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What’s New in SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026

SOLIDWORKS Simulation, Plastics, and Flow Simulation have exciting new upgrades that enhance control, provide greater flexibility, and simplify tasks with new automation features. Just like SOLIDWORKS CAD updates, you’ll find major updates that boost productivity — such as new distributed mass and force options for beam elements, a new “Unfilled Volume” plot in fill simulation results, and an auto-fill thin gap feature in thermal analyses.

Here are the 2025 SOLIDWORKS Simulation updates if you’re curious about them.

Let’s take a closer look at the new 2026 simulation updates.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 stress plot on a machined bracket with the study tree open
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6 New Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Simulation

This year’s release of SOLIDWORKS Simulation includes enhancements that improve structural simulations with greater flexibility and precision, as well as updates for optimizing modeling, streamlining pinned joints in vibration environments, and refining setups.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 beam study on a steel frame using the new focus options

Focus Options for Beams

  • Choose between Per Item and Total definitions when applying force to beam elements
  • Enjoy more precise control in structural simulations

Pin Connector Force Results in Random Vibration

  • Extract detailed Pin Connector forces in random vibration simulations
  • Get a full-force breakdown, including shear force, axial force, bending moment, and torque
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 random vibration study showing pin connector force results on a door and hinge
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 angular displacement result plot on a cantilevered bracket

Angular Displacement Plot Options

  • Plot angular rotation in degrees or radians for flexibility in how displacement data is displayed and interpreted

Validity Check Improvements

  • Improve simulation reliability with clearer alerts for missing materials, invalid mesh controls, and incomplete fixture definitions
  • Speed troubleshooting with one-click report deselection, faster stress diagnostics, and streamlined validation messaging
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 stress results on a bracket with the improved validity check
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 shell mesh definition on a sheet-metal bracket highlighted in red

Shell Improvements

  • Save setup time with global defaults for thick or thin shell definition
  • Set distributed remote loads or mass on shell edges

Remote Mass in Response Spectrum

  • Apply remote masses as part of the response spectrum analysis
  • Apply external mass to capture the effect of components not included in the mesh
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 response spectrum study with a remote mass applied to a purple assembly

2 New Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Plastics

With the new releases, you can experience a 30% performance gain using SOLIDWORKS Plastics injection molding simulations. They help identify incomplete injection zones and predict short shots. You’ll also find new upgrades to define air vents, allowing you to achieve more realistic simulations.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation 2026 post-processing menu showing new plot selection options on a bracket

Post-Processing Enhancements

  • Check out the latest Unfilled Volume plots in fill simulation results alongside short-shot predictions
  • Identify areas that remain unfilled due to incomplete material injection
SOLIDWORKS Plastics 2026 fill analysis on a vented enclosure showing new air vent definitions

Edge-Based Air Vent Definition

  • Define Air Vent boundary conditions directly on model edges for realistic venting analysis
  • Apply vents to both Cavity and Cold Runner System domains to better reflect mold behavior

2 New Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation

Thin gaps just got easier – now you can auto-fill them. And that’s not all. In SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, new updates let you track heat transfer paths more accurately in tightly packed or bonded components and quickly identify overheating parts or imbalanced heat sources.

SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation 2026 fill thin slot feature applied to gaps between extruded channels

Fill Thin Slot Feature

  • Fill thin gaps automatically with specified materials for more accurate thermal modeling
  • Apply user-defined thickness thresholds to simulate real-world assemblies more precisely
SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation 2026 component explorer table with right-click column insert menu

Component Explorer: New Columns

  • View a summary of all component temperatures and surface sources in Component Explorer
  • Gain faster insights into thermal performance

Explore More SOLIDWORKS 2026

What's New in SOLIDWORKS 2026 First Look webinar thumbnail showing an exploded drawing with a play button

On-Demand Webinar

First Look at SOLIDWORKS 2026

D2M Accelerate 2025 Design-to-Manufacturing event graphic from Hawk Ridge Systems

Live Virtual Event

D2M: Accelerate Conference

On-Demand Webinar

Pushing the Boundaries of Virtual Testing

In this webinar, we take a look at the latest updates in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, SIMULIA Abaqus, and the 3DEXPERIENCE SIMULIA suite of tools. As these tools continue to evolve, with more advanced capabilities and improved workflows, it’s easier than ever to create realistic simulations. 

 

Why Attend?

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Explore the newest updates in SOLIDWORKS Simulation, Flow Simulation, and SIMULIA that expand your analysis capabilities. 

Work Smarter, Not Harder

See how improved interfaces and workflows make it easier to run complex studies with greater speed and accuracy. 

Simulate with Confidence

Refine the way you work with global defaults, validity checks, new definitions, and automated enhancements.  

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