Everything You Need to Know About Dassault Systèmes Solidworks

Solidworks is a set of computer-aided design tools developed by the company Dassault Systèmes. It is a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation created in 1981 by a team of engineers specializing in the development of 3D modeling software for mechanical design and the creation of aerodynamic models. During this same period, the group entered into distribution agreements for its software under the CATIA brand, which became the world leader in 3D design and product experience.

In 1986, as the design of complex components became widespread, Dassault Systèmes released the 4th version of its 3D design architecture, enabling integrated 3D product design. This was a significant advancement, as this platform made it possible to create full-scale models and complete prototypes in three dimensions.

In 1995, the Solidworks Corporation, named after the Solidworks CAD software it developed, was acquired by Dassault Systèmes. This step laid the groundwork for software innovations to follow, with the 2012 release of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform developed to support Dassault Systèmes' clients in their innovation processes. In the latest versions, Solidworks software solutions and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform form an ecosystem that connects all the tools, data, and teams involved in your project, with the goal of improving productivity, collaboration, and innovation.

The Solidworks Products

The Solidworks brand has become the global leader in computer-aided design with exceptional products that are easy to use, intuitive, and promote innovation and collaborative work. Solidworks products are available as on-premise licenses installed on a Windows environment and as a cloud version through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

The brand's software solutions are grouped by activity domain, which include:

Design and Engineering

This section includes tools for designers and engineers, such as the Solidworks 3D CAD software for 3D design and manufacturing. This software also integrates tools for sheet metal, surface management, collaborative functions, or structural analysis functions depending on the version. In this same section, you will also find Solidworks Electrical Schematic software (integrated electrical systems design), Solidworks Electrical 3D, and Professional.

Data and Collaboration Management

A key component of the setup, data and workflow management brings together software tools that supply and store data files and information, enabling all stakeholders to contribute and realize product ideas. The Solidworks PDM application focuses on data file and documentation management. Advanced features allow for the indexing of design data and optimize productivity in a secure environment. Solidworks Manage is another tool involved in data and collaboration management. It is an advanced data management system based on records. This powerful tool allows the integration of a large number of features and shares them with stakeholders involved in the project.

Manufacturing and Production

From idea to realization, Solidworks brand software tools also support the product manufacturing stages. The Solidworks CAM software allows for the execution of various product manufacturing tasks during the design phase. This module is enriched by the Machinist Standard and Professional software versions, which create a part modeling environment and allow the importation of neutral files… The Solidworks Inspection software is a powerful documentation creation tool (bill of materials, measurement) that describes products and prepares manufacturing phases. The software optimizes the creation of inspection reports in compliance with industrial standards.

Simulation

Solidworks simulation software covers product structural analysis, fluid dynamics calculations, and injection molding simulation. These are analysis tools integrated into the design process, involved in product manufacturability phases. Software solutions like Solidworks Simulation allow for finite element analysis to predict a product's real behavior, Solidworks Flow Simulation simulates liquid and gas flow to calculate the performance functionality of products subjected to these tests. Solidworks Plastics software analyzes the manufacturing of parts by simulating the flow of plastic during injection molding.

Marketing and Sales

The Marketing and Sales aspect of Solidworks brand on-site software brings together applications for designing communication tools for product presentation and commercialization phases. The Solidworks Visualize software leverages all 3D data to design static and dynamic graphic content for your various media. The Solidworks Visualize Boost solution improves rendering efficiency by optimizing resource allocation… The Solidworks Composer solution allows for the reuse of existing 3D models by updating them with your 3D design data. This allows you to be more efficient and quick in designing high-quality renderings.

Compatibility with DELMIAworks ERP Software

Solidworks 3D design systems interface with DELMIAworks brand manufacturing ERP software. This is an integrated suite extending the design and preparation work for product manufacturing. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is the industrialization phase of product manufacturing, with various modules for purchasing, inventory, manufacturing, financial management, and sales management…

On the Softcorner marketplace, purchase the second-hand Solidworks on-premise license you need for your product design and manufacturing and innovation, or resell your software licenses and revalue your assets.