3D CAD software provider Dassault Systèmes has announced the launch of two new software packages on its 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
SOLIDWORKS for Makers (available H2 2021) and SOLIDWORKS for Students (available May 2021) made their debut at the company’s virtual 3DEXPERIENCE World 2021 event in early February. The software offers are intended to give makers and learners cloud-based access to a targeted set of Dassault’s digital design and engineering environments.
Gian Paolo Bassi, CEO of Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS, states, “From products to platform, from connections to relationships – 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS transforms how students and makers learn, collaborate and innovate.”
SOLIDWORKS for Makers
The Makers offer is aimed at digital design hobbyists looking to create and share their 3D projects with the world. Granting access to the original SOLIDWORKS Professional program, 3D Creator, and 3D Sculptor, the package provides an extensive suite of purpose-built 3D design applications for engineering and artistic enthusiasts alike.
3D Sculptor, which enables the creation of organic geometries in a browser setting, is expected to be especially popular with the ever-growing maker community over at MyMiniFactory, a global 3D printing file marketplace. The platform provides users with a one-stop-shop for a wide variety of models ready for 3D printing, with a key focus on the hobbyist tabletop community.
Similarly, 3D Sculptor users will also have access to the Dassault-curated Madein3D community, which brings together creators and influencers to foster inspiration over shared personal projects.
Bassi adds, “Makers can be part of a community that shares their passion for making products and is ready to help with its expertise and desire to collaborate, gaining the knowledge and know-how needed to excel in creating game-changing experiences. This is a revolutionary offer of our traditional SOLIDWORKS desktop connected to and managed by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.”
SOLIDWORKS for Students
Going down a different route, the Students offer is intended to help engineering and design students boost their employability in 2021’s highly-competitive job market. Featuring SOLIDWORKS Student, 3D Designer Student, Collaborative Business Innovator, and Collaborative Industry Innovator, the offer aims to develop the engineering, collaboration, project management, and data intelligence skills necessary to succeed in the modern industry. The Collaborative Business and Industry Innovator applications also grant access to two industry-recognized certifications.
Bassi explains, “Students can use the right tools early on to develop the skills sought after by industry and thrive in the workplace.”
In a bid to support the launch of SOLIDWORKS for Students, Dassault Systèmes hosted its first ‘World Wide Virtual Career Fair’ during the 3DEXPERIENCE World 2021 event. University students across North America, Europe and Japan were given the opportunity to network with the company’s in-house global talent acquisition team and several SOLIDWORKS customers.
Design software in the 3D printing industry
While general 3D CAD programs are integral to the wider engineering sector, related fields such as additive manufacturing often also have their own targeted CAD software options. 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys recently partnered with engineering software developer nTopology to streamline the Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) process for jigs, fixtures, and other tooling. The partners have since been collaborating on a series of accessible, customizable DfAM programs for their users, starting with the FDM Assembly Fixture Generator.
Elsewhere, engineering software developer CoreTechnologie has previously updated its 4D Additive print preparation program to enable users to quickly and easily create latticed parts for 3D printing. The revised lattice tool allows users to 3D print various types of internal and external grid structures, such as honeycombs, gyroids, and star shapes to name a few.
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Featured image shows the 3D Sculptor UI. Image via Dassault Systemes.
