Why should you learn SOLIDWORKS?

There are some similarities between SolidWorks’ functionality and that of CATIA. Both, for starters, are 3D CAD applications, which allow users to create feature-based models. Meanwhile, both also offer users 2D functionality—though this is more limited in scope than both applications’ 3D features.

Though SolidWorks is perhaps best known as a parametric, feature-based solid modeller, it also incorporates a number of powerful features, making it a much better rounded piece of software. Amongst these include:

• The ability to draw using either parts or assemblies

• Simulation tools that give users insight into fluid flow, fluid forces, computational fluid dynamics, life cycle assessment, and more

• Rendering tools for photo-realistic visualizations, helping to improve customer experiences

• Electrical design solutions, enabling the creation of schematics using libraries and part information

• CAM tools to help integrate design and manufacturing processes

• Product data management tools, which ease the sharing of design information and the automation of workflows, and ensure that all stakeholders have up-to-date versions of files

• As well as these varied tools, SolidWorks offers a number of different industry-specific solutions. Examples of these include SolidWorks Plastics, which helps to predict and avoid manufacturing defects; SolidWorks MBD (Model Based Definition) for the definition, organization and publishing of 3D product manufacturing information; and Circuit Works, which allows mechanical and electrical CAD designers to share data.