Most of you are familiar with the name SOLIDWORKS, it’s 3D design software for the serious professional and over the years, we’ve shown you project after project owing its existence to its skillful use. Unfortunately, tools this powerful are often priced beyond reach for many of us, but software companies are very aware of the maker movement and its legions of builders. How can these tools be made accessible to them? Well, SOLIDWORKS came up with an answer, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers for the hobbyist, all kinds of personal DIY projects and non-commercial use and it’s probably perfect for someone just like you.
So, what do you get?
- 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional, the standard for professional CAD users
- 3D Creator and 3D Sculptor, the next generation of design tools that are online, browser-based, and built for collaboration
- Access to an expanded professional ecosystem to rapidly prototype your parts or receive engineering services via the 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace
- No need to start from scratch—connect with other makers and customize shared models
All of this for $99 per year!
Are there any restrictions? Yes, a few. You can earn a profit from the 3DEXPERIENCE package up to $2000 per year, after which you’ll need to look into one of their startup packages. Also, files you create will be stored in the cloud and digitally watermarked so they will not open in the standard commercial packages. Other than that, you’re free to design and create to your heart’s content or at least to the limits of your abilities. Of course, if you have this package, your ability to learn is unlimited, all you have to add is your own determination. You can do that, right?
Check it out. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers via Make
Bob says
How would this compare to Fusion 360 for someone completely new to CAD? I tried Fusion 360 a while back, but it eventually drove me back to my old drafting tools and TI-36.
Paul Crowe says
That question popped up in my mind as I was writing this and I’m not knowledgeable enough to define the differences, but I have a hunch the availability of Fusion 360 for makers was a factor in the appearance of this package.
Fusion 360 has gained quite a following in the maker community for 3D printing, laser cutters and CNC work with a number of books and videos teaching the basics. If you get someone hooked on the maker version of your software it’s a natural progression to stay with the same company when or if you buy the commercial version and SOLIDWORKS likely saw Autodesk gaining a lot of users at their expense and decided to get to work.
From many comments on previous posts, SOLIDWORKS seems to have a larger following among the professional CAD folks and they don’t like Autodesk and aren’t shy about saying so, but is that because they like what they’re familiar with or is it a substantial difference with actual performance and usage?
If someone with wide ranging CAD experience wants to step in and comment, that might help us see how they compare.
weldo says
>>3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (SOLIDWORKS Connected) requires a download and installation onto your computer with Windows® 10 operating system.
Sigh. Next.
Chapman says
I don’t mind files being stored in the cloud(onshape does that) but preventing a file from opening in commercial versions of SW is a hard pass.