Dassault Systèmes unveils SolidWorks 2013

Updates include new drawing capabilities, sub-model simulation, cost estimation, network rendering, wider sharing and increased connectivity. The software is powered by Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform and covers the range of SolidWorks applications for 3D design, simulation, technical communication, product data management and sustainable design. "With SolidWorks 2013 we've upheld our tradition of listening to our customers by providing enhancements and functionality to help them simplify their lives and create the best products," said Bertrand Sicot, CEO, SolidWorks. "SolidWorks 2013 empowers innovative design with application specific tools that help users quickly define, share and validate the form, fit and function of their designs. We look forward to watching our customers make their ideas a reality at a more rapid pace." The new release features an eDrawings app that lets users measure, select and mark-up designs from anywhere using a mobile device. It's also quite social in that it features tools for improved connectivity, enhanced viewing capabilities and expanded sharing of designs and data. A CAD administrator dashboard has been implemented to help maximise design team productivity, while a simulation sub-modelling and incremental meshing tool lets users more accurately perform precise simulation analysis for specific areas of large and complex models. Other benefits include network rendering for PhotoView 360, which is aimed at saving users time with faster rendering of photorealistic images by networking multiple computers to share the computational load. Users can also collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal teams with the ability to open SolidWorks files directly with SolidWorks 2012.