Introduction to Structural Simulation in SOLIDWORKS

Structural simulation in SOLIDWORKS is a powerful computational tool that allows engineers and designers to test how their 3D models will perform under various real-world conditions without having to build physical prototypes. By applying the principles of finite element analysis (FEA), SOLIDWORKS Simulation enables users to predict how their designs will respond to forces, pressures, temperatures, and other physical effects.

At its core, SOLIDWORKS Simulation divides complex models into thousands of smaller, simpler parts called "elements." The software then calculates how each of these elements responds to applied conditions and combines these results to predict the behavior of the entire model. This approach allows engineers to identify potential failures, optimize material usage, and validate design decisions before manufacturing begins.

The Value of Integrated Simulation

Having simulation capabilities directly integrated within your CAD environment offers several significant advantages compared to using standalone simulation software:

  • Seamless Workflow: With integrated simulation, you can design and test within the same interface. This eliminates the need for importing and exporting between different software packages, which can introduce errors and waste valuable time.

  • Design and Analysis Synchronization: When simulation is built into your CAD software, design changes automatically update in your simulation studies. This bidirectional association means you can quickly iterate and optimize designs based on simulation results.

  • Reduced Learning Curve: Engineers already familiar with SOLIDWORKS can leverage that knowledge when using the integrated simulation tools, rather than having to learn an entirely new software package with different workflows and terminology.

  • Cost Efficiency: Maintaining a single software solution is typically more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining multiple specialized packages.

  • Improved Collaboration: When the entire team works within the same environment, it's easier to share models, results, and insights across departments.

Which Simulation Solution Is Right for You?

At SWYFT Solutions, we offer two powerful paths to simulation: SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages and SOLIDWORKS Simulation Value Offers on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Each provides unique advantages depending on your workflows, team structure, and performance needs.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages

Ideal for design-centric teams running simulation inside SOLIDWORKS.

These are traditional, CAD-embedded tools that run directly in your desktop SOLIDWORKS environment.

  • Fully integrated into SOLIDWORKS CAD

  • Ideal for design validation, fatigue, thermal, and motion studies

  • Choose from Standard, Professional, or Premium tiers

  • Available as perpetual or term licenses

  • Runs on your local workstation

SOLIDWORKS Simulation Value Offers on 3DEXPERIENCE

Ideal for teams needing advanced simulation, cloud collaboration, or scalable power.

Simulation Value Offers deliver high-end capabilities through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including solvers from Abaqus and other SIMULIA technologies.

  • Role-based apps like Structural Engineer, Durability Engineer, etc.

  • Access high-performance cloud computing

  • Run large nonlinear, dynamic, or multiphysics simulations

  • Collaborate across teams with cloud-based data and dashboards

  • Subscription-only, with flexible deployment