The range of products from SolidWorks 2009
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks provides programs for the design assisted by computer (CAD), the validation of design, product data management (PDM - 'product data management') and products dedicated to collaboration whose objective is to facilitate designers reduce the development timesincrease accuracy, increase creativity. In short, in the words of the company "design tools enabling customers to design better products and launch them in less time".
Programs for the mechanical design in three dimensions
SolidWorks, in its versions 'premium', 'professional' and 'Standard', represents the flagship of the company. The standard focuses on the mechanical design in three dimensions. A step further, the professional version includes software of communication and PDM, for working groups and teams who can work in a decentralised manner. Finally, the Premium version includes tools for analysis and validation (SolidWorks Routing, SolidWorks Simulation, and SolidWorks Motion). In addition, the company also offers a version of its products designed for education.
Validation tools
SolidWorks Flow Simulation tool allows the simulation of fluid flow and thermal analysis. SolidWorks Motion focuses on the simulation of the movement. The package named SolidWorks Simulation simulates the behavior of the design in the form of physical objects. Above these packages, the versions are Simulation Professional (for the validation of the design by virtual testing, to predict the behavior of any part of a group under any condition of loading) and Simulation Premium (a package for the method of finite element analysis (FEA - 'finite element analysis').) The Premium package increases the capabilities of the Professional by adding non-linear dynamics and simulation of plastic parts.
Tools for the management of product (PDM) data
SolidWorks PDM products (versions 'Workgroup' workgroup up to ten members and 'Enterprise' for the company to the full) are intended to give support to decentralized groups of engineers design, marketinig and product development. Automate workflow, approval cycles, version control and the guarantee that you will not lose any data.
Tools for the communication of the design and collaboration
The main applications of SolidWorks surround tools dedicated to those who must use the information produced by the designers. Thus, 3DVIA Composer allows to create images and 3D animations for technical publications (the Assembly, use and maintenance instructions), presentations, demonstrations, catalogues, etc. SolidWorks eDrawings enables communication via e-mail of 2D and 3D for review and comment designs. 3D Instant Website can share 3D designs with customers, partners and suppliers. DWGeditor, DWGgateway and DWGviewer tools, manipulate, translate viewing and editing files in AutoCad format. XchangeWorks does the same with design of Mechanical Desktop. SolidWorks Viewer allows viewing of parts, kits and designs. Finally, catalogues 3D online, aided by 3D PartStream.NET, and 3D ContentCentral, allow the creation and unloading of components designs to incorporate into the design.
