SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a parametric 3D CAD program for mechanical design and one of the best-known products of Dassault Systèmes, a French software group headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay near Paris. Dassault Systèmes was founded in 1981, is listed on Euronext Paris and acquired SolidWorks in 1997. Its largest shareholder is the Dassault family holding Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault with about 40 percent of the shares in 2025.

Features

• Parametric 3D modelling of parts, assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Simulation tools for stress, motion and flow, plus sheet metal, weldment and mould design.
• Product data management and collaboration through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
• Add-ons for rendering, electrical design and CAM.
• Large user community and a wide choice of training material and resellers.

Model and limits

SolidWorks is commercial software sold through resellers as licence or subscription. The desktop program runs on Windows, and cloud-based variants run through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Prices are quoted individually, so interested companies should ask a reseller for an offer.