Logo of SolidWorks Simulation

SolidWorks Simulation

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Last updated on

Ratings

G2
4.4/5
(57)

SolidWorks Simulation description

SolidWorks Simulation lets you test your product designs virtually before you build them. Using powerful technology, it predicts how your product will handle real-world stresses and forces. This helps identify potential weak points early in the design process, saving time and money on costly physical prototypes and redesigns. SolidWorks Simulation is particularly valuable for mid-sized companies looking to improve product quality and accelerate their design process.


Who is SolidWorks Simulation best for

SolidWorks Simulation helps mid-sized manufacturing companies virtually test product designs before production. Users praise its intuitive interface, easy mesh generation, and SolidWorks 3D CAD integration. However, some find the solver struggles with complex analyses and post-processing performance lags for larger problems. It's best for basic linear analyses and simple non-linear contact problems.

  • Best fit for businesses in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, professional services, education, and real estate/construction.

  • Ideal for mid-sized companies needing to perform virtual product testing, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.


SolidWorks Simulation features

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation supports thermal simulations, including steady-state and transient analyses.

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation supports motion simulation of mechanical systems.

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation supports fatigue analysis, including constant and variable amplitude event studies.

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation offers built-in support for Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation supports buckling analysis for evaluating structural stability.

Supported

SolidWorks Simulation supports CFD analysis through its dedicated Flow Simulation module.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Ease of Use

Rather positive
+0.5

Reliability and Performance

Rather positive
+0.33

Ease of Implementation

Rather positive
+0.33

SolidWorks Simulation reviews

We've summarised 57 SolidWorks Simulation reviews (SolidWorks Simulation G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of SolidWorks Simulation
  • Intuitive interface and fast learning curve for basic analyses.
  • Easy mesh generation, load, and constraint application.
  • Integrated with SolidWorks 3D CAD.
  • Useful for weight reduction and strength verification.
  • Suitable for basic linear analyses and simple non-linear contact problems.
Cons of SolidWorks Simulation
  • Solver struggles with complex analyses (plasticity, hyperelasticity, composites).
  • Limited control over meshing.
  • Poor post-processing performance for larger problems.
  • Unreliable customer support.
  • Difficulty combining advanced features (shell analysis, cyclic symmetry, geometric nonlinearity) in a single analysis.
  • Single-core solver limits performance.

SolidWorks Simulation alternatives

  • Logo of Ansys Mechanical
    Ansys Mechanical
    Simulate stress, heat, and vibration on product designs before manufacturing.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ansys Structures
    Ansys Structures
    Simulate stress, strain, and deformation for robust product design.
    Read more
  • Logo of Ansys AIM
    Ansys AIM
    Simulate real-world physics on your designs, easily and early.
    Read more
  • Logo of Simcenter 3D
    Simcenter 3D
    Unified simulation and test platform for faster, better product development.
    Read more
  • Logo of Simcenter Femap
    Simcenter Femap
    Advanced engineering simulation: model, analyze, and optimize product designs.
    Read more
  • Logo of Simcenter
    Simcenter
    Predictive engineering: Simulate, analyze, and optimize product performance.
    Read more

SolidWorks Simulation FAQ

  • What is SolidWorks Simulation and what does SolidWorks Simulation do?

    SolidWorks Simulation is a virtual product testing software that predicts product behavior under real-world stresses and forces. It helps identify potential weaknesses early, saving time and money. Integrated with SolidWorks 3D CAD, it's valuable for improving product quality and accelerating the design process, particularly for mid-sized companies.

  • How does SolidWorks Simulation integrate with other tools?

    SolidWorks Simulation seamlessly integrates with SolidWorks 3D CAD, facilitating a streamlined workflow from design to analysis. It also supports various analyses including FEA, CFD (through a dedicated module), motion, thermal, fatigue, and buckling.

  • What the main competitors of SolidWorks Simulation?

    SolidWorks Simulation alternatives include Creo Simulation, Simcenter 3D, Ansys Mechanical, and Dassault Design & Engineering Simulation. These competitors offer similar functionalities, such as FEA and CFD analysis, for virtual product testing.

  • Is SolidWorks Simulation legit?

    Yes, SolidWorks Simulation is a legitimate product. It's a powerful tool for virtual product testing, allowing you to assess how your designs handle real-world stresses and forces, ensuring product safety and reliability. It's particularly useful for identifying potential weaknesses early in the design process.

  • How much does SolidWorks Simulation cost?

    SolidWorks Simulation pricing is not publicly available. Contact the vendor for a personalized quote based on your specific needs and requirements. Consider exploring alternative simulation software if budget is a primary concern.

  • Is SolidWorks Simulation customer service good?

    SolidWorks Simulation's customer service receives mixed reviews. While some users found customer support helpful, others considered it a waste of time and unhelpful for resolving issues.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

NEW: Introducing Gralio Screen Buddy

An AI tool that observes your work, finds inefficiencies, and suggests smarter ways to do things. Maybe you can use your tools better, automate tasks, or switch software.

For Individuals
Streamline your daily tasks, get helpful AI tips, and find the right tools for your workflow.
For Businesses
See how your team really works, uncover automation opportunities, and get software recommendations tailored to your processes.