In the field of industrial design and steel construction, efficiency, precision, and seamless integration of design tools are key success factors. Industry professionals face technical, economic, and time-related challenges that require high-performance software solutions. SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS stands out as a parametric 3D modeling solution dedicated to steel construction within SOLIDWORKS. This innovative tool allows engineers and designers to save valuable time while meeting industry standards and optimizing the design process from initial sketches to fabrication.

Target Market for SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS

SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS is primarily aimed at engineering firms, civil engineers, steel fabricators, manufacturers of steel structures, and any company specializing in steel construction. It is especially useful for businesses that work on complex structural projects such as industrial walkways, frames, or structures for specialized machinery. Its deep integration with SOLIDWORKS makes it a natural choice for users already familiar with this widely adopted CAD platform in the industrial sector.

This product is also ideal for manufacturing companies equipped with CNC production workshops, as data export in the DSTV format facilitates the transition from digital design to physical fabrication. The target market is therefore broad, ranging from SMEs to large international companies in construction, energy, transportation, or heavy manufacturing industries.

Added Value and Problems Solved with SolidSteel

While designing steel structures in SOLIDWORKS is possible, it can quickly become tedious and time-consuming using only standard tools. SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS fills this gap by providing features specifically tailored to steel construction:

• Automatic generation of standard profiles according to DIN, EN, ASTM, and other norms

• Automated connections (welds, bolts, base plates, etc.)

• Calculation and management of cuts, notches, and complex angles

• Fast creation of fabrication drawings and part lists

• Integration of manufacturing and assembly constraints at the design stage

• Libraries of standard components to save time on repetitive projects

• Generation of complex assemblies with interference management

Thanks to these features, SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS eliminates human errors, shortens design timelines, and improves the overall quality of metal structure projects. It also enables companies to be more competitive by allowing them to respond quickly to tenders with accurate designs, automated quotes, and realistic planning.

Seamless Integration into SOLIDWORKS

One of the major strengths of SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS is its native integration within the SOLIDWORKS interface. Unlike external software solutions, SolidSteel functions as a natural extension of the engineer’s daily work environment. Users benefit from a consistent ergonomic experience without needing to learn new software or change their existing workflow.

With bidirectional integration with other SOLIDWORKS modules, users can combine SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS with structural simulation (SOLIDWORKS Simulation), stress analysis, or technical documentation generation (SOLIDWORKS Composer), thus enhancing efficiency and precision throughout the entire process.

This integration also allows users to leverage all the powerful features of SOLIDWORKS (assemblies, configurations, drawings, simulation, etc.) while adding specialized tools for steel design. This synergy ensures a smooth workflow from design to production.

Competitive Advantages of SolidSteel

SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS offers several advantages that set it apart from the competition:

• Intuitive interface tailored to SOLIDWORKS users

• Advanced customization of connection templates

• Fast modeling with intelligent placement tools

• Compatibility with international standards

• Automated documentation and traceability features

• Scalable solution based on client needs

These benefits help companies standardize their design processes while maintaining the flexibility needed to meet specific project requirements. SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS is therefore a strategic tool for digital transformation in the steel industry.

Training Offered by Solidxperts on SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS

To help professionals get the most out of SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS, Solidxperts—an expert SOLIDWORKS solutions partner—offers a comprehensive range of training programs tailored to various needs. These training sessions cover the different SolidSteel modules:

• SolidSteel Parametric for accurate and parametric 3D design of complex steel structures

• SolidSteel Frame for rapid creation of steel frames and structures

• SolidSteel Manufacturing for fabrication preparation, including production drawings and assembly management

Training includes:

• Hands-on sessions with each module in the SOLIDWORKS environment

• Best practices for modeling steel structures

• Creation of smart and customizable connections

• Automatic generation of drawings and BOMs

• Production process optimization

• Export to DSTV format for automated machining of profiles in the workshop (crucial for interoperability with CNC production lines in the steel construction industry)

• Automation of technical documentation and bill of materials

Solidxperts offers flexible training formats: online, in-person, onsite at the client’s location, or at their own facilities. In addition, personalized post-training support is provided to ensure proper integration of SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS into the team’s daily operations. Advanced workshops can also be arranged on topics such as connection optimization, BIM export, or project revision management.

Use Cases and Customer Feedback on SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS

Several companies that have adopted SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS report significant gains in productivity and quality. For example, a steel construction firm reduced its complex structure design time by 40% thanks to automatic connection and drawing generation. Another company integrated DSTV files directly into its CNC machines, eliminating intermediate reprogramming steps.

These success stories highlight the tangible impact SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS has on project profitability. It’s not just a design assistant. It’s a true catalyst for efficiency and innovation.

The Future of Steel Design with SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS

SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS is much more than just a plugin: it’s a comprehensive solution that transforms how steel structures are designed, documented, and manufactured. With its seamless integration, powerful tools, and specialized training offered by Solidxperts, professionals gain a strategic edge in both efficiency and quality.

By combining technical performance, industry compatibility, and human support, SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS empowers companies of all sizes to advance their digital transformation. For any business looking to streamline steel design while relying on the reliability of SOLIDWORKS, SolidSteel is the obvious choice.

Whether you’re an engineer, drafter, project manager, or workshop supervisor, SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS helps you tackle the challenges of modern steel construction with precision, speed, and confidence.

Ready to take your steel design process to the next level? Contact Solidxperts today to learn how SolidSteel for SOLIDWORKS can transform your projects.

We are pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of the updated version of SWOOD 2025 solutions, eagerly awaited by professionals working with wood, both in cabinets, architectural cabinetry, and any type of layout. In fact, the new SOLIDWORKS, SWOOD innovations are attracting lots of interest.

Moreover, the updated version, which will be available soon, includes several notable improvements to the SWOOD software suite. Here is a summary of the main advances, structured around the three pillars of the new SWOOD 2025 products.

This is an overview of what’s new. Contact us for more details, as each new feature can have several aspects.

The 3 Pillars of SWOOD 2025

• Design
• Manufacturing
• Automation

Pillar 1: Design

Panel Cutting Improvements

Panel cutting was introduced with SWOOD 2024 and has undergone some improvements this year. For example, improvements around the user experience by adding for example a help button, it is now possible to pin the function and therefore to chain the different cuts. Finally, the highlighting of interference has been added.

 

Edge Banding Length Feature

From the Edge Library or, from the Edge function, in the Design Tree, you will have the choice to set an over-field length. This overlength is going to be mostly used in the report or the total length in the report. As a result, you will have a reliable estimate.

Easy Customization of SWOODBox

Thanks to the library installer you have access to links too! For example, hinges, inserting default settings allows you to quickly create SWOODBox! Therefore, you can save them to your SWOODBox library and quickly reuse them.

Improved User Experience

Right-clicking allows you to collapse folder contents, reducing the number of clicks and making navigation faster and more intuitive. This also eliminates the need for endless scrolling when searching for the right folder.

Additionally, to further streamline navigation and enhance your overall experience, you can also make use of filters.

Performance Improvements

Significant enhancements have been made across multiple areas. PDM now handles copy operations more efficiently, while deletion states in SWOODBox have been optimized for smoother workflows. Texture and appearance management has also been improved, ensuring greater consistency. Finally, reporting has been streamlined for faster, more reliable results.

Order Manager Improvements

Similarly, the order managers, so SWOOD design and SWOOD Cam. What was done was to bring the SWOOD design and SWOOD Cam tools directly into these managers. This makes them more manageable and can even be reset to default if needed.

Library Installer Updates

The next Library installer that will arrive so there are about new features once a month, an update once every 2 weeks with new hardware and new elements. Furthermore, speaking of new elements, well, let’s move on to the SWOOD 2025 improvements.

Liaisons were something that was missing. And now? Well, we will have the possibility to download links from the free installer.

In addition, another new feature is that the elements that you are going to download are going to be blocked, but if you want to modify them, you will just need to duplicate them, copy them and then you can modify them according to your needs.

Panel Manager Enhancements

In particular, the panel manager is a tool developed a little over five years ago, with a first version released in 2020. Its main purpose is to add SWOOD data to existing CAD files, whether they are models designed only with SOLIDWORKS (especially before the introduction of SWOOD), multibody parts exported to assemblies or files imported in STEP format. The workflows and features of this tool have been fine-tuned to allow the manufacture of models that were not originally created with SWOOD.

New Conditional Filter Tool in SWOOD 2025!

These conditional filters will be found a little bit everywhere in the software. This will simply allow us to start from a list. Well, to set of, variables, parameters to filter a list.

Most importantly, the advantage is that these filters are intelligent so that they can be found in a library of materials or fields, for example.

Pillar 2: Manufacturing

CAM Copy Tool

Its accessibility has been simplified. We will find it directly from the Command manager so we will have easy access to it.

We will find 2 modes, the mode, the first mode is the copy mode or from the source strategy, we will be able to take this strategy, define either an assembly, a part or even a folder! to stick this strategy to the selections.

On the other hand, the second mode will allow us to duplicate from a nesting file to be able to duplicate them to a new post processor and so, for example, if we have several CNCs and Well, we will be able to duplicate all these elements, all these nesting sheets to a new machine.

Input and Output Machining Speed

The management of machining inputs and outputs will define how the tool will enter the material, we will be able to define a specific speed to avoid splinters and have a better rendering, for example. These are often parameters that are not necessarily available, so here we will have the possibility to do it directly with SWOOD cam and encode it on the machine.

3D Finishing Enhancements

In concrete terms, this is how it works: on this part, a new 3D finish is defined by selecting the relevant surfaces. Then, all the necessary options are chosen, for example by specifying that the tool should be positioned horizontally and then adjusting the appropriate angle. It is not possible in some cases to access certain areas. However, with the new undercut option, it becomes possible to treat these parts, along with a release option to ensure the safety of tool outlets. Simulation of the toolpath allows you to visualize these steps, and this feature opens up more possibilities for the manufacture of complex parts.

Nesting Improvements with the Auto Flip Detection

From a 3D file, SWOOD automatically detects parts that require flipping. Users can change this list if needed. When recalculating based on set parameters such as offset, flip direction, or reference corner, SWOOD finds which sheets have parts requiring reversal. This reduces unnecessary flips by grouping compatible parts on the same sheet.

SWOOD 2025 introduces the new Nesting from CSV

Let’s continue with the nesting feature that allows you to import data from a CSV file. Remember that the system report offers the possibility of exporting lists in CSV format. By simply specifying the file path and the desired quantity for one or more projects, we can export this CSV and then import it into the nesting module; it is possible to work with one or more CSV files. This flow automatically redefines the sources and their quantities, whether it’s an assembly or a part. A simple recalculation then allows the best nesting result to be obtained quickly. As a result, the transition from design to manufacturing is just a few clicks away, easing more correct production management without the need to manually search for the right files.

New Tilt Types in SWOOD 2025!

Five additional tilt angle configurations are now supported for more refined tool orientation control during 3D operations.

Pillar 3: Automation

General System Report Enhancements

• Data Export: Data export has been improved with SWR format stabilization, a standalone viewer, and lighter data files that can now be created in just milliseconds. In addition, cutting patterns and board estimations have been refined for greater accuracy.
• System Report: The new standard data export allows you to export all project data with multiple levels of detail (parts, panels, materials, hardware, programs, etc.). A project report history is also available for easy tracking.
• Customize Data Views: You can now hide or show data levels, filter data views, display columns, export table views to CSV, and choose your preferred print layouts and much more.
• Customize Views: Enhanced customization options make navigation easier: you can open documents directly from folder access, group data by variables, and add a calculation line (sum, count, average, min, max, etc.). In addition, you can now save your settings by creating profiles.

New SWOOD 2025 Data Sharing Method

This updated version offers a multitude of features, mainly focused on data sharing and collaboration within the company. It offers precise access management, whether online or offline.

About automation, significant improvements have been made to the system report. It is now possible to easily share all data and documents, without having to install more software, simply via a link accessible to the entire organization.

It’s Now Your Turn to Discover the Power of SWOOD 2025

SWOOD 2025 represents a major leap forward in woodworking design, manufacturing, and automation. The new features and enhancements covered here are only a glimpse of what the latest version has to offer. Indeed, whether you are optimizing your workflows, improving accuracy, or streamlining collaboration, SWOOD 2025 provides powerful tools to help you achieve more.

To fully explore how SWOOD 2025 can transform your projects, contact us today for personalized guidance and demonstrations.