Solid Edge
FREEDOM TO DO MORE WITH BETTER
3D DESIGN EXPERIENCE
Solid Edge is a comprehensive product development software suite. Solid Edge offers a complete portfolio of affordable, user-friendly tools that cover every aspect of product development—from mechanical and electrical design to simulation, manufacturing, technical publications, data management, and beyond.
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Why switch to Solid Edge?
While switching 3D CAD software platforms may seem like a massive undertaking, continuing to rely on an existing platform for sake of convenience can cost you valuable time, money and resources. If you recently considered switching platforms or are not completely satisfied with your current workflow, here are some of the top reasons to switch to Solid Edge…
Improved design documentation
Solid Edge offers seamless collaboration and efficient workflows, empowering engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers to easily exchange information. With a robust set of 2D and 3D drawing tools, designers can create drawings directly from 3D models using either traditional 2D workflows or a hybrid approach. Model-Based Definition (MBD) capabilities enable 3D models to include PMI (Product Manufacturing Information) and other essential digital data through universal 3D PDFs, allowing users to view and interact with manufacturing data effortlessly.
Faster assembly performance
With Solid Edge, you can say goodbye to time-consuming tasks like re-creating lost work or waiting for assemblies to load. The software allows designers to seamlessly work across large assemblies in real time, offering an immersive digital experience with high performance and no compromises. View and manipulate even the largest assemblies without any lag or buffering, and use Immersive View Styles to place your 3D models in real-world environments that automatically update with model movement for added realism.
Better sheet metal design
When it comes to sheet metal design, Solid Edge ensures that you don’t need to compromise. It provides specialized tools for sheet metal design, allowing you to easily add drawing details, automate material relief calculations, and develop models from 2D sketches in fewer steps. You can make changes at any stage of the design process while preserving design intent.
Less time re-modeling and creating
With Solid Edge’s powerful 3D design tools and synchronous technology, you can work with mesh or triangle-based data seamlessly. There’s no need to re-create 3D models from scanned data or finite element models. You can revise mesh density, fix faceted geometry, and use feature-based operations to add holes, cuts, and protrusions. This flexibility allows you to quickly create new concepts, respond to change requests, and make simultaneous updates to multiple parts within an assembly—all while maintaining smooth collaboration with suppliers and partners, treating multi-CAD data as if it were native.
Accessible industrial design
Solid Edge also brings industrial design capabilities to mechanical engineers. Through integrated tools for aesthetic design, including intuitive subdivision modeling, Solid Edge makes it easy to incorporate high-quality, highly controlled surfaces into the product development process. This toolset is accessible to users of all experience levels, enabling the creation of complex, stylized shapes with ease.
AI-powered software that understands you
Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, Solid Edge intelligently adapts to your workflows. The predictive user interface learns from your actions and anticipates the next steps, streamlining the design process and boosting your productivity.
Interoperability for data across CAD systems
One of the top challenges for many CAD users is working with imported data. Solid Edge simplifies this task by offering powerful tools for working with design data from any CAD application. Recent enhancements to CAD Direct, Data Translation, and Migration features have expanded the range of supported formats, making it easier than ever to work with third-party files just like native data—whether you’re transitioning from another CAD system, reusing legacy data, or collaborating with external partners.
File sharing and collaboration from any device
Collaboration is made easy with Siemens Teamcenter Share, Solid Edge’s next-generation cloud solution. Available with your Solid Edge XaaS subscription, Teamcenter Share streamlines communication with colleagues, partners, and customers, providing secure, real-time access to your data from anywhere and on any device. Its powerful productivity features and extended storage options help you move projects forward efficiently.
Flexible licensing options
As a modular, scalable CAD application, Solid Edge is available through Siemens Xcelerator-as-a-Service (XaaS) subscriptions. These flexible, cloud-based subscriptions allow you to access software and services tailored to your needs, helping you lower IT overhead, manage costs, and scale your business effectively. With Solid Edge XaaS, you can unlock exclusive features and easily adapt to changing business requirements—all while keeping your workflows streamlined and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about transitioning to Solid Edge from Solidworks!
How easy is it to transition from SolidWorks to Solid Edge? How quickly can you get up to speed with Solid Edge if you're already familiar with SolidWorks?
Solid Edge is a comprehensive software suite that offers a wide array of applications and features, making it a top choice for professionals across various industries and businesses of all sizes.
However, its breadth can be overwhelming for first-time users, even those with prior CAD experience.
To help you get started, we provide a range of self-guided tutorials that cover everything from the Solid Edge graphical user interface (GUI) to the basics of 2D and 3D modeling—and much more. In fact, new users can get up to speed in as little as one hour!
For those transitioning from Solidworks, Solid Edge’s Command Finder makes it easier to adapt by allowing users to enter familiar Solidworks commands, instantly showing their Solid Edge equivalents
Have other companies made the switch from SolidWorks to Solid Edge? What strategies did they use for data migration and adapting to Solid Edge?
The short answer: YES! Many companies are making the switch to Solid Edge. Here are a few real-world examples:
Chantiers de l’Atlantique: This world-renowned shipbuilder uses Solid Edge to refine the complex and detailed design of large vessels like Wonder of the Seas. Previously using multiple CAD and ERP systems to manage the intricacies of shipbuilding, they transitioned to Solid Edge for better integration, particularly for designing cabins. Solid Edge is now used by their design teams, engineers, and marine experts, streamlining their entire process.
DesignPlan: A global leader in urban lighting solutions, DesignPlan switched to Solid Edge after 25 years of using other CAD tools. Thanks to Solid Edge’s synchronous technology, they can design customized products faster and more efficiently—without compromising on quality.
B&P Littleford: For B&P Littleford, delivering designs on time was the biggest challenge. With projects requiring precise machinery design, they needed to release drawings quickly without excessive engineering change orders (ECOs). After switching from SOLIDWORKS to Solid Edge, they’ve managed to speed up the process while maintaining design accuracy and fostering innovation.
According to Matt Lombard, a well-known CAD blogger and influencer, Solid Edge offers a powerful solution for everyone, especially SOLIDWORKS users seeking a viable alternative.
How does Solid Edge handle large assemblies? Does Solid Edge offer strong performance with large assemblies, and is it less prone to crashes compared to other CAD tools?
• Do new CAD users know how to use Solid Edge?
Adopting new software is crucial for success in any organization. When bringing in new CAD users, you want the best tools for your business. Many customers switch from other CAD platforms to Solid Edge because of the advantages it offers. Solid Edge is trusted by thousands of colleges, universities, and businesses worldwide, all of whom benefit from its powerful features and ease of use.
With Siemens Xcelerator Academy, new users can quickly master Solid Edge and other key tools within the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, becoming experts in Siemens software. The Academy offers a variety of training and learning opportunities, including live sessions, online certification programs, guided learning paths, and interactive learning maps. These resources help users of all levels build their skills and gain proficiency in Solid Edge.
Can I import my SolidWorks data into Solid Edge? Is it possible to bring over my SolidWorks files and convert them to Solid Edge format?
Many CAD systems rely on the “File Open” method to work with non-CAD data, but Solid Edge goes beyond this by supporting data from a wide range of systems, including SOLIDWORKS, STRC, ProE, Inventor, CATIA, and AutoCAD. However, there are limitations to this approach, which is why we recommend using the SOLIDWORKS Data Migration Tool for a more seamless transition.
Benefits of using the SOLIDWORKS Data Migration Tool:
- Drawing Migration: When migrating drawings of assemblies, all views, balloons, and bill of materials are transferred into Solid Edge, maintaining the integrity of your original design.
- Subassemblies & Assembly Relationships: The Assembly Relationship Manager gives you a comprehensive overview of all assembly relationships, making it easy to modify each one. These relationships are automatically brought over from SOLIDWORKS, and the Pathfinder feature ensures that all parts retain their proper relationships within the assembly.
- Rearranging Drawing Views: You can freely move drawing views within a sheet, and Solid Edge will automatically keep them aligned, preserving their relative positions.
- Hole Features: All hole features transfer as actual holes when migrating from SOLIDWORKS. This means you can select and modify them directly in Solid Edge, ensuring design continuity.
- Material & Property Migration: Materials and custom properties also migrate seamlessly from SOLIDWORKS to Solid Edge, meaning you don’t need to redo sketches for edits. Simply drag part faces or input values to make adjustments.
- Fully Associated Files: Solid Edge ensures that part and drawing files are fully associated. When you update a part file, the corresponding drawing is automatically updated, eliminating the need for duplicate work.
By using the SOLIDWORKS Data Migration Tool, you can streamline your transition to Solid Edge, ensuring that your designs, assemblies, and drawings migrate smoothly and retain their full functionality.
What similarities do Solid Edge and SolidWorks share? Beyond the similar names, how alike are these two CAD platforms in terms of features and functionality?
Siemens exclusively uses the Parasolid kernel across all of our CAD products, including Solid Edge—making us the first in the industry to offer this from a single provider. This approach allows us to deliver a wide range of capabilities at various price points, all within a cost-effective and scalable package. Both Solid Edge and SOLIDWORKS rely on the Parasolid kernel, which serves as the core engine for 3D CAD software. Whenever you create a line or perform a calculation, it’s Parasolid handling the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
Since Siemens owns, develops, and openly shares Parasolid, we provide unparalleled protection for your company’s data and technology investments. This also ensures seamless data migration from other CAD systems that use the Parasolid kernel, offering a smooth transition and compatibility.
Does Siemens provide a comprehensive suite of product development solutions? Besides Solid Edge, does Siemens offer integrated solutions for CAM, simulation, electrical design, PLM, and PDM?
Solid Edge provides users with a complete portfolio of affordable, easy-to-use software tools that addresses all aspects of the product development process–3D design, simulation, manufacturing, data management, and more. Solid Edge combines the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design – made possible with synchronous technology.
• What are the system requirements for Solid Edge? What hardware and software specifications do I need to run Solid Edge efficiently?
Solid Edge has been certified to run on a variety of operating systems. A detailed list of system requirements is available here.
• Is Solid Edge future-proof? Can I continue to use legacy data with Solid Edge as technology evolves?
Solid Edge receives annual updates focused on delivering new features and enhancements that directly address the needs of our customers. Unlike many other CAD tools, however, Solid Edge ensures that your legacy data remains secure and fully accessible.
As a key component of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, Solid Edge offers an ideal solution for small and medium-sized manufacturers. It provides flexible options to integrate with other Siemens products, allowing your business to scale and evolve as your needs grow.
Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd is an authorized reseller for Solid Edge and passionate support providers.
We Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd would love to meet you and let you the perfect solution
Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd - Solid Edge Resellers in India
Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd is a Solid Edge Reseller in India specializing in Electromechanical 3D Design, Simulation, and Product LIfecycle Management software. Renowned for our excellence in delivering SIEMENS Design and Manufacturing Automation solutions across India, we’ve expanded our operational footprint and clientele, catering to diverse sectors encompassing small, medium, and large enterprises.
Through a combination of both Online and Offline SIEMENS events, we endeavor to deliver unparalleled value to our customers, ensuring that their CAD Design investments yield the highest returns.
As an Authorized Reseller for Solid Edge, NX and Teamcenter, Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd extends Sales & Technical Support services across multiple states in India, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, with plans for further expansion.
Reach out to our proficient Sales & Technical Support Teams at Coimbatore Cad Solutions Pvt Ltd. We offer comprehensive SIEMENS
Software Sales, Technical Support, and Training services to our esteemed clientele.