Tags: SOLIDWORKS

DriveWorks: How to Automate SOLIDWORKS Design and Configurable Product Sales

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DriveWorks: How to Automate SOLIDWORKS Design and Configurable Product Sales

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At a Glance

DriveWorks helps manufacturers of configurable products turn their engineering rules into a repeatable digital process. Instead of copying an old project, renaming files, and manually modifying each model, teams enter the requirements into a form. DriveWorks then applies approved rules to generate the required deliverables.

The product line includes three levels:

  • DriveWorksXpress to explore basic automation in SOLIDWORKS for free;
  • DriveWorks Solo to streamline and improve the design process for engineers;
  • DriveWorks Pro to deploy a product configurator and CPQ process across the company and even externally on the web.

What Is DriveWorks?

DriveWorks is design automation and product configuration software that is closely integrated with SOLIDWORKS. It captures product parameters, customer options, and manufacturing rules, then reuses them to create reliable variants and configurations.

In practical terms, DriveWorks can automatically control:

  • dimensions, features, textures, materials, and even custom properties;
  • SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings;
  • file names and locations;
  • bills of materials and certain sales documents;
  • output formats such as PDF, DXF, DWG, STEP, or image files, depending on the edition;
  • validations, approvals, and workflow stages;
  • data exchanges with systems such as ERP, CRM, or SOLIDWORKS PDM when using DriveWorks Pro.

The result is simple: a custom request can move more quickly from configuration to quotation, engineering, and production.

What Types of Companies Is DriveWorks Designed For?

DriveWorks is particularly well suited to manufacturers that offer products that are similar but rarely identical. An industrial enclosure with variable dimensions, a modular conveyor system, equipment adapted to a customer’s space, or a structure available with several options are all good examples.

Your company could benefit from DriveWorks if you answer yes to any of these questions:

  • Do your designers often repeat the same changes in SOLIDWORKS?
  • Do you regularly create variants from previous projects?
  • Do data-entry, bill-of-materials, or drawing errors delay orders?
  • Does preparing quotes require frequent back-and-forth with engineering?
  • Do configuration rules depend mainly on the experience of a few people?
  • Would you like your sales representatives, distributors, or customers to configure a product online?

Even one yes may reveal an automation opportunity. The right approach is to target a repetitive, well-understood product and then evaluate how much time is currently spent on each order.

DriveWorksXpress, Solo, or Pro: Which Version Should You Choose?

Solution

Ideal for

Main capabilities

How it is used

DriveWorksXpress

 Getting started with a first automation project Basic part and assembly automation, a simple form, and one drawing per part or assembly Included free with SOLIDWORKS

DriveWorks Solo

 Automating the work of one designer or an engineering department Part, assembly, and drawing automation; control over file names and locations; documents such as bills of materials and quotes; and previews in SOLIDWORKS Single-user SOLIDWORKS add-in

DriveWorks Pro

 Connecting sales, engineering, and production CPQ, web configurators, interactive 3D previews, automated documents, workflows, security, unattended generation, and enterprise integrations Modular, scalable platform

DriveWorksXpress: A Free Entry Point

DriveWorksXpress is included with SOLIDWORKS and can be opened from the Tools menu. It lets you capture an existing model, create a simple form, and control certain dimensions, features, or properties to generate a new variant.

This edition is suitable for a team that wants to validate an initial use case without immediately launching a large-scale project. Its options are more limited, but it demonstrates the core DriveWorks process: capture, define rules, complete a form, and generate.

DriveWorks Solo: Greater Control for Engineering

DriveWorks Solo takes automation further while remaining integrated with SOLIDWORKS. It provides greater control over bills of materials, file locations, drawings, and generated documents.

A designer can complete a guided form, select the permitted options, and generate a more complete project package. Rules reduce the risk of forgetting a property, using a noncompliant name, or selecting an impossible combination.

DriveWorks Solo is often the right choice when the need remains primarily within the engineering department but DriveWorksXpress no longer provides enough flexibility.

DriveWorks Pro: Company-Wide Automation

DriveWorks Pro brings together SOLIDWORKS automation, product configuration, and CPQ. It lets you create a guided experience that is accessible in a browser, complete with dynamic forms and an interactive 3D preview of the configured product.

The data entered can trigger the automatic creation of models, assemblies, drawings, bills of materials, and sales documents. Generation can be handled by DriveWorks Autopilot on a dedicated machine, freeing up the designer’s workstation. Some capabilities require specific DriveWorks Pro modules or licences, depending on the selected architecture.

DriveWorks Pro also lets you organize workflows. For example, an order may require technical validation or sales approval before the production files are generated.

How Does a CPQ Configurator Work with DriveWorks Pro?

CPQ stands for Configure, Price, Quote. In a manufacturing environment, CPQ guides users toward a viable configuration, calculates the data needed for the quote, and prepares the deliverables required to manufacture the product.

With DriveWorks Pro, the process can follow these steps:

  • The sales representative, distributor, or customer selects dimensions and options in a form.
  • Rules validate the compatibility of the selections and display only the relevant options.
  • An interactive 3D preview reflects the selected configuration.
  • Pricing and product data can be retrieved from the company’s systems.
  • A quote and other documents are generated.
  • Once the required approvals are complete, DriveWorks creates the order-specific SOLIDWORKS files and manufacturing data.

This process reduces reliance on manual exchanges between sales and engineering. It also helps sales teams respond faster without promising a configuration the company cannot manufacture.

What Documents and Files Can DriveWorks Generate?

Depending on the edition and selected configuration, DriveWorks can produce much more than a 3D model. Possible outputs include:

  • SOLIDWORKS parts and assemblies;
  • manufacturing drawings;
  • bills of materials;
  • quotes and purchase orders;
  • Word, Excel, HTML, XML, and PDF documents;
  • manufacturing or exchange files such as DXF, DWG, STEP, and STL;
  • images for sales, approvals, or the web;
  • HTML emails with attachments.

Outputs can be triggered at the appropriate point in the workflow. A quote can therefore be created before approval, while production files are released only after the order is confirmed.

Why Formalize Engineering Rules?

In many companies, essential rules live in the mind of an experienced designer. This expertise is valuable, but it becomes a risk when it is neither documented nor accessible to other teams.

DriveWorks turns this knowledge into executable rules. This allows a company to:

  • apply the same standards to every order;
  • prevent noncompliant combinations;
  • reduce errors caused by repetitive tasks;
  • make it easier to onboard new employees;
  • preserve knowledge despite departures or changes in roles;
  • improve rules gradually as products evolve;
  • maintain business continuity despite staff shortages or departures.

The benefits go beyond saving time. Automation also supports operational continuity and data quality.

What Are the Main Benefits of DriveWorks Automation?

Reduce Repetitive Tasks

Rules can handle model copying, file renaming, dimension changes, and document preparation.

Speed Up Quotes and Orders

A guided form gathers the right information from the start. Teams spend less time clarifying incomplete or incompatible selections.

Improve Consistency

The same design, naming, and approval rules are applied to every project.

Free Designers to Focus on Higher-Value Work

While order-specific files are being generated, engineers and designers can work on new products, complex problems, or continuous improvement.

Connect Departments

With DriveWorks Pro, sales, engineering, operations, and production can use the same process while retaining access rights and approval stages suited to their responsibilities.

How Do You Start a DriveWorks Project?

The best first project is not necessarily the most complex product. Instead, choose a stable product family that is configured frequently and involves measurable repetitive tasks.

A structured implementation generally includes:

  • an analysis of the current process and product variants;
  • the selection of a pilot project;
  • the preparation of SOLIDWORKS models;
  • the formalization of rules, data, and exceptions;
  • the creation of forms and documents;
  • an analysis of real-world cases, including edge configurations;
  • user training and continuous improvement.

The Solidxperts team can support you with evaluation, architecture, integration, training, and support. The goal is to help you become self-sufficient and scale the solution as your needs evolve.

Move from Manual Customization to a Repeatable Process

When a product changes frequently but follows known rules, manually modifying every order eventually becomes costly. DriveWorks lets you capture those rules once and then apply them consistently to models, documents, and process stages.

Not sure whether DriveWorksXpress, DriveWorks Solo, or DriveWorks Pro is right for you? Talk to a specialist to identify the best pilot project and estimate the automation potential of your configurable products.

FAQ

Does DriveWorks Replace SOLIDWORKS?

No. DriveWorks automates and controls SOLIDWORKS models using rules and data. SOLIDWORKS remains the design tool used to create parts, assemblies, and drawings.

Is DriveWorksXpress Free?

Yes. DriveWorksXpress is an entry-level solution included with SOLIDWORKS. It can be launched from the Tools menu in SOLIDWORKS.

What Is the Difference Between DriveWorks Solo and DriveWorks Pro?

DriveWorks Solo primarily automates design work in SOLIDWORKS for an individual user or an engineering department. DriveWorks Pro adds a broader platform with a web configurator, CPQ, 3D visualization, workflows, security, unattended generation, and enterprise system integrations.

Can DriveWorks Generate Quotes?

Yes. DriveWorks Solo can generate documents such as quotes using templates and data. DriveWorks Pro takes this further with a CPQ process, pricing rules, approvals, customized documents, and integrations.

Can DriveWorks Integrate with an ERP, CRM, or PDM System?

Yes. DriveWorks Pro offers integration options for SOLIDWORKS PDM and other enterprise systems using connectors, databases, web services, exchange files, or an API. The method depends on the systems in place and the required data flow.

Do You Need Programming Skills to Use DriveWorks?

Experience with parametric modeling and a solid understanding of product rules are helpful. However, DriveWorks provides form and rule design tools that reduce the need to develop a custom application from scratch. Advanced integrations may require additional technical expertise.

Alain

Alain Provost

Senior Technical Sales Executive

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    SOLIDWORKS vs. Inventor: Which CAD Software Is Better for Mechanical Design?

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    SOLIDWORKS vs. Inventor: Which CAD Software Is Better for Mechanical Design?

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    Meet the Contenders

    SOLIDWORKS is Dassault Systèmes’ desktop CAD platform, purpose-built for mechanical product design from day one. It covers everything from concept sketching through detailed part and assembly modeling, simulation, rendering, and production-ready drawings. Its ecosystem (PDM, Simulation, CAM, Visualize) is tightly integrated, and its user community is one of the largest in the engineering world. SOLIDWORKS excels in consumer products, complex surfacing, weldments, sheet metal, and any project where design intent needs to be communicated clearly across teams.

    By comparison, Autodesk Inventor is a professional-grade 3D mechanical design tool built around parametric modeling, simulation, and tooling design. It lives inside the broader Autodesk ecosystem (AutoCAD, Vault, Fusion 360) and has traditionally been strong in large-assembly industrial equipment, structural frame design, and manufacturing workflows that lean heavily on AutoCAD-derived 2D documentation. If your shop grew up on AutoCAD, Inventor feels like a natural next step into 3D.

    Where each shines at a glance:

    When it comes to large structural frames and weldments, both platforms are competent and will get the job done.

    However, the similarities start to diverge from there. Inventor’s standout advantage is its deep interoperability with AutoCAD. SOLIDWORKS, on the other hand, pulls ahead in nearly every other category that matters to a mechanical designer. It offers significantly stronger tools for consumer product design and complex surfacing, where Inventor’s capabilities feel limited by comparison. In addition, sheet metal workflows are more mature and production-ready in SOLIDWORKS, and its desktop simulation tools go deeper without needing to leave the modeling environment. Finally, the SOLIDWORKS community and library of learning resources dwarfs what’s available on the Inventor side,  a real advantage when you’re troubleshooting an unfamiliar workflow or trying to push the software into new territory.

    Mechanical Design: Strengths & Weaknesses

    Why You Might Choose SOLIDWORKS

    Strengths:

    • Intuitive Sketch & Feature Workflow: SOLIDWORKS was designed from the ground up around a sketch-then-feature paradigm that just makes sense for mechanical parts. The FeatureManager tree is logical, sketch relations are visual and predictable, and the software rarely fights you when you need to go back and edit an early feature. Design intent stays intact, changes are easily made and automatic updating of not just parts but also assemblies really show the full power of parametric design.

    • Simulation Integration (SOLIDWORKS Simulation): Running FEA, thermal, fatigue, or flow studies without leaving the modeling environment is a massive time-saver. You don’t export, re-mesh, and re-apply loads in a separate tool. You right-click your assembly, set up a study, and iterate. For mechanical designers who need to validate before prototyping, this tight loop is invaluable.

    • Sheet Metal & Weldments: SOLIDWORKS’ sheet metal tools handle complex bends, forming tools, lofted bends, and flat-pattern exports with a maturity that Inventor still chases. Weldment profiles, cut lists, and trim/extend operations are clean and production-ready. If your shop cuts, bends, and welds steel daily, SOLIDWORKS speaks your language fluently.

    Weaknesses:

    • Large Assembly Performance: SOLIDWORKS can struggle with very large assemblies (10,000+ components) unless you’re disciplined about using Lightweight mode, SpeedPak configurations, and large design review mode. Inventor historically handles brute-force large assemblies with slightly less pain out of the box, though the gap has narrowed.

    • Data Management Cost & Complexity: SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional is powerful but adds significant licensing cost and IT overhead (SQL Server, dedicated vault server, client deployments). For smaller shops, the jump from file-folder chaos to a properly managed PDM environment is steep, both financially and administratively.

    • Subscription Pricing Pressure: Dassault’s push toward subscription and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform has created uncertainty for long-time perpetual-license users. The cost trajectory is upward, and some features are being nudged toward cloud-connected workflows that not every mechanical design shop is ready for.

    Why You Might Choose Autodesk Inventor

    Strengths:

    • Frame Generator & Bolted Connections: Inventor’s Frame Generator is genuinely excellent. You pick a structural profile from a library, sketch a skeleton, and the tool builds the frame with automatic mitre cuts, end treatments, and a BOM that’s ready for fabrication. For anyone designing conveyor systems, machine guards, or structural steel, this workflow is fast and reliable.

    • AutoCAD & Vault Integration: If your company has decades of AutoCAD legacy data, Inventor reads and references DWG files natively. Vault (Autodesk’s data management tool) ties Inventor models and AutoCAD drawings together without format translation headaches. That continuity matters when you’re maintaining equipment that was first drawn in AutoCAD R14.

    • iLogic Rules-Based Design: Inventor’s iLogic lets you embed design rules directly into parts and assemblies without needing a full API. For configurable products (think: custom conveyor lengths, bracket sizes, or enclosure variants), iLogic can drive dimensions, suppress features, and swap components based on simple if/then logic. It lowers the barrier to automation compared to writing full macros.

    Weaknesses:

    • Surfacing Tools Are Limited: When a mechanical design crosses into organic shapes, blends, or consumer-product aesthetics, Inventor’s surfacing toolkit feels thin. You’ll hit walls trying to create complex curvature-continuous surfaces that SOLIDWORKS handles with relative ease.

    • Drawing Environment Feels Dated: Despite improvements over the years, Inventor’s drawing environment still carries quirks inherited from AutoCAD thinking. Balloon management, BOM customization, and view annotation can feel clunky compared to the more streamlined SOLIDWORKS drawing workflow, especially on assemblies with hundreds of components.

    • Smaller Ecosystem & Community: Finding a quick answer to an obscure Inventor problem takes longer. The forums are active but smaller, third-party add-ins are fewer, and training content (especially advanced topics) is less abundant. When you’re stuck at 4 PM on a Friday with a deadline, community size matters.

    Why SOLIDWORKS Wins for Mechanical Design

    After years on both platforms, I made the switch to SOLIDWORKS a decade ago and never looked back.

    Here’s the honest reason: SOLIDWORKS thinks like a mechanical designer. Every tool, menu, and workflow feels like it was built by someone who has actually sat at a drafting board trying to communicate a design to a machinist or a fabricator.

    Inventor is capable, genuinely capable, but it often feels like a 3D layer bolted onto an AutoCAD philosophy, that is slowly being left behind as autodesk focuses more on Fusion 360. It offers features that designers may not be geared to designers like 3d studio meant for animation studios, factory design utilities are specific to manufacturing engineers not designers and BIM capabilities meant for a very specific user group. SOLIDWORKS was born 3D-native, and that DNA shows in every interaction with meaningful tools for designers like, toolbox, design checker, tolerance analyst, interference checking, collision detection, surface flattening, and pipe, tube and electrical routing.

    Beyond the general feel, two features specifically set SOLIDWORKS apart:

    Feature 1: Design Intent Through Configurations

    SOLIDWORKS’ Configuration system is remarkably powerful for mechanical design. A single part file can represent an entire family of components, different lengths, bore sizes, material thicknesses, all driven by a design table or manual configuration switches. This isn’t just convenience; it’s how real mechanical products work. A bracket comes in five sizes. A shaft has three keyway options. Configurations let you model that reality once and maintain it in one place. Inventor’s iPart/iAssembly approach is similar in concept but clunkier in execution, especially when configurations interact with drawings, BOMs, and PDM.

    Feature 2: The Drawing-to-Model Associativity

    SOLIDWORKS drawings are not just views of a model. They are live, bidirectional windows into it. You can dimension a feature in the drawing and drive the model from there. Annotations, tolerances, and GD&T travel with the model as MBD (Model-Based Definition) data. For a mechanical designer whose deliverable is ultimately a production drawing or a 3D-annotated model sent to a CNC shop, this associativity means fewer errors, faster ECOs, and less time reconciling what the drawing says versus what the model actually is.

    The Bottom Line

    Both tools will get parts designed and drawings out the door. But if your world is mechanical product design, parts, assemblies, drawings, simulation, and manufacturing communication, SOLIDWORKS offers a tighter, more intuitive experience. Fewer interface sections offer a more user friendly experience, with sheet metal and weldments all being able to be done in the part environment. Inventor has around 6 different environments with different specific uses. Solidworks tries to evolve the way mechanical designers actually think making it one of the most widely used CAD programs in a variety of different markets and disciplines.

    Ready to see whether SOLIDWORKS is the right fit for your mechanical design workflow? Contact the Solidxperts team to discuss your needs and explore the best solution for your business.

    Edward Ricciardi

    Solutions Specialist

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      How Additive Manufacturing with Markforged Helped Avoid the Costly Replacement of a Cooler

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      How Additive Manufacturing with Markforged Helped Avoid the Costly Replacement of a Cooler

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      Can you already smell the BBQ?

      Last summer, I went to a store to buy a cooler. I found one at an unbeatable price, but it was missing two retaining pins for the handle.

      That’s when I had an idea.

      Why not design and 3D print them?

      So, I left the store with the cooler, a big smile on my face, and full confidence that I could find a solution in time for the BBQ.

      BBQ Solidxperts
      BBQ Solidxperts x Markforged

      Challenge: A Cooler with Missing Parts

      A BBQ was scheduled just a few days later. I wanted to buy a cooler to keep drinks cold throughout the evening, but my budget was limited.

      I came across a brand-new 45.4 L cooler for the modest price of $15 CAD. The only issue was that it was missing the two pins that secured the handle on one side. Despite searching throughout the store, I was unable to find replacement parts that could be purchased with it.

      Without these pins, the cooler was still usable, but moving it around would have been much less convenient since the handle would not function properly. A comparable new cooler would have cost approximately $50 CAD before taxes. Ordering replacement parts was also an option, but not necessarily the most cost-effective one due to potential shipping costs and delivery delays.

      With a BBQ quickly approaching, I needed a solution that was both effective and fast.

      Evaluating the Options

      Let’s take a quick look at the available options:

      • Purchase a New Cooler : The simplest solution, but also the most expensive unless a significant discount is available.

      • Order the Missing Parts : A viable option, but the total cost could quickly increase due to part pricing, shipping fees, and delivery times.

      • Manufacture the Parts In-House : An ideal solution for a company that has access to a 3D printer and the expertise needed to quickly design replacement parts.

      Considering the tight timeline, the very low production cost, and the minimal effort required to design and print the parts, I chose additive manufacturing.

      Markforged printers can produce durable parts using materials such as onyx, nylon, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and even metal. This makes them an excellent solution for challenges like this one.

      Designing and Printing the Pins

      I brought the cooler to my colleague, Charles-Olivier Provost, and in less than two hours, the problem was solved.

      The process was straightforward. He removed one of the existing pins from the functional side of the handle and measured its dimensions using calipers, including diameter, length, and other key features. Using those measurements, he recreated the part in SOLIDWORKS. The modeling process took only a few minutes.

      Once the model was completed, it was exported to Markforged’s Eiger software to prepare it for printing.

      Pièce dans Eiger
      The modeled part imported into Markforged Eiger.

      A few minutes later, the print job was launched on a Markforged X7 printer using an onyx material. In just over an hour, the two replacement parts were ready.

      Impression Markforged
      Launching the print job on the Markforged X7 3D printer.

      Results

      Once the two parts were printed, they were installed in their respective locations. A few quick tests confirmed that the handle functioned perfectly, just as if the cooler were brand new.

      That was when my colleague told me, “Your cooler is ready.”

      The moment I had been waiting for.

      For me, it was the satisfaction of having made a great purchase while staying within budget and meeting the BBQ deadline. For Charles-Olivier, it was the satisfaction of solving a practical problem using precise measurements, SOLIDWORKS, and his secret weapon: a Markforged 3D printer.

      The savings were significant. The pair of replacement parts cost approximately $1.50 CAD to produce, compared to the potential cost of ordering replacement parts with shipping fees or purchasing a brand-new cooler.

      Pièce finale
      Cooler repaired using a 3D-printed replacement pin (black part).

      How 3D Printing Reduces Costs and Lead Times

      In an industrial setting, the parts involved can represent equipment worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

      3D printing stands out because of its flexibility and rapid production capabilities. When the availability of a replacement part becomes a challenge and a solution is needed quickly, additive manufacturing truly demonstrates its value.

      Extending the lifespan of products not only helps reduce costs but also contributes to more sustainable and responsible practices.

      To learn more about additive manufacturing and the Markforged solutions offered by SolidXperts, visit: 3D Printing and Scanning Solutions – Solidxperts

      Chung Ping Lu, eng.

      Chung Ping Lu, eng.

      Senior Technical Representative

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        SOLIDWORKS Design vs Onshape: Which CAD Platform Is Right for Your Team?

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        SOLIDWORKS Design vs Onshape: Which CAD Platform Is Right for Your Team?

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        Choosing a CAD platform is a bigger decision than just comparing modeling tools.

        Today, engineering teams need to think about collaboration, data management, cloud connectivity, licensing flexibility, training requirements, and even AI-powered productivity tools. Whether you’re replacing an older CAD system, evaluating cloud CAD for the first time, or planning for future growth, the platform you choose will impact your workflow for years.

        Two of the most common options being evaluated today are SOLIDWORKS Design and Onshape.

        Both are professional CAD solutions that support parametric modeling and offer cloud connected workflows. But they are built around very different philosophies.

        Let’s break down the differences.

        Quick Answer: SOLIDWORKS Design or Onshape?

        If your team wants a mature, industry-standard CAD platform with powerful desktop performance, extensive engineering tools, flexible licensing options, and access to the broader 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem, SOLIDWORKS Design is typically the stronger choice.

        If your priority is a browser only CAD environment with simplified deployment and built-in cloud collaboration, Onshape may be worth considering.

        The right answer depends on your team’s workflows, product complexity, and long-term goals.

        What Is SOLIDWORKS Design?

        SOLIDWORKS Design is the latest evolution of the SOLIDWORKS portfolio.

        It combines the CAD environment engineers have trusted for decades with modern cloud services, collaboration tools, revision management, and AI-powered capabilities through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

        Today, organizations can choose between multiple deployment approaches:

        SOLIDWORKS Design Single-User License

        A named-user license connected directly to cloud services and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

        Benefits include:

        • Access from multiple devices

        • Built-in cloud collaboration

        • Cloud file and revision management

        • Continuous updates

        • AI-enabled cloud services and tools

        SOLIDWORKS Design Device License

        A machine-based license designed for organizations that prefer traditional deployment methods.

        Benefits include:

        • Local installation control

        • Machine-based activation

        • Multi-user workstation environments

        • Optional cloud connectivity

        • Support for controlled IT deployment strategies

        Both licensing options provide access to Cloud Services and future expansion into the broader 3DEXPERIENCE ecosystem.

        Comparison of SOLIDWORKS Design and Onshape interfaces to help teams choose the right CAD platform.SOLIDWORKS CAD Modeling Environment

        What Is Onshape?

        Onshape is a fully browser based CAD platform.

        Unlike traditional desktop CAD, there is no local installation. Users access their CAD environment through a web browser, and all data is stored in the cloud.

        Because the platform is cloud-native, Onshape provides:

        • Real time collaboration

        • Built-in version history

        • Browser based access

        • Automatic updates

        • Simplified IT deployment

        This makes it attractive for distributed teams, startups, educational institutions, and organizations looking to avoid workstation management.

        Side-by-side comparison of SOLIDWORKS and Onshape highlighting key features for engineering teams.

        Onshape CAD Modeling Environment

        SOLIDWORKS Design vs Onshape: The Biggest Differences

        Modeling Experience

        Both platforms use modern parametric modeling workflows.

        However, SOLIDWORKS Design still offers a more mature and feature rich modeling environment for many engineering use cases.

        Areas where SOLIDWORKS continues to excel include:

        • Large assemblies

        • Weldments

        • Routing

        • Drawings and detailing

        • Manufacturing documentation

        • Simulation integration

        • CAM integration

        • Advanced surfacing workflows

        For many engineers, SOLIDWORKS remains the benchmark for production ready mechanical design.

        Onshape delivers a modern modeling experience and continues to evolve rapidly, but some organizations transitioning from mature desktop CAD environments may find certain advanced workflows less developed.

        Performance

        This is where deployment philosophy matters.

        SOLIDWORKS Design

        Most CAD calculations happen locally on workstation hardware.

        Advantages:

        • Excellent performance on complex assemblies

        • Direct access to GPU resources

        • Better support for demanding engineering workloads

        • Less dependence on internet speed during modeling

        Onshape

        All modeling calculations occur on cloud infrastructure.

        Advantages:

        • Lower workstation requirements

        • Easy access from almost any device

        • Consistent performance across users

        For engineering teams working on large products, machinery, manufacturing equipment, or highly detailed assemblies, local workstation performance still offers significant advantages.

        Data Management

        Historically, data management was a major differentiator.

        Today, the gap is much smaller.

        Onshape

        Includes cloud-based data management by default.

        Users benefit from:

        • Version history

        • Branching workflows

        • Built-in collaboration

        • Cloud storage

        SOLIDWORKS Design

        Includes Cloud Services and can scale directly into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

        Organizations can start with:

        • Share and Markup

        • Store and Revise

        • Collaborative Spaces

        • Cloud revision management

        And later expand into:

        • Product lifecycle management (PLM)

        • Change actions

        • Governance workflows

        • Enterprise collaboration

        This creates a growth path from basic collaboration all the way to enterprise level product development.

        What About SOLIDWORKS xDesign?

        This is an important distinction that often gets overlooked.

        When comparing browser-based CAD, the most direct comparison is often SOLIDWORKS xDesign versus Onshape, not SOLIDWORKS Design versus Onshape.

        SOLIDWORKS xDesign is Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-native design solution, running entirely in a web browser with no local installation required. It combines modeling, collaboration, lifecycle management, and cloud storage directly within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

        Overview of SOLIDWORKS Design and Onshape showing differences in workflow and collaboration features.

        SOLIDWORKS xDesign Modeling Environment

        For organizations that like the flexibility of browser-based CAD but want to stay within the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem, xDesign is often worth evaluating alongside Onshape.

        Many companies ultimately adopt a hybrid strategy:

        • SOLIDWORKS Design for advanced mechanical design

        • SOLIDWORKS xDesign for cloud-native collaboration and conceptual work

        • 3DEXPERIENCE for data management and lifecycle control

        AI Features: SOLIDWORKS vs Onshape

        AI is becoming part of every CAD discussion, but it’s important to separate practical tools from marketing buzzwords.

        Neither platform has a “design my product” button.

        Instead, both focus on productivity improvements.

        AI in Onshape

        Onshape currently offers AI Advisor, an AI-powered assistant designed to answer questions and guide users through workflows using Onshape documentation and training resources as its knowledge base.

        AI Advisor can:

        • Answer workflow questions

        • Recommend best practices

        • Surface documentation

        • Provide troubleshooting guidance

        • Deliver contextual assistance inside the platform

        Importantly, Onshape states that AI Advisor does not currently generate designs or make engineering decisions.

        Visual comparison of SOLIDWORKS Design and Onshape focused on team collaboration and cloud capabilities.

        Onshape AI Advisor

        AI in SOLIDWORKS

        SOLIDWORKS has been expanding its AI roadmap aggressively through both desktop and cloud-connected tools.

        Recent AI capabilities include:

        • Auto-Generate Drawings

        • Command Predictor

        • Fastener Recognition

        • Assembly Performance Evaluator

        • Material Appearance Manager

        • BREP-to-Parametric CAD conversion

        • Design Change Impact analysis

        • PLM Model Insights

        • AURA AI Assistant

        Rather than acting as a documentation assistant, many of these tools directly interact with engineering workflows and CAD data.

        The goal isn’t replacing engineers. It’s reducing repetitive work, accelerating documentation, improving performance, and helping teams make decisions faster.

        Illustration comparing SOLIDWORKS Design and Onshape to help determine the best CAD solution for design teams.

        SOLIDWORKS AI Lab

        Which Platform Is Better for Growing Companies?

        This is often the most important question.

        For startups prioritizing fast deployment and simple browser access, Onshape can be an attractive option.

        For companies expecting growth, increasing product complexity, manufacturing integration, simulation requirements, or future PLM adoption, SOLIDWORKS Design often provides a more scalable path.

        One of the biggest advantages of the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem is that organizations don’t need to commit to everything on day one.

        You can start with:

        • SOLIDWORKS Design

        • Cloud Services

        • Basic collaboration

        Then gradually expand into:

        • PDM

        • PLM

        • Simulation

        • Manufacturing

        • Electrical

        • Cloud-native design

        • AI-driven workflows

        Without changing CAD platforms.

        Why work with Solidxperts?

        Choosing software is only part of the project.

        Implementation, training, data management strategy, and user adoption are often what determine whether a deployment succeeds.

        At Solidxperts, we work with organizations every day that are evaluating:

        • SOLIDWORKS Design

        • SOLIDWORKS xDesign

        • Cloud Services

        • 3DEXPERIENCE

        • PDM and PLM solutions

        • CAD migration projects

        Whether you’re moving from another CAD platform, modernizing your data management strategy, or exploring AI-enabled workflows, our team can help you build a roadmap that fits your reality not just a software brochure.

        The goal isn’t simply choosing a CAD tool.

        It’s building a design environment that will still make sense five years from now.

        Looking to go further?

        Michael Habrich

        3DEXPERIENCE Specialist

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        Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

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          SWOOD 2026: Key New Features to Discover

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          SWOOD 2026: Key New Features to Discover

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          SWOOD 2026: Design with more freedom, automate further, and produce faster

          The wood and furniture manufacturing industry is evolving quickly. Manufacturers are under constant pressure to shorten lead times, increase product personalization, overcome the shortage of skilled labor, and improve profitability. In this context, digital tools play an increasingly strategic role.

          With SWOOD 2026, EFICAD continues its vision of an integrated digital chain where design, manufacturing, and data management work together to accelerate processes while reducing manual interventions.

          This new release brings significant improvements across the entire SWOOD suite: SWOOD Design, SWOOD CAM, SWOOD Nesting, and SWOOD Center. More than just an update, SWOOD 2026 directly addresses the current challenges faced by manufacturers in the woodworking, cabinetry, commercial furniture, and bespoke fit-out sectors.

          Today’s challenges in wood manufacturing

          Before diving into what’s new, it’s important to understand the issues companies face today:

          • Growing demand for customized products

          • Reduced delivery lead times

          • Difficulty recruiting and training specialized resources

          • Increasing complexity of architectural projects

          • Need to integrate ERP, MES, and CNC equipment

          • Ongoing pursuit of greater productivity

          The new features in SWOOD 2026 were developed specifically to address these realities.

          SWOOD Design 2026: more freedom for complex projects

          Manufacturers of bespoke furniture know that atypical projects often pose the greatest design challenges. SWOOD Design 2026 introduces several improvements that make it easier to create customized products without increasing model complexity.

          1. SWOOD Box supports non-rectangular geometries

          Traditionally, standard furniture relies on simple, rectangular geometries. However, modern projects often require more complex shapes:

          • Under-stair furniture

          • Vehicle fit-outs

          • Built-ins under sloped ceilings

          • Custom architectural installations

          Thanks to the new Point parameter in SWOOD Box, you can now position and intelligently constrain components according to non conventional geometries.

          Benefits

          • Fewer specialized configurations

          • More flexible libraries

          • Better reuse of existing models

          • Faster development of parametric catalogs

          Overview of new features in SWOOD 2026 for woodworking design and manufacturing

          2. Free Machining in SWOOD Box

          Manufacturing rarely follows rules perfectly aligned with a model’s standard CAD planes. With the new Free Machining feature, machining operations can now be defined according to the actual orientation of a sketch.

          This improvement enables:

          • Better consistency between design and manufacturing

          • Simplified handling of angled panels

          • Reduced manual adjustments in CAM

          3. Multilingual libraries

          For companies working with multiple plants, subsidiaries, or international partners, library management can quickly become complex. SWOOD 2026 now allows SWOOD Box parameters to be displayed in multiple languages.

          Outcome

          • Simpler rollout of corporate standards

          • Improved collaboration across international teams

          • Fewer misunderstandings

          Key highlights of SWOOD 2026 updates for CAD and woodworking workflows

          SWOOD CAM 2026: automation reaches a new level

          For many manufacturers, the bottleneck is no longer design but the preparation of CNC programs. SWOOD CAM 2026 introduces features that significantly reduce manual interventions.

          1. CAM Filters: one of the most important new features in SWOOD 2026

          The new CAM Filters allow you to automatically assign machining strategies based on different criteria:

          • Materials

          • Geometry

          • Machines

          • SOLIDWORKS properties

          • Manufacturing properties

          • Post-processors

          Why it matters

          Rather than creating specific rules for every situation, manufacturers can develop reusable and scalable manufacturing logic.

          The benefits are immediate:

          • Reduced programming time

          • Standardized machining methods

          • Lower risk of errors

          Updated user interface and improvements introduced in SWOOD 2026

          2. Relationships between CAM operations

          Another major improvement concerns communication between machining operations. Operations can now automatically share already-identified geometries.

          For example:

          • A drilling operation can pass references to a secondary operation

          • A groove can be automatically recognized by other strategies

          • Specialized connectors can be processed more efficiently

          Direct impact

          • More robust automation

          • Less duplication of rules

          • Simplified maintenance of CAM libraries

          New cabinet design tools and features available in SWOOD 2026

          3. New 3D machining strategies

          Manufacturers producing complex parts will also benefit from new toolpath strategies:

          • 3D roughing

          • Projected finishing

          • Spiral

          • Alternating spiral

          • Circular zig-zag

          • Cavity machining

          Outcome

          • Better surface finish quality

          • Optimized machining times

          • More efficient use of modern CNC machines

          CNC machining improvements and automation features in SWOOD 2026

          SWOOD Nesting 2026: more control over panel optimization

          With material costs remaining high, panel optimization is essential. SWOOD Nesting 2026 delivers greater stability in the handling of nests.

          1. Nesting Lock

          Users can now lock an optimization result to prevent accidental modification.

          Advantages

          • Protection of validated decisions

          • Greater control over the production process

          • Lower risk of unintentional reorganization

          Enhanced woodworking workflow and productivity tools in SWOOD 2026

          2. Nesting Freeze

          This feature goes even further. CAM edits and adjustments made after optimization can be retained even when the project is updated.

          Benefits

          • Simplified revision management

          • Protection of work already completed

          • Fewer unnecessary reworks

          Automation features in SWOOD 2026 designed to improve design efficiency

          3. Smart nesting updates

          Manufacturers rarely work on frozen projects. With SWOOD 2026, nesting assemblies can be reopened and updated while preserving previous adjustments.

          This improvement is especially useful for:

          • Evolving projects

          • Commercial furniture

          • Make-to-order environments

          Updated material libraries and components included in SWOOD 2026

          SWOOD Center 2026: connecting engineering to the shop floor

          The value of a modern manufacturing solution also depends on its ability to communicate with other enterprise systems. SWOOD Center continues this mission with several important additions.

          1. PTX export for panel saws

          SWOOD now supports PTX formats 1.14 and 1.21. This improvement makes it easier to integrate with many production machines used in the industry.

          Outcome

          • Less manual data entry

          • Lower risk of errors

          • Smoother data flow between systems

          Performance upgrades and faster processing in SWOOD 2026 software

          2. Batch document generation

          Users can now automatically generate:

          • Drawings

          • Reports

          • Panel lists

          • Hardware lists

          • Production documents

          Impact

          • Significant time savings

          • Standardized documentation

          • Higher team productivity

          Enhanced 3D wood modeling capabilities introduced in SWOOD 2026

          3. Enterprise integration automation

          SWOOD Center can now automatically launch external applications from generated reports. This capability opens the door to advanced integrations with:

          • ERP

          • MES

          • Planning tools

          • Custom internal systems

          New assembly tools for woodworking projects in SWOOD 2026

          The vision behind SWOOD 2026

          Looking across all the new features, a clear trend emerges. SWOOD is no longer just aiming to speed up design or CNC programming. The platform now strives to create complete digital continuity between engineering and production.

          This strategy rests on four pillars:

          1. Design without constraints

          The new SWOOD Box capabilities let you tackle increasingly complex projects without multiplying models and configurations.

          2. Automate further

          CAM Filters and inter-operation relationships reduce reliance on individual know-how and foster standardization.

          3. Optimize materials

          The new SWOOD Nesting functions protect completed work while simplifying revision management.

          4. Connect systems

          New features in SWOOD Center strengthen integration between engineering software, ERPs, and production equipment.

          Why consider upgrading to SWOOD 2026?

          For companies already using SWOOD, this release is a major opportunity to increase their level of automation. For manufacturers currently evaluating their digital processes, SWOOD 2026 clearly demonstrates that it is possible to:

          • Reduce preparation time

          • Standardize manufacturing methods

          • Simplify management of complex projects

          • Maximize material usage

          • Improve cross-department integration

          In a context where every minute saved and every avoided error has a direct impact on profitability, the new features in SWOOD 2026 offer concrete tools to improve overall business performance.

          Explore SWOOD 2026 with SOLIDXPERTS

          Want to assess the impact of SWOOD 2026 on your design and manufacturing processes? The SOLIDXPERTS team can help you:

          • Analyze your current methods

          • Identify automation opportunities

          • Demonstrate SWOOD 2026’s new features

          • Develop a deployment strategy tailored to your manufacturing reality

          Contact our SWOOD specialists today to discover how SWOOD 2026 can accelerate your digital transformation and increase your production efficiency.

          Alain

          Alain Provost

          Senior Technical Sales Executive

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          Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

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            FAQ: AI at the Core of SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE

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            FAQ: AI at the Core of SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE

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            What is AI in SOLIDWORKS?

            At its core, SOLIDWORKS AI refers to a set of intelligent capabilities that assist engineers by automating repetitive tasks, providing design guidance, and enabling workflow orchestration through built-in features and Virtual Companions that can be interacted with using natural language.

            What AI features are currently available in SOLIDWORKS?

            Currently, available capabilities include automated drawing generation, general design assistance through an interactive chat interface, command prediction, sketch analysis and repair, fastener recognition, and many additional features that are being rapidly developed and expanded.

            Learn more about what’s available in SOLIDWORKS AI.

            Stay up to date with the latest SOLIDWORKS Design features.

            What is the difference between built-in AI features and Virtual Companions in SOLIDWORKS?

            On one hand, built-in AI refers to machine learning-based capabilities that enhance existing design workflows. On the other hand, Virtual Companions are AI assistants that can be engaged using natural language to access knowledge and perform specific tasks. Both built-in AI features and Virtual Companions are available directly within the SOLIDWORKS Design user interface.

            What are the roles of the new Virtual Companions?

            Unlike generic conversational agents, our companions embody AI at the heart of engineering, grounded in physics and causality.

            Name

            Specialty

            Example Application (E-Foil Wing)

            AURA

            Knowledge and Context

            Balances requirements for strength, lightweight construction, and water resistance (for example, choosing between carbon fiber and fiberglass).

            LEO

            Engineering Reasoning

            Optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio using carbon composites, specifically unidirectional carbon fiber with epoxy resin for stiffness and fatigue resistance.

            MARIE

            Materials Science

            Analyzes critical factors such as density (1.6 g/cm³), elastic modulus, and resistance to water-induced degradation.

            How do these entities collaborate to optimize a project?

            Innovation emerges from the combination of multiple perspectives. AURA explores the range of possibilities, MARIE grounds the project in rigorous materials science, and LEO ensures mechanical and manufacturing feasibility. Together, they help identify the optimal technical solution without compromising safety or manufacturability.

            Why is the move to the Cloud essential for these new AI capabilities?

            Knowledge extraction, deep data mining, and the execution of complex AI models require significant computing power. Cloud infrastructure is the only practical way to provide these resources flexibly and cost-effectively to organizations of all sizes.

            Does SOLIDWORKS AI use customer data for training?

            No. Customer data is not used to train AI models. Governance controls ensure the protection of intellectual property. You can learn more by visiting the 3DS Trust Center.

            Can AI automatically create drawings?

            Yes. SOLIDWORKS Design includes the ability to automatically generate 2D drawings by interacting with Virtual Companions using natural language. Drawings can be created according to specified standards, templates, and dimensioning schemes, helping accelerate the documentation process.

            Can AI automate repetitive CAD tasks?

            Yes. SOLIDWORKS AI automates repetitive engineering tasks such as drawing creation and assembly structure generation. Additional capabilities will continue to be introduced in future releases.

            How does SOLIDWORKS AI protect intellectual property?

            SOLIDWORKS AI ensures that customer intellectual property remains isolated and secure. Learn more about the specific security protocols by visiting the 3DS Trust Center.

            How do I get started with AI in SOLIDWORKS?

            Start by exploring the built-in AI capabilities and current Virtual Companion features available through the AI Lab task pane directly within SOLIDWORKS Design. Access to Virtual Companions requires Cloud Services to be enabled, which are included with every SOLIDWORKS Design license.

            Can AI automatically fix CAD models?

            AI can identify issues, explain errors, and suggest corrections. However, engineers remain responsible for reviewing and approving any modifications.

            Will AI replace CAD designers and engineers?

            No. AI helps automate repetitive tasks and uncover valuable insights, but engineers remain responsible for design intent, validation, and decision-making.

            Want to Learn More?

            Discover more tips and tutorials on our YouTube channel.

            Explore best practices with our experts.

            Or contact our team, we’re here to help you get the most out of your platform.

            Benoit Bilodeau

            Senior Solutions Architect

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            Que vous soyez prêt à commencer ou que vous ayez quelques questions supplémentaires, vous pouvez nous contacter sans frais :

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              3DDrive vs. 3DSpace: What’s the Difference?

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              3DDrive vs. 3DSpace: What’s the Difference?

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              The 3DEXPERIENCE platform includes a powerful set of tools designed to support collaborative product development. Two of the most commonly used apps for storing and managing files are 3DDrive and 3DSpace.

              At first glance, they can look similar, but they’re built for very different purposes. Understanding how each one is meant to be used will help your team work more efficiently and avoid confusion down the road.

              What Is 3DDrive?

              Think of 3DDrive as the 3DEXPERIENCE equivalent of tools like Dropbox or OneDrive.

              3DDrive allows you to:

              • Store and access files from anywhere

              • Edit and collaborate on documents in real time

              • Share files easily, including with external users

              • Integrate with other cloud storage services

              You’ll find 3DDrive under My Apps in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and it’s also accessible directly inside SOLIDWORKS.

              3DDrive interface in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for cloud file sharing and management

              3DDrive uses a familiar folder based structure and focuses on flexibility and convenience. It’s a great choice for:

              • General file sharing

              • Early-stage collaboration

              • Working with customers, suppliers, or partners outside your organization

              What it doesn’t include is built-in product data management there’s no revision control, lifecycle states, or formal approval process.

              3DDrive interface in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for cloud file sharing and management

              What Is 3DSpace?

              3DSpace is built for teams that need structure, control, and traceability.

              3DSpace interface in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for product data management and revision control

              Instead of simple folders, 3DSpace is organized around Collaborative Spaces, where teams work together on shared project data. Within 3DSpace, you can:

              • Control access and permissions

              • Track revisions and history

              • Assign maturity states like In Work and Released

              • Lock files to prevent conflicting edits

              These capabilities make 3DSpace a strong foundation for PLM-driven workflows, including:

              • Engineering change processes

              • Approval workflows

              • Long-term product data management

              3DSpace is ideal for engineering teams that need confidence in version control and data integrity.

              3DSpace interface in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for product data management and revision control

              3DDrive vs. 3DSpace: Which Should You Use?

              The short answer: it depends on how you work.

              • 3DDrive is best when:

                • You need fast, flexible file sharing

                • You collaborate frequently with external users

                • You want a familiar, lightweight cloud storage experience

              • 3DSpace is best when:

                • You need controlled access and revision tracking

                • Your team is ready for PLM-style workflows

                • Data accuracy, traceability, and approvals matter

              The good news is that both apps integrate directly with SOLIDWORKS, so you can access the right tool without leaving your design environment.

              Comparison between 3DDrive and 3DSpace in 3DEXPERIENCE showing file sharing and product data management

              Final Thoughts

              3DDrive and 3DSpace aren’t competing tools. They’re complementary. Many teams start with 3DDrive for simple collaboration and gradually introduce 3DSpace as their data management needs grow.

              Not sure which approach makes the most sense for your team? That’s where we come in.

              Michael Habrich

              3DEXPERIENCE Specialist

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                How SOLIDWORKS AI Is Being Positioned by Manish Kumar

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                How SOLIDWORKS AI Is Being Positioned by Manish Kumar

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                The Future of Work: Shifting from Automation to Value Creation

                In the age of AI, I am often asked: What is the true nature of “value”? For engineers, the pressure to reduce costs and optimize workflows is constant. Historically, we turned to simple task automation. Today, AI is shifting the focus from merely speeding up repetitive tasks to amplifying human ingenuity.

                Redefining Value in Engineering

                What is the real value of an engineer? It isn’t clicking a mouse to create a sketch; it is problem-solving and innovation.

                Consider a visit to the doctor. Is a doctor’s value found in typing notes into a chart, or in the focused diagnosis and long-term health planning they provide? Today, many doctors use specialized AI companions to handle transcription, allowing them to give patients their undivided attention.

                Similarly, an engineer’s value lies in ideation and rapidly converting concepts into virtual twins for experimentation. The manual steps—the clicks to create geometry—are a means to an end. While some fear AI will take away the “enjoyable” parts of CAD, we must ask: do you enjoy the manual execution, or the creative breakthrough? Automating the “busy work” of drawing creation lets us return to the reason we became engineers in the first place: creative problem-solving.

                The Human Role in an AI-Driven Future

                A common concern is that AI will replace human oversight. I strongly disagree. When designing a turbine blade or an aircraft engine, human validation is critical—lives depend on it.

                AI acts as a multiplier, not a replacement. If an engineer produces one design today, AI might help them produce ten tomorrow. This actually increases human responsibility. Engineers must review more outputs, ensure regulatory compliance, and make higher-level decisions. AI expands our capabilities, but it does not originate ideas. Just as AI image generators require a human prompt and refined intent, 3D CAD will always require human direction.

                This is the democratization of design. Thirty years ago, SOLIDWORKS brought CAD to every desktop, democratizing 3D CAD. Today, AI is the next wave of that movement, making 3D modeling accessible so more people can solve massive, complex problems.

                Embracing the Multiplier

                As I said at 3DEXPERIENCE World in February: AI is the engine; you are the driver.

                Professionals should never underestimate their worth. AI is a tool to unlock your potential, and the gap between early adopters and those who resist will only continue to grow. Learning to make AI work for you is the key to staying at the forefront of the innovation revolution.

                So, I ask you: which of your tasks could be delegated to agentic AI, or virtual companions, to help you better showcase your true value? I look forward to hearing from you and seeing what our future holds.

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                  Why SOLIDWORKS Is Leading the AI Revolution in CAD

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                  Why SOLIDWORKS Is Leading the AI Revolution in CAD

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                   SOLIDWORKS and its parent company, Dassault Systems, have been ahead of the competition when it comes to all things AI. SOLIDWORKS started developing AI features, also known as Smart Features, decades ago, giving their software a lead above the competition. While continuing to invest and stay ahead of the pack, all new AI assistants are now directly available within the application, ensuring that integration is seamless.

                  Follow along in this blog, because I want to show you all the amazing features SOLIDWORKS has already implemented over the year, along with what is in store for the future. By the end, I will have shown how the recent attempts of our competition’s software do not hold a candle to the advances SOLIDWORKS has already made, let alone what is in store for the future.

                  Past Additions of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

                  For over a decade, SOLIDWORKS has been continuously adding features that make use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. From features such as Smart Mates or Smart Fasteners to new AI Drawing Creation, SOLIDWORKS has been working to optimize engineer time, and reduce the number of tedious repetitive tasks.

                  Excelling in time optimization for years, SOLIDWORKS has continued making tools designed with engineering resources in mind. Tools like Fully Defined Sketch and Selection Accelerators have been available for years, helping make the sketching and selection processes faster. Always improving, SOLIDWORKS took the predictive selection accelerator from the Fillet command, and added it into Chamfers in recent years, making seamless group selection even easier than before in both features.

                  Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

                  Users can go from this underdefined sketch to this fully defined sketch in 3 quick clicks!

                  Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 2

                  There have even been productivity increasing tools in the assembly environment for just as long! Smart Fasteners and Smart Mates have allowed engineers to snap together parts and fill their holes with fasteners for over a decade. Even before the general public heard about AI and chatbots, SOLIDWORKS has been working to implement AI based features to improve the engineering experience.

                  Current SOLIDWORKS AI Tool Additions

                  In 2026, SOLIDWORKS continues this trend of improving the engineering experience through implementing countless new features in the most recent as well as future updates. Some such features include AI Drawing Creation, AI Assembly Creation, Automatic Fastener Recognition, Command Predictor, and Pattern Assistant, to name a few. With these tools, SOLIDWORKS will become even smarter, and can predict an engineer’s next move; whether that move is dropping a nut into place, or needing to add a pattern of bolts in one swift movement. SOLIDWORKS can now even assist engineers in making sure the most efficient patterning methods are being used, as an efficiency check to young engineers.

                  SOLIDWORKS AI Tool Additions

                  Tools, like Automatic Fastener Recognition, make use of a database of thousands of fastener files, allowing the SOLIDWORKS AI to determine if a part is a fastener as soon as it is dragged in to your current project. This recognition will allow the system to offer better mate conditions and groupings, for instance pairing a new nut to your existing bolt.

                  Additionally, features like AI Drawing Creation and AI Assembly Creation take processes out of the engineers hands and begin these processes in the system background before bringing the engineer in for confirmation. From laying out standard views and annotations, to organizing folder structures in assemblies, SOLIDWORKS continues to assist in simplifying and standardizing these initial steps in creation and documentation.

                  SOLIDWORKS AI Tool Additions

                  With the use of SOLIDWORKS AI Drawing Creation, a simple conversation with LEO about the desired settings and defaults leads to a drawing created faster than ever before!

                  SOLIDWORKS AI Tool Additions

                  Addition of AI assistants in SOLIDWORKS

                  SOLIDWORKS AI Assistants

                  The most recent additions of artificial intelligence to SOLIDWORKS include the three all new AI assistants; AURA, LEO, and MARIE. Each serves a unique role throughout the CAD Design process, as described below.

                  AURA is the starting point of any great project, even before you draw your first sketch. AURA holds the ability to leverage knowledge from both web and enterprise sources, making it your one stop shop for rapid confirmation. For questions regarding basic design rules and suggestions, or even searching your company’s knowledge base, AURA can answer it all.

                  After the first steps with AURA are completed, LEO takes the reins. LEO can help users effectively solve many complications through the design process, helping validate your design and optimize your processes. Throughout both mechanical design, as well as simulation, LEO can take your prompts to generate assembly structures, as parametric features, run studies, and even help resolve design errors. For both answering questions, and offering solutions, LEO can solve many engineering headaches.

                  The last assistant in the lineup is MARIE, your scientific research specialist. With expertise in materials science, chemistry and more, your thorough scientific research can be simplified. With this third member of the SOLIDWORKS AI trifecta, you have an assistant in your corner for every part of the engineering design process.

                  Competitors attempts at replication

                  Outside of SOLIDWORKS, many competitors have tried their hand in implementing AI for the benefit of users. While many companies have had good feature additions in recent years, it is hard to compare them to the decades of experience and additions seen in SOLIDWORKS. The following sections detail some of these features within the competing software, and shows how SOLIDWORKS has taken the lead in all things AI.

                  For starters, Autodesk has invested in AI in Fusion 360. However, you will find no such features in Inventor. Looking into these, features like CAM hole recognition have existed in SOLIDWORKS for some time. The drawing AI tool seems to be in the early stages, having very little interaction or flexibility. Fusion can add relationships and dimensions automatically, much like Fully Define Sketch (something that has existed in SOLIDWORKS for nearly 20 years). The main hurdle that Autodesk will have to overcome is that their files don’t talk to each other, unlike the fully associative files found in SOLIDWORKS, making their AI feature development harder.

                  Other competitors like Siemens have three main enhancements, Magnetic Snap, Automated Drawings, and a design copilot, all things that have existed or do now exist in SOLIDWORKS. Lastly, Onshape has a lot of potential due to their cloud-based nature, however the content released as of now is just in the infancy stage.

                  The Bottom Line: SOLIDWORKS AI is Changing the Game

                  After looking at the history of feature development, as well as a brief look at the competition, you can see that SOLIDWORKS continues to be designed with the engineer in mind. From features that increase productivity by decreasing repetition, to tools that give you a head start in the design process, SOLIDWORKS is a lifesaver. Many competitors’ Artificial Intelligence ambitions are just beginning, so SOLIDWORKS is working hard to maintain the lead they already have, while pushing engineering design technology to the next level. Our SOLIDWORKS Technical Team has been ahead of the pack when it comes to learning and using AI, so please contact us with any questions, and find out what makes us the Solidxperts.

                  Alain

                  Alain Provost

                  Senior Technical Sales Executive

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                    Resolving issues with part name display in eDrawings compared to SOLIDWORKS

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                    Resolving issues with part name display in eDrawings compared to SOLIDWORKS

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                    It is quite common for information shared with the workshop through eDrawings not to appear exactly as expected. In fact, part names may seem incorrect, incomplete, or simply different from what the engineering team sees in SOLIDWORKS.

                    As a result, this is a question we are regularly asked: “Why are part names not the same in eDrawings as in the SOLIDWORKS assembly?”

                    So, if you use eDrawings as a viewer for shop floor personnel, this article is for you. Let’s take a few minutes to understand why this happens and more importantly, how to fix it in a sustainable way.

                    The Typical Context: eDrawings as a Workshop Support Tool

                    In many manufacturing companies, eDrawings is used to:

                    • View assemblies without a SOLIDWORKS license;

                    • Visualize complete machines on the shop floor;

                    • Quickly identify parts to manufacture or assemble;

                    • Reduce paper drawings.

                    It is an excellent tool as long as the displayed information is clear and consistent.

                    However, in some cases, workshop users are faced with:

                    • Cryptic file names;

                    • Internal references that are not meaningful;

                    • Part names different from those used by engineering.

                    A Key Point to Understand: eDrawings Does Not Interpret, It Displays

                    First of all, it is important thing to clarify: eDrawings does not “guess” anything. It simply displays the information coming from SOLIDWORKS, based on the assembly structure, the properties defined on each part, and the export options used. Therefore, if the display does not meet your expectations, it is almost never an eDrawings bug, but rather a source data or configuration issue.

                    The Three Most Common Causes

                    In practice, three main causes explain this behavior:

                    1. The displayed name is the file name, not the business designation

                    By default, eDrawings often displays the part file name (.SLDPRT) instead of:

                    • The business designation;

                    • The part number;

                    • The workshop-oriented description.

                    Example: PLT_4587_V3.SLDPRT instead of Conveyor support plate – 10 mm steel

                    For the shop floor, the added value is… very limited.

                    2. Custom properties are not being leveraged

                    Additionally, in SOLIDWORKS, you most likely already have:

                    • Description

                    • Part Number

                    • Internal reference

                    • Customer name

                    But if these properties are not filled in consistently or eDrawings is not configured to display them, they become useless for the workshop.

                     

                    3. The eDrawings export process is not standardized

                    Finally, an export performed quickly, by different users and without a clear procedure often results in:

                    • inconsistent displays;

                    • different habits from one project to another.

                    As a result, the workshop gradually loses confidence in the tool.

                    Recommended Best Practice: Think “Workshop” Directly in SOLIDWORKS

                    In reality, the solution is not in eDrawings…it starts in SOLIDWORKS.

                    Here is a simple and effective approach:

                    Use a workshop-oriented property

                    For example:

                    • Description

                    • or Workshop_Description

                    This property should be clear, readable and free of unnecessary CAD jargon.

                    Standardize how properties are filled in

                    Apply the same logic to all parts:

                    • same property name

                    • same text convention

                    • same language

                    Ultimately, this is a small effort on the engineering side…but delivers significant gains on the production side.

                     

                    Structuring the eDrawings Export for the Workshop

                    To ensure consistency, the eDrawings export should:

                    • always come from an up-to-date assembly;

                    • follow a simple, documented procedure;

                    • display useful information, not technical noise.

                    This is exactly why a short internal procedure is often an excellent idea.

                    eDrawings: An Excellent Tool, When Properly Prepared

                    eDrawings is neither a design tool nor a PDM system. It is a technical communication tool.

                    In other words, like any communication, quality depends on what is sent, not only on the tool itself.

                    As a result, when best practices are in place the workshop gains autonomy, the unnecessary questions decrease, and the interpretation errors are reduced.

                    From Confusion to Clarity: Making eDrawings Work for the Workshop

                    If part names displayed in eDrawings do not match what you expect, know that you are not alone, it is not inevitable, and it is almost never a bug. More often than not, it is an opportunity to review how information is prepared and transferred to the workshop.

                    Very often…a few simple adjustments are enough to turn eDrawings into a true production support tool.

                    FAQ

                    Why do part names in eDrawings differ from those in SOLIDWORKS?

                    eDrawings displays information coming from SOLIDWORKS files, typically the file name or custom properties. If these data are not standardized or workshop-oriented, the display may appear inconsistent.

                    Is this an eDrawings bug or limitation?

                    No. In most cases, the issue lies in how data is structured upstream in SOLIDWORKS, not in eDrawings itself.

                    What is the best practice to display clear part names on the shop floor?

                    Use a dedicated, readable SOLIDWORKS property such as Description or Workshop_Description, filled consistently across all parts.

                    Is a SOLIDWORKS license required on the shop floor?

                    No. eDrawings allows assembly viewing without a SOLIDWORKS license, making it a cost-effective solution for workshop use.

                    What is the tangible benefit for the company?

                    A clear and standardized eDrawings display helps to:

                    • reduce interruptions between engineering and production

                    • limit interpretation errors

                    • improve overall operational efficiency

                    Alain

                    Alain Provost

                    Senior Technical Sales Executive

                    Follow me on LinkedIn

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