Moving from Autodesk to SolidWorks

SolidWorks unmatched compatibility with DWG/DXF data

SolidWorks software allows you to preserve the value of your 2D DWG data with the best available tools for converting data from 2D to 3D, accommodating reusable 2D geometry, and enabling a smooth transition, including extensive Help documentation for AutoCAD users.

 

Benefits of Moving from Autodesk to SolidWorks

1. Easily convert AutoCAD 2D designs into 3D models
2. Convert Autodesk Inventor® and Mechanical Desktop® models
3. Edit and maintain DWG data without the need for AutoCAD
4. Automate your current design tasks by using SolidWorks

 

1. Easily convert AutoCAD 2D designs into 3D models

Design sketches and assembly layouts may represent the first step of a consumer product or machine design; and if they exist in AutoCAD, SolidWorks can use them as the foundation for 3D geometry.

SolidWorks provides an Import Wizard to allow DWG/DXF files to be imported directly into the SolidWorks sketcher - from there, it can easily be turned into a 3D model. If the drawing contains multiple orthographic views, SolidWorks will arrange the 2D geometry onto a glass box making it easy to convert the design into 3D.

If there are any problems inherent in the drawing or caused by the translation, the SolidWorks Repair tool will automatically fix these problems in the sketcher.

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2. Convert your Autodesk Inventor® and Mechanical Desktop® models

SolidWorks gives users unmatched compatibility with other CAD systems, including over 20 built-in file translators, one of the industry's best DWG/DXF™ import capabilities, and unparalleled cross-platform, multi-CAD collaboration capabilities.

Users can directly open Autodesk Inventor® files which are automatically translated into SolidWorks part documents. SolidWorks can then 'reverse engineer' the geometry with feature recognition software. Autodesk Inventor versions up to and including Autodesk Inventor 10.0 can be opened.

The SolidWorks MDT translator can import part and assembly information from Mechanical Desktop® (MDT) and convert them into SolidWorks part or assembly documents. The SolidWorks converter can recognize features, mates, design tables, work features and pattern features. The MDT translator supports MDT 4.0 or higher.

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3. Edit and maintain DWG data without the need for AutoCAD

For many users, it is often necessary to edit a drawing after importing it. SolidWorks provides an application called the SolidWorks 2D Editor, which allows users to edit DWG files natively.

A user who is experienced with AutoCAD can easily edit the drawing by using familiar commands. This is because the SolidWorks 2D Editor is designed with the same look and feel of the AutoCAD interface. Since SolidWorks 2D Editor software's native format is DWG, you can open and save any native AutoCAD file without file conversion.

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4. Automate your current design tasks by using SolidWorks

By switching to SolidWorks 3D design you will be able to accomplish your existing design tasks much quicker:

Produce 2D drawings automatically - Construct production-ready, detailed drawings automatically, without drawing a single line or arc. SolidWorks eliminates time-consuming drawing view creation, manipulation, and maintenance. View Demo

Revise drawings easily - Each modification that you make to a 2D drawing or 3D model created with SolidWorks software is reflected accurately throughout all associated views, sheets, and drawings. All drawing views, dimensions, and annotations update automatically. View Demo

Eliminate guesswork with associative dimensions - Adding, referencing, or changing a dimension value in a drawing or part model is easy with SolidWorks software. The geometry updates automatically to accommodate each change, eliminating inconsistencies, so you can always be confident in the accuracy of SolidWorks drawings.

Generate bills of materials instantly - Speed the development of drawings for designs that contain hundreds or thousands or parts by generating bills of materials (BOMs) and balloons automatically.

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Advantages of SolidWorks 3D over AutoCAD 2D:

To outline the main advantages of SolidWorks 3D design listed below is a comparison of typical design tasks for 2D and 3D CAD:

 

Comparison of typical design tasks

Design Task	2D CAD	3D CAD
Drawing Creation
Drawing automation Automatic view creation, section creation, generate bills of materials.	N/A
Automatic design change by modifying dimensions	N/A
Inspect and visualize your design in 3D space rotation of design	N/A
Create multiple versions of your design with families of parts and assembly configurations	N/A
Collision/interference detection	N/A
Assembly motion modeling and animation	N/A
Communication with photo-realistic product marketing and interactive documents	N/A
Mass property calculations Mass, Volume, Surface area,  Center of mass, Moments of inertia	N/A
Validate your design with 3D finite element and other kinds of analysis	N/A
Manufacture your design or create mockups with rapid prototyping	N/A