Are you a startup looking to improve your product design process?
Look no further than SOLIDWORKS. This versatile CAD software is a great all-in-one tool for startups that design products in industries such as aerospace, engineering, construction, high-tech, and more.
SOLIDWORKS offers a comprehensive range of 3D modelling, simulation, and manufacturing features, making it ideal for small teams with big ambitions. Imagine creating intricate product designs, testing their functionality, and preparing them for production, all within one platform.
That’s the power of SOLIDWORKS.
1. It’s Quick to Get Started.
SOLIDWORKS allows you to deploy and start designing within hours.
There are two licence types – Network and Cloud. For Network, you will need to install SOLIDWORKS on your computer, but the handy wizard will walk you through the steps. Alternatively, SOLIDWORKS is available through the cloud via the 3D Experience platform if you’d prefer. Once you’re in, learning the platform is easy.
SOLIDWORKS is an expansive ecosystem of different software and apps, so it might be daunting at first. However, the SOLIDWORKS team have a huge collection of webinars, blog posts, courses and more to help you get the most out of the platform. Plus, the SOLIDWORKS community is incredibly kind and helpful. They often go out of their way to post tutorials on the forums and YouTube, so if you’re stuck, help is always available with a quick Google.
Additionally, you get everything you need in one software rather than multiple licences for different software. This helps to streamline the procurement process, manage cash flow, and keep your accounts tidy. CAD Software Direct has various plans to help spread the cost throughout the year. Alternatively, you can pay upfront. This flexibility is useful when businesses rely on grant or VC funding, as the invoices can fit your payment schedule.
All of these factors mean you can be designing by the end of the first day.
2. Rapid Prototyping
There is a myth that SOLIDWORKS is only for established products or big businesses, and that isn’t true. You can use SOLIDWORKS from the R&D phase of your very first product. While creating your minimum viable product (or MVP) can take months or sometimes years, SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can speed up these early development phases to quickly get you to the proof-of-concept stage and beyond.
Rapid prototyping and innovation are at the heart of SOLIDWORKS. Its powerful 3D modelling tools allow users to create detailed designs quickly, enabling swift iteration and refinement.
Need to test functionality? The built-in simulation features allow you to undertake virtual testing, so you can iron out any issues before investing money in physical tests. Plus, the seamless integration with 3D printing lets you quickly move from a digital model to a physical prototype. This efficient process supports startups in bringing their innovative ideas to life fast. No delays. Just quick, effective prototyping to keep your project moving forward. The intuitive interface means even those new to CAD can dive in and start creating immediately. It’s all about speeding up your design cycle, reducing errors, and getting your products to market sooner.
3. Streamline the manufacturing process.
SOLIDWORKS has a really cool system that helps you streamline your product development process. You can save individual parts and assemblies to pull into other projects. They retain their part numbers and other useful information. This can help you save huge amounts of money by minimising the different types of materials, fixings and other elements you need to purchase so you take advantage of order quantity discounts.
You can add labels and tags to your product materials and use that information to create a Bill of Material. These can be shared with your production teams, who can collaborate with you within SOLIDWORKS files. This means you can monitor, track, trace and communicate throughout the supply chain.
Once your product is manufactured, you can use the final product designs to create instruction manuals and marketing materials, so there are minimal delays between its finishing and availability for sale. This is also helpful when running presales or crowdfunding campaigns, as you can launch with stunning images, especially if you use the Visualise tool within SOLIDWORKS to render your images.
4. It’s Scalable
Scalability is a key strength of SOLIDWORKS, making it ideal for fast-growing startups. Start with the basic package to get your feet wet, then expand as your needs evolve. Most people start with 2D and 3D modelling and dive into different tools as the project requirements grow. There are three different licence types – standard, professional and premium – each with increasing functionality. So you can start with the smallest package and work your way up.
As your business expands, SOLIDWORKS grows with you. The software’s customisation options let you develop bespoke workflows and automate repetitive tasks, enhancing productivity. APIs and scripting capabilities ensure that your processes can evolve alongside your business. This means less time spent on manual adjustments and more time focusing on innovation.
Furthermore, SOLIDWORKS’ cloud solutions, such as 3DEXPERIENCE, enable collaboration across different locations, which is perfect for startups with remote teams. Your team members can access the latest designs and updates in real time, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. With SOLIDWORKS, you’re not just buying a CAD tool but investing in a scalable solution that adapts to your startup’s growing demands.
5. SOLIDWORKS is free for startups!
Your first year of SOLIDWORKS could be free if you are an early to mid-stage product-based startup. There are also heavy discounts for your renewals in the second and third years. You can access many SOLIDWORKS tools to test all the features and see if it’s right for you and your team.
Your company must meet the following acceptance criteria:
- Designing and building a physical product with an aim to sell it in the market
- Less than $1M in revenue
- Not more than 5 years old
If this is you, contact the CAD Software Direct team.
Conclusion
SOLIDWORKS offers an impressive tool suite that perfectly aligns with startups’ fast-paced, innovative nature. From rapid prototyping and streamlined manufacturing processes to scalable solutions that grow with your business, SOLIDWORKS can support your journey from concept to market. If you want to accelerate your development process and stay ahead in the competitive market, SOLIDWORKS is the partner you need. Explore the possibilities and see how SOLIDWORKS can transform your startup’s product design and manufacturing process.
Buy SOLIDWORKS through CAD Software Direct or contact the team about the SOLIDWORKS for Startups offer.