SolidWorks

SolidWorks (stylized as SOLIDWORKS) is a brand of software used for solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE).<ref name="a">Template:Cite web</ref> It was one of the first 3D CAD applications designed to run on a desktop PC.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The brand is owned by French software company Dassault Systèmes.

History

SolidWorks Corporation was established in December 1993 by MIT graduate Jon Hirschtick, who used funds from his time with the MIT Blackjack Team to start the company.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hirschtick's aim was to develop a user-friendly, cost-effective 3D CAD software for the Windows desktop. Originally based in Concord, Massachusetts, the company later moved to Waltham, Massachusetts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its first product, SolidWorks 95, was released in November 1995.<ref name="The History of SolidWorks">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1997, Dassault Systèmes, known for its CATIA CAD software, acquired SolidWorks for $310 million in stock.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 1999, SolidWorks started introducing software for 3D modeling, and in 2006 introduced SolidWorks Design-to-Manufacturing solutions, an integrated system enabling design and manufacturing teams to work together concurrently. Template:Cn

As of 2024, SolidWorks had an estimated 7.5 million users.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Modeling technology

File:Swstapler00.jpg

Screenshot captured from a SolidWorks top-down design approach

File:Sw03.jpg

Screenshot captured from a SolidWorks top-down design approach

SolidWorks is a solid modeler, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach which was initially developed by PTC (Creo/Pro-Engineer) to create 3D CAD models and assemblies. The software uses the Parasolid modeling kernel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

SolidWorks software includes tools for analyses and simulations, such as Finite Element Analysis, which supports modeling, design, and collaborative work.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

SolidWorks offers multiple work tools to be used when building system assemblies such as the interference detection tool. This enables the detection of potential interfering part which could cause issue in the assembly system. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

See also

• Comparison of computer-aided design software
• List of 3D printing software
• Power Surfacing – allows users to create and edit complex freeform surfaces in SolidWorks

External links

• Template:Official website
• SOLIDWORKS Value Added Partner :Goengineer, Visiativ, Ohmycad, ...