Home » What are Solidworks Users Groups?

If you’ve ever wanted to learn from other users, learn more tips and tricks, or get help with a problem, joining a community is the way to go. Having the right resources to support your development and advance your skills is critical. One example of such a resource is a community. What are Solidworks Users Groups? Solidworks Users Groups are a community of Solidworks users.

What are Solidworks Users Groups? 

Contents

The Solidworks User Group, also known as the Solidworks User Group Network (SWUGN), is a platform run by and for Solidworks users. Its mission is to enable real SolidWorks users to collaborate, learn from, and teach others. Membership is free and open to all levels of Solidworks enthusiasts. The SolidWorks User Group Network is a fantastic resource for all SolidWorks users, new and experienced alike. Being a user group member gives you free access to invaluable training and networking opportunities. It opens doors for anyone looking to hire seasoned professionals or be hired by top local companies.

Being a member of the SWUGN community is also an excellent way to obtain early access to SolidWorks plans, programs, and features still in development. “It’s a platform that allows Solidworks users to discuss ideas, solve problems, and learn more about Solidworks and its partner applications.” The ability to network with peers and partners can help your company become more productive and learn things that would otherwise take you years to discover on your own.

You gain access to technical summits, virtual user group meetings, and networking opportunities as a member of the SolidWorks User Group Network. Attending user group meetings allows you to attend learning sessions on various topics throughout the evening. Machine design, SolidWorks Simulation, configurations, design tables, and many other issues have been covered. Before, between, and after sessions are great times to connect with other SolidWorks users in your area. Whether it’s to work together to solve problems, learn about and connect with other local businesses, or talk about your love of SolidWorks, the connections you make can be invaluable. You can find these organizations all over the world.

What exactly is a general SolidWorks User Group meet-up?

The meetings are made up of five components:

  1. Eating and drinking 
  2.  Seeing technical presentations from excellent partners and resellers
  3.  Factory and structure tours (depending on location)
  4.  Prizes 
  5.  Networking

It’s primarily about getting together with other professionals to share experiences and hopefully learn more about CAD tools and the industry in general. Each meeting typically includes two presentations. One of these is technical and relates to a SOLIDWORKS component.

There are also presentations on hardware (computers, graphics cards) and other related topics such as ePDM, as well as general information on what is going on with SolidWorks.

Members, AE from resellers, and technical experts visiting Sydney are among the presenters. Although the network is based on Solidworks, attendees are interested in what others are doing with it across all sectors and how they have learned to use the system more effectively, hopefully avoiding frustrations. Guest speakers are invited to discuss their products and services for the CAD industry, and SolidWorks technical experts assist at each event. It allows you to ask the questions you never have time to ask and pick the brains of your fellow professionals.

What are the Benefits of Joining and Participating in SolidWorks Users Groups?

In contrast to the different ways to get knowledge, join groups, or chat about SolidWorks online, what are the gains of doing it at a SolidWorks User Group?

Internet forums are phenomenal, but there is only so much that can be said and explained in a reply or a help message. The user groups allow people to talk face-to-face, discuss technical issues, and develop solutions. With the rise of the maker movement, user groups have become an excellent way to begin new hobbies and share resources and ideas. The user groups have a direct link back to SolidWorks and are promoted by SolidWorks, so come along if you want to be heard.

Access is available to a broader segment of the community, both in terms of skill sets and a much more comprehensive range of industries. It is also face-to-face and in a much more relaxed setting. As a result, members are far more likely to share information in terms of both technical skills and networking. There is also a greater variety of input in a diverse group. Everyone has something to offer, whether you have 12 months or 12 years of experience – everyone uses the software differently. 

While online mediums such as forums and webinars can often provide answers very quickly, there is nothing like a friendly conversation with a colleague over a hot drink to get under the skin of issues and explore different ideas and concepts. 

The number of people who have raised a topic for discussion adds a new dimension to this forum; after all, there’s nothing like brainstorming an idea or an issue to get the creative juices flowing.

What are the primary advantages of being a SWUG member?

Developing a network of dedicated professionals who can help you when needed is a valuable resource. The User Groups always have a Certified SolidWorks expert on hand to illustrate advanced features and functions to solve the most complex modelling challenges.

As mentioned previously, the main reasons people attend are to learn, assist, network, and socialize. Apart from SolidWorks World, there aren’t many places where they can do that, so providing more opportunities is a good idea.

The SolidWorks User Group Network is an excellent resource for users to discuss ideas, solve problems, and learn more about SolidWorks and its partner applications. The ability to network with peers and partners can help you become more productive and learn things that would otherwise take you years to discover on your own.

Conclusion

What are SolidWorks User Group’s missions? It enables real people who use SolidWorks products to collaborate, learn from, and teach others. Connect with the SolidWorks User Group anytime, from any location, using any device, for in-depth technical discussions and face-to-face networking.