SOLIDWORKS has long been a leader in computer-aided design (CAD) solutions, offering a range of powerful tools for engineers and designers. With the introduction of SOLIDWORKS Ultimate, the entire product team can rally around the SOLIDWORKS designer.
This article will explore the features and benefits of this new comprehensive CAD package.
What Is SOLIDWORKS Ultimate?
SOLIDWORKS Ultimate is the new top-tier CAD package that combines desktop SOLIDWORKS with cloud-based tools for designers, project managers, analysts, manufacturers and other team members.
A Quick Overview of SOLIDWORKS Package Levels
Before diving into more about SOLIDWORKS Ultimate, let’s briefly review the existing three SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD packages:
- SOLIDWORKS Standard: The base CAD tool for creating parts, assemblies and drawings.
- SOLIDWORKS Professional: Adds photorealistic rendering, the Toolbox (a hardware and fastener library) and additional productivity tools.
- SOLIDWORKS Premium: Adds finite element analysis (FEA) and kinematic motion simulation and wire, cable and pipe routing tools.
Now, SOLIDWORKS introduces its highest package level: SOLIDWORKS Ultimate!
What Sets SOLIDWORKS Ultimate Apart?
This SOLIDWORKS Ultimate package provides SOLIDWORKS for the designer and software for other related needs, such as project management, simulation analysis, marketing and manufacturing.
These roles can be categorized into several key areas:
- Cloud Design
- Cloud PLM
- Cloud Immersive Experiences
- Manufacturing
- SIMULIA Simulation tools
Key Features of SOLIDWORKS Ultimate
SOLIDWORKS Ultimate has many robust features across design, product lifecycle management, manufacturing and simulation. Below we explore what you can find in the package.
Cloud Design – Design Tools That Run in a Browser
- 3D Creator: Part and assembly design
- 3D Sculptor: Push/pull surface modeling
- 3D SheetMetal Creator: Sheet metal design features
- 3D Mold Creator: Mold design features
- 3D Structure Creator: Weldment and structural profile features
- Manufacturing Definition Creator: Manufacturing drawing creation
- Learning Experience: Tutorial courses for users
You can also obtain these roles through the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud CAD offer and design them purely in a browser.
Cloud PLM – Product Lifecycle Management Tools in Browser
- Product Release Engineer: View and analyze total assembly tree items, view relationships, duplicate and compare physical products.
- 3D Product Architect: Edit and maintain multi-CAD assembly structures and BOM in the browser.
- Project Planner: For project scheduling, task assignment and milestone tracking.
Manufacturing Tools
- Lean Team Player: Digital Lean practices for operational meetings (in browser).
- NC Shop Floor Programmer: NC Machine Programming for 3-axis and Wire EDM.
Cloud Immersive Experiences
- Product Communicator: Photo rendering in a browser and product presentation.
- 3D Demonstrator: Interactive product views and animations for web and 3D Render Credits, cloud rendering.
SIMULIA Simulation Tools
- Structural Designer: Finite element analysis (FEA), such as linear static, steady-state thermal, natural frequency and buckling, with cloud computing capabilities.
- 3D Motion Creator: Kinematics simulation for complex mechanical assemblies (in browser).
Quick Product Highlight – 3D Demonstrator
3D Demonstrator is a cutting-edge tool within SOLIDWORKS Ultimate that enables designers to create interactive VR experiences without coding. It uses 360° product data to showcase product features and values.
This app enhances customer engagement by providing a single reference experience that can be used across multiple channels, from web to VR.
Benefits for Engineers and Businesses
SOLIDWORKS Ultimate provides an excellent on-ramp for setting up your company on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
All roles and apps are connected to the same cloud tenant, allowing for easier file sharing and management. Browser-based design tools allow access to specific toolsets that can supplement traditional SOLIDWORKS functionality (or, in the case of subdivision modeling using 3D Sculptor, significantly extend it).
Non-designers can use CAD data for project management, creating high-quality marketing materials and generating CNC code for manufacturing.
The true power of 3DEXPERIENCE lies in its flexibility. Though SOLIDWORKS Ultimate packages many roles with SOLIDWORKS Premium, those 3DEXPERIENCE roles can be assigned to anyone with the base data management roles. These can be purchased separately or in packs of five or ten at significant discounts. More roles also mean more storage added to the company tenant, ensuring scalability.
Additionally, 3DEXPERIENCE roles can be reassigned to different users, providing access to temporary workers such as interns and contractors or for specific projects.
What Are Your Licensing Options?
SOLIDWORKS Ultimate offers flexible licensing options:
- 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS named-user licensing or SOLIDWORKS desktop term licensing.
- 3DEXPERIENCE roles can be distributed among licensed users as needed every 30 days.
- Additional data management licenses can be purchased for non-SOLIDWORKS users (e.g. managers, project managers, analysts, manufacturing engineers and electrical engineers).
The Final Note: Your Ultimate SOLIDWORKS Solution
SOLIDWORKS Ultimate represents a significant advancement in CAD technology, combining the power of desktop SOLIDWORKS with the flexibility of cloud-based tools.
Integrating a wide array of 3DEXPERIENCE roles offers a comprehensive solution for modern product development needs.
To learn more about how SOLIDWORKS Ultimate can benefit your engineering team and streamline your product development process, contact us today for a personalized demonstration.
