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 specialized 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 which allows for integrated 3D product design. This was an important advancement, as this platform made it possible to create complete 3D models and prototypes.

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

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 in a Windows environment and in cloud version through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

The brand's software solutions are grouped by fields of activity, which are:

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, and structural analysis functions depending on the version. In this same section, there are also Solidworks Electrical Schematic (integrated electrical systems design), Solidworks Electrical 3D, and Professional software.

Data and Collaboration Management

An essential part of the system, data and workflow management gathers software tools that allow feeding and storing data files and information through which all stakeholders can contribute and materialize product ideas. The Solidworks PDM application focuses on managing data files and documentation. Advanced features allow for indexing design data and optimizing productivity in a secure space. Solidworks Manage is another tool that participates in data and collaboration management. It is an advanced data management system based on records. This powerful tool allows for integrating a significant number of features and sharing them with stakeholders involved in the project.

Manufacturing and Production

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

Simulation

Solidworks simulation software covers structural analysis of products, fluid dynamics calculations, and injection molding simulation. These are integrated analysis tools in the design system, which intervene in the product manufacturability phases. There are software solutions like Solidworks Simulation, which allows for finite element analysis to predict a product's actual behavior, Solidworks Flow Simulation, which simulates the flow of liquids and gases to calculate the functional performance of products subjected to these tests. The Solidworks Plastics software intervenes in the analysis of part manufacturing by simulating the plastic flow during injection molding.

Marketing and Sales

The Marketing and Sales section of the on-site Solidworks brand software includes applications that allow for designing communication tools for the product presentation and commercialization phases. The Solidworks Visualize software exploits all 3D data to design static and dynamic graphic content for your different media. The Solidworks Visualize Boost solution improves rendering efficiency by optimizing resource allocation… The Solidworks Composer solution allows for reusing existing 3D models by updating them with your 3D design data. This enables you to be more efficient and quicker in designing high-quality renderings.

Compatibility with DELMIAworks Management Software

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

On the Softcorner marketplace, buy the second-hand on-premise Solidworks license you need for the design and manufacturing of your products and innovations, or resell your software licenses and revalue your assets.