Autocad and Solidworks are cad tools used for the design and development of mechanical products. But they have different applications. Autocad is preferred for 2D drawing and non-parametric design approach. Whereas Solidworks is preferred for 3D Design and parametric design approach. In this article, we will discuss the difference between AutoCAD vs SolidWorks.
Read this article to know what CAD Design is, Its advantages and Limitations.
AutoCAD is a non-parametric cad tool preliminary used for 2D drafting. But it has limited 3D functionality as well.
AutoCAD was first released in 1982. It was the first cad software running on personal computers. Before AutoCAD most cad programs were not popular and most of the work was done on the drawing board.
Autocad Features
- Non-Parametric
- Import and Export of image and pdf formats.
- Native Cad Format: DWG
- Supports other Vector Formats such as: DXF
Autocad Applications
Autocad has applications across various industries. It also has industry-specific software such as AutoCad Electrical and AutoCad Architecture. Autocad application includes:
- Preliminary used for 2D Drafting.
- Limited 3D functionality.
- Map 3D is for GIS analysis and planning.
- Mechanical Architecture design.
- Electrical and Plumbing systems design.
Solidworks is a parametric CAD software. It is used for the design, simulation, and development of mechanical products. Solidworks is preliminary used for 3D drawing but also has limited 2D drawing functionality as well. According to user needs, they can also add various plugins in solidwork.
Solidworks Features
- 3D Parametric CAD Tool.
- Limited 2D Functionality.
- Part and Assembly Design in 3D.
- Rendering Tool.
- Surfacing.
- In-Build Simulation.
- Life-cycle Management.
- CAM ( Computer-Aided Manufacturing ).
- Inspection Module.
- Tolerance Stackup analysis.
Solidworks Applications
Solidworks has applications across a wide array of industries. It is preliminary used for 3D cad design. Solidworks serves mainly automotive, aerospace, machinery, electronics, and BIM industry. Solidworks applications include:
- Creating 3D parts and Assembly Design.
- Engineering Drawings.
- Design Evaluation using integrated simulation tools.
- Animation and Realistic Rendering.
- CAM ( Computer-Aided Manufacturing etc.)
Autocad Vs Solidworks : What is the Difference
Here is the difference between autocad and solidworks:
To sum up, both solidworks and autocad cater to different markets. Autocad is used for 2D-related work. Autodesk has inventor and Fusion 360 to cater to the 3D market. Whereas solidworks is used for 3D-related work. It has draftsight to cater to the 2D market. Read this article to know free available cad software. If you only want to view cad data you can use free cad viewers.
We will keep adding more information on the difference between solidworks and autocad. Please add your suggestions, comments, or questions on solidworks vs autocad in the comment box.
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