3D software tool focuses on early stage model sharing

Dassault Systèmes' Mechanical Conceptual add-on available from April

Engineering software company Dassault Systèmes has launched a new tool for front end mechanical design to supplement its main Solidworks offering.

“Solidworks Mechanical Conceptual” enables the user to create 3D concept models with “the social aspect of concept design and decision-making integrated into its capabilities”. The software will be available form April for $250 per user a month. 

Bertrand Sicot, chief executive of Dassault Systèmes' Solidworks, said: “As technologies and business models evolve, our users look to us to provide them with the tools to leverage 3D manufacturing and 3D printing in order to be more competitive and innovative. With Mechanical Conceptual, we've done that. For the first time ever the entire manufacturing industry can benefit from a social platform that powers both the Solidworks and Catia communities.The cooperation opportunities are profound.”

According to Dassault, 31% of project time is spent on conceptual mechanical design and three out of four engineers are “engaged in conceptual mechanical design”. There are on average six conceptual and four design iterations in a project with multiple internal and external stakeholder groups involved.

The Mechanical Conceptual add-on is based on Dassault's “3DExperience” platform, and offers history, parametrics, and direct editing in a single modelling environment. It also offers the ability to evolve designs into assemblies, run motion simulations and share designs with other people.