SolidWorks vs AutoCAD: Which is better for your business?

Since the 1990s, the industrial world has seen a lot of changes. The drafting pens and drawing boards have been replaced with computer screens and mouse. A lot of computer software applications have been developed to help designers draw lines on a screen, just like they had done using ruler and pen. This drafting process became widely known as Computer-aided Design (CAD). And, forward to a few more years - CAD programs are easily replacing the physical drawing boards and pens in the workplace all over the world. 

From the beginning, it may appear as though every CAD programming tool plays out something similar or has similar functionalities. Yet, in the event that you look carefully, each platform has various applications. Let’s look at the main two CAD design tools and understand their use in a detailed manner. 

What is AutoCAD software?

AutoCAD was one of the first CAD tool to run on PCs rather than minicomputers. It was initially developed by software engineer Mike Riddle, which was subsequently acquired via Autodesk to turn into its flagship item. With each new delivery that is booked yearly, Autodesks added new functionality to AutoCAD. 

For example, AutoLISP was delivered in 1985. The AutoCAD 2000 release permitted users to open various drawings at the same time. Furthermore, by 2018, AutoCAD began supporting 4K screens, and another adaptation of the DWG document design was presented. Before long, it has developed to become one of the most generally utilized design CAD tools across the globe. 

What is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks is a CAD tool company that presents strong displays in the business. At the point when Dassault Systèmes obtained SolidWorks in 1997, it went through a significant turn of events. SolidWorks became one of the pioneers in integrating simulation inside the design process. That is not it. They were even given the capacity to sketch freehand on touch screen gadgets and the topology study instruments for the absolute first time. 

Since we have a concise thought regarding their set of fundamental usefulness, how about we check out its difference closely.

AutoCAD Vs SolidWorks

Nature of software

AutoCAD is an adaptable CAD program that works in the creating and altering of 2D calculation. Over the long haul, it has likewise enveloped various 3D displaying capacities, including surfaces, meshes, and solids. Nonetheless, it is prevalently utilized for 2D drafts rather than 3D plans. `

SolidWorks design software utilizes a parametric component based approach to deal with model creation. It is notable for 3D CAD functionality while likewise permitting users to work on 2D drafts. Also, SolidWorks currently works something beyond a drafting application. It has integrated simulation tools that permit users to test their parts by simulating real-time conditions. It offers computerized fluid dynamics (CFD) devices that can simulate heat transfer and fluid flow. 

Uses of SolidWorks in the industry

AutoCAD program obliges the requirements of various industries, including civil engineers, architects, home developers, and that's just the beginning. Best of all, it offers an individual plan and set of custom elements industry-wise. 

SolidWorks is utilized across different industries, including the aviation and automobile sector. Many organizations use SolidWorks to plan their models. Plus, it is seen that numerous business organizations use SolidWorks for their day by day tasks. SolidWorks is used by mechanical, ECE engineers and designers to run collision detection in design of the tool. In mechatronic systems, it is used for planning, modeling, design ideation from beginning to finish.

File support

AutoCAD programming upholds APIs documents that are Auto LISP, .NET, and so forth It additionally permits various exporting and importing formats, and many supporting plug-ins. 

SolidWorks CAD programming upholds Microsoft storage documents and saves the three-dimensional models in ‘.step’ file format.

Pricing

AutoCAD design software costs around $1,680.00, which puts it $685.00 more each year than normal CAD software. With an authorizing expense of $1295 each year, this membership is more practical than AutoCAD. 

While a next to each other comparison might cause it to appear like SolidWorks and AutoCAD offer similar elements, there's a critical contrast in usefulness. Large numbers of the items in the Autodesk suite are limited versions of existing items that don't effectively move data from one application then onto the next. To move data from one application then onto the next frequently requires complicated workarounds. 

SolidWorks offers tools that can cause changes and have top to bottom abilities and usefulness. This is on the grounds that they run inside a solitary interface and changes can be acknowledged in a split second. 

With SolidWorks' parametric elements, you basically can "return on time" and make changes to your plans. The product keeps a history filled with design steps you've as of now taken to minimize design rework when a change is required. It additionally keeps you from making errors where dimensions don't coordinate with their calculation. A special reward? Since parts, assemblies and drawings are cooperative in SolidWorks, you never need to stress over your drawings or assemblies being obsolete or out of sync. 

Read more : What is CAD?

SolidWorks or AutoCAD: Which one is better?

This is a widely debated topic and it comes down to individual preference and what you are requiring your 3D CAD instrument to achieve. One can choose SolidWorks design software on account of its rich system of integrated design, simulation and manufacturing products that have turned into an industry standard because of their eminent usability and acclaimed user community network. Two million users can't go wrong.

The huge community of SolidWorks clients justifies itself with a solid organization of skilled users and local user groups that you can engage in. SolidWorks uses the best design ability, aptitude and user community to foster groundbreaking improvements and make steady upgrades to their contributions. 

While AutoCAD has 3D capacities, to many, it remains essentially a 2D drawing instrument. AutoCAD users today keep similar specialized drawing guidelines they used previously. Computer aided AutoCAD design software is used by mechanical designers, inventors, engineers for creating precise 2D and 3D designs. 

AutoCAD design software considers more opportunities in making and altering beginning phase designs and models. AutoCAD has proceeded to create and remains the most ordinarily utilized CAD program today. Indeed, the main distinction between attracting AutoCAD and drawing by hand is that AutoCAD is done on a PC. 

Both AutoCAD and SolidWorks applications bring a lot of functionalities to the table. Assuming you need to work basically in 2D drawing, AutoCAD is possibly the best approach. For most 3D CAD purposes, your most ideal decision to use can be SolidWorks. 

Still have inquiries concerning the advantages of SolidWorks and AutoCAD over competing 3D CAD tools? Get in touch with us and our team of CAD specialists can assist you with auditing your product needs and how our solutions can tackle your business challenges.