Opinions on Solidworks 1

[TheWonderer]

We are currently looking at replacing our existing 3D modeling and 2D design package with another system and would like user opinions on Solidworks. What does it do well, how easy is it to use, any bad points, annoyances or bugs etc?
We would be using it to create 3D solid models for NC programming and for creating 2D machining detail drawings from the solid.

Your opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Gupta65]

What current system you have and what are the issues you facing??

Deepak Gupta
SW 2010 SP4.0 & 2011 SP1.0
DriveWorks Pro 7 SP5
Boxer's SolidWorks™ Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

First of all, what system are you currently using and why are you wanting to replace it? What are you hoping to achieve?

What type of products do you create?

What type of functionality do you currently use? (Surfacing, basic prismatic shapes or organic swoopy stuff, etc)

Do you realise what a PITA it will be to convert the legacy models to SW ... and that the 2D drawings will not be converted?

 

[TheWonderer]

We are currently using Edgecam, and intend to continue using it for NC programming, but we are looking for a quicker, more user friendly CAD package.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Your best bet would be to arrange for in-house demos of the packages you are considering, followed up by using whatever longer term (30 day?) demos are available. Just make sure the in-house demos are not their typical canned variety. Make them demo the products you typically create.

SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Inventor all have their strengths and weaknesses, and any of them will probably be suitable, but without knowing your exact needs, it is impossible to be sure.

Do you have customers or vendors you exchange models with frequently? What systems do they use. Being able to exchange data without having to convert can be invaluable.

 

[Updraft]

We converted to SWX a little over two years ago when I came to this company (from ACAD). We have seen dramatic improvements in both speed and quality of our designs. Our parts are typically NC machined mill and lathe parts. We use FeatureCAM for the NC programming of our mill and it works beautifully with SWX. We farm out our sheet metal and our NC lathe parts and all of our vendors prefer or only use SWX. If you are interfacing with vendors you should consider what they use.

One of the things we really appreciate is the Hole Wizard for automatically using the correct pilot drills for tapped holes, standard holes and countersinks, and customization of these. We simply select the intended fastener type for the hole such as an M4 SHCS and we get the right hole and C'sink. Since we setup Toolbox with our library of hardware it is a simple matter to use fasteners that we have and to not have to look them up in a separate list.

My guys are constantly commenting on how glad they are we switched to SWX and are thrilled with the range of tools available to them through SWX.

- - -Updraft

 

[ctopher]

We use SolidWorks and CAMWorks, along with PDMWorks. Works very well.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[gwubs]

Follow CBL's advice.

 

[AnnaWood]

To add to what CBL's said....

Also look into what is available for training in your area. Do the local community colleges teach SolidWorks?

Check out what 3D CAD package your customers and suppliers use?

What CAD package is widely used in your company's line of business?

What CAD package is widely used in your geographic area?

How easily will you be able to get personnel that are experienced in the CAD package of your choice?

This details need to be considered as well in your decision making process.

Cheers,

Anna Wood
Xeon W3680, Nvidia Quadro 4000, 12 Gb RAM, WD Velociraptor, Dell U3011 Monitor
SW2011 SP1, Windows 7 x64

http://www.solidmuse.com

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[SnowCrash]

I am a single CAD engineer working with Solidworks and BobCAM. I have worked with SW since 1998, so it seems easy to me, but BobCAM is a new function. The learning curve is flat* and has resulted in a lot of wasted material. Maybe it's just me . . .

* "spent a lot of time, got some things produced, but still having lots of problems getting the details right"

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2010 SP 4.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580

 

[KevinDeSmet]

3D CAD is, unfortunately, a popularity contest. Being on the same platform as the majority of your current and prospective clients is a huge deal when it comes to being compatible and just making everybody's lives easier.

Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[AdamPeszel]

As mentioned before, it has a lot to do with your product and how you intend to use the software. I tried a demo of SolidEdge. Hated it. I have used Inventor and Alibre. I currently use SolidWorks and NX. For basic 3D capabilities, you cannot beat the price of Alibre. If you want more functionality, go with SolidWorks or Inventor. Both have 2D CAD that reads/writes DXF & DWG files.

For an example of how easy SW is, I am a model railroader. I also design kits on the side using SW for a few companies, including

http://www.kenraymodels.com

(bottle car) and

http://www.brickarms.com

(M1, Stahlhelm and MCH helmets), as well as my own models.

The link below is to one I am still working on. I have spent some time designing in 2D only because there are no drawings available, only literature and images. This is a direct reduced iron furnace based on Energiron and Midrex designs. It took about three days to design most of what you see. The frame is stock material, while I designed the connectors and other parts.

 

[StrykerTECH]

I think you really only have a couple legitimate options here

1. SolidWorks
2. ProE
3. Inventor
4. SolidEdge

Like Kevin said, it is a popularity contest. As an avid SolidWorks user I can honestly say, it probably isn't the best software out there . . . let that sink for you. SolidWorks is notorious for rolling out new "functionality" that doesn't quite function, then relies on the user base to iron all the kinks out. So with that being said. . . . . I would definitely get SolidWorks. . . . . why. . . because you have a user base like no other. Good luck finding an avid Inventor or SolidEdge user. As a business owner I chose SolidWorks. But I am only on 2009 right now, soon to upgrade to 2010. I generally lag one version just so I don't have to deal with all the instability.
Get SolidWorks . . . the software isn't the best. . . but the people behind it . . around it. . . and in places like here can help you through pretty much any problem you have.

StrykerTECH Engineering Staff
Milwaukee, WI

http://www.stryker-tech.com/

 

[rollupswx]

Good luck finding an avid Inventor or SolidEdge user....

.... in a SolidWorks forum. LOL

 

[StrykerTECH]

I am talking to hire one . . . but I get your point

StrykerTECH Engineering Staff
Milwaukee, WI

http://www.stryker-tech.com/

 

[SBaugh]

I disagree... SW is one of the best CAD Software companies out there. We have Inventor here as well as Pro-E and SW... none of the others can compare to SW, when it comes to functionality and stability, along with Ease of installation and use.

I know some would disagree about the comments I have stated above, but if you have ever installed AutoCAD Inventor/Mechanical as an Admin image you would understand. The installation from SW is far easier and does not require a lot of interaction and doesn't take 4 days to install the images for each flavor of Acad.

Each person has their own set of problems, but do note some people will have some issues that you will never see and you will probably have some we will never see.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
Berry Plastics
Cad Admin\Design Engineer
GEASWUG Greater Evansville Area SWUG Leader

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

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