Solidworks for Makers

[manandwala]

This is a great bundle although it is only for personal use you get access to solidworks and its cloud design tools like xShape and xDesign (which are perfect when your computer doesn't want to install solidworks).  The price is also very reasonable (considering professional solidworks packages range in the 1000s-10000s depending on what you are purchasing).

[Aaron Moncur]

Definitely - can't beat $99/year for Solidworks! https://www.solidworks.com/solution/3dexperience-solidworks-makers

[Blackbirdwake]

It is a great option for hobbyists! It is really important to read the fine print in the FAQs though. SOLDIWORKS is very serious about piracy and actively fights it so make sure you aren't using it for anything commercial. Also, anything created in the Maker license is locked to the maker license and you won't be able to open it in a commercial version of SOLIDWORKS later on. Finally, there is also no technical support (other than peer-to-peer forums). It's a great option for some, but not for everyone, so do your homework!

[manandwala]

@Blackbirdwake Of course those restrictions are there but they do have dedicated maker support (GoEngineer pointed this out to me when I was having an issue and the forum thread for that is here)  because they know hobbyists who start with Solidworks start to demand it at work.  

@Aaron Moncur Not trying to spam links but that maker support email is something that will encourage more to try this very powerful software!

Edited October 26, 2023 by manandwala

[andre]

Does SolidWorks for makers export parasolids and step files?

Edited November 21, 2023 by andre

[Aaron Moncur]

@andre This thread seems to indicate all the standard features are included in the maker edition: 

@manandwala do you know for sure one way or the other?

[andre]

Also I've heard that there is an experimental aircraft license and one could get solidworks for 50 bucks a year SOLIDWORKS Resource Center | EAA

[manandwala]

@Aaron Moncur @andre here are all the features included in the subscription: https://www.solidworks.com/solution/3dexperience-solidworks-makers

To summarize we get:

• 3D Experience Solidworks Professional
• 3D Creator (xDesign online CAD)
• 3D Sculpter (xSculpt onliine sub-division modeler)
• Solidworks Visualize Connected (when you need to convince marketing)
• NC Shop floor programmer
• 3DSwym Communities (Online forum for assistance)
• 3D Experience Marketplace (when you need models in a hurry same concept as Design Accelerators)

Dedicate Maker support: SUPPORT.makers@3ds.com 

[Mark]

On 11/24/2023 at 9:38 PM, andre said:

Also I've heard that there is an experimental aircraft license and one could get solidworks for 50 bucks a year SOLIDWORKS Resource Center | EAA

I was a member of the EAA years ago for this benefit. They offered it with an educational license to the full software.