Question 1

What is SOLIDWORKS and what is it used for?

Accepted Answer

SOLIDWORKS is a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) program. SOLIDWORKS specializes in creating 3D models of solid objects like metal parts, plastic components, and 3D-printed objects. Designers and engineers use SOLIDWORKS to create component designs and simulate how different components move and fit together. This ensures that the final product design works exactly as intended. In addition, engineers can use SOLIDWORKS to test how a product will perform over its lifecycle. Designers also use SOLIDWORKS to manage complex projects involving large teams. As many designers submit their individual contributions, project managers use SOLIDWORKS to combine many components and ensure that the final product design looks and works as intended.

Question 2

What careers use SOLIDWORKS?

Accepted Answer

SOLIDWORKS is most popular among mechanical engineers because the software helps design objects that consist of many components. Mechanical engineers also take advantage of the software’s simulation capabilities that allow designers to test how a part will perform over its lifecycle. SOLIDWORKS is also used in many other industries that design complex, high-precision products. These include the medical device, automotive, rail, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, and aerospace industries.

Question 3

Is SOLIDWORKS difficult to learn?

Accepted Answer

If you are already familiar with the basics of component design, you’ll find you can apply a lot of the concepts you know to SOLIDWORKS (for example, part assemblies). Additionally, those already familiar with AutoCAD and other CAD programs may find it easier to learn SOLIDWORKS. That said, if you’re new to both component design and CAD software, there are many online courses for complete beginners that can help. These courses will guide you through the basics of SOLIDWORKS and introduce you to CAD fundamentals like layers and views. After you finish a beginners’ course, you should be able to create simple designs. Then you can decide whether you want to learn the more advanced features of SOLIDWORKS.

Question 4

What is the difference between SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD?

Accepted Answer

SOLIDWORKS is best suited for designs that involve many components that need to fit together. It helps designers get very detailed information about components and assemblies, such as tolerances, weights, and centers of gravity. While it’s possible to generate 2D drawings and views with SOLIDWORKS, this is not the primary focus of the program. AutoCAD is the best choice for creating and editing 2D graphics. Compared to SOLIDWORKS, it’s much easier to create a design in AutoCAD using lines and annotations. This is one reason why AutoCAD is so widely used early in the design process. While it’s possible to measure and calculate detailed information about materials and assemblies in AutoCAD, this is not the program's primary purpose. In other words, SOLIDWORKS is a full-featured 3D modeling program with limited 2D capabilities. On the other hand, AutoCAD is a full-featured 2D drafting program with some limited 3D capabilities.

Question 5

What is the difference between parametric and nonparametric programs and which one is SOLIDWORKS?

Accepted Answer

Parametric programs like SOLIDWORKS allow you to assign attributes (parameters) to different components of your design. Common properties include length, width, diameter, thickness, and material density. It’s then possible to change attributes later in the design process. For example, suppose that you are designing a metal pipe. One important design factor is the pipe thickness, which is specified by the client. After you’ve already completed the design, the client wants to increase the pipe thickness. With a parametric design program like SOLIDWORKS, it’s possible to enter in the new pipe thickness. SOLIDWORKS then automatically changes the entire pipe design to reflect the changes, including all drawings and views. In a non-parametric program, you would need to manually change each drawing to show the new pipe thickness.