Speed was the key selling point at the release of Solidworks 2009, as Dassault Systems were keen to point out a 65 per cent speed increase.
Calculated via productivity gains measured in the creation and modification of large assemblies from real-world customer environments and data, Solidworks 2009 claims that it has become faster without the need for new features and functions, meaning that users do not have to learn new techniques.
260 new enhancements have been made as a result of feedback from user groups, customer analysis and gossip from down the pub.
In addition, a ‘Speedpak’ should allow for a new approach to large assemblies that use less memory to achieve full graphic detail.
“Given that the point of software solutions is to automate tasks and the point of automation is to make common tasks happen faster, then a significant increase in performance will deeply benefit every designer and engineer,” said John MacKrell, senior analyst with CIMdata. “SpeedPak technology increases performance while decreasing resource consumption, providing a double benefit for designers, especially those who work with large assemblies.”
A new ‘Simulation Advisor’ helps users analyze designs for hidden flaws through every stage of a simulation, and even back in the 2D world users get new improvements and add-ons.
Finally, the addition of Photoview360 should mean for easier progressive rendering on the new version. However, the increased figures for speed will probably be enough to warrant the upgrade.
