Is anyone Solidworks Certified?

[Rett Mikhal]

For those of you unaware, Solidworks is the current rock star in terms of 3D computer aided drafting. It has also been edging into the finite element analysis simulation business and computer numeric control machining industry.

I recently, at Solidworks World 2011, took and passed the Certified Solidworks Professional Exam and received my Certification.

So I was wondering if anyone else had completed this or used the program. It's always good to meet fellow users.

 

[Bisz]

I loved SolidWors back when I used it on my coop terms in University, its a fantastic piece of software. I think the latest one I used was 2003... but I'm not sure.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

You've missed out on a lot of great improvements since 2003. I think the entire graphical processing system was reworked in 2004 and 2008. The program is also now integration friendly; lots of programs can be run inside it like Cosmos Simulation, and a multitude of CAM programs. The newest kid on the block is Simulation 2D, which allows for astounding accuracy by simply taking profiles instead of using the entire model.

 

[B.J.]

I have 2008 on my work computer. It was for one project that never materialized, so I never used it much, but it seemed to be a lot less capable than CATIA, NX or ProE. One of my coworkers that did use it said that he had to go through several workarounds to do the same kinds of things that we're used to in the other programs.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

You're most defiantly the first person I've ever heard say Solidworks is less capable than anything. The fact there's an entire three day convention for it every year, not just 3D CAD but just the program, really is a testament to its power and integration in the field.

Did your co-worker describe any specific details about those work arounds?

 

[Bisz]

Catia is in a different class than SolidWorks. Catia is used for automobile and airplane design, I don't think SolidWorks even tries to touch on that sort of thing. But given a choice of doing anything short of that I would still use SW, my experience with is was much more friendly than my limited experience with Catia. My understanding is also that SW and ProE are about on the same level but I can't comment on that other than second hand.

 

[Rett Mikhal]

Actually, CATIA is made by Dassault, the same people who make Solidworks. It's just a more esoteric program for those industries.

 

[flux_29]

Did level's 1 and 2 when i was at college (part time).

 

[Lior .B.]

I believe NX has reacher capabilities than SW but it's been a while since I used SW.

 

[Bisz]

Actually, CATIA is made by Dassault, the same people who make Solidworks. It's just a more esoteric program for those industries.

Yup, like I said, just a while different level of software. They also make IGRIP, which is the program I use at work for robot simulation. I should learn Catia, but I don't want to dang it!