The number of CAD packages available is overwhelming, and deciding which is best is often tricky. This article will contrast two of the most popular CAD packages: Siemens’ Solid Edge vs SolidWorks software by Dassault Systemes. Both are skilled at 3D modeling and simulation. However, they each have distinct advantages that make them better suited to a specific application.

Solid Edge

Solid Edge is a collection of low-cost, user-friendly software tools that address all aspects of the product development process. With synchronous technology, Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of the parametric design. Solid edge includes several tools that make it ideal for applications such as product development in mechanical and electrical design, manufacturing, simulation, data management, technical documentation, and cloud collaboration. It also supports various languages, including German, English, French, Hungarian, Czech, Simplified, and Traditional Chinese, Spanish, and Russian, to name a few. Solid edge can generate 3D parts from 2D drawings and 2D drawings from completed 3D diagrams of components for mechanical and electrical engineering purposes, making the product an essential addition for any company or individual intending to undertake more comprehensive product development on a budget.

The comprehensive approach provided by Solid Edge stems from its built-in simulation capabilities, which eliminate the need to create prototypes on which to conduct tests. As a result, Solid Edge lowers production costs while shortening design time. These simulation capabilities include stress analysis and simulation, full-motion simulation, and vibration stimulation. Thermal simulation (heat transfer analysis and thermal stress analysis), buckling simulation, and finite element analysis (FEA) are also included.

SolidWorks 

SolidWorks is a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software used by millions of engineers worldwide. SolidWorks is Dassault’s best-known 3D design application for industrial and mechanical models. Solidworks allow users to design mechanical parts, complex machinery assemblies, and welding structures, among other things. SolidWorks is a solid modeling application, as the name implies. Users can use a parametric function-based method to create models, components, and assemblies. SolidWorks models typically start with a 2D drawing and then extrude in 3D using various SolidWorks tools. SolidWorks can handle large bodies of any size.

While SolidWorks is feature-rich and can create almost any shape imaginable, its emphasis on engineering design through geometric parametric modeling means that creating organic forms is less streamlined than with sculpting programs like Blender. In SolidWorks, users can create models, components, and assemblies using a parametric function-based technique. SolidWorks models start with a 2D sketch and are extruded in 3D with various SolidWorks tools. SolidWorks can handle even the most complex assemblies. Thanks to recent SolidWorks enhancements, users can now work with larger groups and edit them in large design review mode.

Solid Edge vs SolidWorks

Solid Edge vs Solidworks: They are both popular CAD programs. These are high-end, engineering-grade CAD products for professionals. They both have highly personalized technical tool packages (extrude, cut, etc.). Solidworks and Solid Edge can also perform reliable simulations, improving your product design and manufacturing processes while saving significant prototyping time. So, what’s the difference between these two CAD programs? 

Solid Edge vs SolidWorks: Similarities in Functions and Features 

1. Modeling

Modeling in Solidworks and Solid Edge is easy and well structured. They all use the same essential tools and techniques to limit specific criteria while allowing the remaining part to be formed and shaped. These programs are beginning to incorporate AI to design elements based on parameters.

2. Simulation of Materials

Nowadays, CAD software blurs the distinction between the virtual and physical worlds. You’re not just modeling things that resemble parts. You’re creating something that looks like a part. The foundation of simulation and stress testing is the assignment of materials to your models. Physical characteristics such as flexibility or brittleness, thermodynamics, break strength, and so on are assigned to the materials. These programs apply to every physical aspect of materials, allowing for computer simulations. You can perform a temperature and fluid stress test on something as complex as an airplane engine to see if it can get a plane off the ground at the most advanced level.

Solid Edge vs SolidWorks: Differences in Functions and Features

1. Simulations

Simulations are a valuable asset for any engineer. They enable you to identify any design flaws before creating a prototype. Solidworks allows you to run complex analyses on your models, including all types of simulations. It can predict how much stress your part can withstand and how different movements or friction will affect it. Solidworks will also provide solutions to enhance your design’s efficiency. Solid Edge includes several simulation tools. You can simulate stress, full-motion, or vibration on your object. In addition, you can test your design in realistic environments, including thermal tests.

The primary difference here is that Solidworks users can design parts for welding and predict how the structure will behave. If you work a lot with welded assemblies, this could be a deal-breaker.

2. User-friendliness

The user-friendliness of SolidWorks is a well-known advantage. Given how powerful Solidworks is, its user interface is intuitive and relatively simple. The user interface is simple and does not overwhelm new users. You will be able to customize the menu and have easier access to the essential tools for your project as you become more familiar with it. Solid Edge might not be the best 3D software if you’re new to CAD modeling. It has a steep learning curve and will be challenging to navigate for inexperienced users. However, you will better understand the tools if you have prior experience with CAD software.

 

3. Modeling Technology

SolidWorks is a history-based software; everything you create with it is built on (and linked to) everything that came before it. It means that if you want to go back and add a chamfer to an edge you created a dozen moves ago and that edge is constrained to other features made after that edge, you could potentially lose everything created after that edge. This “feature” in SolidWorks means you must plan your work ahead of time, with little room for improvisation.

Solid Edge’s Synchronous Technology eliminates all that, allowing geometry to be created and modified on the fly.

Solid Edge vs SolidWorks: Areas of application or specific users

The features of Solid Edge make it an excellent program for 3D modeling of structural profiles, diecasts, and hard surface modeling. The program is also useful when working in a group setting because it has a better team center than SolidWorks. 

Customer stories on Solid Edge’s website include both reviews and use cases. Some interesting examples include an airplane seat design, a hydraulic system design, an FEA simulation, and a new watch clock design and system.

SolidWorks is a powerful and time-saving tool for designing machines, illustrating how they will be manufactured with blueprints, and even modeling structural sets to locate the device. The program also performs well for standard modeling, which can be used for simulations, exported as an STL for 3D printing, or used for other purposes. SolidWorks also has a customer success website. Cosine Additive used the software to create a 3D printer that is easily customizable. Users can use the software to design an industrial plant’s electrical wiring. SolidWorks also created V1Engineering’s popular machines, the Lowrider CNC and MPCNC.

Conclusion

It is essential to understand your specific requirements when selecting a CAD package in the comparison; Solid Edge vs SolidWorks. It is dependent on your work accuracy or industry type. If you need quick design software, Solid Edge is faster than Solid Works. Because of its synchronous technology, design changes are straightforward, whereas SolidWorks is an industry powerhouse with a broad reach.