Dassault Systèmes Debuts Solidworks Education Edition 2014-2015
Dassault Systèmes has unveiled Solidworks Education
Edition 2014-2015, which includes new tools and features designed to help
students learn 3D design in the classroom.
Solidworks is 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software commonly used by
engineers and designers in industry. Solidworks Education Edition is designed to
help students learn 3D CAD, simulation, product data management, technical
communication and electrical design. According to the company, "Solidworks
training, education and certification are major assets validating student
expertise to prospective employers."
New features in the 2014-2015 education edition are intended to increase
collaborative learning, shorten student design processes and help teachers
improve efficiency.
Key features of Solidworks Education Edition 2014-2015 include:
- Updates to teaching guides and lessons designed to support educators developing
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum;
- Libraries of robot assembly models to help competitive teams in First Robotics and
other platforms such as Lego, Tetrix by Pitsco and Matrix, with more
examples to come throughout the year;
- Solidworks Simulation Premium for interactive FEA results;
- Path Dimension, a key sketch feature for robot and FSAE teams that need
to design with chains and belts;
- Curve-Driven Patterns, a feature that enables faster and easier creation
of patterns, such as chains and conveyor system; and
- Assembly Explode, to add rotational explode to components and more
clearly and effectively communicate product assembly processes on drawings
and in animations.
Schools can also purchase Solidworks Electrical, which is fully integrated
into Solidworks Education Edition and "enables students in engineering, robotics
and other disciplines to create electrical projects starting with 2D system
schematics and ending with 3D routing and cabling interconnecting components,"
according to the company.
The company offers free Solidworks Student Edition licenses to qualifying
schools. The student edition licenses allow students to use the software outside
the classroom. Schools with Education Edition subscriptions can also become Certified
Solidworks Academic Exam Providers.
Further information about Solidworks Education Edition can be found on the company's site.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].