Greg: Plastics design seems to be a big issue that many of the CAD vendors are starting to tackle in earnest (not just SolidWorks). Plastics simulation was a big part of Autodesk's recent cloud-based simulation suite as well.
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That makes sense, Beth. With all of the collaboration and file sharing involved, it seems there would have to be a move toward interoperability. While that doesn't necessarily suggest a move to open source, it probably does mean the major players would need to make their files easy to convert.
I would say proprietary CAD systems still dominate, but increasingly they've had to embrace open standards because the reality is there is no homogeneous use of CAD--most companies have several systems in play internally and have to deal with partners and suppliers all of which use an array of CAD systems. At the same time, there are a number of interesting open source CAD efforts, LibreCAD, FreeCAD, and Archimedes, to name a few.
Beth, with all these new developments in CAD, is it still proprietary systems competing with proprietary systems? Or, has open source become a factor at all?
TJ: You've really hit on a major issue the CAD guys have been struggling with, particularly in the modern day of software where apps and cloud-based, pay-as-you-go models are gaining traction in other parts of the business outside of engineering. I believe SolidWorks showed off a cloud version of SolidWorks at its big user conference last year and its parent company Dassault has been pretty aggressive with overhauling its architecture to support a cloud-based architecture. My guess is pretty soon you'll see the option to purchase SolidWorks in a more utility-based pricing model--not as a replacement, but as an alternative to the more traditional, albeit costly, annual license fee purchasing strategy.
Beth, I used Solidworks at my previous job, and liked it very much. The addition of an electrical package means it is possible I could use it for my new job.
Cost is going to be an issue; Solidworks is comparable to other packages. It's still expensive. I wouldn't mind so much if it was a typical capital purchase. But it's not, is it? We don't purchase software, we rent the privilege of using it, and if we wish to continue using it we pay an annual license.
Charles, Solidworks has had a basic FEA package built into it since at least 2005. The version I used could only calculate on a single part (not an assembly).
I'm really looking forward to some of the new SolidWorks 2013 capabilities. I'm especially interested in the Plastics module which will help our team analyze moldflow during the design (and before we send to the supplier).
The capabilities going into these new systems are amazing, Beth. I'm curious about the materials analysis part of this: Does this have structural analysis capabilities?
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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