Startup offer SOLIDWORKS & CATIA
Choose your world!
SOLIDWORKS or CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE, how to choose?
Solidworks and CATIA are two computer-aided design programs. Published by Dassault Systèmes and widely used in the fields of engineering, mechanical design and design in general. Both tools are now powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. But what’s the difference between these two software packages, and which one should you choose to launch your industrial startup?
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS ?
3DEXPERIENCE Solidworks is parametric 3D CAD software. It also allows you to create parts, assemblies and 2D drawings. It is suitable for projects involving small and medium-sized teams (between 1 and 200 designers, engineers, etc.). Companies need fast, flexible design. In addition, the average size of a design office using SolidWorks is around 2 people. What’s more, Solidworks offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, as well as a wide range of functions for 3D modeling: simulation, animation, realistic rendering, etc. … . Solidworks is also compatible with numerous file formats (Parasolid, Inventor, SolidEdge, Creo, …), making it easy to share and collaborate with other software.
3DEXPERIENCE CATIA ?
CATIA(CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE or CATIA V5) is CAD software designed for more “global” teams, enabling them to design complex, innovative assemblies. It is ideal for large-scale, part-intensive projects requiring a high level of revision and lifecycle management. This means that several dozen engineers from different companies can work together on a virtual model, and achieve optimum quality. CATIA offers a more complex and customizable interface. Some CATIA versions are thus completely “created” for specific sectors or even customers. Around the concept of “Roles”, CATIA is the basis for highly advanced modules. It provides access to numerous specialized modules for modeling, analysis, calculation, rendering and product lifecycle management.. CATIA manages multi-physical and multi-disciplinary systems.
Another very important criterion is the “ecosystem” in which you work. If your start-up is destined to offer products in the aerospace, defense or mass-production automotive sectors, it’s highly likely that the heads of your production lines will be equipped with CATIA. It’s always preferable to use the same software as your client or future industrial partner. Airbus, Dassault Aviation and Boeing all use CATIA. Ditto for Renault, Stellantis, Toyota, … and more than 80% of the mass-production automotive industry.
To conclude… SOLIDWORKS and CATIA
In conclusion, Solidworks and CATIA are two powerful CAD programs, but they meet different needs. For startups, this means choosing the software best suited to their field of activity, budget and level of expertise. Solidworks is easier to use and less expensive, but offers fewer possibilities than CATIA. CATIA is more powerful and more complete, but requires more learning time and investment.
