SolidWorks – Detailed Explanation

  • SolidWorks – Detailed Explanation

    SolidWorks is a professional 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software used for mechanical design, product development, and engineering. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and robotics due to its powerful simulation, parametric design, and engineering analysis tools.

    1- On which platform are the tools used?

    ✅ Desktop Versions

    • Windows (Full-featured, primary platform)

    🚫 Not available for:

    • macOS (Unless using Bootcamp/Virtual Machine)
    • Linux

    ✅ Cloud-Based Access (Limited)

    • 3DEXPERIENCE Platform – Browser-based version for cloud collaboration

    💡 Best experience is on a high-performance Windows PC.

    2- What hardware requirements are needed?

    SolidWorks is a resource-intensive software that requires a high-performance workstation.

    🔹 Minimum System Requirements (Windows)

    🔸 OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
    🔸 Processor: Intel i5/i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 5/7/9 (Quad-core or better)
    🔸 RAM: 16GB (32GB or more recommended for large projects)
    🔸 Graphics Card: NVIDIA Quadro / AMD Radeon Pro (2GB+ VRAM)
    🔸 Storage: SSD with at least 20GB free space
    🔸 Internet Connection: Required for licensing & cloud collaboration

    💡 For complex assemblies and simulations, use a workstation GPU (Quadro/FirePro) and at least 32GB RAM.

    3- Installation and membership stages

    🔹 Installation Steps

    1. Go to https://www.solidworks.com/
    2. Choose a license type (Commercial, Student, or Trial)
    3. Create a Dassault Systèmes account
    4. Download the SolidWorks installer
    5. Install and activate using a license key or cloud login

    🔹 SolidWorks Licensing Options

    • SolidWorks Standard – Basic 3D modeling
    • SolidWorks Professional – Includes rendering & analysis tools
    • SolidWorks Premium – Advanced simulation & engineering tools
    • SolidWorks Student Edition – Discounted for educational use
    • SolidWorks Trial – Free trial available

    💡 Enterprise users can also access cloud-based collaboration via 3DEXPERIENCE.

    4- What can it be used for?

    SolidWorks is mainly used in engineering and industrial design.

    🔹 Primary Uses

    ✅ Mechanical Design – Parts, assemblies, engineering drawings
    ✅ Product Development – Consumer electronics, industrial machines
    ✅ Aerospace & Automotive – Aircraft components, car frames
    ✅ Robotics & Automation – Custom machines, robotic arms
    ✅ Structural Simulation – Stress analysis, heat transfer
    ✅ Manufacturing & CNC – Sheet metal, injection molding, 3D printing
    ✅ Education & Research – Teaching CAD and engineering principles

    💡 SolidWorks is essential for professional engineering and mechanical design.

    5- What is its prominent feature compared to other tools?

    ✅ Unique Features of SolidWorks

    🔹 Parametric 3D Modeling – Design changes update automatically
    🔹 Engineering Simulation (FEA & CFD) – Test designs under real-world conditions
    🔹 Realistic Rendering (PhotoView 360) – High-quality visualizations
    🔹 Advanced Sheet Metal & Weldment Tools – Manufacturing-ready designs
    🔹 CAM & CNC Integration – Direct export for machining
    🔹 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud Integration – Collaborate and share designs online

    💡 Compared to AutoCAD, SolidWorks is more advanced for 3D parametric design, simulation, and engineering analysis.

    6- Sample application made with pictures

    Example 1: 3D Mechanical Part in SolidWorks

    Step 1: Modeling a Gear Component

    Example 2: Car Engine Design in SolidWorks

    Step 2: Assembly of Engine Components

    💡 SolidWorks is widely used for complex mechanical assemblies and industrial designs.

    7- Which courses can it be used in and is compatible with?

    SolidWorks is primarily used in engineering and technical education.

    🔹 Compatible Courses

    • Mechanical Engineering – CAD modeling, machine design
    • Industrial Design – Product innovation, consumer electronics
    • Aerospace Engineering – Aircraft structures, aerodynamics
    • Automotive Engineering – Vehicle chassis, suspension systems
    • Manufacturing & CNC – Sheet metal, injection molding, fabrication
    • Mechatronics & Robotics – Automation components, robotic arms
    • 3D Printing & Prototyping – STL file generation for additive manufacturing

    💡 SolidWorks is essential for students pursuing careers in engineering, manufacturing, and product development.

    8- Is it free?

    🚫 SolidWorks is NOT free, but offers different pricing options.

    🔹 Pricing & Free Options

    • SolidWorks Free Trial (30-day trial available) ✅
    • SolidWorks Student Edition (~$99/year, educational license) ✅
    • SolidWorks Makers Edition (~$99/year, for hobbyists & personal use) ✅
    • SolidWorks Commercial ($3,995+ one-time or $1,295/year subscription) ❌
    • SolidWorks 3DEXPERIENCE (Cloud-Based) (Subscription model) ❌

    💡 If you need free alternatives, try FreeCAD or Fusion 360 for hobbyist use.

    9- Links related to SolidWorks

    🔗 Official Website: https://www.solidworks.com/
    🔗 Download Free Trial: https://www.solidworks.com/support/trial
    🔗 Student & Education Licenses: https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-education
    🔗 SolidWorks Tutorials: https://my.solidworks.com/training
    🔗 SolidWorks User Forum: https://forum.solidworks.com/

    🔹 Conclusion

    SolidWorks is one of the most powerful 3D CAD tools for mechanical design, engineering, and manufacturing. 🎯

    🚀 Why use SolidWorks?

    ✔ Industry Standard for Mechanical Design – Used by professionals worldwide
    ✔ Powerful Simulation & Analysis – Advanced FEA and CFD tools
    ✔ Easy Parametric Modeling – Change one part, update the entire assembly
    ✔ Realistic Rendering & Animation – Photo-quality visualizations
    ✔ Supports CNC, Sheet Metal, and 3D Printing – Ready for manufacturing