Dassault Systèmes Launches SOLIDWORKS 2017

Software developer Dassault Systèmes has launched SOLIDWORKS 2017, the latest version of the professional 3D design and development application.

SOLIDWORKS 2017 is powered by the company’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform and enables users to design, validate, collaborate, build and manage the product development processes with integrated applications. Besides featuring more core power and performance, the latest version is equipped with new tools. Both new and experienced users can improve productivity with simulation to analyze, solve, visualize and verify functionality of designs, before any prototype is created. New tools unlock any 3D model for better collaboration with vendors and customers, and dynamic product data management (PDM) from concept through to manufacturing allows for stronger support of multi-site and remote teams.

Here is a summary of the most requested new features and enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2017:

Innovate by directly addressing PCB design:

• SOLIDWORKS PCB—seamlessly synchronize electronic and mechanical design on demand with a combination of electronics design expertise from Altium and ease of use from SOLIDWORKS.
• User-friendly interface—a unified environment for schematic and layout tools to select the best routing options based on design constraints with Interactive Routing, AutoRoute, Multi-Track, and Differential Pair, locate and select new components for informed decisions with real-time supplier data, and incorporate SOLIDWORKS models within the PCB design environment and verify electro-mechanical design intent.

Accelerate the design process with more core power and performance:

• Modeling power—speed up the design process with new tools for Chamfer, Fillet, and Advanced Hole Specification that create multiple variable chamfers in one simple operation, switch any pre-existing Chamfer to a Fillet and vice versa to apply design changes in seconds, capture and access previous hole definitions and apply pre-saved specifications in an instant, and construct stepped holes faster with one operation.
• Surfacing—remove obstacles to creating complex 3D geometry, save time and avoid complex workarounds with new surfacing features such as wrap, drag and drop, emboss, deboss, or 3D Curve.
• Magnetic mates—work with large, challenging assemblies by easily organizing equipment and space, publishing parts and assemblies as assets with appropriate connection points for easy drag and drop mating, and easy repositioning of models.

Validate design insights with simulation:

• Simulation static study—input parameters to automatically make logical decisions.
• Stress hot spots—quickly identify these to investigate a model or setup further simulation and verify results.
• Single-click conversion—instantly convert studies from linear static to non-linear or dynamic.
• RealView—display simulation results to clearly communicate analysis.

Improve collaboration by unlocking new streamlined design workflows and removing barriers to third party data:

• 3D Interconnect—work with both neutral and native CAD data, such as updating part and assembly files as design changes take place with the Update Model feature, directly opening imported files and treating them like Base Parts, or unlocking workflows from various sources to collaborate with customers and vendors.
• eDrawings—visualize all types of product design data for simple and accurate collaboration, from native CAD formats to 3D reality with Google Cardboard. Access product data anywhere with mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.

Build and manage with data integration, from concept to manufacturing:

• SOLIDWORKS PDM—improve the way teams manage and collaborate on design by controlling design data and ensuring access to the right version. Enhance support for SOLIDWORKS MBD (model based definition) with auto-generated 3D PDFs, list native CAD files in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Vault check-in structure, and keep track of where they are used and overwrite versions to minimize clutter.
• SOLIDWORKS MBD—quickly and accurately communicate critical product information throughout downstream manufacturing operations with features such as basic dimensions and fully automated Polar Dimensioning Schemes, direct referencing of edges, easy creation of intersection geometry between drafted surfaces, and 3D PDF publishing at different accuracy levels for control over file size and quality.