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with SOLIDWORKS
Up until 2007, I used SOLIDWORKS to design industrial equipment in the glass industry. We used it throughout the engineering group (about 10 designers). I used it for R&D including simulation work (FEA and Motion). I currently own a suite of SOLIDWORKS for my personal business (APECS LLC). I use it for small design projects. I currently use Autodesk Inventor in my full-time position with a company in the water treatment industry.
- For starters, it is easy to learn compared to other solid modeling software platforms. SolidWorks has great learning tools and an easy to follow interface.
- The Weldment design environment is very robust and flexible.
- Working with model configurations is much easier to manage than other software platforms.
- FeatureWorks makes easy work of importing CAD geometry from other modeling packages. It recognizes the features and provides a feature-based model, unlike other programs that simply allow you to import block geometry without access to the model base features.
- More flexible options for renting or leasing the software.
- Provide small firms with older versions of the software with credits toward software upgrades. The current system penalizes those who have chosen not to upgrade over time. Many small firms can't afford to do so as often.
- It has allowed me to quickly develop custom designs.
SolidWorks is in a similar class with both Inventor and SolidEdge. I selected SolidWorks due to its wide user base and my past experience.