SolidWorks software

[HansonSigns]

Has anyone here used (or heard of) Solidworks? It seems to be a graphical cad program, looks interesting but I only know of one sign company who uses it. We don't know the price yet, but will likely find that out next week. Anything anyone has heard would be appreciated!

[Erik Sine]

Here's an old thread with some content on it

[Chris Sharpe]

Nancy,

We use Solidworks for 75% of our sign structural designs. It is very strong program if you are going to be doing any level of custom structural sign design (Especially pylons). I would not recomend it for "Graphic Art" as there is better programs for this (Corel and Flexi). Also, we use AutoCad for Channel letters as Solidworks does not make it any faster/easier to complete those 2D designs.

The upfront costs is a high in comparision to AutoCad but the additional functionality is worth it, also your annual maintenance fees can be $1500+ per year per seat which can be tough to afford for some.

regards

Chris Sharpe

[Brad_Hunter]

solid Works is a great program, although might be overkill for a small/ custom sign shop. At a different company I approved my engineering manager to purchase it for our engineering department. It will stay neck and neck with Pro E for a fraction of the cost. We have thought about it for our shop here, but felt that it was not cost effective unless we moved into more of a repetitive manufacturing environment. It is a great program where needed. For now, we are staying with Corel.

[manuellynch]

Solid Works is a very useful program - if you need any subcontractors that specialize in Solid Works I can connect you to people all over the world that can help you in doing everything from just viewing files, designing something new, or coming up with a way to present solutions to your end customers.

Give me a ring on 702-425-4381 and I can connect you to "the best" in the industry- he is located in San Diego.