There are new drawing tools to help create better looking and more accurate images. For example, changed dimensions are automatically highlighted and show previous values to help with revisions. Sequential balloon ordering and magnetic lines automatically help order and position balloons. So you may not have to spend as much time detailing and aligning drawings.
SolidWorks’ Sustainability’s new user interface can be used to more accurately model products with “what-if” scenarios and custom materials. Users can model processes with parameters such as recycled content and duration of use. Access to the latest Sustainability supplemental materials will be instant and continuous as they become available.
The large design review allows instant opening and review of large assemblies or any individual component with walkthroughs, sectioning, and measuring without the need for a high-powered computer or special file preparation. The freeze feature eliminates unwanted feature rebuilds by locking all features above the “freeze” bar. This option can help speed up the design of complex models where rebuilding specific features is not needed. Features can also be unfrozen at any time. There are also new equation capabilities that speed up the calculation process.
Design costing is a tool that automates manufacturing cost calculations for sheet metal and machined parts. Designers can make more informed decisions based on cost throughout the design process and continually model new scenarios for instant up-to-the-minute manufacturing estimates. SolidWorks 2012 offers new sheet metal tools such as precise control of edge flanges, including up-to-vertex end conditions. Designs can be flattened and documented for manufacturing with export to CNC and manufacturing equipment.
SolidWorks Simulation includes enhanced motion optimization that automatically uses motion study results to create sensors and refine complex and time-intensive machine aspects such as motor size, bearing loads, and range of travel. Users can optimize designs quickly as they refine inputs and immediately see changes to restraints or goals.
SolidWorks Enterprise PDM has new support for Office 2010 and an x64 web client. In addition, there are enhancements to 3DVIA Composer including part-to-part shadows, ambient occlusion, and shadows to 2D panels with precise control. A glow effect can also be added to highlight specific areas of interest.
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