“The best things in life are free,” so the adage goes—but not so much when it comes to CAD. Those looking to use top-of-the-line software such as SolidWorks can, therefore, expect to pay a pretty penny. But is there a way to avoid the fees and get SolidWorks for free?
Solidworks Curriculum High School
Of the 13 high school students in Colorado to earn the prestigious SolidWorks Expert designation, eight have come from Cherokee Trail, and three from Grandview. Less than 4,300 people across the.
In this article, we’ll explore your options when it comes to a free copy of SolidWorks. We’ll also list some alternative CAD software that offers similar functionality without the price tag.
175 SolidWorks Certification schools available. Find SolidWorks Certification schools that meet your certification needs, read student reviews, and more Indeed.com. Stevenson High School 39701 Dodge Park Road Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Show phone number (586) 797. A new version of SOLIDWORKS Education Edition came out recently and at Studica we have had some customers contact our support team with questions regarding installation. In this post, we will provide step-by-step instructions regarding how to download SOLIDWORKS Student Edition 2018-2019. This should make the process easier and provides some. The Certified SolidWorks Simulation Associate - Finite Element Analysis (CSWSA-FEA) certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of demonstrating an understanding in the principles of stress analysis and the Finite Element Method (FEM). Rocklin High School. 5301 Victory Ln. Rocklin, CA 95765 (916) 632.1600 (916) 632.0305. Congratulations to the Technology Students at Waltrip High School in Houston ISD for achieving their SOLIDWORKS Associate Certifications (CSWA). TEL 281.516.2200 or 888.963.2200 HOME.
SolidWorks for free in academic institutions
While commercial enterprises can expect to fork out thousands for CAD software, manufacturers often let students off the hook. (This isn’t quite as altruistic as it seems—after all, if you know how to use their software, you’re likely to keep using it after graduation!)
If you read up on our article about SolidWorks pricing, however, you’ll know that Dassault Systèmes don’t offer a student version for free. In fact, it comes in at a recommended sales price of $150. Though far lower than the $3,995 licensing fee for the standard edition, this is still far from free!
However, there are ways around this. The key solution is Student Access Licensing, which is available to schools that already have a number of networked seats of SolidWorks.
- If your institution already has 45 or more networked seats, it qualifies for the Student Design Kit program. This offers student access to SolidWorks Standard that you can install on your PC.
- Over 100 networked seats means that your institution qualifies for Student Engineering Kit. With this program, students can install SolidWorks Premium locally.
To check if your institution qualifies, contact your school’s CAD Administrator. Licenses will expire either one year after activation, or November 30th of the following academic year. If you’re unable to get SolidWorks for free via this method, it’s also worth asking your school if it’s possible to borrow an existing license.
The SolidWorks Free Trial
If you’re on the fence about SolidWorks, then committing to spending thousands straight off the bat may be unwise. Luckily, you can try out SolidWorks for free via two different trial versions.
The first is a traditional free trial, which enables you to put all of SolidWorks’ functionality to the test. Trials are available for one-day, seven-day, and thirty-day periods. As is the case with standard, paid-for SolidWorks, you’ll need to contact a local reseller to download a trial. Please note that these trials are available for commercial users only.
Trials are available for:
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If, however, you’re not keen on installing a hefty CAD program onto your system—especially when you may not be sure you want to keep it there—there is another option. Online free trials are now available from my.solidworks.com, requiring no installation whatsoever.
When visiting my.solidworks.com, you’ll be prompted to log in or sign up for an account. Once in, you’ll be able to use a cloud-based version of SolidWorks CAD Premium, with access to 3D CAD, simulation, MBD, CAM and visualization tools. You’ll be able to work with sample files, as well as uploading your own designs into the trial environment. It’s even possible to connect your account to cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
Are there any other ways to get SolidWorks for free?
Unfortunately, the above choices are the only options Dassault Systèmes offers users wishing to get SolidWorks for free. There’s no equivalent of, for example, AutoCAD 360, Autodesk’s ‘lite’ version of its flagship AutoCAD software.
Downloading a SolidWorks crack is one way that some users may attempt to get around this issue. However, this is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. Firstly, downloading cracked software is illegal, potentially landing you in hot water further down the line.
There are also a number of dangers you leave yourself exposed to by downloading a SolidWorks crack. These include downloading viruses onto your system, as well as copyright risks to the designs you create. The message is clear: avoid cracked software.
However, this doesn’t mean you should pack up and go home. If you’re looking for a way to create great things in CAD, but can’t quite face splashing the cash on SolidWorks, we have a few more tips.
Free and affordable alternatives to SolidWorks
While SolidWorks may have cemented its position as the market-leading 3D CAD suite, it’s not the only choice out there. In fact, if you’re willing to look beyond Dassault Systèmes flagship software, you may find some truly innovative software that meets your needs perfectly. Here are just a few of the top free and affordable options.
Onshape
If you’re looking for an affordable CAD choice with similar functionality to SolidWorks, you can’t go too far wrong by opting for software from the same founder. That’s what you’ll get with Onshape, a cloud-based offering from a team including Jon Hirschtick, who founded SolidWorks in 1993.
Since its first release in 2015, Onshape has won plaudits from across the industry. That’s because it hasn’t merely recreated 3D CAD in the cloud, but has pushed it forward, with new functionality such as the FeatureScript programming language.
You may expect to have to pay an arm and a leg for such innovative software—but, surprisingly, you can get Onshape for free. The free version offers full CAD functionality to users, while keeping data secure in the cloud. This ensures you’ll be able to access your designs from any device, at any time.
Please note that the free version of Onshape is for non-commercial users only. Commercial subscriptions begin from $1,500 per year.
FreeCAD
Here’s a suite that does what it says on the tin: FreeCAD. Indeed, while Onshape above offers both free and paid versions, FreeCAD is open source. This means that it’s free for all users, for all purposes, forever.
While most totally free CAD software offers only 2D functionality, FreeCAD distinguishes itself with its range of 3D features. In fact, as a parametric modeling software, FreeCAD operates in much the same way as SolidWorks. This means that experienced SolidWorks users shouldn’t have to contend with a steep learning curve when making the switch.
This flexible software is suitable for users across a range of fields, including engineering, architecture and product designs. There are even a number of advanced features, including FEA tools and a robot simulation module.
BricsCAD Shape
In early 2018, Belgian CAD firm Bricsys launched BricsCAD Shape, a conceptual modeling tool. The aim of Shape is to act as the first step in a BIM workflow, with users creating models in Shape before moving onto BIM software such as BricsCAD BIM.
Garageband for mac os x 10.7 55. While Shape is a free software, this doesn’t mean that Bricsys have skimped on features. In fact, the manufacturers claim that it includes “the same fast and proven parametric, 3D direct modeling engine” as their paid solutions.
As a CAD-accurate program using the DWG file format, BricsCAD Shape is an excellent choice for those looking to create 3D designs that they can share with other designers. It also comes with a library of components that you can incorporate into your design. Best of all, you can learn to use BricsCAD Shape in just half an hour.
Want to learn more about this software? Check out our brief history of SolidWorks.
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Computer-aided design (CAD) is a highly versatile technology that allows the creation, analysis, and modification of three-dimensional designs. The ability to create CAD models is a highly sought-after skill in several industries such as infrastructure, industrial design, architectural design, medical prosthetics, and computer animation. For many technical professionals, developing CAD design expertise is a massive upgrade to their skillset and their marketability.
Solidworks is one of the most popular CAD software, selling over 3.5 million licenses worldwide. Although Solidworks CAD software has been designed to be easy to use, being able to prove your level of expertise on the software platform is still a rewarding experience which can open up a lot of opportunities. If you’re an experienced Solidworks user, then you might consider getting a Solidworks Certification.
Solidworks Certification Course:Check out this course on Udemy and pass the exam.
What is Solidworks Certification?
A Solidworks Certification is proof of your cutting-edge skills in the Solidworks platform. Aside from proving your proficiency with the software, the certification also sets you apart from the rest of the crowd as a highly skilled designer or design engineer.
If you are looking for a job, having a Solidworks Certification can be a huge advantage when applying for companies who actively seek out these types of certification. Even if you are currently already holding a design job, a Solidworks Certification may be what it takes to move up the job ladder and for your career to advance.
How do I earn a Solidworks Certification?
A Solidworks Certification is earned by taking and passing a series of exams or knowledge tests. Depending on the level of certification you’re targeting, passing these tests can require a different number of steps, have different levels of complexity, and have varying benchmarks for passing. There are also variable costs for taking the certification exams, with higher level certifications costing more than their more basic counterparts.
The different Solidworks Certification levels
There are currently three levels of Solidworks Certification. The exams for each level cover different topics.
1. Level one – Certified Solidworks Associate (CSWA)
The basic Solidworks Certification level is the perfect entry point for high school or college students who have undergone training in Solidworks but have no professional experience. Having a CSWA proves that you have the fundamental knowledge and skills to create basic models and concepts in Solidworks. In some states, applying for a CSWA has even become mandated for university students with CAD-related courses. Required or not, having a CSWA is a good guarantee to future employers that you don’t need to be trained from the ground up and that you can be productive even on your first day of work.
The certification test for a CSWA is practical in nature. It covers basic Solidwork tasks such as 3D modeling, coming up with design concepts, and sustainable design principles. The test takes about three hours to complete, and you need to get a rating of at least 70% to pass.
Being the basic certification level, the CSWA is also the easiest to secure. Historically, about 65% of two-thirds of test-takers pass the exam and earn the CSWA. According to Solidworks, there are currently about 102,217 people who have a CSWA. Taking the CSWA will cost you $99.
2. Level two – Certified Solidworks Professional (CSWP)
The next level of Solidworks certification, earning a CSWP will test your more advanced CAD skills. Instead of a single overarching test, the CSWP is divided into three segments. You have the option of taking all three segments one after the other or separately. There is also no time limit on when you need to finish all three segments once you have started. The estimated total time needed to finish all three segments is just a little over 3 hours.
Each segment tests a different skill in Solidworks. Overall, earning the certification will require functional knowledge on creating fully parametric parts from drawings, modifying these parts, editing equations and parameters, and creating and modifying assemblies. You need to score at least 75% on each segment to earn the CSWP.
Only trained CAD users tend to sign up for the CSWP. This reflects on the passing rate of those who have taken the CSWP certification exams – 74%, which is even higher than the passing rate for the basic CSWA. There are currently about 32,328 CSWP holders according to Solidworks. Signing up for each of the CSWP segments will cost you $33 each. You may also opt to sign up for all of them at the same time for a total $99 price tag.
3. Level three – Certified Solidworks Expert (CSWE)
Earning the highest level of Solidworks certification certainly seems like a daunting and intimidating task. After all, you cannot simply sign up for the CSWE test. To be eligible to take the test, you must first already have the Level 2 certification. You also have to go through at least four of the five CSWE advanced topic exams. These are entirely separate exams, covering topics such as Sheet Metal, Weldments, Mold Tools, Surfacing, and Drawing Tools. To pass the advanced topic exams, you must have scored at least 75% in each one of them. Each advanced topic exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $19.95.
It is only after passing the pre-requisite exams that you can take the comprehensive test for CSWE certification. Designed to be the most challenging exam offered by Solidworks, there is currently no sample exam provided for the comprehensive test. Solidworks provides a long list of topics that may be covered by the comprehensive test with no guarantees of which one will be included.
Taking the CSWE comprehensive test will cost you another $145. You must be able to answer 85% of the items correctly to pass and to earn the CSWE certification. Should you fail, you can only retake the comprehensive test after 90 days. True to the challenging requirements of the CSWE certification process, there are currently only about 2,339 CSWE certificate holders, according to Solidworks.
What’s the good of getting a Solidworks Certification?
![Solidworks Solidworks](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FQX9G1nu2XM/hqdefault.jpg)
As you’ve probably realized by now, getting any of the Solidworks Certifications will require a significant amount of effort, time, and money. Is it worth subjecting yourself to the stress? These are some of the benefits that Solidworks certificate holders get to enjoy:
1. Proof that you’re skilled with Solidworks
A Solidworks certificate is tangible proof of your level of skill with the Solidworks software platform. Instead of stating in your resume that you are merely proficient with Solidworks, a certification level accurately describes just how good you are. Moreover, being certified means that your name will be included Solidwork’s globally searchable registry of certified users.
2. Some companies require certifications for particular positions
Solidworks is such a widely adopted CAD platform that many companies consider it the standard technology for assessing the CAD-related skills of employees and applicants. The development of Solidworks certification has provided these companies with clear-cut requirements for some of their technical positions. This means that some job openings or positions may only be open to applicants with the appropriate level of Solidworks certification. Whether you’re looking for a new job or looking to climb up the career ladder in your current company, having a Solidworks certification can be a huge leg up from the competition.
3. You can attend the annual Solidworks World
Being Solidworks certified also means that you get an invite to the annual Solidworks World, a multi-day conference that gathers all the experts and Solidworks certificate holders. This annual event is a great opportunity from you to expand your skillset through the hundreds of technical sessions facilitated by the proverbial experts in their fields. This is also a great chance for you to form networks with like-minded professionals.
Aside from the annual conference, Solidworks also sends out invites to certificate holders for other exclusive events. It’s not all work and no play for Solidworks, as these events can range from technical seminars to cocktail parties and all-access baseball stadium tours. These events are seriously amazing and show just how far Solidworks will go to keep their community happily engaged.
4. Getting a certification can be free
Taking a certification test can be considerably expensive but here’s the secret: it’s possible to get certified without paying a single penny! If you have an existing Solidworks license and are signed up to any of their subscription services, then it’s possible that your service offers the benefit of a free certification process.
Solidworks Certification Course:Check out this course on Udemy and pass the exam.
Online Solidworks Training
Final thoughts
In such a competitive world where software skills can be picked up easily, earning a formal certification can be a huge advantage. With the levels of Solidworks Certification, there is now a systematic way of determining the level of proficiency of each user with the Solidworks CAD platform. It will take a lot of training, time, and money to move up to the higher certification levels. However, there are also plenty of benefits, the biggest of which is the opportunity to apply to jobs or positions that require a specific level of CAD software skills. If you have any experience in working with Solidworks, then we strongly recommend that you consider starting the process of getting the Solidworks Certification.
Solidworks High School Projects
Warning; 3D printers should never be left unattended. They can pose a firesafety hazard.