SolidWorks Corporation Delivers SolidWorks 2008

Business Wire, June 18, 2007

Newest version of leading 3D CAD software focuses users on designing better products

CONCORD, Mass. -- SolidWorks Corporation today released SolidWorks([R]) 2008, the newest version of its leading 3D CAD software. SolidWorks 2008 delivers a new intuitive, time-saving user interface (UI) as well as impressive 3D graphics, builds on the company's breakthrough SolidWorks Intelligent Feature Technology (SWIFT), accelerates better product design, and includes more advanced design analysis capabilities than any other CAD software.

With more than 250 user-requested enhancements, SolidWorks 2008 lets users concentrate on solving design challenges, not on using the software, and leverages existing designs to save time and ensure accuracy. It also helps users improve their designs by providing feedback about quality and manufacturability up front.

"The SolidWorks 2008 UI is very slick with an even more intuitive feel," said beta user Josh A. Mings, interior engineer of Executive Aircraft Completions, Tulsa, Okla. "You're more efficient because you have more opportunities to work on, in, and around the model in addition to the menu options. Switching between documents is more efficient, too, because you can see what you're switching to before you actually do. The more you experience it, the better SolidWorks 2008 gets."

Click here (http://blogs.solidworks.com/mediapodcasts/) to listen to
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Focus on design, not CAD

SolidWorks 2008 introduces a host of new capabilities that lets users immerse themselves in their designs.

First is the new user experience. The intuitive workflow predicts which tools users will need in the context of the specific task they are undertaking and makes them readily available. The interface increases useful window real estate, reduces mouse travel, provides innovative customization options, and provides task-based command selection. These attributes help establish SolidWorks as the easiest to use 3D CAD system, focusing users on their designs and minimizing distractions.

SWIFT Instant3D, one of several unique new features built on the SWIFT framework, lets users create and modify 3D model features simply by manipulating drag handles directly on the model. Users don't need to deal with esoteric commands, dialog boxes, and extensive data input other CAD systems require. "Live cross-sections" enable users to make edits by dragging edges while looking at a slice of the model.

SWIFT DimXpert automatically sets geometric dimensions and tolerances on parts, saving time and providing expert information every design team needs. It provides visual feedback on whether the model has been properly described and is ready for manufacturing. DimXpert adheres to the ASME Y14.41-2003 3D specification and automatically creates views, dimensions, and tolerances in 2D drawings for complete design documentation.

"SolidWorks is on the right track with SWIFT," said Gisela Wilson, director of industry analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC)'s Product, Project, and Portfolio Management program. "With this new release, it is again deepening design capabilities but without burdening users with lots of additional hard-to-learn complexities. SWIFT and SolidWorks 2008 can make a substantial difference for design teams in time to market, cost containment, quality of user experience, and ultimately quality of result."

Reuse existing designs to save time

SolidWorks 2008 gives users unique new ways to design better products faster by repurposing portions of existing designs while enforcing best practices.

The Design Clipart capability lets users search their file systems for sketches, tables, images, features, views, or DWG blocks that are inside existing designs. Once the item is located, Design Clipart dissects target files, allowing users to simply drag the item to incorporate it in new designs. The Design Clipart feature helps engineers recoup the hours they spend every day looking for already finished designs. Design Clipart also extends SolidWorks' leadership in the reuse of AutoCAD([R])data by allowing quick access to any portion of a DWG file without the need for translation.

In addition to supporting native DWG blocks, SolidWorks 2008 alerts users when a referenced DWG block has been changed. Users can also natively edit these DWG blocks in the DWGeditor by simply right-clicking the block - a natural, efficient workflow for leveraging DWG data in new 3D designs.

Design teams for the first time can manage all of their 2D files from the SolidWorks desktop using a new capability called the DWGnavigator. The DWGnavigator lets users perform powerful DWG-specific searches, find references, view, and package up files for sharing. Users can also save their files in the format of any version of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT software for unmatched interoperability.