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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 13, 2017 1:56 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)What functionality have you heard you're going to miss? I'm not familiar with any CAD software other than SW, but there may be something that will work as well with a different workflow.
And the best advice I can give you from watching this forum for almost 10 years is this: Don't get frustrated when SolidWorks doesn't work the same way Creo does. Keep an open mind, and learn what works and what doesn't. I firmly believe that SolidWorks (and probably other similar software) is easier to learn if you don't have any preconceived ideas about how it should work. I know at least one of the former AutoCAD users here swore up and down that it was better than SW when he first started learning it, but he eventually changed his tune. And he still doesn't know 25% of what it can do.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 1:29 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Someone told me not to expect to have pattern tables. But then he wasn't exactly a power user of SW. I use tables to control the location of components in a pattern when they're not spaced on regular intervals.
Is there an equivalent to Pro Program? I use that quite a bit. I use relations to turn features on and off.
How is family table functionality for assemblies? I make some really extensive ones. I specify which components go in which locations, and how many of them in patterns.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 21, 2017 1:39 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)I'm completely unfamiliar with Creo, so I don't know what you mean by pattern tables or family tables. They may be something similar to design tables in SW, which is a powerful tool.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 2:12 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
John Stoltzfus Jul 21, 2017 1:41 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Kevin Hansen wrote:
Someone told me not to expect to have pattern tables. But then he wasn't exactly a power user of SW.
There are quite a few myth busters here Kevin Hansen - another thing I've done myself is say this or that can't be done, only to be proved wrong..
(not sure if I have the right one)
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Deepak Gupta Jul 21, 2017 1:44 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)-
Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alex Sully Jul 21, 2017 3:40 PM (in response to Deepak Gupta)Can Table Pattern be used to control 3D position and rotation?
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Steven Mills Jul 21, 2017 3:58 PM (in response to Alex Sully)Position, yes. Rotation, I don't think so. Need to use circular, variable, chain, or maybe curve driven pattern for that. Or maybe a macro with using the move/copy body/part functions.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alex Sully Jul 21, 2017 4:03 PM (in response to Steven Mills)how do you access the 3rd dimension in the table driven pattern?
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Steven Mills Jul 21, 2017 4:17 PM (in response to Alex Sully)I've always used a sketch driven pattern for that. Just make a bunch of points in a 3D sketch. Or if it's a simple enough pattern just use one pattern, then make another pattern in the 3rd direction.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Mahir Abrahim Jul 21, 2017 1:53 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)In addition to a Table pattern, which is handy for simple X/Y coordinate locations, you can also use a Variable Pattern, which can drive existing dimensions with a table. Imagine being able to control the radius, angle, diameter, and depth of a pattern of holes all at the same time.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 1:59 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Deepak and Mahir, that sounds promising. And no, I haven't checked it out because I don't have SW yet.
John, that's the wrong Kevin Hansen.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Doug Seibel Jul 21, 2017 5:35 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)I used Pro-E from 1999 - 2001, Solidworks for 2002, Pro-E again from 2003-2005, and then back to Solidworks...were I have remained thus far.
Best advice I can give you is this:
DO NOT try to do everything in Solidworks the same way you did it in Creo. This rule applies when jumping from any CAD program to a new CAD program. Learn what the new CAD program can do, and how to accomplish the same/similar END RESULT in the best way using the new CAD program. Sometimes the same end result will require a significantly different method in the new CAD program, but once mastered is every bit as quick & easy. Whereas clinging to the methods used in the old CAD program may result in complete frustration in the new CAD program.
Solidworks does have pattern driven tables, but they are not nearly as powerful/versatile as the pattern driven table capability of Creo. Yes, you will miss the pattern tables in Creo.
Parametrically driven text (using "single line" fonts) as datum curves on surfaces...forget it. (My single BIGGEST frustration in Solidworks.)
"Family Tables" in Creo are "Configurations" in Solidworks
Workflow is slightly different. In Solidworks, you sketch and THEN use the sketch for a feature...instead of selecting the feature you are going to create first and then sketching.
Solidworks does not have "on the fly" datums, and it doesn't really allow you to define your sketch view like Creo (sketch plane will be normal to the screen, but you don't get to specify the left/right/top/bottom...you just take what Solidworks give and run with it).
For the most part, kiss "circular reference" hassles of Creo good-bye. While Creo is a sequential, relational solid modeling program...Solidworks is a relational solid modeling program.
Say hello to more versatility in coloring...have BOTH opaque AND translucent surfaces/features in a single part, even different degrees of translucency in a single part.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alin Vargatu Jul 22, 2017 11:12 AM (in response to Doug Seibel)Doug Seibel wrote:
Solidworks does have pattern driven tables, but they are not nearly as powerful/versatile as the pattern driven table capability of Creo. Yes, you will miss the pattern tables in Creo.
Take a look at Variable Patterns. Would allow you to use a table to pattern sketches, planes, axes, points and features, while being able to vary any dimension defining any of them.
Is less of a typical pattern and more of a feature generator.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 24, 2017 11:07 AM (in response to Doug Seibel)Doug Seibel wrote:
In Solidworks, you sketch and THEN use the sketch for a feature...instead of selecting the feature you are going to create first and then sketching.
For some features you can select the feature first. Pre-select a plane, then choose "Extruded Boss/Base". That will open a sketch on the selected plane. When you close the sketch you're immediately taken to the feature's Property Manager. It works for some other features also.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Dan Pihlaja Jul 24, 2017 11:22 AM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Glenn Schroeder wrote:
Doug Seibel wrote:
In Solidworks, you sketch and THEN use the sketch for a feature...instead of selecting the feature you are going to create first and then sketching.
For some features you can select the feature first. Pre-select a plane, then choose "Extruded Boss/Base". That will open a sketch on the selected plane. When you close the sketch you're immediately taken to the feature's Property Manager. It works for some other features also.
Also, (and I can't remember who originally suggested this, but it is a time saver) add the Extrude drop down menu to you sketch "S" shortcut bar.
That way the difference is as follows:
- Sketch complete
- Exit Sketch
- "S" key - Select Extrude command (or select sketch, then select extrude command, depending on whether or not your sketch is pre-selected when you exit the sketch).
- Define parameters
- Exit extrude command.
With the extrude command in your Sketch "S" key shortcut bar:
- Sketch complete
- "S" key select Extrude command
- Define parameters
- Exit Extrude command.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 24, 2017 11:39 AM (in response to Dan Pihlaja)Dan,
I've never really gotten into using keyboard shortcuts I prefer Mouse Gestures (but I have a mouse gesture to bring up the S-key menu for some functions). As I said above, I select a plane, then use the mouse gesture to select "Extruded Boss/Base". A sketch is started on the selected plane. When I'm finished I use another mouse gesture to close the sketch and I'm immediately taken to the extrude property manager.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alin Vargatu Jul 24, 2017 11:49 AM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Glenn Schroeder wrote:
Dan,
I've never really gotten into using keyboard shortcuts I prefer Mouse Gestures (but I have a mouse gesture to bring up the S-key menu for some functions). As I said above, I select a plane, then use the mouse gesture to select "Extruded Boss/Base". A sketch is started on the selected plane. When I'm finished I use another mouse gesture to close the sketch and I'm immediately taken to the extrude property manager.
Glen you should assess the effectiveness of Mouse Gestures versus Context Toolbars here:
Still waiting for your entry.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 24, 2017 12:35 PM (in response to Alin Vargatu)Hello Alin,
I don't doubt that the numbers say keyboard shortcuts are faster, but I just don't like going back and forth between the keyboard and my 3d mouse any more than I have to. I have one button set to the F-key and the other one to Ctrl, so that works well for me.
And I haven't entered because to be honest I don't expect I'd do well. I get stuff done, but have no illusions about being fast.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alin Vargatu Jul 24, 2017 1:13 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Glenn Schroeder wrote:
Hello Alin,
I don't doubt that the numbers say keyboard shortcuts are faster, but I just don't like going back and forth between the keyboard and my 3d mouse any more than I have to. I have one button set to the F-key and the other one to Ctrl, so that works well for me.
And I haven't entered because to be honest I don't expect I'd do well. I get stuff done, but have no illusions about being fast.
Glenn, the way I know you, you are not one to shy away from a challenge.
Plus, the challenge itself is just a pretext to learn from each other different techniques for interacting with SOLIDWORKS.
I would be extremely interested in watching a workflow using just the 3D mouse and the 2D mouse. Please?
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 24, 2017 1:35 PM (in response to Alin Vargatu)Okay. I'll try to give it a shot when I get time.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alin Vargatu Jul 24, 2017 1:41 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Glenn Schroeder wrote:
Okay. I'll try to give it a shot when I get time.
Thanks Glenn. Also, one question for you and other mouse-gestures users.
My understanding is that one hand is on the 3D mouse, the other on the 2D mouse. Would it make sense to use the Mouse Gestures only for commands that are not on the context toolbars?
In the example you mentioned, you could add the extrude boss and extrude cut command on the context toolbar of a face or a plane, could you not? That would free 2 mouse gestures for other uses.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Dan Pihlaja Jul 24, 2017 1:38 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)Glenn Schroeder wrote:
Hello Alin,
but I just don't like going back and forth between the keyboard and my 3d mouse any more than I have to.
I have a button on my 3d mouse set to "S". So my finger doesn't touch the keyboard.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Steve Calvert Jul 13, 2017 1:58 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)IMHO, SW is just easier to use. I used Wildfire and Intralink for a year or two, it has it's special things that were neat. Most features are sketched base, just right click a face or plane and start a sketch, simple.
You'll do well... and welcome to our user forum
Steve C
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
John Stoltzfus Jul 13, 2017 2:09 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Welcome to the Forum Kevin Hansen - don't know if this is the right one
Put some time aside to read a bunch of posts here on the forum....
Have you ever been given a SW tip that you didn't know existed?
What are your most impressive tricks of solidworks, Please spread.
What do your co-workers do with SOLIDWORKS that makes your blood boil?
If you can get through those and most of the referenced posts then you'll be up and running...
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
John Frahm Jul 13, 2017 2:13 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Use Solidworks with the notion that you will have to think differently. I went from Solidworks to Pro/E and back to Solidworks. The move from Solidworks to Pro/E was difficult. Myriad of reason from large company, improperly configured workstation, imho a not so intuitive interface.
This forum right here is a huge leg up on Pro/E. I could not find any similar tool with Pro/E.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Robert Randolph Jul 17, 2017 4:53 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)I use PTC products for 10 years before we switched over to SW. We had another guy that had used SW, anther who had used SolidEdge and a facility in Mexico that had one seat of Inventor. We wanted all of us on the same system and be able to have additional people have access to the software. SolidEdge was quickly eliminated due to its non-parametric nature. Creo was eliminated from consideration due to its "clunkyness". I would be the one to teach new users and after test driving SW and Inventor I realized I would much rather learn one of them and the teach it than have to teach someone Creo. SW and Inventor were pretty much a tie for me, others felt SW was a bit better so we went with it.
Things I miss about Creo:
- Not being able to select a reference plane when creating a sketch.
- A single command for each of shape commands(extrude, revolve, sweep, etc) In SW there is one for each of these for solid creations, cuts and surfaces
- The behavioral modeling extension
Essentially everything else I prefer in SW.
Some tips for SW
- Use the S key
- Use the D key
- Set tangent edges as phantom lines
- Customize, Customize, Customize (the UI can look exactly how you want it)
- Watch as many you tube tutorials as possible, there are some really good ones from previous Solidworks Worlds.
If you ever get stuck and know how you would do it in Creo but just can't figure it out in SW, message me and I will see if I can help work it out in SW.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 17, 2017 4:58 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)Robert,
Can you please explain what you mean by "1. Not being able to select a reference plane when creating a sketch."? You can create a new sketch on any plane or flat surface, so maybe I misunderstood.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Robert Randolph Jul 17, 2017 5:09 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)So in Creo once you select the sketch plane, you have the option to select a reference plane and then specify the orientation of this reference plane, either top, bottom, left or right. So say I am sketch on the front plane but want the right plane to the top of the screen, I would select right as the reference plane and then orient it to the top.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Glenn Schroeder Jul 17, 2017 5:14 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)That makes sense. In SW you can Ctrl+select two surfaces and then hit "Normal To", which will orient your model with the first surface selected normal to the screen and the second at top, but this doesn't work for planes (for some unknown reason). However, there are a number of other ways to rotate a view to get it where you want. See How do I manipulate my model view; let me count the ways from Jim Wilkinson.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Robert Randolph Jul 17, 2017 5:31 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)This is as close as SW gets though. In solidworks if you exit out of the command you have lost the orientation, heck if you accidentally rotate the model you've lost the orientation and have to select it. In Creo the selection is saved as part of the feature, anyone editing sketch will have the same view that you selected, and if you accidentally rotate the model all you have to do is click "sketch view" button and you have it back.
It was part of my workflow, and was somewhat difficult to adjust to not having it, but now I have adjusted to not having it. But like I said this is one of just three areas where I prefer Creo over SW. I would choose SW over Creo everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Mahir Abrahim Jul 17, 2017 6:59 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)It's not as user friendly as I'd like and has limitations, but you can manipulate the local sketch origin to get the desired orientation.
Tools>Sketch Tools>Modify...
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Jim WilkinsonJul 18, 2017 8:34 PM (in response to Mahir Abrahim)
Mahir is correct. Sketch Tools, Modify will rep-orient the sketch:
2017 SOLIDWORKS Help - Modify Sketch Dialog Box
As will the Align Grid/Origin command:
2017 SOLIDWORKS Help - Align Grid/Origin PropertyManager
I hope this helps,
Jim
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Robert Randolph Jul 18, 2017 8:16 AM (in response to Jim Wilkinson)Jim Wilkinson, Thanks! I never knew about the Align Grid/Origin command, it essentially duplicates the Creo functionality, though it only allows edges to be the reference. In Creo the execution is more user friendly.(Never thought I would say that about Creo)
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Jim WilkinsonJul 18, 2017 8:41 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)
Hi Robert,
Yes, I agree it would be useful if we had more control over the origin location and rotational orientation of the XY axis of the plane during plane creation. And perhaps also during sketch creation so it isn't something you have to do after the fact.
One thing to note related to the "sketch view" you mention in Creo. If you weren't aware, the equivalent in SOLIDWORKS is to choose the Normal To command with nothing selected while in sketch mode. That will "square up" the view to the sketch.
Thanks,
Jim
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
J. Mather Jul 18, 2017 8:24 AM (in response to Robert Randolph)Robert Randolph wrote:
.... all you have to do is click "sketch view" button and you have it back..
You could save a named view.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 2:12 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)I will definitely be customizing things. I do a little bit of that now, with Creo.
Are you saying we can't switch a feature back and forth between solid and surface?
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
John Stoltzfus Jul 21, 2017 2:16 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)You could if you set it up that way, but you would need to do it in a configuration.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Robert Randolph Jul 21, 2017 4:31 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)-
Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 4:42 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)That's disappointing. Creo surmounted that issue several versions ago. I always pictured SW as being the innovative package, that was always coming up with new features. If that is generally true, here's one where Creo has beaten Solidworks.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Steven Mills Jul 21, 2017 7:43 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)I'll give you that ProE/Creo has SW beat on keeping the number of tools down, but I would argue that they are even worse with the multiple layers of menus you have to navigate for even the most simple geometry. Also if you prefer menus, SW keeps them up at the top in easy to navigate pull-down menus, and only a few layers at worst. It even borrows the user interface style from Excel, Word or most other programs these days.
FYI, that picture list from Robert Randolph isn't really complete. And having a separation between solids and surfaces is not really an issue, as you can use both in the same part if you want and delete unwanted bodies as needed. Also I think coming up with more tools for the user with updates is part of being innovative. Trying to stuff all those functions into just 4 tools with 30 sub-menus is one of many things that make Creo clunky and hard to learn for a user.
FYI two, if you want to really see all the tools you can use, right click on a toolbar, select "Customize..." and go to the 'Commands' tab.
Yes, there is a search function for tools as well in SW. It is needed.
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Pro-tip: Use the command manager to keep all your toolbars out of the work-space, and in one little area;
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
J. Mather Jul 22, 2017 10:08 AM (in response to Steven Mills)Steven Mills wrote:
I'll give you that ProE/Creo has SW beat on keeping the number of tools down, but I would argue that they are even worse with the multiple layers of menus you have to navigate for even the most simple geometry.
It would be nice to have some of the tool options condensed without having the multiple layers of menus in Creo...
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Mahir Abrahim Jul 24, 2017 6:28 PM (in response to Robert Randolph)
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Jaja Jojo Jul 17, 2017 8:22 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Hehe 20 years on Pro-E i bet when you use SW you will feel the curse of switching CAD unable to do what you want, nagging your head, deep breath, touching your head, and finding your self seeking for answer. But that's OK it will just a couple of days.
THEY SAY ONLY FEW GET PASSED ON THIS BOUNDARY I'm just Kidding
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 21, 2017 1:24 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Thanks for the welcomes and the tips so far. Sorry I didn't make it back here to reply.
I assume that I can do anything in SW that I could do in Creo, it just might be a more complicated way, though I'm sure some will be simpler.
What about working in PDM Pro? I've never used a PDM system before. Anything I should know ahead of time?
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Steven Mills Jul 21, 2017 3:23 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)I'll tell you the same thing I once told to a interviewer thinking of switching from AutoCAD to SolidWorks or ProE at the time. Which she wants to invest in more, better computers or more training for people? Solidworks is easier to learn, but needs better hardware to run, and is more unstable with complicated models. ProE takes two to three times the time to learn to the same skill level in SolidWorks, but is more stable and able to do complicated geometry more easily.
This was a little before the Wildfire update of ProE I think.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 25, 2017 12:23 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Is there an equivalent to Pro Program?
There are two aspects of it. One is that I can create questions that appear when the model is regenerated. I then enter the answers which drive parameters or dimensions, which can reshape the model.
The other aspect is that I can use relations/forumulas to turn features or components on or off. It's a much cleaner way of doing things than using the family table or configurations or whatever you call them.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Alin Vargatu Jul 25, 2017 12:38 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)Kevin Hansen wrote:
Is there an equivalent to Pro Program?
There are two aspects of it. One is that I can create questions that appear when the model is regenerated. I then enter the answers which drive parameters or dimensions, which can reshape the model.
The other aspect is that I can use relations/forumulas to turn features or components on or off. It's a much cleaner way of doing things than using the family table or configurations or whatever you call them.
Yes, there are several tools and workflows for achieving that in the basic version of SW.
This functionality is hugely enhanced for users of DriveWorks (a SW add-in).
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Mahir Abrahim Jul 25, 2017 12:40 PM (in response to Kevin Hansen)I've haven't played with it much, but there is DriveWorksXpress that comes with some version of SW. It's a scalled down version of DriveWorks, a product configurator.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Kevin Hansen Jul 25, 2017 12:40 PM (in response to Mahir Abrahim)Good to hear.
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Re: Switching to SolidWorks from Creo
Deepak Gupta Jul 25, 2017 12:57 PM (in response to Mahir Abrahim)Yes a free awesome tool with every seat of SOLIDWORKS since 2008
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