
Multiple changes can be quickly made and tested. This has dramatically changed the way products are designed. The virtual prototype behaves as it would in the real world because users input all the characteristic of the real thing. SolidWorks allows users to do all the testing and simulating virtually. Things often didn't work out and it was back to the drawing board, literally. Prior to programs like SolidWorks, designs were sketched on paper and then prototypes were created to test ideas in the real world. The set dimensions and relations drive the geometry which is why it is known as parametric feature-based approach to creating models. Relations are used to define attributes - for example if certain parts are to be parallel or perpendicular. Then dimensions are applied to define the size and location. At first it looks like a geometric sketch consisting of points, lines, and arcs. Work usually starts with a two dimensional sketch.

With its Windows-like user interface and use of standard conventions, such as toolbars, menus, and icon command buttons, SolidWorks feels familiar and is relatively easy to use considering its complex nature. This year SolidWorks sold its one millionth license, making it one of the most popular products in the 3D mechanical CAD market. Introduced in 1995, SolidWorks is a three dimensional mechanical CAD program that runs on Microsoft Windows.

One of the best known packages on the market is SolidWorks. Today anyone involved in any kind of design work from cars, perfume bottles, and even students, use Computer-Aided Design programs. Training a CAD operator could eliminate a handful of drafters.Īs the use of personal computer increased, eventually engineers, designers, and architects began doing their own drafting work. But, about twenty years ago Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software programs debuted on the market. Workers hand created detailed technical drawings that concisely conveyed all the specifications to convert an idea into a physical form. Not so long ago, companies had massive drafting departments.
