Marketing Hype or True Industry Revolution?

Since the dawn of engineering, predicting how a part behaves under load has always been a challenge for designers. Today, we have advanced simulation methods built on decades of research and development. Yet, simulating a 3D-printed part remains complex.

Most modeling software still doesn’t account for the anisotropic properties of 3D printing, especially when it comes to continuous fiber reinforcements like those offered by Markforged.

Additive manufacturing, with its fast iteration cycles, does allow multiple versions of a part to be printed and tested in order to converge on an acceptable solution. But this approach has its limits: some problems are long and costly to solve, both in time and in material.

This is where Eiger comes in. Markforged’s software integrates a simulation and optimization module designed to bring the printed part’s real-world performance closer to the design goals, right from the first print.

So, what is this software really worth? Just marketing fluff, or a genuine game changer for the industry? Let’s dig deeper.

1. Access to Simulation

Simulation is only available with the Advanced Digital Forge plan. Once activated, you simply import a part into Eiger, define the printing parameters, and head to the SIM tab.

Want to learn more about the Advanced Digital Forge plan, get a personalized demo, or even test your own part optimizations? Contact us, we’ll be happy to help.

You’ll then see a 3D view of the part along with a panel for setting up the simulation conditions:

• applied loads,

• fixed surfaces or regions,

• desired safety factor,

• maximum allowable deflection.

For this article, we used the example of a beam subjected to a bending force.

2. Defining and Running a Load Case

Each scenario is defined by selecting the relevant surfaces (for example, sliding planes or fixed supports) and applying a given force.

In our test, a force of 7.7 N was applied.

The simulation runs in the cloud, which eliminates the need to dedicate local resources or a separate server. While the calculation is running, you can continue working and return once the results are ready.

3. Simulation Results

The module then generates a color-coded 3D rendering highlighting:

• the safety factor (stress vs. strength),

• the maximum deflection.

Example:

• With a 7.7 N load, the safety factor was 0.99 → failure expected.

• The maximum deflection measured was 7.93 mm.

• With a 7 N load, the safety factor rose above 1, meaning the beam could withstand the force but would fail around 7.7 N.

4. Limits and Interpretation

Like any simulation software, Eiger is based on an idealized model of the part, with theoretical load and constraint conditions. This means that results may vary depending on how the case is defined.

For example, for the same beam subjected to the same load, choosing between sliding planes or fixed supports can lead to two equally realistic simulations. The overall stress zones remain similar, but the location of the maximum stress changes.

This underlines a key rule: you can’t just take the raw results at face value, you need to analyze and interpret them carefully. The tool’s true value lies not only in calculation accuracy but also in the engineer’s ability to understand what the results mean for the design.

Fortunately, thanks to the color visualization and customizable table, critical areas are easy to spot. In our test, three clear stress concentration zones were identified, allowing the designer to anticipate issues and reinforce the part at the design stage.

From Theory to Practice: Eiger as an Innovation Accelerator

Eiger is more than just a slicer for Markforged printers, it’s a design tool. It enables simulation of multiple designs, performance forecasting, and significant time savings before the first physical test.

In our next article, we’ll look at strategies for optimizing a part after simulation and compare the virtual results with real-world testing to validate failure thresholds.

Want to go further? Reach out to our team to explore the Advanced Digital Forge plan, schedule a demo, or benefit from a personalized analysis of your parts.

SOLIDWORKS is the gold standard for 3D CAD. Yet, when used in many industries, including mechanical engineering and product design. However, as a timber design software, it has certain limitations in terms of 3D timber modelling and timber production optimisation. As a result, when it comes to wood design and manufacturing, these limitations can make the process less efficient and more error prone. Therefore, to address this challenge, this is where SWOOD, a supplement specially designed for cabinetry, carpentry, interior design, and even the current trend VanLife! comes into play. This solution brings features specific to the wood trade that perfectly complement SOLIDWORKS, facilitating the transition from design to production.

In this article, we’ll explore in detail why SWOOD is a strategic choice for optimizing your wood designs in SOLIDWORKS, highlighting its benefits, features, and impact on the productivity and profitability of companies in the industry.

SOLIDWORKS: A Powerful but Generalist Foundation

SOLIDWORKS is widely recognized for its flexibility in mechanical and industrial design. Key strengths include:

• An intuitive, parametric 3D environment facilitating the design of complex parts and assemblies

• Moreover, extensive integration with analysis and simulation tools (material strength, airflow, kinematics, etc.)

• In addition, advanced management of assemblies and drawings for production

• Finally, a rich ecosystem of plugins and third-party solutions to extend its capabilities according to the user’s needs

However, SOLIDWORKS remains a general-purpose software. In the context of wood design, several limitations are felt:

• Firstly, lack of native management of panels and wood-based materials (MDF, laminate, plywood, etc.)

• Secondly, complexity of creating specific connections (grooves, mortise and tenons, lamellos, etc.)

• Another limitation is the lack of bookcases suitable for hardware components commonly used in layout and millwork

• Finally, the need to develop macros or scripts to automate certain recurring tasks. Consequently, it is in this context that SWOOD brings considerable added value.

SWOOD: Ideal complement for wood design

SWOOD is a set of modules developed specifically for the wood sector, offering a complete solution tailored to the needs of carpenters and furniture manufacturers. Unlike other generalist software, SWOOD stands out for its dedicated approach, integrating a wood CAD plugin that automates the design and assembly of panels, hardware and specific machining. Through woodworking automation, SWOOD helps significantly reduce errors, optimize material usage, and speed up the transition from design to manufacturing, making the process smoother, more cost-effective, and designed to integrate seamlessly with SOLIDWORKS. In other words, it offers dedicated tools that simplify the design and production of wooden furniture, fixtures and structures.

The main modules of SWOOD

SWOOD Design

• Advanced panel management, with automated creation of cutouts and assemblies

• Smart libraries of hardware and standard elements (hinges, slides, fasteners, etc.)

• Generation of detailed bills of materials to optimize purchasing and production

• Automation of wood assemblies and constraints

SWOOD CAM

• Machining module for generating CNC programs adapted to machines in the woodworking sector

• Automatic recognition of drilling and machining

• Machining simulation to detect possible errors before production

• Support for 3, 4 and 5 axis machines

SWOOD Nesting

• Optimization of the placement of parts on the panels to limit falls and reduce costs

• Advanced management of formats and machining priorities

• Management of facades and grouping of items by blank slabs

SWOOD Center

• Product configurator for the wood industry

• SWOOD Center is an advanced solution for configuring tailor-made products in the world of wood and fittings. Integrated with SOLIDWORKS, this configurator optimizes process design, production, and automation.

Why choose SWOOD Center?

• Advanced customization

• Parametric configuration of furniture and layouts

• Managing product variants and options

• Dynamic visualization of changes

• Workflow automation

• Automatic generation of production files (drawings, bills of materials, CNC programs)

• Integration with SWOOD Design and SWOOD CAM

• Material optimization and error reduction

• Time saving and efficiency

• Reduced design time

• Simplifying processes for technical and business teams

• Improved responsiveness to customer requests

• An ideal solution for manufacturers and fitters

Thanks to SWOOD Center, wood professionals can standardize their designs while offering tailor-made solutions to their customers. This configurator is particularly suitable for carpenters, fitters, kitchen designers and furniture manufacturers who want to modernize their design and manufacturing process.

By integrating SWOOD Center into your workflow, you can accelerate your product time-to-market while ensuring a reliable and accurate design.

The Benefits of an Integrated SOLIDWORKS + SWOOD Solution

By combining both solutions, using SOLIDWORKS and SWOOD together provides many benefits, including:

• Time saving: Automation of repetitive tasks such as inserting fasteners, managing panels and exporting files for production

• Reduction of errors: Consideration of the specificities of the wood from the design stage, thus limiting corrections during the manufacturing phase

• Full shop floor compatibility: Ability to generate CNC files that can be used directly by machine tools

• Cost optimization: Less scrap, better management of raw materials and reduction of production times

• Improved collaboration: Easier integration with other departments in the company, including production and purchasing teams

Altogether, these advantages allow manufacturers to gain in competitiveness while guaranteeing optimal quality to their customers.

With SWOOD, companies can streamline their design processes, reduce human error, and maximize shop floor efficiency. As a result, manufacturers can confidently move from design to production.

SWOOD Testimonial: Reviews and Case Studies

For instance, many carpentry and layout companies have successfully adopted SWOOD. Here is a concrete example:

A concrete example is Groupe Beaubois which faced the challenge of improving the efficiency of its project and streamlining its operations. To achieve this, he needed to embrace technological advancements and integrate automation and robotization into his factory. However, he quickly realized that his design software played a vital role in facilitating the flow of information on his equipment. That’s when he discovered the SWOOD solution, which was specially designed for the wood industry.

Text: Groupe Beaubois boosts efficiency and growth thanks to SWOOD

Return on investment and development prospects

From a business perspective, investing in SWOOD represents an initial cost that is quickly amortized thanks to productivity gains. Here are a few things to consider:

• Learning time: Quick training is often enough to master the basics of the software

• Material savings: Better cutting management and reduced errors

• Valuation of internal skills: Designers gain autonomy and efficiency

In the future, the integration of SWOOD with technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing could further improve the performance of the industry.

From Design to Production Without Limits

In conclusion, if your processes are disconnected and your work seems to be in silos! Whether you’re switching from one solution to another to get your production up and running, the SOLIDWORKS + SWOOD combination is a powerful, comprehensive solution that’s perfect for you. It helps optimize design, improve accuracy, and increase efficiency, while reducing costs and errors. By integrating SWOOD into your workflow, you ensure better control of your production and increased competitiveness in the market.

Therefore, if you’d like to learn more about SWOOD and its integration with SOLIDWORKS, request a demo of SWOOD for wood design today and learn how to optimize your woodworking and layout projects! Contact us or request a demo today!

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.