What Is SOLIDWORKS?

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SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD and product development solution designed to help engineers, designers, and manufacturers create, develop, validate, and document products.

SOLIDWORKS uses a parametric 3D modeling approach that allows users to build intelligent models and make design changes efficiently. When a component or design parameter is modified, related features can be updated accordingly, helping engineers manage design iterations more effectively.

Beyond 3D modeling, the SOLIDWORKS portfolio includes capabilities for simulation, data management, collaboration, manufacturing, and cloud-based product development. This makes SOLIDWORKS more than a traditional CAD tool—it can support a broader workflow from concept to production.

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Why Use SOLIDWORKS for Product Development?

Product development involves multiple stages and teams. Engineers need to create accurate designs, validate product performance, manage revisions, and communicate design information with other departments.

SOLIDWORKS brings these capabilities together to help organizations create a more efficient and connected product development workflow.

1. 3D CAD and Product Design

SOLIDWORKS provides comprehensive tools for designing parts, assemblies, and engineering drawings.

Engineers can create detailed 3D models while maintaining design relationships and parameters. The platform also supports specialized design requirements such as sheet metal, structural components, and product visualization.

This helps design teams develop detailed concepts and prepare accurate engineering documentation before moving into manufacturing.

2. Simulation and Engineering Analysis

A design may look correct in a 3D environment, but engineers also need to understand how it will perform under real-world conditions.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation enables engineers to evaluate product performance virtually before building physical prototypes. Depending on the solution and package, simulation capabilities can include structural analysis, thermal analysis, fatigue, motion, buckling, drop testing, and nonlinear analysis.

By identifying potential design issues earlier in the development process, companies can reduce design iterations, minimize physical prototyping, and make more informed engineering decisions.

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3. Data Management and Collaboration

As projects become more complex, managing CAD files, revisions, engineering documents, and product data can become challenging.

SOLIDWORKS PDM helps organizations manage design files and engineering data in a structured environment. It can help teams control file versions, manage revisions, organize product data, and improve access to the latest design information.

For distributed teams, cloud-connected solutions can further support collaboration and information sharing throughout the product development process.

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4. Manufacturing

Design and manufacturing need to work closely together to ensure that products can be produced efficiently.

SOLIDWORKS supports workflows that connect product design with manufacturing requirements. By maintaining better continuity between engineering data and manufacturing processes, teams can reduce communication gaps and improve the transition from digital design to physical production.

SOLIDWORKS Workflow: From Concept to Production​

One of the key advantages of SOLIDWORKS is its ability to support different stages of the product development lifecycle.

A typical workflow can include:

Concept → 3D Design → Assembly → Simulation → Documentation → Collaboration → Manufacturing

This connected approach allows engineering teams to develop and refine products while maintaining better control over design information throughout the process.

With cloud-connected capabilities and the broader 3DEXPERIENCE platform, teams can also collaborate, share information, and manage product data across different locations.