The SOLIDWORKS Simulation Package is available in four distinct levels, each designed for different types of engineering analysis. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to simulation tools. Each level builds on the last, unlocking more advanced capabilities as your skillset and needs evolve. In this blog, we’ll break down all four levels with examples to help you make the best choice for your projects.
SOLIDWORKS Premium
The first level included in the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages is actually part of SOLIDWORKS Premium — the highest level of SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD. This module allows you to do Linear Static analyses of part and assembly files and Kinematic Motion analyses as well. Linear Static studies allow you to test your parts and assemblies virtually to make sure they can withstand the forces and stresses they are going to see under normal operating conditions. Motion analyses allow you to track component positioning, displacement, velocities, and more as the assembly moves through its range of motion. This can be used to refine servo motor timing, size motors, and ensure correct assembly operation.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard Package Overview
The next tier in the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages lineup is the Standard Package, which builds on the capabilities of Premium. This tool gives you everything that's available above in SOLIDWORKS Premium, as well as fatigue loading capabilities to study both constant and variable amplitude loading histories. This tool is crucial to understanding the life of your product and where failure is likely to occur, so you can better prepare for product lifespan. As product lifespan demands get more and more complex, being able to predict how long your product will last and make design changes before any physical prototyping is done is a key driver in reducing both cost and time to market.
What’s Included in the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional Package
The SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional Package is one of the most versatile offerings among the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages, unlocking advanced study types such as:
- Resonant Frequency
- Buckling (Linear)
- Thermal Analysis
- Drop Test
- Event Based Motion
- 2D Simplification
- Pressure Vessel
- Materiality
- Submodeling Studies
- Optimization
- Topology
If you're designing beyond basic static and fatigue studies, the SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional Package provides a significant step up in the simulation package lineup. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional can help you get there faster across a variety of study types. If your product is going to be experiencing vibration loads, resonance can be a big concern. With a natural frequency study, you can quickly identify the resonant frequencies and design away from any that could pose issues. If your product is going to be subject to extreme heat loads (hot or cold) you can use a thermal study to ensure you part will last and continue to function correctly. We also have an optimization module to quickly allow you to explore hundreds of design variations right at your fingertips.
Top Features in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium Package
Simulation Premium provides everything above as well as these additional study types:
- Nonlinear Static / Dynamics
- Harmonic Analysis
- Random Vibration Analysis
- Modal Time History Analysis
- Shock Response Spectra Analysis
- Composite Analysis
If you are analyzing a part or assembly subjected to shock loading, physical testing is both expensive and time-consuming. SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium helps cut down on both of those issues by allowing us to conduct the test virtually and pinpoint issues before they happen, ensuring our prototype will pass the first time. Any kind of non-linearity like an advanced material, plastic deformation, or complex contact conditions can be handled with ease as well. Simulation Premium is the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to SOLIDWORKS desktop FEA solutions.
