It also enables the creation of virtual models, which designers and engineers can use to validate their exact dimensions, functions, and forms before manufacturing even begins. It is considered a valuable tool in CAM/CAE/CAD applications. As Scan2CAD, we’ve discussed its usefulness in several of our blog articles, including AutoCAD vs. Inventor, CATIA vs. Inventor, and SolidWorks vs. Inventor, by pitting it against other CAD software. We have also prepared an Inventor tutorial to help you navigate the user interface as well as learn the basics.

What the comparison articles made clear is the fact that Autodesk has some worthy competitors, some of which outperform it in certain applications. For instance, while Inventor makes the path to be followed when developing a 3D model from a hand-drawn concept slow and a tad difficult, SolidWorks makes it easy and fast. The same can be said about several other features, and that is why this article focuses on the top 5 inventor alternatives, which include:

• SolidWorks
• Siemens NX
• CATIA
•  Rhino3D
• Creo Design (formerly Pro-E)

Before We Start

Before we discuss the various features that make the Investor alternatives above appear on the list, let’s first briefly provide more details about Autodesk Inventor, which is easily among the most popular 3D CAD software in the market today. And that is not by accident. With a ton of features that appeal to mechanical engineers and product designers, it is easy to see the origin of the popularity. Add to this the fact that its developer, Autodesk, is a force in the CAD industry, offers more credence to Inventor’s reputation.

In terms of cost, Inventor is available in multiple packages:

•  Monthly: $260
• Annual: $2,085
• 3 Years: $5,630
• Collection: $2,720 (bundles several Autodesk products together, including AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, and more professional-grade tools)

As stated earlier, you can use Inventor for simulation and analysis. The software facilitates different types of simulations, e.g., manufacturing process (casting die press forming and molding); mechanical event and continuous event simulations; and finite element analysis (FEA), fluid analysis, and kinematic/dynamic analysis.

Nonetheless, the CAD market is competitive, and other software developers offer products with similar, if not better, features. If you are looking for such products, perhaps because the prices of the packages mentioned are too high, features aren’t appealing enough, or you simply want a non-Autodesk product, read on.

Inventor Alternatives

SolidWorks

Design Space on SolidWorks (source)

Price: Standard (with one-year subscription service): $5,290.00

Professional (with one-year subscription service): $6,985.00

Premium (with one-year subscription service): $9,990.00

The annual cost of the subscription service, which covers upgrades, technical support, and more, costs $1,295, effectively meaning that SolidWorks licenses are lower than the amounts provided for each package by $1,295.

Supported OS: Windows, Mac OS

Suitable for: Designing and modeling electrical and mechanical elements, simulation (finite element analysis), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), visualization and visual ideation, prototyping, and feasibility assessment

Features: 3D solid modeling; assembly design; surfacing; welded structures design; mold design; 2D drawings; automation of repetitive tasks; ability to check for clearances, collisions, and interferences between components; collaboration; bill of materials (BOM)

Head-to-Head

SolidWorks (SW) stands out from Inventor because of its advanced assembly function – SW’s is more intuitive. The intuitiveness extends to other areas as well, including the workflow it offers uses and the menu design. It also supports many file formats, meaning that it supports the import or export of files from other CAD software.

Furthermore, SolidWorks is better for large and small assemblies than Inventor, a fact that holds for even older versions of the former when compared to later versions of the latter.

Siemens NX

User Interface and Parts Assembly on Siemens NX (source)

Price: NX is available in multiple packages, with the entry-level being about $7,000 per year. The most expensive package (Mach 3 Industrial design) is over $20,000 per year.

Supported OS: Mac OS, Unix, and Windows

Suitable for: modeling (parametric, solid, sheet, surface, and aerodynamic modeling); simulation (thermal, dynamic/vibration, static, and electromagnetic); analysis (finite element analysis and flow analysis); creating 2D drawings (drafting) and 3D designs of complex systems and parts; assembling parts/systems; machining

Features: Integrated CAD, CAE, and CAM functionalities; cost estimation, rendering, and animation; assembly and modeling; documentation and reporting; analysis and simulation

Because it combines CAD, CAM, and CAE functionalities, NX is ideal for mechanical, electrical, and design applications

Head-to-Head

Comparatively, NX is more expensive than Inventor and is mainly used by organizations that can afford the hefty price tag. Nonetheless, it offers plenty of functionalities for users at this price, some of which are better than Inventor’s. For instance, NX’s user experience and user interface are better than Inventor’s. It also provides a better overall experience for organizations and their employees.

It also handles massive assemblies easily, making it extremely useful in the automotive and aerospace industries. It is miles ahead of Inventor for complex applications as it is faster. In fact, users have observed that using NX makes other CAD software in the market seem too simplistic. Nonetheless, for personal projects, Inventor is better because it is cheaper.

CATIA

User Interface and Surface Modeling on CATIA (source)

Price:  One-time purchase charge of $11,200 plus annual maintenance charge of $2,000

         Quarterly lease at $1,700

         Yearly lease at $4,500

On pricing, Dassault Systèmes, CATIA’s developer, sells role-based modules at a one-time charge that ranges between $2,700 and $19,000. These modules are geared towards providing additional features to users, depending on the specific function for which they intend to use CATIA.

Supported OS: Windows and some UNIX-based Oss

Suitable for: Design (part design, sheet metal design, mold design, wiring harness design, and more); modeling (surface, solid, and sheet modeling); creating 2D drawings (drafting); billing of materials; analysis (stress analysis, influence of centrifugal forces); assembly and disassembly of parts; simulation (multiple excitations and measures); rendering

Features: Good user interface; advanced Boolean operation; collaboration via the cloud; ability to create custom menus; product modeling and advanced surface modeling

These features and functionalities make CATIA ideal for CAE, CAD, CAM, and systems engineering applications.

Head-to-Head

CATIA’s good user interface makes it user-friendly without compromising on its functionalities. Further, it facilitates surface, solid, and sheet modeling, as well as the assembly and disassembly capabilities, making it perfect for companies in the aerospace and automobile industries. On these points, CATIA is superior to Inventor.

Additionally, CATIA is designed to handle large files. It even promotes global collaboration as it is connected to the cloud. However, it requires a computer with good processing power (CPU and graphics card) and plenty of RAM. Anything other than this makes the software slow. It is worth pointing out that Inventor also has similar system requirements.

If you are in the automotive or aerospace industry, CATIA would be a better option than Inventor.

Rhino3D

User Interface and Rendering Functionality on Rhino3D (source)

Price: $995 or €995 (This is a one-time price, with no maintenance fees)

Supported OS: Windows and Mac OS

Suitable for: 2D drawing (drafting); analysis; digitizing hardware and scanned objects in 3D; digital fabrication and mold design; rendering and visualization; surface and solid modeling; creating meshes

Features: Command-line-based user experience (but it makes for the need to issue command-line instructions by autocompleting the commands); support for multiple file formats; analysis tools; rendering and presentation tools; unlimited viewports and viewing modes; Boolean operations; modeling tools

Head-to-Head

Rhino3D is comparatively cheaper than Inventor and virtually all the Inventor alternatives discussed above. But at its price point, it still packs a punch. It is ideal for creating 2D drawings as well as 3D models. Further, it offers freedom as users can install various third-party plug-ins to help improve the available functions.

The commands, which are abundant, are simple, making learning and typing them easy. In fact, the software auto-completes the commands. This, coupled with the various features it offers, makes it suitable for beginners intending to get into the 3D modeling software. Nonetheless, it offers fewer features compared to Inventor.

Verdict: Rhino3D is well-suited for personal use, an area in which Inventor also thrives. But because it is cheaper, it is appropriate for beginners looking for affordable software that still offers powerful modeling tools.

Creo Parametric

Creo Parametric User Interface (Source)

Price:  Essentials: $2,200 – $2,700

         Advanced: $3,980 – $4,900

         Advanced Plus: $10,300

         Premium: $14,375

         Premium Plus: $20,000

Supported OS: Windows only

Suitable for: Machining (prismatic production machining, mold machining, production machining) and metal printing; Simulation (liquid and gas flow) and analysis (fatigue, tolerance); creating optimized parametric geometry; surfacing; augmented reality design visualization; assembly design and management; 3D design and 2D drawing; sheet metal design

Features: Augmented reality; additive manufacturing; numerical control (NC) programming capabilities; compatibility with Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA, and NX native files; tools for surfacing, machining, 3D design, 2D drawing, simulation and analysis, and assembly design

Head-to-Head

Creo is user-friendly as it has a simple user interface as well as commands that are easy to learn. So much so that beginner-level classes are not needed. The fact that it is compatible with a lot of file formats means the importation of drawings is seamless. However, if these files imported contain large assemblies, Creo will struggle to open them.

All in all, Creo can be used to draw any object in 2D and design 3D parts. That said, it is not ideal for recreational 3D modeling as it is primarily designed for professional use – the pricing also points to this fact.

Verdict: Creo is cheaper than Inventor in the long-run because the packages mentioned earlier require one-off payments. If you are looking for recreational 3D software, Inventor would be a better option. However, if you want an easy-to-use CAD software that still offers many of the benefits of conventional CAD software, Creo would be an excellent place to start. Even so, bear in mind that it is not as widely adopted as other software.

Conclusion

The various alternatives differ from each other in many ways. While some offer advanced capabilities that make them perfect for the automobile and aerospace industries, others have fewer features. Also, because these Inventor alternatives are available at different price points, you have a broad pool from which to choose.

As a response, several CAD companies are handling the situation as best as they can and are facilitating fast-tracked distributions of their remote and cloud-based licenses. In this article, we’re listing some guides to avail of the more prominent home-use software licenses available out there.

But first, let’s get some preliminary factors out of the way first. Before we can think about securing licenses for our work-from-home setups, we need to first consider the following:

1. VPN – a VPN, abbreviated from Virtual Private Network, is a way to essentially turn your projected IP address online into that of a secure server. It basically makes your computer think that it’s in a different location. It’s useful for privacy issues and for remaining anonymous online, but it’s also utilized in allowing IP-based software licenses normally used on work desktops to run on home-based machines for remote working setups. There are plenty of resources that can help you figure out the best VPN service for you.

2. License types – Each CAD program has a different set of licenses depending on their intended market, but what you should really worry about are the more restrictive proprietary licenses. We’ll be listing down the license types that permit users to work at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, but if you’re looking for a more permissive solution, there are a bunch of free-to-use CAD software that you can download and use for the time being.

3. Hardware – Home-use software licenses are moot when the computer you’re working on can’t handle the programs you want to use. Always be sure to check the program’s minimum requirements and if they have “light” versions that you can use in case your home desktop or laptop just won’t cut it.

Autodesk

Autodesk company logo Source

Autodesk has one of the more extensive online resource centers even among the companies we’ll be listing down today, so it would be relatively easy to handle the intricacies of securing a home-use license.

Autodesk has something called ‘home use rights’ that lets users install Autodesk products at home for business, personal, educational, and training purposes. Autodesk has an extensive list of the products that are eligible for home use, but all you need to know is that in general, network-only products as well as educational and NFR (Not For Resale) products don’t have home use rights.

Multi-user access vs. Single-user access

If your product runs on a network license with multi-user access or a maintenance plan, you have to request a license from the server. Otherwise, you’ll have to borrow an Autodesk license. Note that only the administrators on eligible accounts can request licenses and they can only request one home-use license per subscription regardless of the number of users who are sharing that subscription.

On the other hand, products with single-user access don’t need a home-use license to be installed on any home-based work setup. It’s simply a matter of installing the software on the home computer and using the subscription’s existing serial number to activate and sign in into the user’s Autodesk account. Only one instance of the software can be running at any given time, so try to keep that in mind when using the product.

Solidworks

Dassault Systèmes’ Solidworks Source

Dassault Systèmes is working with their resellers to make sure their users would still effectively be able to use Solidworks even despite office closures due to COVID-19. This becomes especially easy with the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform that makes use of cloud collaboration to run their products.

To figure out how to let Solidworks run from your home computer, the first step would be to find out what license type your software subscription has. Run the software and access the main menu. From there, click on ‘Help’ > ‘About Solidworks’ > ‘Show Serial Number to see your serial number. If your serial number starts with 0000, 0001, 9000 or 9001, this indicates that you have a commercial standalone license. If it starts with 0010 or 9010, you have a SolidNetwork License (SNL). Acquiring a home-use license for these two license types are slightly different.

Standalone vs. SolidNetwork License

For standalone licenses, there are two options:

1. First, you can go through a method called ‘Deactivation’ and then reactivate the license on your home computer.

2. The other option is to use ‘Online Licensing’ which would require a user to go through user login rather than associating their license to a specific machine.

For an SNL, there are two options:

1. You could ask your IT department to setup VPN connection that you can check out your license through. This will let you access your office license from home but will slightly be slower during launch since it’s going through a VPN connection.

2. You could ask to borrow a Solidworks license for 30 days. You could also opt for other term licensing options if you need to use the program for more than 30 days.

ArchiCAD

Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD Source

ArchiCAD’s answers to the work-from-home setup are various options for acquiring temporary licenses that let users access their products from home.

In addition to that, Graphisoft has also released an informative video to help their users adjust to remote working, ensure continued work efficiency, and discuss software solutions for better online collaboration:

Emergency licenses and BIMCloud

Graphisoft offers temporary 30-day ArchiCAD emergency licenses to assist users who need to work from home. Emergency licenses are eligible to any user who has an active license for ArchiCAD 17 or newer, and ARCHIPLUS membership, a stable internet connection, and an emergency license activation code.

Alternatively, ArchiCAD has BIMCloud, a cloud-based software solution to facilitate remote team collaboration among ArchiCAD users. Temporary free 60-day BIMCloud emergency licenses are available on Graphisoft’s website.

Vectorworks

Vectorworks logo Source

Vectorworks has really focused on free online courses and training to assist any users who might find it difficult to adjust to the status quo brought about by the pandemic. They’ve compiled most of their resources online and are constantly updating these as new information becomes available.

E Series licenses and free courses

Vectorworks has given every user one additional E Series license activation to help their customers work from home better. They’ve also mentioned that users can contact their local Vectorworks’ partner or reseller for help and for access to a temporary 30-day license.

Additionally, all of Vectorworks’ Core & Intermediate Concepts courses, which are normally only reserved for Service Select members, are now being offered for free. You can even avail of free Vectorworks virtual training until June 30.

SolidWorks is a powerful 2D and 3D CAD program that has seen extensive use with digital drafters all around the globe. In 2016, Dassault Systèmes reported 2.3 million active users in more than 230,000 companies and 80 different countries and that number has just continued to grow.

A lot of its popularity comes from its intuitively easy interface and program workflow. It employs a “top-down” approach in design – the user starts with a 2D sketch oriented on a starting plane and then proceeds to sculpt a 3D model out of the initial 2D geometry. The program’s list of 2D and 3D sketch tools is extensive, with CAD standards such as lines, splines, arcs, and circles and all the typical 3D modeling tools as well.

Thinking and designing in 2D first before working on the 3D model helps drafters think about precise measurements and proportions more easily and more thoroughly. Ideally, users will have editable CAD files to work with when converting 2D into 3D but most drafters will understand the frustration of how, at times, all you have to work with as reference are client-sent PDF files.

PDF files are created for the compact sharing of documents and drawings. It’s a file format that mostly only Adobe programs can readily edit. As such, PDF files are not easily editable in-program within SolidWorks and that difficulty only gets worse when you consider how a lot of PDF files contain raster images rather than vector information. So what are our options and how do we proceed?

Let’s take a look at how PDF to 3D SolidWorks model processes work and what our best course of action can be.

The basic SolidWorks work interface Source

Supported File Formats on SolidWorks

SolidWorks can handle importing most of the common image file formats as follows:

As extensive as the list may be, PDF is not one of the native file types that SolidWorks can handle. There are, however, some workarounds which we’ll get into shortly.

Clarity is the number one factor in considering reference images to use. This determines how accurate our final product will be and how easily we are able to achieve our end goals. A 3D model made from pixelated, askew, poorly-scaled 2D reference files will most certainly be subpar for most professional settings. So the first step is making sure we have the best possible starting point with the best possible version of the reference image.

Once you have a clear image, the most straight-forward way of converting it into editable SolidWorks elements is to simply trace over it. For simpler images, SolidWorks even has an automatic tracing function that aims to trace over the sold lines of the image. Do note that this may not be the most ideal solution since the automatic tracing leaves some to be desired when it comes to clean, accurate output. So if you do want to use Solidworks’ automatic tracing, keep in mind that it’s only suitable for simple line images with plenty of room for inaccuracies.

With more complex technical drawings, users will typically use Solidworks’ 2D CAD tools to trace over the lines in the image, similar to how manual drafters would replicate drawings by using tracing paper and manual drafting tools.

Although this method is accurate and is limited only by the user’s comprehension of the original image, it is not the fastest method and certainly not the easiest to do. Luckily, there are various third-party programs such as Scan2CAD that specialize in raster-to-vector conversion and can do so with much better results that any CAD program’s automatic tracing functions. These programs can convert your raster PDF’s into readily editable vector files that you can plop into SolidWorks and work with without having to do a lick of digital trace-over.

Raster vs. Vector

We’ve been covering a lot of ground on how importing images into SolidWorks works so far and a lot has been mentioned about raster and vector images. Let’s take a quick refresher on what the differences between the two image types are.

Raster images, also known as bitmap images, consist of clustered colored pixels that form a coherent image. Most of the more well-known image file types are raster formats such as .jpeg, .png, and even .gif. Raster images are static, uneditable image types with quality that depends on the file size and number of pixels in the image.

Vector images, on the other hand, are made of formulas and data that are then digitally converted into images. A vector image of an arc, for instance, is actually a file containing data that dictates the arc’s radius, line length, color, thickness, etc. Editability is this file type’s strong suit since it isn’t constrained by pixel number or quality and can be readily opened and changed by any vector-editing program.

PDF files are tricky to work with since they can contain both raster and vector information. It’s easy to understand why we would prefer vector PDFs to raster PDFs but what do we do when the file has both? We’ll cover what to do in that situation and more in this article.

SolidWorks auto-trace Source

When all is said and done, uploading a PDF image to trace and model in SolidWorks is a straight-forward and simple process. It might require some workarounds since the program can’t natively handle PDF files, but the process as a whole is easy to understand. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Take a screenshot to use as a SolidWorks reference.

The first thing you’ll want to do is get a workable file format out of the PDF you want to use as a reference image. Both modern Macs and PCs have built-in screenshot tools you’ll want to take advantage of. Even if your machine doesn’t have that, there are plenty of free screen capture programs you can download and use.

Take a screenshot of the part of the PDF you want to use as a SolidWorks reference and save it in a file format that the software can handle. From this point on, you won’t have to worry about the PDF anymore and just use the saved screenshot as your image reference.

2. On SolidWorks, figure out the plane you want to be sketching in.

If the image is a top-down view, choose the Top plane. If it’s a sideways view, choose either the Right or Left planes. Alternatively, choose the Front plane if it’s a front view. Next, click on the plane on the left side of the screen and create a sketch.

3. Import the reference image into SolidWorks

Under SolidWork’s Tool menu, choose Sketch Tools and then click on Sketch Picture. On the dialog box that pops up, browse for your reference image (saved screenshot) and open it up on your chosen plane.

4. Resize and crop the reference photo before you commence sketching

It’s always best to do this at the beginning so you don’t have to go through the trouble of correcting your sketch size later on. But if you feel that the image requires additional modifications, you can do that at this stage.

5. Trace over the outline of the design/drawing in the imported image.

From here on out, it’s just a matter of tracing over the image with SolidWorks’ sketch tools. Next, use the corresponding trace to create a 3D model. It’s a simple process but becomes tedious if the reference image in question is large enough or complex enough as a reference drawing.

How to Convert a PDF to SolidWorks Using Scan2CAD

If you ever find yourself in need of a conversion program for PDF files, a quick Google search will net you with pages upon pages of results for online conversion tools. Unfortunately, with almost all of these results, the quality of the output you’re getting is just downright subpar. If you’re lucky enough to find one that produces something decent, you’ll probably be dealing with watermarks or partial conversions. Another issue to consider is the sheer amount of privacy risks you’re taking with uploading or emailing your PDF documents for conversion.

If you’re dealing with a low-risk, one-time conversion, this might be good enough for you. But for anything more, your best option would have to be specialized desktop programs such as Scan2CAD. 

About Scan2CAD

Programs like Scan2CAD will usually require a purchase or subscription. But if you’re dealing with repeated PDF conversions for work, the program will eventually pay for itself. Scan2CAD specifically even has a 14-day free trial period for you to try and see if the program is worth the payment. There simply isn’t a better solution if you’re looking for a reliable, consistent, quality conversion program.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, Let’s get into the step-by-step process of using Scan2CAD to convert your PDFs into usable file formats for SolidWorks.

Step 1: Import PDF File into Scan2CAD

Open up the reference PDF file you want to use on Scan2CAD. A dialog box will open that will display both the raster and vector elements in the document. Unfortunately, if the document has both elements and you need both the raster and vector elements as references, you’ll have to convert and save both individually.

Step 2: Clean Image (Applies to Raster PDFs Only)

For raster data: Using the Clean image option, turn the raster image monochromatic and clean it up until you’re satisfied.

For vector data: Skip to the latter part of step 3 below.

Step 3: Convert Raster PDF to Vector Format

Proceed to convert the raster image into vector data. Next, save it as a usable vector file that you can then edit on SolidWorks.

For vector data: Simply open up the vector data and then save it as a workable file type.

We have plenty of information on these processes in the form of tutorials and articles if you want to learn more about how to use Scan2CAD to convert raster images and PDFs to vector formats for subsequent use on various CAD software. The articles cover software such as Revit, Vectorworks, CATIA, AutoCAD, and SketchUp, just to mention a few. You can also check out our YouTube videos for more.

Step 4: Import Vector File into SolidWorks

Open up the now workable vector file and use that as an editable reference on SolidWorks.

Here’s a quick video to detail that process:

In this article, we will be comparing two packages that require little introduction, SolidWorks from Dassault Systems and Onshape from PTC Inc. On the surface, SolidWorks and Onshape are similar 3D CAD modeling software. However, they both have certain crucial differences. In this article, we will be exploring these software packages’ history, capabilities, and users. We will also comparatively analyze their capabilities, features, licensing options, and compatibility with different operating systems, all in a bid to simplify the selection process.

Onshape

The histories of SolidWorks and Onshape are linked by an interesting fact. Onshape was co-founded by Jon Hirschtick in 2012, the same man who co-founded SolidWorks 19 years earlier. He co-founded Onshape with John McEleney, who was also a former SolidWorks CEO, and four others. Onshape was founded in Massachusetts as Belmont technology, a name that was later changed to Onshape. The company received its first round of funding in the tune of $9 million from North Bridge venture partners and Commonwealth. In 2015, following extensive testing by thousands of CAD professionals, Onshape released its android app. Later that same year, the Onshape App Store was launched, offering cloud-based CAM, simulation, and rendering apps among others. Between April and May 2016, Onshape introduced its educational plan with a free version of the software for students. It also released an open-source programming language, known as Feature Script, for creating and customizing CAD features. In October 2019, Onshape was acquired by PTC, software giants and makers of Creo, for $470 million.

What does Onshape do?

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD modeling software that unites CAD, data management, and collaboration. It is one of the first software as a service (SaaS) CAD product development platforms. As it is delivered via a SaaS model, Onshape does not require any downloads, installations, or updates. All you require to access Onshape is a compatible web browser and an internet connection as all Onshape’s features are available over the internet.  This is one of the software’s most distinguishing features. Onshape is compatible with IOS, Android OS, Linux, OSX (Mac), and Windows.

Considering this software’s creators, you will probably be expecting it to have impressive features. Onshape’s features can be classified into CAD, data management, collaboration, security and audit controls, analytics and reporting, and integration and partners.

The CAD features of Onshape allow you to model individual parts as well as assemblies of various parts. You can also create highly detailed 2D working drawings containing dimensions, annotations, tables, datum, and part lists. These features also enable you to import/export various industry file formats. In addition to these, the CAD features include simultaneous sheet metal tools, intelligent custom features, standard content libraries, and configuration options.

Data management. With the product data management (PDM) features of Onshape, you do not need a separate PDM system. Using these features, you can handle release management, version control, branching and merging, and advanced workflows. These features also enable you to configure and manage a bill of materials in real-time while simultaneously creating or editing an assembly. Data management is a crucial part of the design process and getting it right is crucial to saving time and effort. 

Collaboration. Collaboration tools enable multiple users to collaborate with the lead designer in real-time. These tools enable simultaneous editing and review as you work. Whether it is with a customer, a business associate, your company, your suppliers or your design team, you can securely share your projects for live chat, commenting, and review. You can also add comments on a project and assign tasks to different people. For greater control, access may be limited to viewing, commenting, or editing models.

Security and audit controls. Few platforms offer as much security and audit control as Onshape. To begin with, all your files are securely stored in the cloud. Furthermore, you can protect your design data from unauthorized access using role-based access controls, AES-256 and TLS v 1.2 encryption, two-factor authentication, and comprehensive audit logs. Any edit, modification, or alteration on your design is tracked and recorded for review, and, if necessary, reversing.

Analytics and reporting. With analytics features, you can properly monitor projects’ status with the activity overview, release, project, and user dashboards. You get in-depth analysis and reports on documents, projects, and users. You also get a complete design history and change log, release reporting, and news feed styled activity reports.

Integration and partners. Onshape allows you to make up for its limitations through integrations and partners. You can extend the functionality of Onshape using PLM, ERP, CAM, and simulation add-ons from the Onshape App Store. All Onshape integrated cloud partner apps have unified purchase, licensing, and sign-on mechanisms. Like Onshape, these apps do not require download, installation, or updates.

3D modeling in Onshape (source)

Who uses Onshape?

Onshape focuses on MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) so its primary users are mechanical engineers, designers, and industries that involve manufacturing. Onshape’s SaaS model, as well as its excellent collaboration and data management features, make it the choice of designers who work in a team or who work with customers. The following are some of the companies that employ Onshape in their design process. XING Mobility uses it to create powerful power EV trains for electric vehicles, and Voxel Innovations uses it to design for Pulsed electrochemical machining (PECM).

SolidWorks

SolidWorks was released in November 1995 as the flagship product of its parent company, SolidWorks Corporation. SolidWorks Corporation was founded two years earlier in December 1993, by MIT graduate, Jon Hirschtick, with the goal of building an easy-to-use, affordable, and windows compatible 3D CAD software. After two years of hard work by a team of engineers, and a $1 million investment, SolidWorks was born. The software made so much impact in the world of CAD that in 1997, just two years after its release, SolidWorks was acquired by Dassault Systems for $310 million in stock ($497 million in today’s money). Jon Hirschtick remained with the company in various capacities for 14 years, before leaving to co-found Onshape. Over the years, 28 versions of SolidWorks have been released. The latest, SolidWorks 2020, was released on the 18th of September, 2019.

What does SolidWorks do?

Simply put, SolidWorks is a highly functional solid modeling CAD software for all things design, engineering, and manufacturing. This software has numerous professional-grade tools for the different stages of product development. SolidWorks features are classified into 3D CAD, simulation, visualization, electrical design, collaboration, product data management, product configuration, and technical communication.

The intuitive 3D design and modeling features of SolidWorks allow you to conceptualize, create, validate, and transform your ideas into product designs. These features enable you to develop 3D models from 2D sketches using parametric modeling. Whether you are creating a part, an assembly, or a working drawing, SolidWorks has the tools to get it done, no matter how complex the design.

Simulation. To enable you to predict a product’s real-world physical behavior, SolidWorks provides an impressive portfolio of simulation and analysis tools. With these tools, you can simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, fluid forces, thermal and buckling forces, and structural forces. You can also predict and prevent manufacturing defects, and measure the environmental impact of your design from the material stage to manufacturing to product use to disposal.

Electrical design. SolidWorks’ electrical features simplify the design of electrical products through specific tools and an easy-to-use interface. These features include PCB design technology for mechatronics & electronics, electrical schematics for complex electrical systems, and electrical 3D that enables you to integrate electrical schematic designs into your 3D part or assembly model.

Visualization. Using powerful rendition tools, you can turn your model into high-quality photorealistic images, animations, and interactive AR/VR content.

Product data management. SolidWorks includes a suite of PDM tools for efficiently managing and documenting data files, to maximize productivity. PDM features include the 3D Experience cloud platform for easier management and collaboration.

SolidWorks CAM. Although SolidWorks CAM is a separately sold add-on, it is still a part of SolidWorks. The features of SolidWorks CAM enable you to prepare your design for manufacturing early on in the product development process. You can assess Fully integrated CNC programming right inside the SolidWorks interface.

Collaboration. These features facilitate sharing, viewing, commenting, and reviewing designs as a team. Engage with teammates, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders at various stages of product development.

Other features of SolidWorks are Technical Communications and Product Configurator

CAM features of SolidWorks (source) 

Who uses SolidWorks

SolidWorks’s plethora of capabilities that cater to all aspects of the product development process makes this software useful to many diverse industries and professions. It is safe to say that any industry that requires manufacturing or product creation would find SolidWorks very useful. There are currently millions of active SolidWorks users across hundreds of thousands of companies around the world. Industries that make use of the software the most include manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, robotics, construction, oil & gas, agriculture, and many others.

Electrical engineers and technicians also use SolidWorks to create and analyze complex electrical systems.

Finally, numerous companies use the software to carry out cost, feasibility, and environmental analysis of their products from the design stage.

SolidWorks vs Onshape

Let us now compare these two software side-by-side.

While many websites sell SolidWorks models, we will only be focusing on those that offer free SolidWorks models to download. In this article, we will be going through a list of 13 sites where you can download SolidWorks models at no cost. Note that this is not a ranking article and so we will not necessarily be comparing the features of the sites on our list. Also, the list is in no particular order.

13 Sites with Free SolidWorks Models

1. My SolidWorks

My SolidWorks website

The first site on our list is wholly and solely dedicated to all things SolidWorks. It is owned and managed by Dassault Systemes SolidWorks corporation, so you can expect the very best.

My solidworks  has a lot of useful features for both users and non-users of SolidWorks. Here you can find in-depth tutorials, forums, technical support, a marketplace for part manufacturers and customers, a resellers page, a very informative blog, and most importantly, thousands of free SolidWorks models.

To make your search for a 3D SolidWorks model easier, models on this site are categorized according to industry. Some of the categories are hardware, piping & tubing, robotics, aerospace, military, jewelry, optics, miscellaneous and many more. Virtually any design you require across various industries can be found in this rich library of 3D SolidWorks models. The site also has a search bar and filter options for more precise navigation. To access the models on my.solidworks.com, you need to register and get a SolidWorks ID. SolidWorks users can simply log in as they already have IDs.

2. GrabCAD

GrabCAD website

With over 6,500,000 members, GrabCAD is undoubtedly one of the largest online communities of engineers, designers, manufacturers, and students in the world.  This site has a lot to offer including tutorials, design competitions, news, blog articles, GrabCAD apps, a resource center, and 3D printing services. Our interest, however, is in this site’s vast library of free CAD models. GrabCAD has millions of generic, as well as software-specific models of over 50 CAD software. SolidWorks is not left out as there are thousands of free SolidWorks 3D models to download on this site. Whether you are looking for a model of a toilet or a fully assembled motor engine, you’ll be sure to find it here. For easier navigation, GrabCAD features a search bar. The models are also categorized into various categories, a few of which are as follows. 3D printing, aerospace, agriculture, architecture, automotive, aviation, construction, electrical, and sports.

3. 3D Content Central

3D Content Central website

The next site on our list is 3D Content Central. Similar to My.SolidWorks, this site is affiliated with Dassault Systemes. Many links from the site such as help, support, and terms of service redirect to official SolidWorks sites. 3D Content Central is an active community of CAD users which doubles as a resource of hundreds of thousands of free 3D&2D models of parts, assemblies, blocks, and Marcos. There are two kinds of models on this site, user-contributed generic models and supplier-certified custom models.

Manufacturers and suppliers of engineering components can register on 3D Content Central and create a catalog of their products along with the models of these products. There are over 6,800 free SolidWorks models uploaded by both manufacturers and individual designers alike. To access these models, all you need to do is register and become a member.

If after browsing through the available models, you don’t find what you are looking for, you can post a request and have a SolidWorks professional design it for you. Another awesome feature of this site is that you can thoroughly preview a model before downloading it.

4. 3D CAD Browser

3D CAD browser website

3D CAD browser is one of the not so elegant but relevant sites in our list. It is a high-quality library of 3D models. While most of the models on this site are for sale, you can still find almost a thousand 3D models for free. However, there is a catch. To download a model, you must first upload one. This ensures that the library keeps growing. Most models are offered in various file formats, so you need to select your preferred format before downloading. 3D CAD Browser features a search bar for easy navigation. To make use of the models on this site, you need to register first.

5. Part Community

Part community website

As the name suggests, Part Community is a community of about 500,000 members who have one thing or another to do with CAD models. A large percentage of this number are manufacturers and suppliers of engineering components and the majority of the models on this site are provided by these manufacturers and suppliers. Part Community is sectioned into 3D CAD catalogs (for supplier models), 3D share (for user-contributed models), PDF catalogs, news, support, contact, and community. There are thousands of catalogs with millions of 3D CAD models for various software including SolidWorks. The site features a search bar for easy search and navigation. To upload, download, share and request free SolidWorks models on this site, you need to register.

6. CADNav

CADNav website

Another deceptively plain-looking site on our list is CADNav. Its plain nature makes it very easy to navigate, especially as the site doesn’t feature a search bar. In addition to more than 4000 free 3D models for you to choose from CADNav also offers free textures, Vray materials, and tools. The many CAD models are classified in two ways, by model category, and by 3D format. Model categories include household, military, human & character, animals, industrial, architecture, and many more. 3D formats, on the other hand, include different file formats of various CAD software.

7. 3D Export

3D Export website

3D export is a marketplace for buying and selling CAD models. Here you can buy editable 3D models and 3D models for printing. The site also offers a tangible number of free 3D models for download. Some of the supported file formats on 3D export include IGES, STEP, STL, OBJ, and most importantly, SolidWorks. In addition to 3D CAD models, the site also has a help section, an FAQ page, a forum for sharing ideas, and a lot of very useful modeling tutorials. This site features a search bar for easy navigation.

8. Free 3D

Free3D website

Free 3D is an awesome resource of over 16,500 free and paid models. Whether you are a professional, a CAD enthusiast, or simply a hobbyist, you’ll surely be impressed by the quality of models on this site. Another great thing about Free 3D is the site layout. The site categorizes the models based on different topics including product, industry, and model type. According to industry, the models are categorized into architecture, anatomy, sports, food, electronics, vehicles, and more. According to the model type, you can find lowpoly models, rigged models, animated models, and 3D printable models. This site also supposed various file formats such as .max, .obj, and of course SolidWorks’s .sldprt and .sldasm. Free 3D has more than 600 native SolidWorks 3D models for free to download. Remember, however, that SolidWorks is compatible with several non-native file formats so feel free to explore all the models on this site.

9. Trace Parts

TraceParts website

Trace Parts is an online library/design community of over 3.7 million registered users. Similar to Part Community, a large percentage of the over 100 million CAD files on this site are supplier models. This means that the models are of actual parts that have been uploaded by their manufacturers and suppliers. Note that this doesn’t subtract in any way from this site as you can simply edit any downloaded model to fit your specifications and design needs. With over 82 catalogs containing more than a staggering 124 million CAD files, you are bound to find whatever model you are looking for.

When you select a model on this site, certain details about the model are displayed including its compatible software. Thankfully, most of the models are compatible with SolidWorks. You can also thoroughly view a model before downloading it.

10. CGTrader

CGTrader website

There are a few sites on our list that are as sleep and aesthetically pleasing as CGTrader. Primarily, this site is a marketplace where you can buy and sell 3D models, find talented designers to work on your projects, and find 3D modeling jobs. Although this site has paid models, you can find thousands of free SolidWorks models. All you need to do is search for a model including “SolidWorks” in the search bar, and apply the free filter. You will discover thousands of absolutely free models with .sldprt, .sldasm, and .slddrw file formats. The 920,000+ models on this site are neatly categorized into plant, science, car, character, industrial, etc. To access these models, you need to create an account with CGTrader.

11. CAD Blocks Free

CAD Blocks Free website

CAD Blocks Free is a library of 2D and 3D CAD models for professionals and hobbyists alike. With over 3,500 free and paid models, this site deserves is place on our list. The site is well organized with the free models, in which we are interested, categorized separately from the paid models. The models are also organized according to industry into mechanical, industrial, electrical, structure, animal, trees, landscape, architectural, and many other categories. CAD Blocks Free also features a search bar, so you can easily find the model you need. Another cool thing about this site is that it does not require registration. Just visit the site and start downloading right away!

12. TurboSquid

TurboSquid website

TurboSquid is a massive online resource of over 700,000 models. Like many sites on our list, this site offers both free and paid models. In total, TurboSquid has more than 20,000 free models, one of the highest amounts among sites offering both free and paid models on our list. Apart from 3D models, this site also offers software, sound effects, stock media, and many more. The 3D models on the site are categorized into technology, landscape, anatomy, furniture, vehicles, animals, characters, and cars. TurboSquid also features a search bar and filter options. To gain access to models on this site, you are required to register.

13. 123 Free 3D Models

123 Free 3D Models website

The last, but in no way the least site on our list is 123 Free 3D models. This site has over 17,000 free 3D models. These models are classified according to type into architecture, furniture, characters, aircraft, animals, weapons, electronics, and anatomy. They are also categorized according to file formats like DWG, DXF, and of course, SolidWorks’s SLDPRT. There are thousands of free SolidWorks models with the .sldprt file extension on 123 Free 3D models. You do not have to register on this site to download the models. Just select the model, preview it, and download it! 

Solidworks is a 2D and 3D capable CAD program that most designers and engineers will be at least familiar with. It’s a household name in 3D modeling technology and its primary market is the manufacturing and mechanical design niche. It also has a lot of users in the construction and design industry.

The main appeal for Solidworks is its top-down design approach when it comes to CAD work and 3D modeling. The user typically starts with a 2D sketch oriented on a plane of their choosing. This sketch is made up of lines, splines, points, arcs, and other parametric geometric objects. Values that determine their various attributes such as length, radii, and tangency in relation to other objects drive the appearance of the geometry.

On importing images

The Solidworks interface. Source: solidworks.com

With the top-down workflow incorporated into Solidworks, users will inevitably find themselves having to import 2D plans or sketches into the program to be used as references. Sometimes these reference images will be scanned copies of floor plans and details or hand-drawn sketches of details. There could even be actual scans or photos of patterns or gaskets that need to be imported into the program for CNC work.

With any imported image, the most important factor is the clarity of the image and the accuracy of the measurements as well as the dimensions, seeing as the end goal of a lot of these processes are workable 3D models that will sometimes be used to prototype certain machine parts using 3D printers or CNC machines.

There’s a straightforward way of importing your image into Solidworks, and that’s through the Sketch function. Just import your image file, a step that should be a breeze if your image file is in a format that Solidworks supports, and trace over the image.

For simpler images, Solidworks has an automatic tracing tool that should generate sketch lines that go over the outlines of the image. But this only usually works for images with solid edges and outlines. Automatic tracing would be harder to do for, say, full-blown technical images or physical photographs of objects.

Luckily, you can use all the sketch tools in the program to just trace over the imported image manually. For simpler geometry, this would be easy, but some challenges might arise when you’re working with machine-accurate objects or anything that has very little room for error.

Even though Solidworks’ own automatic tracing tool might not be able to handle them, there is third-party software, such as Scan2CAD, that can manage the raster-to-vector conversion process before importing the image into Solidworks. That way, you’ll be dealing with an imported and editable vector file rather than a raster image which you still have to trace over. This is recommended for more complicated images or if manually tracing over seems too tedious of a job.

We’ll be going over all of these methods in this article.

Raster and Vector images

Let’s try to cover the basics of these terms and file types first before diving into particulars. Raster and vector images are what we’ll be working with when trying to trace an image on Solidworks. Those are the two main categories of images that we want to discuss.

Raster images – also called bitmap images – are made up of colored pixels clustered together to form images. The typical image files we deal with such as JPG, GIF, and PNG are all examples of raster images. The clarity and quality of these images depend on their resolution. Simply put, the larger the file and the more colored pixels or dots per inch of the drawing, the better the quality. Ideally, we want high-quality images for Solidworks. Blurry, pixelated copies will still work, but, as we mentioned before, accuracy is important when doing this and that just isn’t guaranteed with low-quality images.

Vector images, on the other hand, are generally easier to work with on Solidworks since they’re fully editable by the software. In fact, some output files made by Solidworks and most other CAD software are considered vector files. Their main difference between raster files is that instead of being made of pixels, they’re made of formulas and instructions detailing the look and size of specific geometric elements.

If it’s still a bit confusing, imagine a picture of a black line. If this were a raster image, the file would be made up of black pixels clustered together to form the look of a black line. If this were a vector image, the file would be made up of instructions on the color of the line, the thickness and length of it, and its orientation or angle.

So when it comes to dealing with raster and vector images, we prefer working with vector ones for most CAD programs.

File formats for Solidworks

Solidworks file-formats. Source

Next, let’s move on to discussing what kind of image files and formats can actually be imported into Solidworks. It’s a pretty extensive list that covers the more common file types.

Tracing using Solidworks tools

Solidworks auto-trace function. Source

Uploading your raster image or photo onto Solidworks is a simple enough process. Although at the end of it, you’ll have to decide if you want to trace over the image manually or if you want to use the auto-trace add-in to do the tracing for you. We’ll go over into it in more detail later on.

1. The first thing we want to do is figure out the plane on which we’ll be inserting the image. You’ll want to pick the Top plane if you’re working with a plan drawing, the Right plane if you’re working with a side detail, and the Front plane if it’s a front-facing detail.
2. Once you click on the plane you want to work on at the left side of the interface, create a sketch. Once you’ve started the sketch, click on the Tools drop-down menu and choose Sketch Tools. From there just click on Sketch Picture.
3. Here’s where you pick out your picture. Before we go on, let’s go through some photo quality basics.

If you’re converting an image of a physical object it’s important that you acquire a suitable image in the first instance. Here are some key tips:

– Take a photograph of the object on a contrasting background.

– Ensure the camera is perfectly parallel to the object. You can achieve this by taking a picture from afar with a zoomed-in lens.

– Ensure there is appropriate lighting so there are no shadows or shades. Excessive shadows sometimes make it harder to figure out where the edge of the object is.

– Take a high-resolution photograph in a lossless format. Go for TIFF or RAW since JPG is notorious for compression.

Ideally, we would recommend scanning the object using a flat-bed scanner (the same used for paper) for the best results.

4. Resize the image as you see fit. First, try to get it to fit into the work area, so scale up or down as you need. Afterward, you can try to refine the scale by finding a part of the drawing whose measurement you have verified. Then you can sketch a measured line with a similar dimension somewhere to use as a reference. Then all that’s left is to try and manually scale the image using the line you sketched.
5. Now comes the actual tracing of the object. You can choose to do it manually using the Sketch drawing tools that Solidworks has, but you could also try to use the Auto-trace add-on function.

Using Scan2CAD

Manual tracing on Solidworks is great for simple images, but it gets more difficult for larger or more complex drawings. Additionally, the auto-trace function in Solidworks won’t always work with certain images. So this is when conversion software like Scan2CAD comes in handy.

Let’s go through the step-by-step process of converting raster images to vector files using Scan2CAD and opening them up on Solidworks.

1. Open up the raster file you need to convert on Scan2CAD.
2. We have tons of tutorial videos to help you out with the actual process, but the gist of it is to clean up the image first, turn it monochrome, and then go on with the actual conversion. All of this can be done in Scan2CAD and has a much more dynamic and customizable user experience than any auto-trace functionality.
3. Importing the resulting vector file is just a matter of opening up the file on Solidworks. There are a bunch of options you have to configure when opening up DWG or DXF files, but most of these have to do with layers and visibility which we don’t have to worry about since the file was converted by Scan2CAD. So just go ahead and open up the file.  

In this article, we will be going through five of the best CNC design software. We will go through their features, capabilities, and any other reasons why they are considered the business. Read to the end for some bonus design tips.

SolidWorks CAM

SolidWorks CAM interface (Source)

The first software package on our list is from Dassault systems – makers of SolidWorks and other powerful CAD packages. SolidWorks CAM is a separately sold add-on for all versions of SolidWorks. It enables you to ready your design for manufacturing, at the early stages of the product development process. It delivers fully integrated, knowledge-based CNC programming, right inside the SolidWorks interface. This software generates machining information fast, using automatic feature recognition, standard operations, and strategies with your own best practices.

Factors like cut depth, tool type, and tool size instantly appear to the model. This frees up your time to focus on more critical areas of design. At any time, additional machining operations can be manually created using the SolidWorks model geometry. Surfaces to machine, as well as areas to avoid,  can be defined using a comprehensive suite of selection options. This eliminates the need to create additional reference geometry on the part.

Using SolidWorks CAM simulation capabilities, cutting tool paths can be produced and compared against the original model, helping you to identify any potential problems or areas that require further adjustments, long before the physical part is machined. Any changes made to the SolidWorks design can be instantly applied to your machining operations and cutting tool parts, making it quick and easy to evaluate parts for manufacture, early in development.

There are four different SolidWorks CAM packages with varying levels of functionality. These packages are sold separately. They are as follows; SolidWorks CAM standard, SolidWorks CAM professional, SolidWorks CAM machinist standard, and SolidWorks CAM machinist professional.

AutoCAD mechanical

AutoCAD mechanical interface (Source)

AutoCAD is usually a part of any list that is related to CAD compatibility. Our list of best CNC design software is no exception. Previously, several industry-specific AutoCAD products were available. One of these is AutoCAD mechanical. However, in 2019, AutoCAD mechanical, along with other products were united as toolsets under a single software package.

AutoCAD mechanical is an AutoCAD toolset dedicated to DFM (Design For Manufacture). Its features allow you to create, modify and document mechanical designs for manufacturing processes, notably CNC machining. You can also dimension, create bills of materials, and generate machine components. This package comes with a parts and symbols library of over 700,000 mechanical components, which significantly reduce your design efforts. Some features of AutoCAD mechanical that directly favor CNC machining are as follows.

Machining generators and calculators. These allow you to analyze designs efficiently and include belt, chain, cam, shaft, and spring generators.

Support for international drafting standards that enable you to deliver standard, machine-compatible design documentation.

Associative balloons and bills of materials for creating automated part lists and bills of materials that increase the productivity of the CNC machining process.

Command preview and contextual menus that allow you to preview fillets and chamfers for their machinability.

Create and save custom content for machining repeatability.

Use intelligent drawing tools made for mechanical design.

Inventor CAM

Inventor CAM interface (Source)

Inventor CAM is an add-on to Autodesk inventor that serves as an integrated CAM software to simplify CNC design and programming. This software makes the machining workflow easier with CAD embedded 2-axis and 5-axis turning, milling, and mill-turn capabilities.

Inventor CAM has a lot of features for CNC machining design. Some of these features are as follows.

Adaptive clearing. You can greatly reduce roughing time by a factor of at least four, compared to traditional roughing. Thereby increasing tool life. 

2.5-axis and 3-axis milling. Using a complete package for minimizing tool paths in the industry, you can create and simulate tool paths for your model, right in the inventor interface.

4-axis and 5-axis milling. Use simultaneous 4 and 5-axis features to machine complex models such as tilt, swarf, and contours.

Turning and mill-turn. You can enhance productivity with traditional facing, boring, turning, and grooving functions. Included support for live tooling multi-turning.

Water jet, plasma cutting, and laser cutting. Quickly create 2D profile cutting paths with the ability to include all contours in the same planes, add tabs, and specify quality settings.

Probing. Automatically prevent collisions between tool holders and your part during CNC calculations.

Slope machining. Control cutter engagement to minimize tool deflection and improve finish by using slope angles.

Stock and tool path simulation. Simulate the removal of the stock in order to check for collisions between clamp/fixture and shaft.

Analysis tools to measure distances or to dynamically view crucial information such as feed, speed, and estimated machining time.

The excellent CAD features of Inventor, combined with the highly advanced CAM features of Inventor CAM, make these software packages great for designing for CNC machining.

Note, however, that Inventor CAM cannot be purchased independently and can only be acquired as part of Autodesk product design and manufacturing collection.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 interface (Source)

Fusion 360 is a fully integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE software that unifies design, manufacturing, and engineering into one platform. It is a complete package for anything design and manufacturing.

This package has a portfolio of highly advanced features for 3D design and modeling, simulation, generative design, data management, and collaboration. Combined with its manufacturing features, these make Fusion 360 one of the best CAD software for CNC machining.

Fusion 360 CAM features can be classified under the following headings.

2.5 and 3-axis milling. This allows you to quickly set up jobs and generate tool paths to machine quality parts while reducing the wear on your tools.

3+2 milling (5-axis positional). Significantly reduce machine set up time between operations by using straight forward 5-axis programming.

4-axis milling. Create wrapped or indexed tool paths with the rotary axis of your machine to create complex geometry.

5-axis simultaneous milling. Use simultaneous full 5-axis operations to avoid collisions, mill complex geometry, and reduce till lengths for high-quality surface finish

Set up probing. Exploit machine touch proves to make your setup process easier.

Turning. Use stock simulation to verify your turning tool paths in order to identify errors and prevent collisions with the model, tools, work holder, and stock.

Mill-turning. This allows you to combine milling and turning operations to create highly complex parts without having to switch machines.

Water jet, laser cutter, plasma cutter. Generate tool paths based on solid model features such as flattened sheet metal components to operate water jet, plasma, and laser cutters.

In addition to all these, Fusion 360 includes a free, open-source, fully editable, post-processor library.

Solid Edge

Solid Edge interface (Source)

Solid Edge is a 2D drafting, 3D solid modeling, and manufacturing CAD/CAM software for all things product development. Using synchronous technology, Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric modeling. This package boasts of a complete portfolio of tools required for not only mechanical and electrical designs but also manufacturing.

The design features of Solid Edge, which include reverse engineering, convergent modeling, and generative design, are all applicable with CNC machining in mind. Solid Edge simulation capabilities allow you to fully analyze 3D parts and assemblies. You can also manage data, author technical publications, and collaborate on the cloud.

Solid Edge provides advanced tools required to manufacture complex products using either CNC machining or 3D printing. Machine tool programming that caters to all types of numerical control manufacturing processes, from basic CNC programming to high-speed and multi-axis milling is available in Solid Edge.

Three ways to improve your CAD designs for CNC machining

Avoid designing features that cannot be CNC machined

Not all the features of a part can be produced through CNC machining. Curved holes are an example of an impossible to machine features as the cutting tools in CNC mills, lathes, and drills are straight and cannot create curved holes. Such features should be avoided when modeling for CNC machining. However, if these features are a necessity for your part, you may electrical discharge machining (EDM).

Always design internal angles with radii

CNC milling tools are cylindrical. Because of this, cutting tools usually create radii when milling internal vertical edges. It is therefore recommended when designing for CNC machining to design curved angles for internal edges. Considering that the milling tool will inevitably create a radius automatically, it is best to include it in your design in the first place.

If your part, such as cavities in which a rectangular-shaped part needs to fit, requires sharp-edged internal angles, it is best to design the cavity with undercuts.

Avoid excessive use of tolerances

Tolerances are very important for machining accuracy. However, designers should only use them on necessary features such as mating parts, as excessive tolerancing would only increase machining time and cost. CNC machines differ tolerance standards and accuracy. Therefore if your dimensions have no tolerancing, the machine would use its standard tolerance for such dimensions. To save time and cost, tight tolerances should only be specified when necessary. It is also crucial to maintain uniform tolerancing as this would reduce machining time.

Over the years, several advancements have been made in the CAD industry. Hundreds of powerful CAD software that are capable of highly complex designs and 3D modeling, now exist. However, certain packages are leading the way in terms of functionality and capabilities.

In light of this, we at Scan2CAD have compiled a list of the top 10 3D modeling software available today. In this article, we will be going through their features, capabilities, compatibility, supported file types, and other features that make them stand above the rest. Note that while some of these software programs have 2D drafting capabilities, we will only be considering their 3D modeling capabilities. That being said, let’s proceed to the list.

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD 3D modeling (Source)

AutoCAD is a highly functional 2D and 3D CAD modeling software by Autodesk – the most popular and prestigious CAD software developer. While this software was first released in 1982 as a 2D drafting software, several advancements over the years have seen AutoCAD grow to include powerful features that cater to the modeling needs of numerous industries. Although it is marketed as a single package, AutoCAD comes with many industry-specific toolsets that can be, themselves, considered as individual products. These toolsets, their features, and their capabilities are as follows.

AutoCAD classic comes with the familiar AutoCAD interface, which allows users to create 2D drafts, produce 3D models, and annotate models in 2D.

AutoCAD Architecture, as the name implies, is a toolset for the architecture industry. It contains features for the production and documentation of architectural designs and the creation of building models.

AutoCAD Mechanical is developed for DFM (Design For Manufacturing). It is used for creating, modifying, and documenting mechanical models.

AutoCAD Plant 3D allows you to model very detailed plants with complex pipe routes and numerous machinery.

Other toolsets are AutoCAD electrical and AutoCAD MEP.

• Operating system: Windows, Mac
• File formats: DWG, DFX
• Interested? Check out our AutoCAD pricing.

2. Inventor

Inventor 3D modeling (Source)

Also known as Autodesk Inventor Professional, Inventor is a 3D mechanical modeling CAD software for all things product design and engineering. In line with its name, Inventor Professional comes with professional-grade tools for all your 3D mechanical design needs. These tools can be classified into product design, modeling, simulation, visualization, and collaboration. With these tools, you can easily create and edit individual 3D models, couple several parts to form an assembly, and produce detailed drawings for manufacturing. Inventor’s modeling tools also enable you to design complex sheet metal parts, build pipe and tube routes, and integrate electronics your mechanical models.

The simulation tools allow you to analyze the behavior of your model under real-life conditions of stress and applied forces.

Finally, to help you properly visualize and study tour model, Inventor includes powerful visualization and rendering tools.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: IPT, IAM, IDW, DWG
• Interested? Check out our Inventor pricing.

3. Solidworks

Solidworks 3D modeling (Source)

Solidworks is our first entry from Dassault systems, one of Autodesk’s major rivals. It is a solid modeling CAD and analysis software. Its equally impressive lineup of highly advanced modeling features makes it a worthy adversary of Inventor. Whether you are modeling an individual component, or an assembly comprising of numerous parts, Solidworks has the right features that enable you to do it. However, Solidworks didn’t earn its place on this list through its design features alone. The software has powerful simulation tools that allow you to carry out the following analysis on your model. These include high cycle fatigue, computational fluid dynamics, and endurance under stress.

Furthermore, visualization and rendering tools allow you to turn your models into animations and high-quality images. Other features of Solidworks include technical communication, electrical design, 2D CAD, product data management, and communication. Some of these features are available as add-ons.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: SLDDRW, SLDPRT, SLDASM
• Interested? Check out our Solidworks pricing.

4. Vectorworks

Vectorworks 3D modeling (Source)

Vectorworks is a multipurpose 2D drafting and 3D modeling software that caters to numerous industries. It consists of several fully functional, individual products for a variety of industries. These industries include mechanical engineering, entertainment, civil engineering, architecture, landscaping, manufacturing, and stage management. The different Vectorworks products with 3D modeling capabilities and their respective industries are as follows.

Vectorworks Fundamental is a 2D/3D modeling and documentation software that enables you to sketch, model, and analyze. Despite its name, there is absolutely nothing fundamental about this product. Its capabilities include solid modeling, simulation, and coordination.

Vectorworks Architect is used to create 3D architectural models using a suite of intuitive tools and an integrated BIM workflow.

Vectorworks Landmark is dedicated to landscape design and planning.

Other Vectorworks products are Vectorworks Spotlight, Vectorworks Designer, and Vectorworks Braceworks.

• Operating system: Windows, Mac
• File formats: Vectorworks supported file formats
• Interested? Check out our Vectorworks pricing.

5. Solid Edge

Solid Edge 3D modeling (Source)

Developed by Siemens PLM Software, Solid Edge is a 2D drafting and solid modeling CAD software package for mechanical and electrical design, and product development. The software combines the flexibility and control of parametric modeling with the speed and simplicity of direct modeling. Solid Edge boasts of a complete set of features required for product development.  One of these features, mechanical and electrical design, is used for creating solid models, detailed drawings, sheet metal parts, and top-down assembly. Other features are simulation, data management, manufacturing, and technical publications.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: PAR, ASM, DFT, DTFF, CMP_XML, STL, IGES, DXF, DWG, STEP
• Interested? Check out our Solid Edge pricing.

6. Onshape

Onshape 3D modeling (Source)

Onshape is a mechanical-focused CAD software package that is capable of handling all aspects of product development. It is one of the two software packages on our list that are delivered through a SAAS model, online. This cancels out the need for downloads, installation, or upgrades as the latest version is always available through web browsers. Onshape focuses primarily on mechanical CAD, and it boasts of an impressive lineup of 3D modeling features. These features enable you to create complex solids, build detailed assemblies, and exchange files. Also, Onshape includes standard content libraries.

• Operating system: Windows, IOS, Android, Linus, OSX
• File formats: PDF, MP4, PNG, JPEG, SVG, GIF, TXT, MD
• Interested? Check out our Onshape pricing.

7. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 3D modeling (Source)

Another powerful entry on our list from Autodesk is Fusion 360. This is a fully integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE modeling software. Fusion 360 eliminates disconnected product development processes as it combines design, manufacturing, and engineering into a single package. The CAD features of Fusion 360 can be grouped into the following. 3D design/modeling, generative design, and simulation. Other features are documentation, collaboration, and manufacturing.

Fusion 360 allows you to create very complex individual or multi-component systems, using both geometric and parametric-based approaches. Its powerful simulation features include shape optimization, modal frequency, event simulation, and static stress analysis.

• Operating system: Mac, Windows
• File formats: Fusion 360 file formats
• Interested? Check out Fusion 360.

8. Revit

Revit 3D modeling (Source)

Revit is a multipurpose BIM software package that is dedicated to architectural, civil engineering, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering, landscape, and structural designs. This professional software is a complete package for all building and construction design needs. It enables design experts in these fields to design and model 3D structures while annotating with 2D. In addition, Revit’s 4D BIM tools give users the ability to not only track the chronological advancements of a project but also to envision the duration of any stage of a structure’s life cycle.

No matter how complex the infrastructure or building that you ate modeling is, Revit had the tools to help you design, analyze, and simulate your model. Its features can be classified into architectural design, structural engineering and fabrication, MEP engineering and fabrication, and construction.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: RVT, RFA, RTE, RFT, and others
• Interested? Check out our Revit pricing.

9. CATIA

Catia 3D modeling (Source)

CATIA is a multi-Industry 3D modeling software package. It is the second entry on our list from Dassault Systems. Similar to Vectorworks, Catia has a number of products that handle different fields of 3D modeling.

3DEXPERIENCE CATIA is the main product for all design and engineering activities. It enables you to create various types of 3D parts and assembly for a wide range of engineering processes.  The tools of this product are classified as construction, design/styling, engineering, and systems engineering.

With CATIA V5, users can carry out mechanical design, shape design & styling, product synthesis, equipment & systems Engineering, analysis, and machining.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: CATDRAWING, CATPART, CATPRODUCT, DLV, CGR, MODEL
• Interested? Check out CATIA.

10. Creo

Creo 3D modeling (Source)

Creo is a 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE software solution for product design and development. This software allows users to design and create their products. It has an amazing variety of tools, capabilities, and features to effectively take your products from a simple concept to a detailed digital prototype. Creo’s features can be classified into modeling and design, simulation and analysis, augmented reality, smart connected design, additive manufacturing, and model-based design.

• Operating system: Windows
• File formats: Creo file formats
• Interested? Check out Creo.

In this article we will be comparing Solidworks and Fusion 360; two powerful modeling packages by Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk respectively. We will be looking at their history, their features and much more.

Solidworks

In the world of CAD, Solidworks is one of the most widely used software. Hardly can a list of CAD software be compiled without a well-deserved spot going to Solidworks.

Prior to being acquired by Dassault Systèmes in 1997, Solidworks was owned by Solidworks Corporation. This corporation was founded by MIT graduate, John Hirschick In 1993. After two years of hard work by a team of engineers and a $1M investment, Solidworks, the first product of Solidworks Corporation, was released in 1995. Two years later, Dassault Systèmes (CAD giants and makers of Draftsight, Catia, etc.), acquired Solidworks for $310M. Since then, an impressive 27 versions of the software have been released. The latest, Solidworks 2019 was released on October 9, 2018.

What does Solidworks do?

In any manufacturing process, the very crucial first stage is design and modeling. With the complexity of products being manufactured, it is not enough to simply sketch a 2D design. In order to fully understand the workings and implications of a product’s design, it is necessary to build and study a solid 3D model. Solidworks is a solid modeling and simulation application that allows you to create and simulate solid 3D models of a product.

Using an approach known as parametric feature-based, Solidworks allows users to develop 3D models from 2D sketches. The parametric feature-based approach determines the geometry or shape of a model or assembly using a combination of numeric parameters sucks as length and diameter, and geometric parameters such as parallel and tangent. Furthermore, you can also use shape-based features such as holes, and operation based features such as fillets to construct parts.

Whether you are modeling a single part or you are modeling an assembly containing numerous components, Solidworks has an amazing lineup of tools to make it possible. However, Solidworks did not make its name as a fantastic modeling program through its drafting and design capabilities alone. The software boasts a list of very powerful simulation tools that allow users to observe their models in real-world conditions. These tools include lifecycle assessment, endurance under stress, computational fluid dynamics, and high cycle fatigue. Users can even go as far as measuring the environmental impacts off their models.

Also, Solidworks has a powerful rendition of tools for proper visualization. These tools can turn models into interactive AR/VR content, high-quality photo images, and animations.

In addition to all these, the Solidworks package includes product data management (PDM) solutions which for example can enable the creation of complex electrical circuit design.

Who is Solidworks for?

Owing to its plethora of useful tools and capabilities, SolidWorks has found use across several industries and professions. As a matter of fact, any industry that has anything to do with manufacturing or solving engineering problems will find a number of SolidWorks tools useful. It is of little wonder, therefore, that as of 2016, there were over 2.3 million active users of SolidWorks across 230,480 companies in 80 countries.

The measure tool in Solidworks 2019 (source)

The primary users are engineers who design products for several industries. These industries include defense, aerospace, automotive, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and robotics. Electrical engineers and technicians may use the software to accurately create and analyze complex electrical circuits.

Furthermore, several companies use Solidworks to carry out environmental, cost and feasibility analysis of their planned parts and systems.

Fusion 360

The name Autodesk is undeniably the biggest name in the world of computer-aided design and manufacturing. Any product released by the company instantly becomes not only a favorite but also a competitor to other existing similar products. One of such products is Fusion 360.

Fusion 360 was released by Autodesk in 2013. Although the software is relatively new, it has already solidified its place as a go-to tool for CAD and CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing).

What does Fusion 360 do?

Fusion 360 is an integrated CAD, CAM, CAE (Computer-aided engineering) software. This software unifies design, engineering, and manufacturing into a single package. It also eliminates disconnected product development processes.

The features of Fusion 360 can be classified into the following: 3D design and modeling, simulation, generative design, documentation, collaboration, and manufacturing.

The 3D design and modeling features allow you to quickly create multiple design iterations using both parametric and geometric-based approaches. These features also allow you to design as you please in all phases of the product development process.

Using the simulation features, you can test your design early in the development process to determine usability and discover any design flaws. Some examples of Fusion 360 simulation features are cloud simulation, event simulation, shape optimization, modal frequency and static stress

With Fusion 360’s generative design features, you can quickly generate high-performing design alternatives from a set of material and manufacturing constraints. Once you have chosen a solution, you can simply edit your geometry. The generative design features also allow you to define project objectives, generate & explore designs and export CAD-ready Files.

Documentation features make it possible to effortlessly derive 2D drawings from your 3D models thereby eliminating the need for exporting and ensuring manufacturing accuracy.

All design data can be viewed from a single project dashboard, using the collaboration features. This allows for easy collaboration between external and internal stakeholders. These features prevent any hindrance such as location and time zone, from elongating the development process.

Finally, the manufacturing features information technology service management (ITSM) technologies allow you to quickly regenerate tool paths that reduce cycle time; reduce tool and machine wear; produce high quality finished parts. Other manufacturing features include multi-axis CNC milling, probing, turning and mill turning.

Who is Fusion 360 for?

Being such a complete package, Fusion 360 is used by a very broad range of designers, engineers, and several commercial industries. Both small and large-scale manufacturers widely use Fusion for their creative processes. Primary users of the software are engineers and designers.

A complex part model in Fusion 360 (source)

The following are some of the numerous companies that make use of Fusion 360. Saunders Machine Works employs Fusion 360 in prototype machining, CNC metal machining, fabrication, and design-for-manufacturing consulting; Swissation uses it to create micromachine parts as thin as paper; Orange County chopper uses the software to create all-electric bikes, and Filament PD uses Fusion 360 as a comprehensive product development solution.

Compared: Solidworks vs Fusion 360

Both Fusion 360 and Solidworks are excellent modeling and simulation software packages. However, professionals seeking highly advanced simulation are encouraged to go for the latter. If you need a less complicated but equally powerful alternative, which is focussed on CAM, then  Fusion 360 is probably your best option.

Of course, you don’t need to only take our word for it. You can try SolidWorks for free and also download the Fusion 360 free trial. Put both of these applications through their paces, test them with real-world examples and see for yourself which is the ideal solution.

The downside to the ‘one software fits all’ nature of this program is that it is quite complex and  thus it may take you some time to get to grips with it. Indeed, don’t be surprised if your first ventures into the SolidWorks world leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. We urge you not to give up, though!

Once you can handle the basics, you’ll discover there are plenty of hacks that can make shifting between SolidWorks’ various functions a breeze. The most useful of which are shortcuts. These handy little commands improve efficiency and can drastically speed up your work process.

In this article we’re going to explore some of the most useful SolidWorks shortcuts to have in your repertoire. Let’s get started!

Introduction to SolidWorks

SolidWorks was originally released in 1995, and was one of the first affordable and easy to use 3D CAD softwares on the market. Two years later, it was acquired by tech giant Dassault Systèmes and became their flagship product.

Regularly updated to utilise the latest technologies, today SolidWorks enables CAD users to create auto-generated 2D drawings, build advanced 3D models and perform various simulations and analyses. 

Since its initial release in the mid-1990s, SolidWorks has always only been available on the Windows platform. This means there is no dedicated desktop software for the macOS. However, you can open and use SolidWorks online product trial using your a browser on a macOS device. This solution allows you to remotely control a Windows computer remotely via Amazon Appstream. In this regard, while you can seamlessly operate the software using a macOS device, you are essentially operating a Windows computer. And as we have detailed below, this essentially means there are no dedicated macOS shortcuts .

SolidWorks 2022 Interface

What are SolidWorks Keyboard Shortcuts?

As we briefly mentioned, commands and shortcuts are codes (ranging from single letters to a couple of words or keys) that users type to produce a certain action. Using shortcuts saves a lot of time and effort because it means you don’t have to search for the specific function you need—they come to you!

Let’s say you’re in the middle of editing a model and you need to use the magnifying glass feature. Rather than scrolling through various menus to find it, simply type ‘G‘ and it will appear. Simple!

You’ll find all of the shortcuts and commands listed within the CommandManager, which is docked at the top of the screen if you’re using the default interface.

Do note that the shortcuts are based on the layout of Windows keyboards. This is because the SolidWorks desktop software is only available on the Windows platform. 

The SolidWorks Shortcut Bar

Unlike AutoCAD commands, SolidWorks shortcuts don’t necessarily have to go through a command line interface. Most can be executed simply by typing the correct key while the program is running. If you forget a certain combination or require more functions, however, you can search within the CommandManager or use the shortcut bar.

The Shortcut bar. Image source: The SolidWorks Blog

The latter is an extremely handy menu that provides quick access to some of the most useful commands. It’s context-sensitive, meaning different commands will appear depending on the type of work you’re producing. In other words, the software anticipates the type of tools you might require at that particular moment and provides a relevant menu. There are 4 options: part, assembly, drawing and sketch.

Funnily enough, you access the shortcut bar by using a shortcut! Simply type ‘S‘ and it should present itself.

SolidWorks Keyboard Shortcuts: The Essentials

Now that we’ve covered what shortcuts are, it’s time to start using them! Below we’ve listed a range of the most useful and common key combinations that will help with drawing, modelling, editing and more. Memorizing just a handful of these shortcuts will enable you to work in a more productive and efficient way.

Once you get adept as using commands and shortcuts, you can even customize your keyboard to gain quick access to the functions you most frequently use. Let’s not run before we can walk, though! We’ll just cover some of the basic (yet still rather extensive) default options for now…

Basic Actions/Shortcuts for SolidWorks

Let’s kick things off with some of the basic actions that people use on a daily basis, no matter their role within CAD. You’ll notice that some shortcuts are very similar (if not the same) as standard Windows shortcuts, which also work within SolidWorks. The following should become second nature for anyone who aims to be a SolidWorks pro.

Drawing, Sketching & Modelling Shortcuts for SolidWorks

Now let’s turn to functions required by those working on the creative side of things—whether it’s designing 3D models or producing technical drawings. If this is your forte, some of the shortcuts below are definitely worth learning.

Display & Editing Shortcuts for SolidWorks

Finally, a few keys and combinations that will come in handy when you need to tweak drawings, revamp old designs or play around with models that are still in the experimental stage. 

Changing Shortcuts in SolidWorks

How to Create Custom Shortcuts in SolidWorks

SolidWorks enables you to create custom shortcuts or change the default shortcuts. To customize the SolidWorks shortcuts or modify the default settings, follow the below steps:

1. Click the Tools tab on the quick-access toolbar
2. Select Customize on the resultant drop-down menu, which opens the Customize window
   
   

   Tools Dropdown Menu in SolidWorks

3. Click on the Keyboard tab on the Customize window
   This allows you to view all the SolidWorks commands. To narrow down the number, simply select the ‘Commands with Keyboard Shortcuts’ options on the field titled ‘Show.’
   
   

   Customize Window in SolidWorks

4. Double-click the cell containing the default shortcut you want to change.
   Next, hit the delete or backspace key on your keyboard to delete the default shortcut. Finally, press the key representing the letter, symbol, or special character you want to use as the new shortcut. The new letter, symbol, or character will automatically populate the cell.
5. Hit OK to make the changes permanent.

How to Change Custom SolidWorks Shortcuts Back to Default

Sometimes, the custom shortcuts may not work as well as you had initially envisioned. This may necessitate the need to reset the settings back to default. Use the procedure below to reset to factory defaults:

1. Click the Tools tab on the quick-access toolbar
2. Select Customize on the resultant drop-down menu, which opens the Customize window
3. Click on the Keyboard tab on the Customize window
4. Hit the ‘Reset to Defaults’ option and then click OK on the pop-up window that is displayed

Reset Shortcuts Pop-up Window

Conclusion

Hopefully you found at least a few of the listed shortcuts useful for your own work. Navigating the SolidWorks interface certainly seems less daunting when you have quick access to some of your favourite tools! If you are a beginner, however, the sheer number of shortcuts might seem overwhelming at first. Fortunately, and to ensure you have a reference whenever you are using SolidWorks, we have prepared a cheat sheet containing SolidWorks keyboard shortcuts to the regularly used commands.

To stay up to date with the latest CAD news and tips, be sure to check back in with the Scan2CAD blog!

Scan2CAD understands this confusion all too well, which is why we set out to make things easier for CAD enthusiasts and professionals. We’ve been putting together comparison guides for all the popular CAD software packages on the market—from AutoCAD vs DraftSight to CATIA vs SolidWorks. This time around, we’re delving into the often compared packages: Creo and SolidWorks.

Whilst both packages are popular in engineering and product design, there are very clear and distinct differences—both in what they offer and the type of users that are in need of the software. Keep on reading to get all the essential information you need to know.

What is Creo?

History

Creo was first released in 1987 as Pro/ENGINEER by the company PTC (Parametric Technology Corporation) It was one of the first major solid modelers to hit the CAD market. Whilst most other software at the time were primarily 2D, Pro/ENGINEER was based on solid geometry and parametric assemblies. It was a complete game changer for the industry, leading to the creation of groundbreaking solid modeling kernels like Parasolid and ACIS. These kernels would later be sold to major CAD vendors, the most notable of which was AutoCAD in 1990. It’s safe to say that the release of Pro/ENGINEER was one of the biggest milestones in the evolution of CAD.

At the time of its creation, Pro/ENGINEER ran only on UNIX workstations, until the commercialization of PCs in the 1990s. The solid modeler has undergone many changes since its inception. For starters, it changed its name to Wildfire in the early 2000s, then to Creo Elements/Pro in 2009, before eventually settling on Creo in 2011. More importantly, however, is the move from a single product to a suite of tools designed to deliver a range of specific CAD tasks.

Since its relaunch as Creo, the suite has seen four major upgrades—the latest of which is Creo 5.0. Creo offers its features in distinct design packages, each different in the capabilities on offer.

What it does

Creo is a family of CAD apps that supports product design for all kinds of manufacturers. Each app delivers a varied set of capabilities to suit specific purposes. For starters, there are apps for 3D CAD parametric modeling, 3D direct modeling, finite element analysis, technical illustrations and visualizations. The apps closest in competition include software such as CATIA, Siemens NX and SolidWorks are Creo Elements/Pro and Creo Parametric.

With Creo Parametric, users can create and develop complex surface geometry using a range of features—from sweeps to blends to offsets—and freestyle modeling capabilities. For users seeking more extensive capabilities, PTC offers extensions like Creo Interactive Surface Design Extension (ISDX) to give users further control over tangency and curvature. With Creo Simulate, users can cut down production time by running powerful simulations in a few mere clicks—from linear static structural analysis to modal structural analysis, everything’s right at your fingertips.

Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Creo suite has 10 apps that meet the needs of designers, engineers and manufacturers across a whole range of industries. And they’re constantly updating and improving to stay ahead of the game. The latest version of Creo, 5.0, has brought a variety of new features to the table, in order to enable users to “go from concept to manufacturing in one design environment”. The most important of these features include:

• Topology optimization. Saving time, this feature enables users to create optimized shapes directly on geometry in Creo. With it, it’s even possible to specify objectives and constraints. Creo can then automatically generate designs based on these user specifications.
• Tools for augmented design. PTC has now brought Vuforia technology into the fold with ThingWorx, enabling users to create AR experiences that can be used in marketing, to show off products to clients and even help guide engineers through the design and production processes.
• Additive manufacturing. With a new Creo Additive Manufacturing Plus Extension for Materialise, users can now print production-grade metal parts—including support structures—from Creo 5.0 through Materialise. You can also manage print drivers and direct print to most metal printers on the market.
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Creo has long offered innovative and market-leading finite element analysis tools. With 5.0, however, users can now simulate fluid flow issues and evaluate how liquids and gases flow past models. Even better, these tools are designed to be easy to use, no matter your experience.

Who uses it

The Creo suite is used in a huge range of industries across the world—PTC Creo Parametric, for example, is an industry-standard tool for many. Indeed, Creo offers some of the most robust 3D CAD product design and development solutions on the market. With its wide variety of applications, PTC enables some of the most innovative companies and industries around the world to develop better products in less time—the likes of which includes Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas and Retail & Consumer Products.

Let’s take a look at some of the companies designing with Creo…

• Boston Engineering. An engineering services firm, Boston Engineering makes use of PTC Creo Simulate to analyze models in one environment. They also take advantage of PTC Windchill to manage product data.
• iRobot. In case the name didn’t clue you in, iRobot is dedicated to designing and building some of the world’s most important robots. They make use of PTC Windmill to automate ECAD BOM Management, Document Management and Design Data Management—reducing overall design time.
• JinTECH. A global leader producing manufacturing equipment, they make use of PTC Creo to speed up the design of models that support rapid prototyping. By doing so, they reduce errors, not to mention cutting costs and speeding up time to market.
• Ubiquoss. A network speciality company, Ubiquoss makes use of PTC Creo’s 3D CAD capabilities—and integrated product data management—to quickly design large assemblies and verify them in order to reduce the need for prototyping. With Creo, they’ve been able to reduce product development time by 11%.

With the sheer volume of PTC Creo applications on offer—and their advanced capabilities—Creo is able to offer solutions for practically anyone in the design, engineering and manufacturing sectors.

What is SolidWorks?

If you’ve spent even a few months delving into the world of CAD, you’ll have undoubtedly come across one of the most popular CAD packages on the market: SolidWorks. The flagship product of industry expert Dassault Systèmes, SolidWorks’ history spans all the way back to 1993. Created by SolidWorks Corporation—and none other than Onshape co-founder Jon Hirschtick—SolidWorks’ inception started in 1993. It wasn’t until 1995, however, that it was first released. Whilst not, perhaps, as astronomical for the CAD industry as Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks was one of the first significant 3D modelers for Windows.

SolidWorks was clearly a game changer for the market, because Dassault decided to acquire it 2 years later for a staggering $310 million in stocks. Whilst it was a bold move, it more than paid off—it’s estimated that over 2 million people were using SolidWorks by 2013 alone. And it’s only increased in popularity and usage since.

Dassault weren’t content to simply rest on their laurels, however. Whilst SolidWorks might have begun as a simple solid modeler, it has since developed into a full CAD and CAE program. Recent updates brought about by the release of SolidWorks 2019 have increased assembly performance to enable designers to create larger assemblies, improved 3D mesh modelling and introduced the innovative extended reality (XR) feature. And who knows what else the future will bring!

What it does

Though you might be fooled into thinking that SolidWorks is a simple solid modeler—due to its name alone—you’d be very wrong. SolidWorks is a full CAD and CAE product that enables users to take simple ideas and turn them into complex models, parts and assemblies. And when we say complex, we do mean complex. The 2019 edition boasts of handling even larger assemblies—complete with a large design review mode to boot!

Armed with a suite of integrated tools that meets every area of product development and management, SolidWorks helps users speed up the development and production cycle—enabling users to streamline workflows and processes. With it, users can also take advantage of simulation, cost estimation, sustainable design and data management capabilities. As mentioned above, the latest edition, SolidWorks 2019, has brought much to the table. A small sample of these capabilities includes:

• 3D mesh modelling. Users can now automatically convert 2D textures into 3D geometry. Not to mention model in a single process and save time with the extra handy option of a bi-directional viewpoint.
• Updates to touch user interface. Users can now write dimensions straight onto designs during the sketch process—meaning users will no longer have to move between keyboard and touch screen.
• CAM improvements. SolidWorks 2019 brings about new settings for CAM users to speed up their design and production processes. An example includes the zigzag mode for high-speed machining—giving users the ability to remove material much faster.
• Smart manufacturing. Making model based definitions easier to find, SolidWorks enables one file to store all relevant data sets of a project. No matter what stage you’re at—from conception to simulation to production—one location will store all the information you need.

Now, there are currently three packages of SolidWorks on offer—starting from the most basic, moving up towards the most advanced. Your choice, of course, depends entirely on what kind of capabilities you’re in need of:

• SolidWorks Standard. It comes with part, assembly, and 2D drawing functionality, not to mention specialized tools for sheet metal, surfacing, design analysis and CAM.
• SolidWorks Professional. Beyond what’s offered with Standard, it includes ECAD/MCAD collaboration, automated cost estimation, collaboration tools, sophisticated components and photorealistic rendering.
• SolidWorks Premium. Building on Professional, it includes structural and motion analysis tools, advanced surface flattening, reverse engineering and cable and pipe routing functionality.

Who uses it

SolidWorks probably has one of the largest online user communities in the CAD market. Though it targets many of the same industries as Creo—including aerospace, automotive, construction and consumer services—it is much more accessible for newcomers and general CAD enthusiasts. In fact, whilst Creo is predominantly aimed at the more high-end CAD market, whilst SolidWorks is more at the mid-level scale. That’s not to say that SolidWorks is the poorer product. Indeed, Dassault sees its simplicity—both in user interface and its learning curve—as a major selling point. In most cases, users won’t need the complexity that Creo offers.

Indeed, many CAD beginners find SolidWorks has a pretty accessible user interface—one of the many reasons for which its user base is constantly expanding. Looking to join the fold? You’re in luck—we’ve got heaps of resources to help you on your journey to becoming a SolidWorks expert. You can start with learning SolidWorks basics in one hour and then move onto top tips and tricks for SolidWorks newbies.

Let’s take a look at some of the companies that use SolidWorks…

• ABCO Automation Inc. With SolidWorks’ PDM capabilities, ABCO have shortened design cycles by 30%, accelerated time-to-market by 20%, reduced development costs by 20% and cut scrap/network costs by 50%.
• BERCHTOLD Corporation. With SolidWorks, BERCHTOLD saw annual revenue grow 20-30%, improved quoting efficiency for custom designs by 75%, increased profit margins and reduced prototype costs by 50%.
• Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. With SolidWorks, Leatherman increased the number of annual new products by 100%, shortened development cycles by 33%, supported implementation of new manufacturing methodologies and achieved various product development goals.
• MooBella. With SolidWorks and its PDM capabilities, MooBella was able to shorten product design cycles by 33%, reduce product development costs by 50% and improve overall product quality and performance.

Creo vs SolidWorks

Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of both Creo and SolidWorks—covering histories, product descriptions and user communities—it’s time to look at the major differences between both products. To help you visualize the differences better, we’ve put together a table…

It’s pretty clear that SolidWorks is the winner if you’re looking for a product that is great for both CAD professionals and newcomers. With a pretty simple learning curve, it’s easy enough to get stuck into SolidWorks without much fuss. Of course, if you’re looking for a product that will offer you powerful solutions, greater complexity and a single design environment, Creo is a clear winner.

It doesn’t matter which product you choose in the end, however, as Scan2CAD can help you streamline your workflow no matter what. Whether you’re using old drawings in SolidWorks or Creo, Scan2CAD can convert your raster to DXF or DWG (for starters!).

Want to stay updated on all the latest CAD, CAM and CNC news and guides? Keep your eyes peeled on the Scan2CAD blog.

Scan2CAD is here to save the day! We’ve compiled a list of the top 13 websites that offer free 3D CAD model downloads, which you can use with free CAD software!

Table of Content

• Top 13 Sites with Free 3D CAD Model Downloads

1. 1. 1. Free3D
      2. GrabCAD
      3. CADblocksfree
      4. TurboSquid
      5. 3D CAD Browser
      6. CADnav
      7. Autodesk Online Gallery
      8. Sketchfab
      9. CGTrader
      10. Free 3D Base
      11. Syncronia
      12. AEC Data
      13. TraceParts

Top 13 Sites with Free 3D CAD Model Downloads

1. Free3D

File types supported by Free3D.com website include: .3ds, .c4d, .blend, .dae, .dds, .dwg, .dxf, .fbx, .lwo, .ma, .max, .mb, .mtl, .obj, .sldasm, .sldprt, .stl, .tg, .unity

We’re going to start off our list with Free3D. The site itself comes with a pretty sleek interface—with easy navigation and well-categorized subsections. So, what exactly is on offer? Free3D offers CAD enthusiasts and professionals the chance to get their hands on a whopping 16,786 models. One of the biggest advantages of the site is that it enables users to filter out models by their product of choice, including Blender, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Maya, and so on. 

With countless categories—from Architecture to Characters to Furniture—the site makes it incredibly easy to find what you’re looking for. It even allows you to filter out models by labels that include: Animated, Lowpoly, 3D Printable, and Rigged. Underneath the preview image for each model, you can see which file format it’s available in, e.g. .obj or .max. Once you select a model, you can look at specifications (like geometry and textures), product descriptions, and tags. If a model is available in more than one file format, you’ll have the option to pick from a list of file types. This is pretty handy if you find yourself modeling in more than one CAD software package. 

With Free3D, you can start downloading 3D models straight away—you don’t even need to register an account! The site also comes with premium 3D models, if you’re open to parting with a few dollars here and there.     

2. GrabCAD

GrabCAD.com website supports file types from Autodesk, BricsCAD, CATIA, DraftSight, KeyShot, Powermill, Rhino, and much more

The next site on our list is GrabCAD. You might already be familiar with GrabCAD, one of the largest communities for designers, engineers, and manufacturers. What you might not know, is that GrabCAD has its own library of 3D models. In fact, it boasts of having a community of 5,350,000 engineers and over 3,180,000 CAD files. Needless to say, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into!

With a straightforward interface, it’s easy enough to find your way around GrabCAD’s extensive library of Free 3D CAD Model Downloads. You can choose to search by category (Printing, Aerospace, Agricultural, Components) or even filter models by software (Alibre Design, Autodesk, CATIA, Lightwave). Once you click on a model that’s caught your eye, you’ll be able to look at different renderings of it and look at details ranging from the software used in its creation to its category and tags. 

There’s certainly enough on offer for even the pickiest of CAD users. If you are interested in the models here, however, you will need to create a GrabCAD account to start downloading. 

3. CADblocksfree

File types supported by CADblocksfree.com website include: .3ds, .dwg, .max, .rfa, .skp

CADblocksfree has already been featured on our blog before for its selection of free CAD blocks. This handy site also offers CAD hobbyists and professionals a library filled with 2D and 3D models. Disregarding its wide range of 2D drawings, CADblocksfree has over 3,500 3D models to sift through. The site is pretty basic, with simple navigation making it easy enough to find what you’re looking for. 

As with most of the sites on our list, CADblocksfree splits its models into categories. These categories range from Animals to Electrical to Sports and Leisure. When you look at the grid of models, you’ll be able to see a small logo in the bottom-right corner of each preview image—telling you which software the model is compatible with, e.g. SketchUp or AutoCAD. For those not too familiar with CAD software logos, there’s a line of text that also mentions the software name. 

The best part about this site is that it doesn’t require you to register an account. It’s as simple as clicking free download. If you enjoy creating models, you might be interested in uploading your models to the site—you could turn a tidy profit!

4. TurboSquid

TurboSquid.com website supports the following file types: .3ds, .c4d, .blend, .dae, .fbx, .lwo, .lws, .lxo, .ma, .max, .mb, .obj, .stl, .uasset, .unity, .upk

If you’re looking for a site that will spoil you for choice, you can’t go wrong with TurboSquid. With an ultra-modern site—complete with handy categorizations and filter options—TurboSquid has 19,238 Free 3D CAD Model Downloads on offer. If you’re not bothered about paying for 3D models once, in a while, TurboSquid also offers premium 3D models—coming together at over 700,000!

To start your journey, it’s as simple as heading to the Free 3D Models page. Using the list at the top, you can make your way through the many categories—from Anatomy to Interior Design to Technology. As with other sites, TurboSquid gives you the option of searching for models using products, e.g. 3ds Max, Maya, and Cinema4D. Additionally, you can use filters like Poly-count, Rigged, and Real-time. By simply hovering over a model, you can look at a larger preview—you’ll also be able to see which file formats the model’s available in. Once you click on a model, you can scroll through different views, read a full product description and see related products on the carousel at the bottom.

If you want to start your downloading journey at TurboSquid, you’ll have to register an account. Once you’ve done so, the world’s your oyster!

5. 3D CAD Browser

3DCADBrowser.com website supports the following file types: .3ds, .asc, .asm, .c4d, .blend, .dae, .dds, .dwg, .dxf, .fbx, .iam, .iges, .ipt, .lwo, .ma, .max, .mb, .mtl, .obj, .prt, .sldasm, .sldprt, .step, .stl, and much more

Our next choice is 3D CAD Browser—a site offering purely free 3D CAD models. The site itself is very basic in design—nowhere near as sleek as other sites on our list—yet it does boast of supporting a wide range of file types. This is handy if you like to flit between different CAD products. 3D CAD Browser has 500 models on offer—it might not seem like much in comparison to other sites, but it’s still pretty decent.

As you’d expect, you can browse through the models on offer by selecting one of the categories listed in the bar at the top of the page—from Vehicles to Industrial to Nature. Each category comes with its own sub-category, enabling you to refine your search further, e.g. Architecture > Buildings > Apartments/Hotels. When you select a model, you can view it from varying perspectives and look at information like the number of polygons and materials. You’ll also be able to look at a list that details which file formats the model is available in. If you’re not won over by the model, you can scroll further down to look at similar 3D models.

3D CAD Browser comes with a slightly different subscription service. If you want to download models for free, you need to register an account and upload your own models—for every download (from other users) of your uploaded model, you can download a free model. If you’re not interested in uploading your own models, you’ll have to opt for one of the paid subscriptions.

6. CADnav

CADnav.com website supports the following file types: .3dm, .3ds, .c4d, .blend, .dae, .dds, .dwg, .dxf, .fbx, .lwo, .lws, .ma, .mb, .ms3d, .mtl, .obj, .skp, .sldasm, .sldprt, .stl and much more

Next on our list is CADnav. While relatively basic in design, the site makes up for it with its easy navigation. And that’s not all! The site doesn’t just offer 3D models to CAD enthusiasts, it also offers textures, Vray materials, and additional tools. With over 4,000 3D models to choose from, there’s enough here to keep most CAD users busy.

You can wade your way through the many models on offer by using the categories listed under 3D Models at the top of the page or to the right—including Road Elements, Game Development, and Light Fixture. As with some of the other sites on this list, CADnav also gives users the option to filter by product/format, e.g. Cinema 4D (.c4d). When you select a category, you can look at its most popular models, e.g. Furniture > Two Seat Leather Chesterfield Sofa. Once you pick out a model, you can scroll through different views, read a description and check out other related 3D models.

CADnav keeps things very simple—you don’t have to register an account to start downloading. All you’ve got to do is click download and agree to the T&Cs.

7. Autodesk Online Gallery

File types supported by Autodesk Online Gallery include: .3ds, .dwg, .dxf, .f3d, .f3z, .fbx, .max, .obj, .step, .stl, .stp and much more

Unsurprisingly, CAD giant Autodesk has something to offer CAD enthusiasts and professionals in the way of free 3D models. The Autodesk Online Gallery is a place for the Autodesk user community to come together and share their 3D models. Users have the option to share their models as simple renderings—for others to look at and comment on—or actual downloads for users to do with as they wish. With over 18,323 Free 3D CAD Model Downloads, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found!

The Gallery has a wide selection of filters to use to further refine your search. You can filter by industry (AEC, Media & Entertainment, Civil Infrastructure), Categories (Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Electronics) and Used Products (Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Inventor). And you’re not just limited to 3D models—you can look through 3D Multimedia, Stereo Panorama, and even YouTube. After selecting a model, you can flick through different views and videos, look at details like what product was used, and even see comments left by other users. When you click download, you’ll be able to choose from a list of file type options.

To start your journey, you have to register an account with Autodesk. Given how many models are on offer, and how extensive Autodesk’s community is, it’s not exactly a big ask. If you like creating your own models, it’s also a handy way of receiving proper critique from your peers.

8. Sketchfab

Sketchfab.com website supports the following file types: .blend, .dae, .fbx, . gltf, .obj, .stl and much more

Sketchfab is the next top resource for 3D models on our list. With an ultra-modern and interactive site design, it’s easy to see how the site managed to build up such a large community of creators. Sketchfab offers a wide assortment of both free and premium 3D models. The benefit to having such a large user base is that the list of 3D models on offer is constantly growing—you can even add to it by uploading your own models!

To start, you’ll have to head to Explore and select Downloadable in order to look through the free models on offer. With a long list of categories—ranging from Art & Abstract to Cultural Heritage & History to People—you can quickly find what you’re looking for. You can further refine your search by using filters like Features (Downloadable, Animated, Staff Picks), Date, and Safety. If you hover over a model, you can rotate it by using your mouse. Once you click on it, you can get a better look with interactive models that enable you to see from all angles. If you like what you see, you can even share or embed models with your friends or colleagues.

To get started with downloading models from Sketchfab, you’ll have to create an account. Once you’ve done so, you can take advantage of the countless models on offer and even sell your own 3D models!

9. CGTrader

CGTrader.com supports the following file types: .3ds, .c4d, .blend, .dae, .fbx, .flt, .lwo, .ma, ,.max, .mb, .mxs, .obj, .stl, .wrl and much more

Next on the list is CGTrader—a sleek site offering a huge range of professional 3D models for a variety of design projects like VR, AR, architecture, and animation. As with others on our list, the site offers both free and paid models. Altogether, you’re looking at a staggering 730,000 3D models! You can take advantage of general 3D models, or refine your search by 3D Printing, PBR, VR, Scanned 3D Models, and so on.

CGTrader has a slightly odd quirk—even after selecting ‘Free’ models, you’ll still see Premium models on the list. Fortunately, prices are very clearly signposted, so there’s no chance of you accidentally clicking on a model that comes with a price tag. With a variety of categories—including Aircraft, Exterior, Character, and so on—you can quickly refine your search. It’s also possible to specify file formats you’d prefer, poly-count and license. If you hover over a model, you can get a quick preview of what’s on offer. Once you select one, you can scroll through different images and videos, read product descriptions and look at other similar 3D models at the bottom.

To get started on CGTrader, you’ll have to register an account. If you enjoy interacting with other CAD users and designers, it’s not a bad deal.

10. Free 3D Base

File types supported by Free 3D Base include: .3ds, .dwg, .dxf, .obj

Free 3D Base is next on our list, a site offering professional 3D models to architects, graphic artists, and designers. Basic in design, the site’s offering of 1,825 models might seem insubstantial compared to other sites on our list, but there’s still plenty to trawl through. And with it being free, you’ve not exactly got anything to lose in trying it out.

Things are kept pretty simple with Free 3D Base. You can search directly for a product name or choose a specific manufacturer. Alternatively, you can make use of the category list on the right-clicking on one that will lead you to further sub-categories, e.g Furniture > Living Room Furniture > Chairs and Stools. If you’re just browsing, you can check out the latest featured models on the carousel at the top of the page. Hovering your mouse over a model will give you a better preview. When you click, you’ll get to see information ranging from dimensions to format to the manufacturer. A fun feature is the inclusion of manufacturer websites, so you can get a look at the model in real life.

Whilst there’s not as much on offer here at Free 3D Base, the site makes up for it by allowing users to download without having to register an account. In fact, as soon as you click download, you’ll get a zip folder containing your model in varying file formats.

11. Syncronia

Syncronia.com website supports the following file types: .3ds, .dwg, .fbx, .jpeg, .jpg, .mat, .max, .obj, .rfa, .rvt

The next site on our list is on a completely different scale from the other featured websites. Syncronia is a resource that specifically caters to professionals in AEC and design. The site offers a range of 3D models, BIM objects, catalogs, and libraries—listing them by the supplier, manufacturer, and specifications. While it can take a few minutes to get to grips with the site, it’s incredibly handy for those who work in architecture or interior design.

To start, you can select 3D Models from File Type—other options on this list include BIM Objects, 3D Textures, and Catalogues. You can then refine your search by specifying a product category (Appliances, Bar Furniture, Ceiling Lamps), the manufacturer (Alessi, B&B Italia, ITLAS), and file format. The category list is incredibly detailed and precise, including further sub-categories to make your search easier, e.g. Furniture > Sofa and Armchairs > Pouf. The models listed will each come with a preview image and a logo in the bottom-right telling you which manufacturer it belongs to. Once you select one, you’ll be able to read a product description, get specifications and even see who the designers are.

If you’re looking to take your designs to the next level, Syncronia could be your next port of call. To get started, however, you’ll have to register an account. With all that’s on offer—models, catalogs, specifications—it’s definitely worth it!

12. AEC Data

AEC Data supports the following file types: .3ds, .aco, .dwg, .dxf, .gsm, .ifc, .max .o2c, .obj, .skp, .rfa, .wrl and much more

The penultimate site on our list is rather specialist, resting in the same vein as Syncronia. AEC-DATA targets architects, planners, and interior designers with a range of 3D models—connecting them to suppliers, manufacturers, and design contractors. AEC-DATA has 35,232 3D models on offer—in a wide range of file type formats—all absolutely free!

You can refine your search by using AEC-DATA’s many categories or filter options. If you’re working with a specific CAD product, you can look for models by file type, e.g. DWG 3D, SKP, and MAX. You can also search by specific brand (Eden CZ, Novatronic, Ravak) or by application (Bathroom Facilities, Office Equipment, Home Furniture). When you see something you like, it’s as simple as clicking. You’ll then be able to look at the information that includes 3D model type, dimensions, IFC parameters, and much more. There will be a table listing the many file type options on offer, not to mention texture downloads underneath.

One of the biggest selling points of AEC-DATA is that you don’t have to even register an account to start downloading models—you just need to click download and off you go!

13. TraceParts

TraceParts.com website supports the following file types: .dwg, .dxf, .iges,.jt, .sat, .step, .stl, .vrml and much more

Our last choice on our free 3D CAD models lists shares similarities with both Syncronia and AEC-DATA. TraceParts, as the name suggests, is a design library that enables designers, CAD professionals, and engineers to essentially trace parts. The site offers hundreds of supplier catalogs, over 100 million CAD models—3D and 2D—and product datasheets to aid in design, manufacturing, and maintenance processes. As with Syncronia, it can take a bit of trial and error to get used to finding your way around, but it’s definitely worth it!

How you start your search is entirely up to you. You can opt for searching through the 690 manufacturer catalogs on offer. Alternatively, you can search for the parts you need by sector, e.g. Mechanical Components, Manufacturing Engineering or Civil Engineering. Once you select a sector, you can look at sub-classifications and refine by supplier, standards organization, or standards. If a part catches your eye, click on it and you’ll get to see 3D renders, manufacturer names, and part numbers. If you scroll down, you’ll even be able to specify aspects like load capacity and weight. And with a list of chosen software packages to choose from—including SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD—you can be sure your model will be compatible with what you’re working with.

To get started with TraceParts, you’ll need to create an account. With the sheer number of models and parts on offer, it’s worth checking out.

Want to get your hands on even more CAD freebies? Look no further! Scan2CAD releases its own packs of free cut-ready DXF downloads every week. And to make sure you’re first in line for the latest CAD freebies and tips, keep an eye on our blog!

Featured image source: Ford GT 3D model

And the winner is…

Each October sees the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award the Stirling Prize, one of the U.K.’s premier architecture awards. This year’s diverse shortlist included the new Tate St Ives art gallery, student accommodation in London and even a cemetery. In the end, though, it was the Bloomberg Building in London which took home the prize for firm Foster + Partners.

The winning studio have tasted Stirling Prize victory before, having previously won for the Imperial War Museum Duxford and 30 St Mary Axe—more commonly known as The Gherkin. In awarding them the prize once more, the judges described the building as a “once-in-a-generation project which has pushed the boundaries of research and innovation in architecture”. High praise indeed. To see it for yourself, just check out the video above.

‘Greenest ever’ MacBook Air unveiled

Apple’s MacBook series of laptops have long been a favorite of the design community. That’s why our interest was piqued by rumors which suggested the company would announce a major update to the models in an October 30 event in Brooklyn.

It didn’t disappoint. During the event, Apple CEO Tim Cook showed off a revamped MacBook Air. The first major update since 2015 saw the model adopting features its bigger brothers have already pioneered: a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, a new keyboard, and a Force Touch trackpad. More importantly, the model looks and feels different, with a Retina Display screen and body made from 100% recycled aluminum. It’s this latter update that has seen the model dubbed the “greenest ever”.

Though it’s the MacBook Air that grabbed most of the column inches, other Apple products also saw substantive changes. USB-C replaces Lightning ports in new iPad Pro models, while an updated Mac mini offers new Intel processors and a greater number of Thunderbolt ports. Visit Apple to see what’s different.

A deep dive into London’s eyewear history

If you’re a spectacle-wearer, you’ll likely face a choice between metal and plastic frames when buying a new pair. The debris accumulated at the bottom of the Thames is, it’s safe to say, a less popular option. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what London-based glasses makers Cubitts have used to create a bespoke pair of glasses titled ‘A Frame for London’.

The choice of medium may be a little outré, but, as Cubitts founder Tom Broughton notes, there’s a reason for it. “The oldest pair of spectacles ever found in London dates back to 1430”, he explains—and they were discovered in Thames mud.

Inspired by the find, Cubitts set out to do some dredging of their own. In the course of their ‘mudlarking’, the company came across items as diverse as a boar’s tusk and Victorian marble. Satisfied with what they uncovered, they used the materials to create a unique frame representative of the capital’s history.

You can see how the finished pair came together in the video above. The result is more aesthetically-pleasing than you might think—though don’t expect to see them hit shelves near you any time soon.

“You’ll see fireworks!”: SolidWorks CEO promises 3DEXPERIENCE “eruption”

If you thought the release of SolidWorks 2019 was all Dassault Systèmes had to offer, you may have another think coming. That’s because SolidWorks head Gian Paolo Bassi, in an interview with engineering.com, claimed that “a major breakthrough is coming” with regards to the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

In perhaps some of the most colorful language ever used in a CAD interview, Bassi claimed that:

The volcano of 3DEXPERIENCE for SolidWorks has been boiling for some time now, and I feel like an eruption is imminent. You’ll see fireworks!

There certainly is a lot to get excited about over at Dassault, with the new release of SolidWorks incorporating exciting AR/VR features and improved performance when dealing with large and complex assemblies.

What’s really firing up Bassi, however, is the sense that we’re approaching a point where small and medium companies alike start adopting PLM en masse. There’s also 3DEXPERIENCE PLM Collaboration Services, which integrates Dassault software into the platform without requiring additional infrastructure or client software.

All of this feeds into a change from ‘CAD as a commodity’ to an era where CAD exists interdependently with modern PLM and PIP software. To read the full, illuminating interview, head to Engineering.com.

A different type of model on the catwalk

Any architecture student will be more than familiar with the blue styrofoam used to create models. In fact, given the field’s demanding workload, you might be a little too familiar with it. In a mid-all-nighter-near-breakdown moment, you might even have been tempted to scream out in frustration and smash your head down into your half-finished model. This, we can only assume, was the starting point for Siba Sahabi’s Persona collection, which seemingly turns architectural models into masks.

We must note here that, while the masks she’s created look like the blue foam we know and (sort of) love, they’re actually made from balsa wood, another favored material of the architectural community. Each part is cut using a CNC machine, before being assembled in stepped layers to form intriguing designs.

In creating the collection, Sahabi aimed to examine what she calls the ‘era of the face’. Persona, she describes, is “the social face the individual presented to the world”. The masks also take their cues from the ‘curated reality’ of social media, with some revealing very little of the wearer’s real face.

To find out more about this collection, and the artist herself, visit Siba Sahabi’s website.

As soon as you start exploring the changes, it becomes clear that the SolidWorks team has really listened to customer feedback on previous iterations of the software. Increased productivity and a more user-friendly interface seems to be the aim of the game here. Tweaks to existing features allow for fewer steps in the work process and an efficient and enjoyable modeling experience.

So, whether you’re a designer, manufacturer or machinist—SolidWorks 2019 has something new that will enhance your performance. Let’s delve into a few of the highlights…

Table of contents 

• General performance improvements
• For design
  • 3D mesh modelling
  • Updates to the touch user interface
  • Tool enhancements
  • Extended reality (XR)
• For manufacturing
  • CAM improvements
  • Access for machinists
  • Smart manufacturing
• The verdict

General performance improvements

From the off you’ll notice that with SolidWorks 2019, the software developers have acknowledged that, these days more than ever, time is of the essence.

How does this show itself in practical terms? Well, for starters, the installation manager downloads far more quickly and across the board you’ll see improved functionality. The newest version of SolidWorks supports the latest graphics cards, so frame rates are increased for a better viewing experience. Head over to the recent documents section and you’ll find that you now have quick access to your last 100 pieces of work—a big increase on that shown by previous SolidWorks editions. 

General improvements also mean that assembly performance is significantly faster. You can now quickly design large and complex assemblies and edit them with ease using the Large Design Review Mode. The process is a lot speedier and you still have access to all of the capabilities you would expect from SolidWorks’ design reviews.

For design

Explore different textures for your 3D designs in just a few clicks. Image source: SolidWorks Blog

When it comes to the design features in SolidWorks 2019, the scope of what you are actually able to model hasn’t seen any drastic changes, but improvements to a number of tools means you can achieve incredible results in far fewer steps. Lots of processes have been simplified and it’s a major time saver! Let’s explore a few of the key updates.

3D mesh modelling

With SolidWorks 2019 you can now automatically convert 2D textures into 3D geometry. Plus, new texturing tools allow you to create 3D mesh models and experiment with different designs in just a few clicks. 

The design process is significantly enhanced by the fact that multiple profiles can now be projected onto multiple surfaces, whereas in previous versions you could only project in one direction onto a single surface body. This meant that one section of a design could end up requiring multiple sketches and projected curves. You can now do everything in a single process and you have the option of a bi-directional viewpoint. Think how much time you’ll be saving!

Updates to the touch user interface

SolidWorks 2019 can save handwritten notes and 3D mark-ups on models. Image source: Fisher Unitech

Those who spend a lot of time using the touch screen will be pleased to hear that the capabilities of the sketch recognition feature have widened considerably. It can now pick up common shapes used by engineers and designers like splines and slots.

Perhaps even more impressively, it is able to recognize handwriting. You’ll be able to write dimensions straight onto your designs during the sketch process, rather than having to switch over to the dimension tool to type in a number. These updates should save a lot of time that would previously have been spent going back and forth from keyboard to touch screen.

The gesture recognition feature has also been trained to understand copy, select and drag. So, when working on 3D models, you can tap and grab things within designs and shift them around in what is a more natural feeling movement.

Collaboration on projects is now much easier thanks to the 3D mark-up tool. Touch screen or pen users can now make annotations directly onto 3D models and these mark-up files will remain with the relevant model. So, no more taking screenshots and discussing potential problems in a separate file—you can now directly communicate with collaborators all in one place.

Tool enhancements

You may be familiar with the tab and slot tools that were introduced in SolidWorks 2018—they’ve also experienced a revamp for the 2019 software. Corner options have been increased to include styles like dog-bone and rounded and you can group tab and slot features within a project so that all selected features can be made uniform and modified as a group, rather than individually. This comes in handy when working on jobs like creating patterns for laser-cutters.

There are also brand new tools to experiment with, including partial fillet and partial chamfer options. This allows for far more precision when editing designs and includes interference detection for multi-body parts, so you can make the necessary changes (in terms of engineering requirements) as you go along.

Extended reality (XR)

One of the most exciting features to come out of this software update has to be the introduction of the extended reality (XR) feature. The creators refer to it as a kind of ‘mixed reality’—a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality. In practical terms, it allows investors and consumers to experience and explore CAD models in the most realistic way possible. Enhancing your designs with this format couldn’t be easier, either—simply select File→ Save → Extended reality. Find out more about this feature in the video below:

For manufacturing

CAM improvements

The CAM side of SolidWorks 2019 is where you really start to see how this software can streamline work processes. Take, for instance, tolerance-based machining for turn parts. Once MBD (model based definition) data like dimensions have been applied to tool paths they link up with SolidWorks Inspection and any changes or improvements will be automatically updated to the same central data set. This means that the profile for machine parts should be correct from the very beginning. In other words, manufacturers will automatically be using the dimensions that the engineers and designers had in mind.  

Tolerance-based machining in SolidWorks CAM 2019. Image source: SolidWorks Blog

There are also new settings for CAM-users to enjoy, which should speed up their tasks considerably. For example, the new zigzag mode for high-speed machining means you can remove material much faster when cutting a particularly long part. There’s also support for tapered shanks, increased parameters and the ability to create machine-specific strategies that will automatically become default when you are the user.

It’s worth noting that CAD subscribers with SolidWorks also get SolidWorks CAM Standard thrown in for free.

Access for machinists

Machinists don’t need to feel left out, either. In SolidWorks 2019, Machinist Standard provides access to part files or customer files (depending on which their particular job may require) so that machinists can do programming on a part and take advantage of the modeling capabilities of SolidWorks. Enjoy the best tools and features without having to fork out for the professional version!

Smart manufacturing

The fact that one file from the start to finish of a project stores all relevant data sets enables what has become known as ‘smart manufacturing’. From concept, to simulation, to inspection, one location contains all of the information any collaborators along the way may need. Model based definitions are easy to find and so it’s easy to pinpoint the source of any issues, should they arise. 

SolidWorks 2019 further enhances this process by facilitating the integration of a range of SolidWorks features. These include:

• SolidWorks Sell, which allows users to add their designs to a cloud-based configurator, share concepts across multiple devices and use AR to show how they would perform in their intended environment.
• Improvements to SolidWorks Inspection, including a new grid layout and changes to the bill of characteristics.
• Communication tool SolidWorks Composer, through which designers and manufacturers can share technical information with stakeholders and/or consumers.

The verdict

The improved functionality, optimized workflows and enhanced performance offered by SolidWorks 2019 all contributes to an outstanding user experience. For more information on new features and the chance to really get into the nitty gritty of what’s changed, check out the full SolidWorks solution portfolio.

If you’re a regular of the Scan2CAD blog, you’ll know that we like to make things nice and easy for people to follow. That’s why we’ve compiled comparisons in the past for AutoCAD and DraftSight, CATIA and SolidWorks, and AutoCAD and SolidWorks. By doing so, we can help CAD enthusiasts and beginners figure out what the real similarities and differences are between popular software packages. 

In this guide, we’ll be examining Dassault Systèmes’ market-leading product, SolidWorks, against Autodesk’s Inventor. We’ll delve into their histories, software features and lay out the key differences between the two packages.

What is SolidWorks?

History of SolidWorks

If you’re a CAD enthusiast and haven’t heard of SolidWorks, you must have been living under a rock. Known as the flagship product of Dassault Systèmes, SolidWorks’ creation actually started life outside of Dassault. It was created by SolidWorks Corporation, who had been working on it since 1993, and was finally released as the first significant 3D modeler for Windows in 1995. It ended up being a huge milestone in the evolution of CAD. And the minds behind it? A team of engineers led by Jon Hirschtick. Recognize the name? That’s because he later went on to co-found cloud-based CAD software Onshape. 

After a mere 2 years, SolidWorks was acquired by Dassault Systèmes for an eye-watering $310 million in stocks. Needless to say, it was a smart move on Dassault’s end. Whilst they already had specialist software CATIA up their sleeve, SolidWorks marked the beginning of Dassault’s dominance in the CAD industry. It’s estimated that, by 2013, over 2 million engineers and designers were using SolidWorks. And it’s only increased in recent years. 

Whilst SolidWorks started out solely as a solid modeling software, it has since grown into a full CAD and CAE program. Catering fully to the needs of engineers and designers, Dassault incorporated simulation capabilities in 2001. These were later developed to include aspects like Finite Element Analysis. In the past, SolidWorks 2018 and 2019 brought about the integration of CAM tools, the ability to make use of touch screen devices in the design process and the incorporation of AR/VR applications to virtually explore models.

And now, SolidWorks 2023, the latest version has added automation, enabling users to produce more precise drawings (create drawings that represent designs more accurately), build and modify complex structures, and better communicate sheet metal designs. Other improvements include more automated assembly management, faster assembly workflows, multi-body modeling improvements and the extensive use of coordinate systems, and more.  

What SolidWorks Does

As the name suggests, SolidWorks is a solid modeling program. Using a parametric feature-based approach, SolidWorks enables users to create models, parts and assemblies. Models in the software typically begin as a 2D sketch before the parts are extruded into 3D using a variety of SolidWorks tools.

It doesn’t matter how large the assemblies are—SolidWorks can work with them comfortably. In fact, the latest updates in SolidWorks 2023 now enable users to work with even larger assemblies, thanks to automated assembly management tools. It also enables users to save the large assemblies much more faster than before. Let’s put this into perspective for you: these large assemblies can consist of millions of components! With the software’s powerful modeling features, users can shorten product development times, speedup downstream processes, ensure design integrity of all the components thus improving quality across the board, and  improve productivity.

Of course, no matter how great the modeling capabilities are, a real CAD package is determined by its simulation tools. With that in mind, SolidWorks has a wide selection of simulation tools on offer to enable users to throw real-world conditions at their models and products. Example tools include topology optimization to provide stress and frequency constraints when optimizing parts, the ability to test for static linear, time-based motion and high-cycle fatigue, and features to assess endurance under static, thermal and buckling conditions. With SolidWorks Sustainability, users can even measure the environmental impacts of designs, including the effects of materials, assembly and disposal.

And that’s not all that SolidWorks can do! The latest updates to SolidWorks have introduced capabilities that enable users to select custom colors from any website or interface, make large design reviews, visualize and validate assemblies. The software also boasts improved 3D texture tool, better open times for large assemblies (it can open large assemblies that comprise more than 2,000 parts in less than 25 seconds, for instance), and better user experience. (You can watch this video for more on the improvements made between 2019 and 2023.)

SolidWorks also embraced the future of CAD, giving users the option to export directly to AR/VR applications in order to interact with CAD models fully immersive, virtual environment. This capability is based on the fact that the software supports collaboration with eDrawings, a 2D and 3D design communication tool that delivers a robust offering of collaborative toolsets, including AR and VR design reviews. Other tools include Product Data Management solutions—improving the way teams manage and collaborate on product development—and innovative visualization capabilities.

Who Uses SolidWorks

It’s safe to say that SolidWorks boasts of one of the biggest user communities in the CAD industry. This comes as no real surprise, given the sheer number of tools and capabilities that this software suite boasts. And it’s showing no signs of stopping anytime soon, with new users joining daily. Looking to join the fold? It’s easy enough—just catch up on our guide to learning the SolidWorks basics in one hour.

SolidWorks has a place in any industry looking for solutions to engineering problems. In fact, it’s been a presence in almost every field related to 3D technology, including both the public and private spheres. The British Ministry of Defense, for example, have used SolidWorks in the past to design strategic defense equipment, arms, vehicles and vessels. Additional industries include research and education, making use of SolidWorks to access the latest in engineering technology and gain skills needed by those in engineering industries.

Whether it’s aerospace and defense, electronics or packaging machinery, SolidWorks comes with a range of industry-specific tools and capabilities to meet various needs, including:

• 2D and 3D CAD: create and markup DWG CAD drawings, and create 3D designs and products
• CAM: integrate design and manufacturing in a single application
• Collaboration: engage with your team, management and customers throughout the product development process using integrated tools
• Electrical design: simplify the design process with specific tools for engineers working with electrical system design
• PDM: quickly manage data files and documentation to increase productivity and improve product quality
• Simulation: providing users with a range of analysis tools to predict a product’s real-world behavior
• Visualization: turn models into full, photo-quality images, animations and interactive AR/VR content

What is Autodesk Inventor?

History of Autodesk Inventor

Whilst not, perhaps, seen as Autodesk’s flagship product—a title that undoubtedly goes to the ever-popular AutoCAD—Autodesk Inventor is a frontrunner for those in the mechanical engineering industry. The product was first released to the public in 1999. Before it came into being, however, Autodesk had its own 3D parametric tool called Designer, later evolving into a mechanical desktop design tool. Despite its capabilities, it didn’t even come close to SolidWorks—many Autodesk employees, including Jay Tedeschi, urged Autodesk to purchase the groundbreaking software. Just imagine what the CAD industry would have looked like then! Instead, Autodesk looked towards creating a competitor in the form of Autodesk Inventor.

According to Tedeschi, Inventor was one of the first design tools to implement a ‘unique methodology for making geometric edits’. It would load complex assemblies in next to no time at all by segmenting the graphical data from the model data. In short, it enabled the graphics of the part to load separately, away from the ‘clunkier’ material and geometric data. It’s safe to say, these features were “revolutionary to the engineering workflow’.

In no time at all, Autodesk Inventor slowly began to catch up to its main competitor: Dassault’s SolidWorks. In fact, it still stands as such today.

What Autodesk Inventor Does

Autodesk Inventor is a 2D and 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization and documentation software package. Similarly to SolidWorks, Inventor focuses on parametric modeling—enabling users to create solid models and sheet metal components—making use of Autodesk’s proprietary geometric modeling kernel, ShapeManager. Beyond parametric modeling options, Inventor also provides direct edit and freeform modeling tools.

As with SolidWorks, Inventor enables users to work with larger assemblies—taking advantage of the software’s intuitive design environment to develop initial concept sketches and kinematic models of parts and assemblies. With time being of the essence for any mechanical engineer, Inventor speeds up design processes by automating aspects like the advanced geometry creation of intelligent parts, e.g., steel frames, rotating machinery and wire harnesses.

Like any CAD software worth its salt, Autodesk Inventor comes armed with a wide range of simulation tools to help engineers create the perfect product and minimize manufacturing costs. Additionally, its capabilities include part and assembly-level motion simulation and stress analysis functionality. Users can simulate stress, deflection and motion to test their designs and models in real-world conditions before they’re even produced.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg for Autodesk Inventor. Users can improve design workflows by making use of additional design tools, such as add-ins like sheet metal, injection molds, chains and frame design. And, with features like shared view collaboration, anyone can review and comment on shared models in Autodesk viewer.

Who Uses Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk has a wide range of software packages on offer—AutoCAD is easily its most popular flagship product, with thousands of users using it worldwide. Despite its wide capabilities, however, AutoCAD falls short when it comes to aspects like mechanical engineering. That’s where Autodesk Inventor comes in. Offering more specialized, mechanical toolsets, Inventor bridges the gap between design, engineering and manufacturing.

Autodesk Inventor is used in mechanical engineering, tool making, sheet metal processing, plant construction, and a whole lot more. Almost any industry that designs and manufactures mechanical or electrical products uses Inventor. As a product that can control design, prototype and manufacturing costs, it’s easy to see why. Let’s take DIS-TRAN, for example. This company provides steel and equipment for constructing high-voltage, open-air substations. With Inventor, they can shorten lead times in engineering and design by 20%!

As with any other product from CAD giant Autodesk, Inventor comes with a vast range of specialized tools and features to take product design to the next level:

• Product design: create 3D objects using parametric modeling and put models together in fewer steps with assembly modeling
• Collaboration and design automation: collaboration is made simple with shared view and automated frame design enables users to design and test structures quickly
• Modeling: includes flexible, direct, freeform and parametric modeling—allowing users to design complex products that conform to company standards
• Interoperability: design can be shared in the cloud, data management is made simple with Autodesk’s Vault
• Simulation: models can be tested in real-world conditions with stress analysis and dynamic simulation
• Visualization: see how products and models look in real-world scenarios with visualization and rendering tools

SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

So, we’ve summed up both products—looking at histories, product descriptions and users—but when it comes to SolidWorks vs Inventor, which comes out on top? We’ve broken down the main features and differences between both products in the sections below:

General Features and Differences: SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

In recent years, the gap between SolidWorks and Inventor has narrowed to the point in which there aren’t that many differences between the two. In most cases, it’s completely down to personal preference. SolidWorks is an industry-standard choice, offering specialist software with an easier learning curve. Autodesk Inventor, by comparison, offers architectural capabilities and student licensing.

Pricing: SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

From the table above, it is clear that SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor use different pricing strategies. SolidWorks is available on both a perpetual license as well as an annual subscription model, while Autodesk Inventor’s pricing is based on a subscription model wherein users have to pay a fee every month, year, or after three years. The annual subscription prices are summarized in the table below:

Based on the pricing comparison table above, SolidWorks is cheaper than Autodesk Inventor. SolidWorks annual subscription stands at $1,995.00 compared to Inventor’s $2,300.00. At the same time, the lifetime cost of SolidWorks (based on the prices of the perpetual licenses) is much lower than the lifetime cost of Inventor’s subscription licenses. SolidWorks pricing for its perpetual licenses is as follows:

• SolidWorks 3D CAD Standard – $4,195.00
• SolidWorks 3D CAD Professional – $5,765.00
• SolidWorks 3D CAD Premium – $8,395.00

Collaboration: SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

Both SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor feature dedicated tools for collaboration. For example, SolidWorks offers the eDrawings tool that enables CAD professionals to collaborate, communicate, and share designs with precision and accuracy. This tool supports AR and VR design reviews as well as interactions with customers. In addition, designers, engineers, and manufacturers can publish and email compact eDrawings files rather than CAD files. (eDrawings files reduce the bandwidth requirements by over 95%.) These capabilities help accelerate the design and manufacturing process.

In addition, the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE SolidWorks Platform brings designers, suppliers, and clients together. It facilitates real-time collaboration, cloud-based data management, and low IT costs, as there is no need to set up a server or update the software.

On the other hand, Autodesk Inventor supports Autodesk Shared View. This collaboration tool enables users to share designs using a secure web link that can be accessed from any device. In addition to enabling other parties, such as clients, to view and review the designs, Autodesk Share View also allows them to add comments and redline sections. The shared view expires after 30 days.

Autodesk Inventor also promotes collaboration through Building Information Modeling (BIM) for manufacturing. The Autodesk Inventor BIM exchange tools enable users to create BIM objects from their manufacturing tools and participate in BIM projects.

Compatibility: SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks is compatible with other CAD software. It allows users to import drawings, parts, and assemblies from the software and file formats in the table below:

The Autodesk Inventor BIM exchange tools enable designers and engineers to coordinate their designs by opening 3D models from other Autodesk programs, such as Revit, directly inside Inventor. This software also supports the importation of third-party files for use as reference models. For example, users can import files from Fusion 360, NX, Revit, Solid Edge, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Creo, Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA, and NX. Additionally, it supports the STEP data exchange file format.

System Requirements: SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor

No matter which software package you choose, however, Scan2CAD can help streamline your workflow. Looking to use your old drawings in SolidWorks or Inventor? With Scan2CAD, you can convert your raster to DXF or DWG and begin drafting right away!

Want to stay updated on all the latest CAD news and guides? Keep a close eye on the Scan2CAD blog!

In this article, we’ll explore your options when it comes to a free copy of SolidWorks. We’ll also list some alternative CAD software that offers similar functionality without the price tag.

SolidWorks for free in academic institutions

While commercial enterprises can expect to fork out thousands for CAD software, manufacturers often let students off the hook. (This isn’t quite as altruistic as it seems—after all, if you know how to use their software, you’re likely to keep using it after graduation!)

If you read up on our article about SolidWorks pricing, however, you’ll know that Dassault Systèmes don’t offer a student version for free. In fact, it comes in at a recommended sales price of $150. Though far lower than the $3,995 licensing fee for the standard edition, this is still far from free!

However, there are ways around this. The key solution is Student Access Licensing, which is available to schools that already have a number of networked seats of SolidWorks.

Here are 2 ways to qualify for SolidWorks Student Access Licensing:

• If your institution already has 45 or more networked seats, it qualifies for the Student Design Kit program. This offers student access to SolidWorks Standard that you can install on your PC.
• Over 100 networked seats means that your institution qualifies for Student Engineering Kit. With this program, students can install SolidWorks Premium locally.

To check if your institution qualifies, contact your school’s CAD Administrator. Licenses will expire either one year after activation, or November 30th of the following academic year. If you’re unable to get SolidWorks for free via this method, it’s also worth asking your school if it’s possible to borrow an existing license.

The SolidWorks Free Trial

If you’re on the fence about SolidWorks, then committing to spending thousands straight off the bat may be unwise. Luckily, you can try out SolidWorks for free via two different trial versions.

The first is a traditional free trial, which enables you to put all of SolidWorks’ functionality to the test. Trials are available for one-day, seven-day, and thirty-day periods. As is the case with standard, paid-for SolidWorks, you’ll need to contact a local reseller to download a trial. Please note that these trials are available for commercial users only.

Trials are available for:

If, however, you’re not keen on installing a hefty CAD program onto your system—especially when you may not be sure you want to keep it there—there is another option. Online free trials are now available from my.solidworks.com, requiring no installation whatsoever.

When visiting my.solidworks.com, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up for an account. Once in, you’ll be able to use a cloud-based version of SolidWorks CAD Premium, with access to 3D CAD, simulation, MBD, CAM, and visualization tools. You’ll be able to work with sample files, as well as upload your own designs into the trial environment. It’s even possible to connect your account to cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

Where to find SolidWorks resellers for a free trial

Since its early days SolidWorks has been sold through a value-added reseller chain; an arrangement that has been pivotal in the success of the CAD software. The SolidWorks resellers are independent businesses that sell SolidWorks solutions.

The resellers are the primary point of contact for SolidWorks customers. They handle license sales, implementation, training, and customer support on behalf of SolidWorks.

To find a SolidWorks reseller, simply visit the SolidWorks VAR locator, enter your country and postal code and click “Find Resellers.” You shall be provided with resellers who are near your location.

Are there any other ways to get SolidWorks for free?

Unfortunately, the above choices are the only options Dassault Systèmes offers users wishing to get SolidWorks for free. There’s no equivalent of, for example, AutoCAD 360, Autodesk’s ‘lite’ version of its flagship AutoCAD software.

Downloading a SolidWorks crack is one way that some users may attempt to get around this issue. However, this is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. Firstly, downloading cracked software is illegal, potentially landing you in hot water further down the line.

There are also a number of dangers you leave yourself exposed to by downloading a SolidWorks crack. These include downloading viruses onto your system, as well as copyright risks to the designs you create. The message is clear: avoid cracked software.

However, this doesn’t mean you should pack up and go home. If you’re looking for a way to create great things in CAD, but can’t quite face splashing the cash on SolidWorks, we have a few more tips.

Free and affordable alternatives to SolidWorks

While SolidWorks may have cemented its position as the market-leading 3D CAD suite, it’s not the only choice out there. In fact, if you’re willing to look beyond Dassault Systèmes flagship software, you may find some truly innovative software that meets your needs perfectly.

Here are just a few of the top free and affordable SolidWorks alternatives:

1. Onshape
2. FreeCAD
3. BricsCAD

Onshape

Image source: Onshape

If you’re looking for an affordable CAD choice with similar functionality to SolidWorks, you can’t go too far wrong by opting for software from the same founder. That’s what you’ll get with Onshape, a cloud-based offering from a team including Jon Hirschtick, who founded SolidWorks in 1993.

Since its first release in 2015, Onshape has won plaudits from across the industry. That’s because it hasn’t merely recreated 3D CAD in the cloud, but has pushed it forward, with new functionality such as the FeatureScript programming language.

You may expect to have to pay an arm and a leg for such innovative software—but, surprisingly, you can get Onshape for free. The free version offers full CAD functionality to users, while keeping data secure in the cloud. This ensures you’ll be able to access your designs from any device, at any time.

Please note that the free version of Onshape is for non-commercial users only. Commercial subscriptions begin from $1,500 per year.

FreeCAD

Here’s a suite that does what it says on the tin: FreeCAD. Indeed, while Onshape above offers both free and paid versions, FreeCAD is open source. This means that it’s free for all users, for all purposes, forever.

While most totally free CAD software offers only 2D functionality, FreeCAD distinguishes itself with its range of 3D features. In fact, as a parametric modeling software, FreeCAD operates in much the same way as SolidWorks. This means that experienced SolidWorks users shouldn’t have to contend with a steep learning curve when making the switch.

This flexible software is suitable for users across a range of fields, including engineering, architecture and product designs. There are even a number of advanced features, including FEA tools and a robot simulation module.

BricsCAD Shape

Image source: BricsCAD

In early 2018, Belgian CAD firm Bricsys launched BricsCAD Shape, a conceptual modeling tool. The aim of Shape is to act as the first step in a BIM workflow, with users creating models in Shape before moving onto BIM software such as BricsCAD BIM.

While Shape is a free software, this doesn’t mean that Bricsys have skimped on features. In fact, the manufacturers claim that it includes “the same fast and proven parametric, 3D direct modeling engine” as their paid solutions.

As a CAD-accurate program using the DWG file format, BricsCAD Shape is an excellent choice for those looking to create 3D designs that they can share with other designers. It also comes with a library of components that you can incorporate into your design. Best of all, you can learn to use BricsCAD Shape in just half an hour.

And if you need help comparing SolidWorks to its competitors, here are some direct comparisons to SolidWorks:

• Creo vs SolidWorks
• AutoCAD vs SolidWorks
• CATIA vs SolidWorks
• SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor
• Onshape vs. SolidWorks
• Solidworks vs Fusion 360

Want to learn more about this software? Check out our brief history of SolidWorks.

It’s for this reason that we here at Scan2CAD set about to get to the bottom of how much SolidWorks costs. This is an addition to our SolidWorks series that discusses SolidWorks basics, SolidWorks keyboard shortcuts, free SolidWorks models, and much more. So, read on for information about the SolidWorks pricing structure, and to find out more about the purchasing options available.

How to Buy SolidWorks

If you’re looking into SolidWorks for business or personal use and wish to purchase any of the available solutions, you have two options. You can purchase either from the Dassault Systèmes’ online store or through authorized resellers. The number of products available on the online store is nonetheless limited to just a handful. You can only access 3DExperience SolidWorks and SolidWorks cloud. So, if you’re looking for other SolidWorks products, you will have to contact your local reseller.

This means Dassault Systèmes leans more towards the reseller model than direct sales. And for good reason. The reseller model benefits SolidWorks users, as the resellers do more than merely sell the product. One reseller, in fact, refers to their relationship with a potential buyer as a partnership. The resellers partner with buyers to understand their unique challenges and then recommend the right solution. For instance, some offer financing services. They also offer after-purchase services such as effective support and deep product and industry knowledge to help the buyers achieve long-term success.

You’ll, therefore, have to find a reseller covering your area if you want to purchase a SolidWorks license. You can either search for a commercial reseller at the SolidWorks website or get in touch with Dassault Systèmes, who’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. One reseller, in fact, refers to their relationship with a potential buyer as a partnership. The resellers partner with buyers to understand their unique challenges and then recommend the right solution. They also offer after-purchase services such as effective support and deep product and industry knowledge to help the buyers achieve long-term success.

This means that you’ll have to find a reseller covering your area if you want to purchase a SolidWorks license. You can either search for a commercial reseller at the SolidWorks website, or by getting in touch with Dassault Systèmes, who’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Buying SolidWorks from a Reseller

We decided to check out a few resellers for ourselves to see what they had on offer. One common thread was this: for accurate pricing, you need to get a quote.

The reason for this is that—as we’ve explored in our brief history of SolidWorks—the software suite caters for a range of different disciplines. This means that there is not just one SolidWorks, but many. More to that, no two resellers sell SolidWorks products with the same license period. For instance, some sellers elect to only sell term licenses, while others sell both term and perpetual licenses. It is, therefore, difficult to immediately determine exactly which SolidWorks products are available on a perpetual license and which can be rented – most resellers we have come across only sell software on term licenses.

What’s more, resellers price the myriad products according to their areas of operations, meaning the prices will vary from one currency to another. For example, a Canada-based reseller sells the 1-year term SolidWorks 3D CAD standard license with cloud service for CA$3,792.00, while a U.S.-based seller has priced this product at US$2,820.00. (The prices are correct as of February 2025.) Although certain factors such as taxation may be at play, converting the former at current exchange rates shows a price variance of about US$146.73, with the U.S. pricing being higher.

Regardless, resellers generally follow a basic template given the many packages available. They will gauge which one is right for you by taking into account factors such as your industry, your budget and what you intend to do with SolidWorks. Additionally, you’ll also have to choose between purchasing a license outright or opting to subscribe (though this depends on the SolidWorks product as some of them do not have a subscription option). All of this makes it difficult to define a single “SolidWorks price”.

It’s also worth noting that resellers will often offer subscription contracts that include extras. These contracts apply even when you purchase a perpetual license. These extras may encompass, for example, dedicated customer support, in addition to automatic software updates. You may even have access to additional hints, tips, and training resources from your reseller of choice.

SolidWorks Pricing in 2025

By now, you’ll realise that your exact SolidWorks price will vary depending on the factors listed above. Prices may also vary from reseller to reseller, with some offering discounts on specific packages or products. However, there has to be a starting point from which all resellers work to define their SolidWorks pricing. And indeed there is: the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP.

However, the pricing information of most SolidWorks products is not publicly available on SolidWork’s website. To retrieve it, you must first request a quote, with SolidWorks requiring you to input your details on their website. The absence of publicly available SolidWorks pricing data appears to be an industry standard, with many resellers also shying away from displaying this information on their website, again, due to the factors we have mentioned above. 

In contrast to AutoCAD pricing, which now includes only subscription options, SolidWorks offers both subscription (term) and perpetual licensing. Only a few SolidWorks products lack perpetual licenses. Which is the right choice for your business will depend on whether you prefer to stick with a single version of SolidWorks, or would find it useful to have access to updates as they are released.

You can check out the 2025 SolidWorks prices for a wide variety of SolidWorks packages in the tables below. We have sourced the pricing data below from one reseller serving the U.S., so the prices mainly apply to consumers in the North American market. Please note that pricing may vary by territory and by reseller. Also, unless indicated otherwise, the prices relate to standalone licenses rather than network licenses.

SolidWorks Pricing: Design Category

SolidWorks 3D CAD

Dassault Systèmes offers three different SolidWorks 3D CAD offerings:

• 3DExperience SolidWorks: This is a locally installed program deployed from the cloud. 3DExperience SolidWorks can be installed on multiple devices and accessed through a named user license.
• SolidWorks with Cloud Services: This is a locally installed 3D CAD application that is connected to the 3DExperience platform.
• SolidWorks Cloud: This is a browser-based product development solution that features product design applications and runs on the 3DExperience platform.

3DExperience SolidWorks

SolidWorks with Cloud Services

SolidWorks Cloud

SolidWorks Electrical 3D CAD Add-on

SolidWorks Electrical Schematics

SolidWorks Pricing: Manufacturing

SolidWorks CAM

SolidWorks Machinist

SolidWorks Inspection

SolidWorks Pricing: Simulation

SolidWorks Plastics

SolidWorks Simulation Add-on (FEA)

SolidWorks Flow Simulation Add-on (CFD)

SolidWorks Flow Simulation HVAC Modules and SolidWorks Flow Electronics Cooling Module

SolidWorks Pricing: Technical and Design Documentation

SolidWorks Composer

SolidWorks Visualize

SolidWorks MBD Add-on

SolidWorks eDrawings

SolidWorks Pricing: Data Management

Additionally, SolidWorks sells data management software, also through its resellers. The products include SolidWorks PDM and SolidWorks Manage.

SolidWorks PDM Professional

SolidWorks Manage

SolidWorks Pricing: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different SolidWorks pricing tiers?

Not quite sure what the differences are between the Standard, Professional and Premium versions of SolidWorks? We’ll break it down for you.

• SolidWorks Standard is the cheaper of the three options, and includes a vast array of 3D design features. In fact, when it comes to design, modeling, and parts and assembly, Standard offers the exact same features as the other three tiers. Standard also offers sheet metal and mold design tools, as well as 3D animations and some basic rendering.
• SolidWorks Professional augments these tools with functionality for costing, visualization and design checking. Photo-realistic rendering is available with this tier, which also features a useful Toolbox that makes it easy to access prebuilt models. You can also reverse engineer a part from a scan using this tier.
• SolidWorks Premium, the most expensive tier, includes the full gamut of possible features. This is a great option for users who need to make extensive use of simulation tools, including time-based motion and linear stress analysis. It also includes routing functionality, including pipe and tube routing, electrical, cable and wiring routing, and rectangular routing.

2. What are the differences between perpetual licenses and term licenses?

SolidWorks offers two main SolidWorks license options: a term license and a perpetual license. As the name suggests, the term license allows you to use the software program for a limited time in a model akin to renting the application. Most resellers offer a three-month or one-year term. The term license is considerably cheaper and is ideal for users who are not regular users of the SolidWorks product they intend to purchase. It is also suited for freelancers, startups, or hobbyists.

There are two types of term licenses: network licenses and standalone licenses. Standalone licenses are installed and restricted to one device. Network licenses, on the other hand, can be moved from one device to another.

The second license option, the perpetual license, does not have an expiry date and can be used in perpetuity. For this reason, it is more expensive than a term license in the short term. But despite the added cost, this license can be transferred from one computer to another as it has an activate/deactivate option.

With it has a higher initial cost, the SolidWorks perpetual license is cheaper over the long term. For instance, the graph below indicates that the cumulative cost of the term license exceeds the upfront cost of the perpetual license during the third year. That said, some resellers charge subscriptions to their support services in increments of one year. So, the long-term costs may be high if you opt to pay for this option.

SolidWorks Perpetual License vs. Term License Cost Over Time (source)

There are two main types of SolidWorks’ perpetual license: the perpetual standalone license, intended for only one user at a time, and a SolidNetWork License (SNL), which allows multiple users that are sharing a network to use the same license. Also known as a perpetual floating license, the latter is more expensive than the former.

As a student, you do not have to worry about the term or perpetual license as you can simply purchase SolidWorks for students. As we have detailed below, it is cheaper than the other offerings.

3. Can I get updates on a SolidWorks perpetual license?

Yes, provided you pay the subscription fee your reseller charges (known as a service subscription) on top of the cost of the perpetual license. Otherwise, you cannot receive updates. 

Though the subscription requires you to part with some money annually, the updates that accompany this expenditure are beneficial. This is especially because designs created and saved using newer versions of SolidWorks are not compatible with older versions. Simply put, SolidWorks does not support backward compatibility of the files.

If your work requires collaboration with other professionals who are likely to use newer versions of SolidWorks, it would be best to consider paying the subscription fee if you are a perpetual license holder. Else, you can simply choose the term license option because of the reason below.

4. Can I get updates on a SolidWorks term license?

Yes. Resellers treat a term license as a subscription. In this regard, term license customers receive all the benefits that subscribers enjoy, including updates and support.

5. Is a SolidWorks add-on on a term license compatible with a software product on a SolidWorks perpetual license?

Yes. You can use the term license of a SolidWorks add-on with a perpetual license of a compatible SolidWorks software and vice versa. This holds provided the term license had not expired.

6. Can I change my existing license to a different license? What are the associated costs?

Firstly, you can change a SolidWorks perpetual standalone license to a SolidWorks perpetual floating license (SNL license). For this, you have to pay a one-time fee to facilitate the conversion. If you wish to convert a SolidWorks SNL license to a perpetual standalone license, you also have to part with an administrative fee. This fee covers the removal of the license from the network as well as the conversion.

That said, you cannot convert your term license to a perpetual license. Similarly, you cannot roll a perpetual license into a term license. This limitation arises because resellers treat these two categories of licenses as different purchases. 

7. Does SolidWorks have a free trial? How long is the SolidWorks free trial period?

SolidWorks is available for free throughout a trial period that can last for 7,15, or 30 days, depending on your reseller. The free trial provides access to the latest release of SolidWorks Premium as well as add-ons such as SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks CAM, SolidWorks Visualize, and SolidWorks MBD. You can also test other products on request by simply contacting your local reseller.

It is noteworthy, however, that the product provided via the free trial does not require installation. Instead, it is available in an online environment. Of course, this means you must have a fast internet connection if you wish to have the best experience.

8. What if I want to combine SolidWorks with other Dassault Systèmes software?

If you’re familiar with Dassault Systèmes as a company, you’re sure to have come across the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This combines aspects from different software (such as SolidWorks, CATIA and DraftSight) into unique software suites. Each suite has a specific job role in mind—for example, Boeing certifies its airplanes using the License to Fly suite. Check out the 3DEXPERIENCE website for information on the available packages.

9. What discounts are available on the standard SolidWorks pricing?

Although any company that really needs SolidWorks will likely be able to justify investing large sums in it, it’s still always nice to get a little more for your money. So, what possibilities are there to save money on your SolidWorks license?

• Though far from a given, reseller discounts may occasionally be available. With only a limited number of resellers licensed to serve each territory, however, the likelihood of competition driving down prices is somewhat low. Nonetheless, be sure to keep an eye out for any bargains.
• SolidWorks for Students allows students to get the first-class functionality of SolidWorks all while paying bargain-bin prices. That’s because the student version of SolidWorks has a MSRP of just $60/year. The figure does not include taxes, so it is ultimately bound to be higher. Though this doesn’t quite match up to the free CAD software for students that other manufacturers offer, it’s still a steal for those in education. SolidWorks for students offers capabilities such as 3D CAD modelling, rendering, communities, certification, training, and additional features. And like all other offerings, it is sold through resellers. 
• SolidWorks for Institutions: It may also be worth getting in touch with your institution, as they may even be able to offer you SolidWorks for free. That’s because resellers sell the SolidWorks Student Education Network for schools. This offering provides licensing to the complete suite of SolidWorks products for students and staff. These include SolidWorks 3D CAD premium as well as simulation, electrical, data management, documentation, and manufacturing tools/software.
• Volume discounts, however, do not appear to be common with SolidWorks. Rather than offer multi-user licensing, as Autodesk does for AutoCAD, Dassault Systèmes offer standalone and floating licenses. The former are specific to a single machine; the latter is usable by multiple machines, but only by one user at a time.
• You’ll also be able to download a free trial of SolidWorks to test the waters. As is the case with regular purchases, trial downloads are only available via resellers.

10. Should I consider a cheaper alternative to SolidWorks?

Though SolidWorks offers outstanding 3D CAD capabilities, using it involves quite a sizeable outlay. If you’re wincing at the prospect of shelling out thousands for a package, then you may wish to explore some alternative options.

While you can only be sure of the true SolidWorks experience by buying the real thing, the list below offers some low-cost programs with fantastic 3D CAD features.

• Autodesk Inventor, whose freeform and parametric modeling tools make it a powerful competitor to SolidWorks—while costing half the price
• Onshape, a cloud-based CAD option which aims to push the boundaries of what CAD can do, and has also garnered rave reviews
• Solid Edge, a more basic software that nonetheless offers fantastic PLM capabilities

To learn more about each of these, as well as checking out some more alternative programs, visit our guide to the top 5 affordable SolidWorks alternatives.

Parting Shot

Over 6 million users rely on SolidWorks to fulfill their engineering and manufacturing requirements. SolidWorks is popular because it is not a single product. Rather, it is a term that refers to a whole suite of products, including SolidWorks 3D CAD premium as well as simulation, electrical, data management, documentation, and manufacturing tools/software. Each of these tools/software has a different price and is not sold directly by Dassault Systèmes. Thus, SolidWorks pricing is not uniform. In this analysis, nonetheless, we have summarised the 2025 prices provided by a North America-based reseller.

In September’s edition, we’ll be looking at Dassault Systèmes’ 2019 launch of flagship product SolidWorks. We’ll then move onto strong competitor Autodesk, who have plenty up their sleeve—from a new pricing structure for Fusion 360 to new features for PowerMill 2019. If that wasn’t enough to whet your CAD appetite, Vectorworks have also announced the launch of their latest version of their eponymous product, which we’ll also be exploring. 

We’ll round things off with a quick look at the first CAD business to reach the Forbes Cloud 100 list. Hint: they’re renowned for being the first cloud-based CAD software solution.

Dassault Systèmes introduces SolidWorks 2019

CAD giant Dassault Systèmes announced the launch of SolidWorks 2019 on September 14, leaving users scrambling to get their hands on its latest features. Indeed, there’s plenty to occupy all users. The main focus of this new release appears to be on improving day-to-day productivity for all customers. So, how exactly do Dassault aim to do this?

New features focus directly on improving functionality for customers. As a result, they’ll be able to take their ideas and transform them into innovative products quickly. The latest changes for SolidWorks include: 

• Improvement in quality: faster download of Installation Manager, smarter drawing updates to reduce drawings rebuilds, performance improvements in the eDrawings graphics display and a new open progress dialog for drawings. 
• Assembly performance: graphics performance gains and optimized workflows, meaning users can design complex assemblies with great ease. Additionally, users can leverage the Large Design Review Mode to open and work with assemblies in seconds. 
• New technology: the latest release includes SolidWorks Extended Reality (XR) which gives users a way to interact with their CAD models. This enables users to export files directly to AR/VR applications and virtually explore models. By opening assemblies in eDrawings Professional, users can view their models in a VR environment. 
• New attention to detail: enhancements have been made to make it easier for users to obtain a better digital representation of their designs—including, but not limited to, features like Tab and Slot, as well as new Mesh Modeling capabilities. 

We won’t spoil too much for you, though—we’ll be delving further into SolidWorks 2019 next month!

Autodesk introduces new pricing structure for Fusion 360

Fusion 360—one of Autodesk’s popular software packages—is undergoing a pricing restructure from October 7. Until now, Autodesk offered Standard and Ultimate editions of the ever-popular CAD/CAM design software, Fusion 360. So, what’s set to change for this two-tier licensing model?

To eradicate confusion, Autodesk is replacing the current pricing model with a single Fusion 360 subscription. It will cost users a much cheaper price of $495 a year. Worried that Autodesk might limit Fusion 360’s features with this new subscription? You’ll be pleased to hear that this new package will include every feature currently offered by the Ultimate edition. So, what exactly does this include? 

Generative design capabilities will be at your fingertips—putting the “aid” back in Computer Aided Design by letting designers “evaluate the trade-offs between manufacturability, materials and performance”. Users can also take advantage of advanced CAM capabilities (including 5-axis machining), simulation functionalities, and much more. Bear in mind, however, that in order to run generative design and advanced simulation studies, you will need cloud credits. 

And that’s not all! To thank current subscribers of Fusion 360 Standard, Autodesk is allowing them to maintain their subscription at their current price, for as long as they’re a subscriber. Existing Fusion 360 Ultimate subscribers will be able to enjoy the same functionality, but at a more accessible price. In short, everyone wins!

New features added to PowerMill 2019

Not content to rest on its laurels, Autodesk has also announced the introduction of new features to PowerMill 2019—the ultimate CAM solution for high-speed and 5-axis machining. The aim of these new features? To enable creators to harness the power of the cloud, streamline production processes and press ahead in the competitive industry of digital manufacturing. 

Key changes for PowerMill 2019.1 include: 

• Introduction of surface proving: this will enable spindle mounted probes to measure parts during manufacturing. Users can also look at and share 3D inspection reports via Autodesk Drive. This makes it easier to find and address quality issues quickly. 
• Improved interactive collision management: helping programmers to identify and avoid collisions—or near-misses—with cutting tool assembly. This, in turn, will speed up production time. 
• Easier roughing toolpath calculation: enabling users to begin making chips sooner. 
• Enhanced machining setup: this new feature reduces the time needed to programme machined components that use multiple fixtures and operations. 
• Increase in efficiency with adaptive clearing: the “Vortex from Stock” roughing strategy now supports a stepover of up to 99% of the tool diameter. This means you’ll get shorter cycle times when using indexable cutters. 
• Inclusion of a “pattern-turning” toolpath type: giving programmers more choice and flexibility when driving mill-turn machinery. 

Indeed, Clinton Perry, PowerMill product manager at Autodesk, says, “This new release will serve the existing needs of PowerMill users, while also enabling them to take advantage of the power of the cloud to ensure a more efficient, safe and accurate machining”. 

Vectorworks 2019 released

September appears to be a busy month for CAD giants, with Vectorworks also releasing a 2019 edition of their flagship product. Launched on September 12, this new version includes updates to all add-ons: Architect, Spotlight, Landmark, Fundamentals, Designer, Bracework and Vision. Vectorworks certainly didn’t disappoint with this launch—looking at feedback from users to introduce “significantly faster workflows and improved software performance”. 

Time is of the essence, as any CAD user knows. That’s why the latest Vectorworks release now comes with multiple core support in the Vectorworks Graphics Module. This allows users to enjoy significantly faster workflows and improved software performance. This support enables Vectorworks to take advantage of all available CPU cores with increased usage of FPU on sheet layers. In short, workflows will feel much faster. 

Vectorworks Architect and Landmark users will now be able to experience improved BIM capabilities—with enhanced openBIM interoperability and the ability to view BIM objects with varying levels of detail in plan, elevation and section drawings. Vectorworks Spotlight users will get their hands on the new My Virtual Rig (MVR) import and export file format, and see enhancements to 3D modeling with tools and commands. Additional new capabilities include support for bridle analysis, improved user interface and more refined renderings.

Want a more in-depth look at Vectorworks 2019? Keep your eyes peeled for our article next month, focusing on the Vectorworks 2019 launch!

Onshape named on the annual Forbes Cloud 100

For the second consecutive year now, cloud-based powerhouse Onshape has been named on the annual Forbes Cloud 100—the A-list for the best and brightest of private cloud computing companies. 

Forbes compiled this list by looking at metrics like revenue and sales growth. They also took into consideration recommendations from 34 CEOs of public cloud companies. The Cloud 100 traditionally covers a range of fields including analytics, security, HR, finance, marketing and so on. Fellow companies sharing the spotlight include: Slack, Stripe, Zapier and Drift. 

Jon Hirschtick, Onshape CEO and co-founder, says “We’re honored that Onshape is the only CAD company included in the Forbes Cloud 100.” So, how did they manage this impressive feat two years in a row? Hirschtick thinks he has the answer: “it’s no coincidence that we rely on many of our fellow companies in the Forbes Cloud 100 such as Stripe, Slack, Fuze, Drift, Zapier and Looker, to work faster ourselves.” Essentially, making the most of what successful companies have to offer pays off in the long run! 

One thing’s for sure, Onshape doesn’t seem like it’s stopping to rest anytime soon. We certainly look forward to hearing more about this cloud-based giant in the near future! 

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll have already noticed our comparison of Autodesk software. Meanwhile, we’ve recently compared two of the biggest CAD programs available: AutoCAD vs SolidWorks. This time, however, we’re focusing on two applications from the same company: CATIA vs SolidWorks.

Both of these programs come from the same company: Dassault Systèmes. Additionally, to muddy the waters further, both are 3D CAD programs widely used in fields such as engineering and product design. However, there are some clear differences between these two stablemates. Read on for all the information you need to know on CATIA vs SolidWorks.

What is CATIA?

History

CATIA is a somewhat unusual case of a program that predates the company that produces it. The program came into existence in 1977, courtesy of a team of engineers from Avions Marcel Dassault. The team’s remit was to develop a 3D CAD application in order to develop the Dassault Mirage fighter jet. However, the team went much further, creating software with much broader design possibilities, whose usefulness went far beyond designing one aircraft.

They first named their new program CATI. The management of Avions Marcel Dassault took note of the new software, and realized its huge potential. They were also aware, however, that it was infeasible to keep developing the software internally. As a result, in 1981, the company’s software arm was spun off into a new firm: Dassault Systèmes. That same year, CATI was rechristened CATIA, and the company signed a distribution agreement with IBM.

Since then, the team behind CATIA have further developed its aeronautics capabilities, with Boeing having long been one of the software’s major customers. However, the program now includes functionality that allows it to compete in numerous fields, including the automotive and shipbuilding sectors.

What it does

From the outset, CATIA has offered designers powerful 3D design tools. However, whilst this remains the case today, its functionality is now much broader. CATIA today is a product lifecycle management suite, combining design, engineering and manufacturing features into one product. As such, it makes it easy for users to manage every aspect of a project in a single program.

A key distinguishing factor of CATIA is that it concerns itself not merely with design, but with product creation. By bundling together CAD, CAM and CAE tools in one suite, it also facilitates the bringing of products to market.

As well as its high degree of complexity, CATIA also sets itself apart by dint of the sheer scale of the projects it supports. The software—which, as noted, began life as a tool to design aircraft—has also been used in the creation of automobiles, ships, and submarines.

Given the highly specialized nature of these products, CATIA has, over time, introduced a number of complex features. These include advanced surfacing and BIW technologies, together with tools to complete product definition. As well as this, CATIA comes complete with a vast array of libraries that make it easy to simulate complex systems such as aircraft flight dynamics, plus the ability to create 3D models from photos.

Meanwhile, another string in CATIA’s bow is the high degree of realism that it offers to designers. The most recent version of CATIA incorporated the STELLAR rendering engine, allowing users to view realistic renderings of their products. Additionally, affordable virtual reality CAD is also possible through the HTC Vive platform. This means that users can gain a greater spatial understanding of the products they create.

Who uses it

As shown in the video above, CATIA has three primary “user communities”: designers, engineers and systems engineers. To meet the needs of these three disciplines, CATIA offers several different tools.

For designers, there’s CATIA Design/Styling, which provides solutions such as 3D sketching, reverse engineering, visualization and subdivision surface. Then, for engineers, there’s CATIA Engineering, which gives users the ability to develop high-quality mechanical products through tools such as digital prototyping, analysis and simulation. Finally, systems engineers have CATIA Systems Engineering, which makes it easy and quick for companies to develop new products and system variants in a collaborative way.

As well as the various disciplines that CATIA serves, there are also multiple products in the CATIA suite. The main CATIA products are CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, which covers the three aforementioned disciplines, and CATIA V5. The latter program offers a wide range of solutions for professionals working in areas such as mechanical design, product synthesis, analysis, infrastructure, equipment and systems engineering, machining, and more.

Aside from the main two CATIA offerings, there are a number of other CATIA programs on the market. These include:

• Dymola, which allows users to model integrated and complex systems in sectors such as aerospace, automotives and robotics
• CATIA Composer, which gives users the ability to repurpose existing 3D design data for the rapid creation of high-quality documentation, illustrations, animations and more
• Electre, for electrical schematics and diagrams
• Reqtify, used to manage requirement, traceability and impact analysis across systems

With a wide range of other tools, including ICEM Surf, SFE Portfolio and Catelectre, it’s clear that the CATIA suite offers a complete range of solutions for the design and engineering sectors.

What is SolidWorks?

History

SolidWorks has been a major presence in the CAD landscape for over two decades. Its first release came in 1995, at which point it was not a Dassault Systèmes program. It came instead from the SolidWorks Corporation, which had been working on the software since 1993. Engineers and designers reacted enthusiastically to the release of SolidWorks, with the program proving immediately successful.

The program quickly attracted the attention of Dassault Systèmes, who paid $310 million in 1997 to acquire the software. Though it had already been a hit, this move helped to further amplify SolidWorks’ potential by providing it with experienced developers—alongside a handy cash injection. For both parties, the deal proved lucrative: SolidWorks went on to attract millions of customers.

Over time, SolidWorks has gone onto become more than just a solid modeling application. The program began to include simulation capabilities starting from its 2001 release—one of the first CAD tools on the market to do so. Continued development has taken place over the years, with SolidWorks 2018—the newest version—bringing new functionalities, including freehand sketching on touch screens, integrated CAM tools, and topology study. Nearing a quarter-century, SolidWorks is still going from strength to strength.

What it does

SolidWorks screenshot. Image source: Polyga.

There are some similarities between SolidWorks’ functionality and that of CATIA. Both, for starters, are 3D CAD applications, which allow users to create feature-based models. Meanwhile, both also offer users 2D functionality—though this is more limited in scope than both applications’ 3D features.

Though SolidWorks is perhaps best known as a parametric, feature-based solid modeler, it also incorporates a number of powerful features, making it a much more well rounded piece of software. Amongst these include:

• The ability to draw using either parts or assemblies
• Simulation tools that give users insight into fluid flow, fluid forces, computational fluid dynamics, life cycle assessment, and more
• Rendering tools for photo-realistic visualizations, helping to improve customer experiences
• Electrical design solutions, enabling the creation of schematics using libraries and part information
• CAM tools to help integrate design and manufacturing processes
• Product data management tools, which ease the sharing of design information and the automation of workflows, and ensure that all stakeholders have up-to-date versions of files

As well as these varied tools, SolidWorks offers a number of different industry-specific solutions. Examples of these include SolidWorks Plastics, which helps to predict and avoid manufacturing defects; SolidWorks MBD (Model Based Definition) for the definition, organization and publishing of 3D product manufacturing information; and CircuitWorks, which allows mechanical and electrical CAD designers to share data.

At the heart of SolidWorks, however, are its CAD capabilities. SolidWorks allows users to design using engineering terms rather than geometric terms. This makes it easier to grasp than programs such as CATIA, and places SolidWorks firmly in the middle of the market: a great option for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Who uses it

The short answer: lots of people! SolidWorks has one of the largest user communities of any CAD program on the market. This means that there’s always plenty of support out there for any newcomers—but, if you’d like a proper introduction, check out our guide to learning the basics of SolidWorks in one hour.

To be more specific, SolidWorks targets some of the same user profiles as CATIA, with designers and engineers across numerous sectors likely to turn to SolidWorks for their 3D CAD needs. However, it lacks some of the functionality that makes CATIA appealing to the architectural community.

Nonetheless, there is some crossover in sectors between CATIA and SolidWorks. Both programs are prominent within the fields of aerospace and automobiles. However, the focus is different, with some engineers summing up the difference thus: “design an engine in SolidWorks, but design an aircraft in CATIA”.

SolidWorks’ wide range of features means, however, that it’s found users across many sectors. Examples of such sectors include industrial and product design, medicine, education and machinery. It’s also popular in the energy industry, including both oil and gas and renewables. New growth sectors for SolidWorks, meanwhile, include fields such as robotics. It’s clear that there’s still scope for this program to grow!

CATIA vs SolidWorks

Having covered the ins and outs of the two different programs, it’s time to come to the crux of the matter: comparing CATIA vs SolidWorks.

To help our readers visualize the differences between CATIA and SolidWorks, we’ve put together a useful table below.

It’s clear that SolidWorks is a great option for both professionals and newcomers to CAD—especially thanks to its less dramatic learning curve. For role-based workflows, greater complexity, and higher quality rendering, however, CATIA remains king.

Getting started with either program doesn’t have to be hard. That’s because, with Scan2CAD, you can convert from raster or PDF to DXF—a file type which both programs support.

We hope you’ve found this article useful. Please feel free to leave any more useful CATIA vs SolidWorks differences (or similarities) in the comments!

That’s why we’ve created this post as the ultimate reference for purchasing new graphics cards for CAD. We’ll walk you through what you need to know and end with our top 5 picks on the market right now.

Discrete Desktop GPU Market Share (source)

For a long time, in recent history, the discrete graphics card market was a duopoly that pitted Nvidia against AMD. And for virtually all that time, Nvidia has led the pack with graphics card development and is still the de facto dominant player. Its strategy has for years been to focus purely on GPU technology by partnering with Intel or AMD for its CPU requirements. (The company has, however, waded into the CPU waters and is developing the Grace CPU for data centers).

In comparison, AMD directly competes in both the CPU and GPU markets, a strategy that Intel has since adopted. Intel launched the Arc Pro workstation GPUs in 2022, disrupting the long-running duopoly. In doing so, Intel now produces GPUs and CPUs. But it has struggled to gain a significant market share, with its hold on the GPU market dropping from a 2022 high of 1.33% to 0% in 2024.

Besides developing and selling their own graphics card versions, the three companies provide chips to many OEM graphics card manufacturers who could be classed as their competitors but, in reality, are their board partners. These partners help bring the graphics cards to market. AMD and Nvidia partner with the likes of ASUS and MSI among other companies that only produce graphics cards for either of them. Intel partners with AsRock and Acer but also sells its own versions.

Still, and despite these developments, Nvidia continues to have a stronghold in the market. Nvidia’s domination has forced companies such as AMD to focus on solutions for specific user requirements – CAD being one of them. And, in many like-for-like comparisons, AMD has previously come out on top for certain uses. This muddies the water and justifies a lengthy post on the best graphics cards for CAD. So, let’s delve in!

What Do the Model Numbers on Graphics Cards Mean?

You have probably noticed that many graphics cards have a number in their product names. Let’s look at the below table showing 4 graphics cards from 3 different manufacturers, all of which use the same number in their model name.

So, why do all these cards reference the same model number? In the above list, all products are using the same GPU produced by Nvidia: the Nvidia 5070 GPU. Therefore, they use the same model number to inform the users of what’s under the hood.

Many brands will use the GPU chips of the market leaders, packaged in their solution. This gives smaller graphics card manufacturers the option not to compete with Nvidia or AMD on-chip performance, but instead to offer their customers another option in how it is presented. Some companies may simply offer a preferable cooling system to that of Nvidia and their own PCB design. 

Do Higher Graphics Card Model Numbers Mean Better Performance?

If purchasing a motorcycle, we would know that a 700cc engine is more powerful than a 300cc engine. The cubic centimeters measurement can’t be gamed; the engine is either the stated volume or it isn’t. Previously, the numbers used in old GPU model names did not relate to any real-world measurement.

And as the Logical Increments blog explained, it wasn’t always as simple as a higher model number being faster than other lower model numbers. For example, Nvidia’s GTX 680 was faster than the GTX 760 as it had ‘“more raw performance” than the 760.’

A lot has changed since the blog post was published in 2014. Nowadays, a higher graphics card model number means better performance. This is because the higher model number correlates to better specs such as RT cores, a higher VRAM, more compute units, and more accelerators. As a result, graphics cards with higher model numbers are generally more expensive.

Still, it’s essential to read the specifications of the graphics card you’re considering carefully and at all times. Do not assume that the number indicates the same specifications as other manufacturers.

Using Gaming Graphics Cards for CAD

The popularity of gaming graphics cards is difficult to ignore. However, whilst they often come with impressive specs, there are several key factors that differentiate them from workstation graphics cards for CAD. We’ll take a quick look at why they have become so prominent, and the reasons why they may not be a great choice for CAD.

Could I Use a Gaming Graphics Card for CAD?

GPU chip makers – Nvidia, AMD, and Intel – and their partners develop and sell different GPUs for gamers and professionals. AMD, for instance, designates gaming GPUs using the RX prefix, as in the Radeon RX 9000 series. On the other hand, its GPUs for workstations and, by extension, its graphics cards for CAD are found in its Radeon Pro W lineup.

Similarly, Intel’s graphics cards for CAD and workstations are found in its Arc Pro series, with gaming GPUs lacking the Pro designation. The same goes for Nvidia with its RTX (for workstations) and GeForce RTX (for gaming) GPUs. This distinction exists for several reasons:

1. Pro GPUs have a higher memory. For instance, the highest specification of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series (the GeForce RTX 5090) has a memory of 32GB. In contrast, the highest specification of the Nvidia RTX 6000 Ada has a memory of 48 GB. Similarly, the AMD Radeon RX 7900 has a maximum memory size of 24 GB, while the AMD Radeon W7900 has a maximum memory of 48 GB. Higher memory leads to better performance and faster loading times for CAD graphics.
2. Different drivers: Pro and gaming GPUs have different drivers. (Drivers are software components or files that enable hardware like a GPU to communicate with the operating system and thereby function.) Thus, a gaming driver isn’t compatible with a pro GPU. With pro drivers optimized for CAD software and design, you will likely experience better performance when you use a professional driver and graphics cards for CAD than if you use a gaming GPU and associated drivers. In fact, Nvidia has previously reported that a new driver update increased GPU rendering by an average of 40%.

These two reasons, i.e., a higher VRAM and more optimized drivers, make a good case for using professional graphics cards for CAD rather than gaming GPUs.

Will My Graphics Card be ‘Future-Proof’?

The definition of ‘future-proof’ is a piece of technology that is ‘unlikely to become obsolete’. Therefore, this question is subjective. Whether or not you consider your graphics card to be obsolete will be dependent on how you wish to use it.

For example, a 10-year-old graphics card may still be fantastic at browsing the web, but perhaps not so great if you wish to do anything graphically strenuous. 

When it comes to ensuring your CAD PC is as future-proof as it can be, the best advice is to purchase the best model you can afford. The higher the specifications, the longer the GPU is likely to serve you.

Graphics Cards Benchmarks and Why They Matter

Our guide on graphics cards wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention benchmarks. Benchmarks are automated tests run by specially designed software. This software will perform specific tasks whilst measuring the performance and workload of the GPU.

These benchmarks are important because they avert subjective discussions on the best graphics card for a particular use. Instead, you can find empirical data on a GPU’s performance. You can even run a benchmark yourself thanks to software available from Cadalyst. Benchmark tests can regularly highlight surprising results.

One popular benchmark for CAD is the SPECViewPerf 2020. SPECViewPerf is a graphics card benchmark that measures graphics performance representing professional and CAD applications like CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, 3D Max, and Maya.

SPECViewPerf Benchmark Results for CATIA and SolidWorks (source)

Certified Graphics Cards for CAD

A number of the most prominent software developers have made life easier for us by publishing their list of graphics cards that have been tried and tested with popular CAD software. These are often referred to as ‘certified devices’ by the software developer.

If the graphics card you’re considering is supported by the software you intend to use, you will have much more confidence with your purchase.

We’ve collected a list of these published certified devices below.

Are we missing software that you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments.

Note: FreeCAD does not have their own list of specific model recommendations but their software is based on OpenGL. Therefore, we have linked to the OpenGL supported devices from Nvida.

Don’t Neglect the Rest of Your PC

There will be little point in investing in your ideal graphics card if the rest of your PC isn’t suitable for the required workload.

We created a popular post on how to build the ultimate CAD PC, in which you’ll find tips on what to consider when shopping for all PC components, including a keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It can take some time to research compatibility with all your PC’s components but the extra work is worthwhile.

Comparison: Our Top Graphics Cards for CAD

So, here’s our pick of the bunch. We’ve chosen to make a shortlist of graphics cards that would be suitable for both 2D and 3D CAD work. As a way of stating their suitability, we have referenced whether they are suitable for AutoCAD (2D), SolidWorks (3D), NX (3D), and other 2D design and 3D modeling software. We have sourced their statement of suitability from the official hardware recommendations of these software programs. We’ve also used the available SPECViewPerf benchmarks as the second, more advanced metric.

 We assume that you’re not too concerned about support for technology such as virtual reality. This isn’t yet a widely accepted requirement in CAD, but I’m sure we will need to update this article in a few years to account for that.

We have also tried not to go too high on the pricing scale whilst still focusing on professional-grade options. All options are below $1,000. Yes, you could purchase phenomenal graphics cards like the Nvidia RTX 6000 for about $8,000, the AMD Radeon Pro W7900 for over $3,700, the AMD Radeon Pro W7800 for over $2,400, and the Nvidia RTX 4000 for over $1,300. But adding those options to our comparison wouldn’t help most readers and would be overkill for most CAD work. It’s nonetheless worth pointing out that these GPUs led the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark, according to this comparison (referred throughout the latter part of this article as the benchmark results). And remember, whilst we give a rough guide for the price of each option, there are various specifications within each option which can increase or decrease the price.

We have also created separate lists for the top GPU manufacturers, AMD and Nvidia. Therefore if you are loyal to a specific brand, you have direct comparisons for their best options.
To finish off, we have combined what we think are the best Nvidia and AMD options overall.

Comparison: The Top AMD Graphics Cards for CAD

Here are the best AMD graphics cards for CAD

Comparison: The Top Nvidia Graphics Cards for CAD

Here are the best Nvidia graphics cards for CAD:

Comparison: The Top 5 Graphics Cards for CAD

At this point, you’ve seen our best picks from the individual GPU manufacturers. To finish up, here are our top picks from AMD and Nvidia combined. 

Here are the best graphics cards for CAD arranged in the order of performance per benchmark results:

1. Nvidia RTX A400
2. AMD Radeon Pro W7500
3. Nvidia RTX 2000
4. AMD Radeon Pro W7600
5. AMD Radeon Pro W7700

Be sure to check the detailed descriptions for each option below the list to learn more about our selections.

Here’s a quick comparison chart in order of ascending average price:

Kicking off with a budget choice for CAD users is the Nvidia RTX A400. It sports Nvidia’s previous generation Ampere architecture and is built on Nvidia’s RTX professional visual computing platform. According to Nvidia, RTX accelerates 3D graphics virtualization, rendering, virtualization, simulation, reality capture, extended reality, and other design workflows.

For its part, the Ampere architecture is crafted with 54 billion transistors, making it the largest 7-nanometer chip. It has third-generation tensor cores, smarter and faster memory, second-generation RT cores, and three other ground-breaking innovations. These innovations translate to better performance, with Nvidia reporting that the A400 delivers 3x higher performance than its predecessor, the T400.

The RTX A400 isn’t the highest-spec model sporting the Ampere architecture. Still, its computing platform makes it ideal for light CAD rendering and simulation. It’s certified for SolidWorks, Ansys, AutoCAD, CATIA, and others. So, if you’re drafting DD drawings or creating and rendering 3D models, this should be a suitable choice.

AMD acquired the Radeon GPU technology from ATI Technologies in 2006. Since the acquisition, the Radeon range has played an integral part in AMD’s GPU market growth. This range includes the Pro and RX lineups, with the former designed for professional uses. Nonetheless, both categories offer performance and value, and it comes as no surprise then that AMD’s Radeon Pro W7500 is next in our list of the best graphics cards for CAD in 2025.

The Radeon Pro W7500 comes in at just over $400 and offers great performance. And though it was positioned last in the various viewsets that form part of the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark, the results showed that you could depend on it for both 2D drafting and 3D modeling. But this performance is expected, considering it was the cheapest of the GPUs analyzed in the benchmark.

Nvidia’s only other GPU on this list is the RTX 2000, which is built using the new Ada Lovelace Architecture. According to Nvidia, this architecture is designed to offer revolutionary performance for ray tracing. As a result, the RTX 2000 delivers up to 1.7x higher ray tracing throughput and up to 1.6x higher overall performance than the previous generation RTX A2000. This is thanks to improved specs, including a higher memory and new generation CUDA, RT, and tensor cores.

However, despite being more expensive, the Nvidia RTX 2000 posted lower benchmark results than the AMD Radeon Pro W7600. It was outpaced in most of the SPECViewPerf 2020 viewsets and fell short in the geometric mean of all tests.

Next up is another excellent option from AMD’s Radeon Pro range. The AMD Radeon Pro W7600 comes at a higher average price than the Radeon Pro W7600. But this is expected since it has more compute units, peak memory bandwidth, stream processors, and peak half precision performance. What’s more, the Radeon Pro W7600 performed better on most of the viewsets in the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark than the more expensive Nvidia RTX 2000.

We end our list of top 5 graphics cards for CAD with the highest-priced and best-performing Radeon Pro W7700. At $969.00, this GPU is quite expensive, but it makes up for this cost with its performance in 3D modeling. Thanks to its impressive specs, it faired quite well in the SPECViewPerf 2020 benchmark. And while it’s not the highest spec in the Radeon Pro W7000 series, it still perks a punch. In fact, it outperforms the Nvidia RTX A4000.

Bonus: List of graphics card brands

We’ve collected a list of the most popular graphics card manufacturers. You may not have heard of many of these brands, but some of these lesser-known names are producing impressive products.

Conclusion

When choosing a graphics card for CAD, first consider the specific list of applications you will use in your CAD work. From there, you can quite easily narrow-down a list of graphics cards which would be suitable for your CAD work by looking at the list of certified GPUs recommended by the software developers. 

Most importantly, as mentioned earlier, don’t assume that one good graphics cards will be suitable for all types of graphics rendering.

If you’re unsure which models to choose, I’m confident the above list will be a big help to you. Both NVIDIA and AMD have some great options for under $1,000, for example AMD’s Radeon Pro W7500 and NVIDIA’s T1000 and A400 are all under $500 and have been officially certified for use with SolidWorks and AutoCAD. If you are able to significantly increase your budget, AMD’s Radeon Pro W7700 at ~ $969.00 packs a real punch for relatively heavy CAD 3D rendering.