Your Guide to Buying SOLIDWORKS Simulation
A comprehensive guide to some of the most common questions people have before buying SOLIDWORKS Simulation.
How to Choose a Design Validation Solution
Which Simulation Package is Right for You?
For those looking to run very basic structural analyses, there is a light version of Simulation included in every seat of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD called SimulationXpress, which allows users to run simulations on single-body parts. However, the Premium level of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD unlocks even more capabilities by allowing the user to run simulations on multi-body parts and assemblies.
For those looking for more robust design analysis capabilities, SOLIDWORKS Simulation add-in licenses are offered in a tiered system of Standard, Professional, and Premium. As you move up to Professional and Premium levels, you gain additional capabilities as well as additional license and support costs .
Here is an overview of the Simulation capabilities and modules in which they are included to help you choose the right package for you:
SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD (All Packages)
If your simulation needs require only the static analyses of individual parts, the SimulationXpress tool may be best for you. SimulationXpress is available for free in every seat of SOLIDWORKS Standard, Professional, and Premium.
SOLIDWORKS Premium
SOLIDWORKS Premium includes SimulationXpress, but takes it a step further to give you access to a light version of the Simulation add-n, which provides time-based motion and linear static simulation capabilities for assemblies in addition to parts.
3D EXPERIENCE STRUCTURAL is a structural FEA tool on the 3D EXPERIENCE integrated CAD-CAE-CAM-PLM platform. It's powered by the Abaqus solvers with cloud compute capabilities.
It comes with a new pre-/post-processor with setup wizard, new FE modeling capabilities, a browser-based results viewer, a new job launching interface, and design study tools.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard
The Simulation Standard add-in builds on top of the capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Premium giving you two more major tools like the Fatigue Study and the Trend Tracker.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
The Simulation Professional add-in includes all the tools and capabilities included in Simulation Standard and adds multiple productivity tools to decrease set-up time, including optimization, 2D simplification, edge weld connectors, toolbox automation, submodeling, material web portal, load case manager, and contact visualization. Additional failure modes/study types include frequency, buckling, thermal, drop test, and pressure vessel simulations.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium
The Simulation Premium add-in includes all the tools and capabilities included in Simulation Professional and Standard. Additionally, SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium adds in two new studies including dynamic and nonlinear studies.
How to Buy SOLIDWORKS Simulation
Contact Your SOLIDWORKS Reseller
Can I Use SOLIDWORKS Simulation Without SOLIDWORKS CAD?
No, you cannot run a Simulation without having your primary SOLIDWORKS license open and running. If, for example, you are using SOLIDWORKS Professional to perform the simulation then that entire license is considered in use and unavailable to another user while the simulation runs.
Can I Run Simulations on Non-Native SOLIDWORKS Models?
Yes, you can run simulations on any CAD model that SOLIDWORKS is able to open and view, including models from other CAD systems and neutral CAD formats such as STEP and IGES.
If you need to purchase a SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD license first, we recommend starting with our Guide to Buying SOLIDWORKS with answers to common questions like:
- Where to buy SOLIDWORKS?
- How to buy SOLIDWORKS?
- Types of SOLIDWORKS licenses?
- Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Subscription?
- Options to rent vs. buy SOLIDWORKS
What is the Price of SOLIDWORKS Simulation?
How Much Does SOLIDWORKS Simulation Cost?
HOW TO START YOUR FREE TRIAL
Next Steps After Your Free Online Trial?
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