Dassault Systemes Launches SolidWorks 2010 Product Line

By DE Editors

Dassault Systèmes (DS) SolidWorks Corp. has released the SolidWorks 2010 product line, a new set of software products designed to optimize core product design functions. The new SolidWorks product line also includes hundreds of new enhancements requested by customers.

SolidWorks Premium CAD software includes rapid dimensions, which displays new dimension placement alternatives and re-arranges existing dimensions to make room for the selection. A configuration publisher lets users publish a model configurator interface to the 3D ContentCentral service—a Web-based marketplace for 3D parts, assemblies, and other content—to enable selection of model alternatives. SolidWorks 2010 also provides Heads-up mouse gesturing, enhanced reference plane creation methods, sheet metal functionality, weldment performance, component mirroring capabilities, and direct editing tools. Its PhotoView 360 feature makes it easier for novices to render photorealistic images like professionals.

SolidWorks Simulation Premium adds capabilities like event-based motion simulation, which mimics the way machines work, as well as proximity sensors and automatic edge-weld sizing. The overhauled simulation advisor, part of the SimulationXpress software included with every license of SolidWorks CAD software, guides novices through their first few successful simulations, shortening the learning curve and adding a layer of protection against errors.

SolidWorks Enterprise PDM software includes new productivity features for preparing models and drawings for distribution. A new convert, publish, print, and plot capability, for example, automatically converts hundreds of manufacturing drawings into neutral formats for quoting, collaboration, batch printing, and sharing with other systems. The new SolidWorks Enterprise PDM streamlines collaboration with a single centralized SolidWorks Toolbox library and introduces a new suite of rapid implementation tools.

3DVIA Composer automatically creates product documentation and keeps it updated with every design change. It helps organizations repurpose 3D assets to create product manuals, brochures, catalogs, assembly instructions, training videos, and more. 3DVIA Composer 2010 further reduces documentation time by repurposing SolidWorks configurations and exploded views, thus putting intelligent design data to work. It includes a new time-saving ability to auto-create explode lines for multiple exploded views.

SolidWorks Sustainability software helps users determine the carbon footprint, energy consumption, and air/water impacts in a product design’s raw material sourcing, manufacture, use, and disposal. An assembly visualization tool color-codes parts based on their total environmental impact. Configuration support in the software also lets users compare multiple design iterations for sustainability concerns.

Included with every license of SolidWorks software, SolidWorks SustainabilityXpress helps users immediately determine the environmental impact of any part. SolidWorks Sustainability products include an environmental impact dashboard, customizable reports, and a tool to find alternative materials to compare and improve the sustainability of a part.

Both SolidWorks Sustainability and SolidWorks SustainabilityXpress draw on the expertise, research, development, and data of Germany-based partner PE INTERNATIONAL and PE Americas, its U.S. division. Together, the new products give the SolidWorks community a way to make a collective impact on the environment by incrementally improving every design.

SolidWorks 2010 products are available for purchase worldwide through SolidWorks authorized resellers and will ship in October.

For more information, visit the SolidWorks launch site.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.