Solidworks is a computer-aided design program that was originally designed for engineering and manufacturing. It has evolved into an indispensable tool for many industries and applications, including architecture, product design, and even video game development.
Originally released in 1990 as a software package called “SOLIDWORKS”, it was eventually renamed to just “SolidWorks.” Today there are three different versions of Solidworks- Standard, Professional, and Premium – with the premium version being the most popular among professionals.
- What is Solidworks
- What is solidworks used for
- How much does solids works cost
- How to get started with Solidworks
- What are the benefits of using Solidworks
- What is 3d sketching used for in solidworks
- What is Solidworks functions
- How to use equations in Solidworks
- Is there a downside to using this SolidWorks program
What is Solidworks?
Solidworks is an engineering design and manufacturing software. It was founded in 1995 by John T. Hall, PhD with the mission of making engineers more productive without having to learn computer programming languages like C++ or Fortran.
It’s most popular for being a tough CAD program that can handle complicated geometry modeling tasks such as step curves (curves on points), sweeps/extrusions, lofting, etc… In my opinion it does what I want from a CAD program but there are some limitations when compared to other programs out there – so this post will be all about what Solidworks CAN do!
What is solidworks used for
Solidworks is used to create and edit parts, assemblies, drawings. The design intent of the program is for mechanical engineering as well as product development industries.
For example: A machine part may be created in solidworks from an initial sketch or a set of specifications. It can also be used to simulate machinery and analyze motion.
SolidWorks is a CAD software package for designing mechanical parts, assemblies and drawings. It can be used to create parts or even simulate machinery that are designed in the program. The design intent of the program is mainly geared towards engineering industries like machine part manufacturing as well as product development industries such as automotive companies.
For example: A machine part may be created from an initial sketch or set of specifications within the program, it’s also possible to use solidworks for simulations and analyzing motion of machines through its simulation tools.
How much does solids works cost?
Solidworks is a paid program but there are free trials available to try before purchase. You can find the price of Solidworks here.
The software comes with an initial cost after which you will have access to all parts and features, however it also has monthly rates for license renewal. A perpetual license costs ~$1800
How to get started with Solidworks
- You can buy it from their website
- From an authorized reseller like Amazon or CDW
- Or ask your company’s IT department if they already have some licenses available that you could purchase since Solidworks is typically used by engineering teams within companies
- You will also need a powerful pc or laptop for solidwork.
Once downloaded and installed on your PC, start up solidworks and complete the guided setup instructions found under ‘Help’. The next page will display all tool icons as well as what each icon does – feel free to explore!
What are the benefits of using Solidworks
Solidworks is a great program to use if you are an engineer or designer, and want the ability to create parts or assemblies for your project. It has many useful tools that can be used in both design creation as well as analysis of machinery.
It’s also helpful because it comes with tutorials which will teach you how everything works within the program – so there’s no need to worry! Solidworks is designed for engineers who work in mechanical engineering as well as product development industries: example uses include designing machine parts from initial sketches or specifications; creating simulations and analyzing motion of machines, etc. The price varies depending on what type of license you buy but solidworks offers free trials before purchase.
What is 3d sketching used for in solidworks
The sketch in solidworks is used to create a basic design of the object you’re trying to make. You can do things like drawing lines, arcs and circles or using an ‘add point’ command.
Then you need to extrude those shapes into the desired shape by clicking on ‘Extruded Boss/Base’. This will give you a form that looks like what your finished product would look at this stage of development: then it’s time for more detail!
You may also want to use other tools within Solidworks such as fillets (to add smooth edges) chamfers (to round corners), draft angles and planes… they all depend on what type of project you are making but these are just some common ones.
What is Solidworks functions
- adding text and dimensions
- create reports by exporting data in tables, graphs or images
- dimensioning parts and assemblies which will automatically update if you change something in your design file
The list goes on… solidworks has an extensive set of tools that allow its user to customize how they would like their software setup. It’s not unusual for engineers to have multiple configurations open at any given time – this allows them to work more efficiently without having to rework anything when switching from one project type (i.e mechanical engineering) versus product development industry (ie designing packaging for a product).
If you need more information about what is solidworks used for, or how to get started with Solidworks – this article should answer those questions! For any other specific inquiries about the program’s functionality, feel free to post your question in the comments and I’ll do my best to help.
How to use equations in Solidworks
- adding text and dimensions
- create reports by exporting data in tables, graphs or images
- dimensioning parts and assemblies which will automatically update if you change something in your design file
The list goes on… solidworks has an extensive set of tools that allow its user to customize how they would like their software setup. It’s not unusual for engineers to have multiple configurations open at any given time – this allows them to work more efficiently without having to rework anything when switching from one project type (i.e mechanical engineering) versus product development industry (ie designing packaging for a product).
Is there a downside to using this SolidWorks program
There’s always a downside to using any new program – it can take time getting used to and there are things that you may not be able to do in the same way as what you’re currently doing.
However, Solidworks is designed for engineers who work with mechanical engineering or product development: so if you fall into either of those categories, it should suit your needs! One other thing to note about solidworks – various versions come at different prices depending on how many seats (users) need access. There are also free trials available before purchasing anything but they will expire after 30 days.
If this article didn’t answer all your questions about solidworks then please post them below and I’ll try my best to help out!
