Solidworks Premium vs. Professional: knowing which package is right for you

Why it pays to choose the right package ? Whether you run a small business focused on efficient design or are part of a large organization that requires detailed simulations, choosing the right package can have a significant impact on your workflow and results. By exploring the features and use cases of both packages, you can make an informed decision that best supports your project goals and maximizes your productivity.

Move up the Solidworks ladder: From Standard to Professional to Premium

Since its release in 1995, Solidworks has set the industry standard for robust 3D CAD solutions, offering several packages tailored to different professional needs. Solidworks Standard is the entry-level package in the Solidworks suite and provides essential tools for 3D modeling, part assembly, and basic simulation. It includes features such as parametric modeling, sheet metal design, and weldments. Solidworks Premium and Professional represent a significant upgrade from the standard package, offering a comprehensive range of features tailored to specific project requirements. While Solidworks Professional provides a comprehensive set of tools for advanced design and analysis, Solidworks Premium goes one step further, offering additional features for those who require more sophisticated engineering capabilities.

Solidworks Professional

SolidWorks Professional builds on the Standard package with enhanced productivity tools, advanced file management, and robust design analysis capabilities. It is an ideal solution for companies looking to streamline their design processes, improve team collaboration, and ensure high-quality, cost-effective product development. Integrated estimation tools and photorealistic rendering are just two of the features that make Solidworks Professional an invaluable tool for improving design accuracy and providing valuable insight into manufacturing costs and visual quality. This makes it an excellent choice for companies looking to maintain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced marketplace.

 

Key features

  1. File Management: Professional includes PDM Standard (Product Data Management), which provides efficient file organization and management.
  2. Cost Estimating: Integrated estimation tools allow designers to estimate manufacturing costs early in the design process.
  3. Advanced photorealistic rendering: The package includes PhotoView 360 for high-quality rendering and visualization.
  4. ECAD/MCAD collaboration: Tools for collaboration between electrical and mechanical design teams increase efficiency.

Use cases

Solidworks Professional is ideal for companies that need advanced CAD capabilities but do not require the full range of tools in the Premium package. It is suitable for companies that focus on efficient project management, detailed design calculations, and improved visualization.

Solidworks Premium

Solidworks Premium includes all the features of the Professional package plus additional advanced tools for comprehensive design, simulation, and validation. This top-of-the-line package not only extends the core capabilities of Solidworks Professional, but also offers a range of specialized features for the most demanding engineering tasks.

 

Key Features

  1. Advanced simulation: Premium provides comprehensive simulation tools, including static and dynamic analysis, to predict product behavior under real-world conditions.
  2. Motion Analysis: This feature provides kinematic and dynamic analysis to help engineers analyze the motion of assemblies.
  3. Linear Stress Analysis: Helps you understand how your product will respond to various forces and stresses.
  4. Piping and electrical routing: Advanced routing capabilities for complex piping and wiring systems.
  5. Environmental Impact Assessment: Tools for assessing the environmental impact of your product designs.

Use cases

SolidWorks Premium is the optimal choice for companies that require comprehensive analysis and validation of their designs. It is especially well-suited for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy equipment, where accurate simulation and stress analysis are critical.

Comparison and Recommendations

When deciding between Solidworks Professional and Premium, you should consider the technical specifics of the project and your internal resources.

  • Engineering complexity: If your projects involve complex simulations and require detailed stress analysis, Solidworks Premium is the better choice.
  • Budget: Solidworks Professional is less expensive yet offers a wide range of advanced features suitable for many organizations.
  • Project requirements: For projects that demand extensive collaboration and advanced rendering, Solidworks Professional is sufficient. However, for projects that require sophisticated simulation and routing capabilities, Solidworks Premium is second to none.

Tailoring your choice to your requirements and resources

The choice between Solidworks Premium and Professional depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your projects. While Solidworks Professional provides a robust set of tools for the most advanced design needs, Solidworks Premium offers additional features for detailed analysis and complex simulations. Evaluating the specific requirements of your projects will help determine which package will provide the most value and efficiency.

For more information on Solidworks offerings, check out the Solidworks Cloud Offer, Solidworks 3D Sculptor and Solidworks Draftsight Professional.

Visit the store

Frequently Asked Questions