Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
(OP)
Two years ago, I posted a comment regarding how much better I thought Solidworks is over Inventor. That comment stirred up quite a few responses, as you can imagine. Two yars later, I am now fully convinced that Solidworks is the better package and I've finally convinced the owner of my company to consider switching. Before cutting the check though, I wanted to perform some head to head tests of the two packages. One of these tests revealed a huge performance difference between the two packages and I was wondering if anyone else has seen similar results.
I took an assembly of approximately 240 pcs that had all been created in Inventor. The assembly had about 100 iParts and other solids in it, that were, again, all created in Inventor. I launched Inventor 2012 and had it open this assembly. It took Inventor 4m51sec to open the file and be ready for editing.
I then opened Solidworks and asked it to open that same Inventor .iam assembly file and walked away. The next morning, I found that Solidworks had opened the assembly and created Solidworks copies of each component in the assembly. I then saved the newly created sldasm file and closed Solidworks. Finally, I launched Solidworks and asked it to open the sldasm file. Solidworks had the file open and ready to edit in 9 sec!
Has anyone else seen this same level of performance difference or was there a flaw in my testing procedure? I performed this same test using a smaller assembly and a single part, with similar results.
Cheers!
I took an assembly of approximately 240 pcs that had all been created in Inventor. The assembly had about 100 iParts and other solids in it, that were, again, all created in Inventor. I launched Inventor 2012 and had it open this assembly. It took Inventor 4m51sec to open the file and be ready for editing.
I then opened Solidworks and asked it to open that same Inventor .iam assembly file and walked away. The next morning, I found that Solidworks had opened the assembly and created Solidworks copies of each component in the assembly. I then saved the newly created sldasm file and closed Solidworks. Finally, I launched Solidworks and asked it to open the sldasm file. Solidworks had the file open and ready to edit in 9 sec!
Has anyone else seen this same level of performance difference or was there a flaw in my testing procedure? I performed this same test using a smaller assembly and a single part, with similar results.
Cheers!






RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Not discounting the data.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
What happens if the boss brings in an Inventor Expert and blows holes through your "test"?
You will have forever lost credibility.
Make sure you are rock-solid in your data before mentioning this "test" to the boss.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
GRF, now that you mention that feature, I do remember that from my earlier Solidworks days. For the type of work we do though, we rarely edit parts while in the assembly environment, so I don't see a slow down in that area affecting us much. I don't know if Inventor has a similar feature and should investigate this further.
Thanks for all the great input!
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
I repeated the same creating procedure in the Inventor, on the same machine (PC) and the time required to do it was about four or five times longer for the whole set of operations in Inventor. I can't recall the exact time needed, but it was more than enough to go to the CP and click "uninstall" (Inventor)
Since then, never had regrets or second thoughts about the subject. There are many things in SWX I'd change or details that I don't find to be the best possible way/solution from my personal point of view, but at the end, I always do the work at the end without getting nervous breakdowns.
http://www.storyofstuff.org/
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Save the IV assy to the ACIS/SAT format
Re-import to IV
Run the IV feature recognition function on all parts
Time the opening in IV.
I offer a money-back guarantee that SW is not 32 times faster than IV. If it was proven that SW was even twice as fast, SW would be shouting about it from every available 'rooftop'.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Opinion confirmed. You need training.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
What did SW assembly statistics tell you about the model? 5 minutes to open a 240 part assembly is a bit on the slow side depending on what hardware you are running it on. I take it both time you were loading off the local hard drive?
You might try modeling an assembly from scratch in both software using as similar technique as possible. I think that was already suggested.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Considered training? Ever hear of pack-and-go.
Basic file managment techniques should be a prerequisite for anyone using Inventor or SolidWorks or Creo or .....
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Can you attach the sldprt and ipt files here?
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Yes, I have heard of and used Pack and Go.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Those are neutral formats.
I don't see anywhere where you stated what version of SolidWorks you are using.
Post an example SWx file here that you couldn't open in Inventor 2012.
(surely you do realize SWx 2011 will not open a SWx 2012 file, and likewise SWx 2012 was released after Inventor 2012 and therefore you would need a SP1 to update status)
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
The only information I have to go on are the very statements you have made here.
Post some CAD datasets that any and all can test.
Foundation of the scientific method.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
CODE
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Is there a way to edit posts on this forum so I can go back and fix the ones I missed?
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
I have a similar file created in SW (basically the same thing, somewhat different rim profile), and since I created it that at the time when I had to decide which of two I would pick (SWX or AI) I never bothered to save Inventor files I don't need. Since I made my choice, here is one such file (SW2010) attached. It can be easily re-created in Inventor.
http://www.storyofstuff.org/
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
I don't think that is the most efficient technique in SolidWorks or Inventor.
I was expecting a more subtantial test - something that would show measurable differenced between the programs.
Also - sketches are unconstrained.
Cross-section of rim doesn't look manufacturable (at least not at reasonable cost).
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
http://www.storyofstuff.org/
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Surely you must realize that virually ANY 3D CAD program should not have difficulty with that trivial geometry.
I would want to find the source of the problem before making decisions on such an obvious anomaly.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
When I asked (a while ago) which one to pick, the reply was very simple: Any job can be done with both (any), it's just a matter of personal preference and capability to "feel at home". To me, one of the reasons was that I personally found the SW to be more intuitive (to me) and also one reason with quite a fine amount of "weight" (as an argument) that all our fabricators and subcontractors actually use SW. Some of them use other apps as well, but they all use SW, so, being compatible with companies I'm working/collaborating with, basically added that grain of dust to the scale and I picked SW.
So, I have nothing against any Autodesk product, I'm simply not using them for simple, mostly personal and practical reasons.
And I really don't want or feel the need to prove anything to anyone.
http://www.storyofstuff.org/
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Now we are getting down to reality. This is the reason we are changing too. Not because of functionality (I have not found anything substantially different between the two programs.)
If someone in a company has made a decision (substantial investment) and you walk into their office and try to argue that it was the wrong decision - you better have all your ducks in a row. That's all I'm trying to emphasize here.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
As I'm the founder of my company and sort of my own boss, I tried to be reasonable. And even though Inventor has a nice touch on a thirty day free trial (I missed that with SW) the $$$ figure presented for the package was also a nice touch on Dassault's side. I was actually prepared to pay the extra $$$ for the Inventor, but the reasons I've presented were enough for me to decide which one, the saving in funds was just an icing on the Christmas cake.
http://www.storyofstuff.org/
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Anna's Punch Holder is a another example. Just reorder a few features and rebuild time drops like a rock. This kind of stuff just isn't obvious and the effect might even change from release to release. All this to say, 3D modeling software has to work with beginner technique or expert technique or you are getting into spending more time to eek out a few seconds here and there or you are spending time on design.
I think steinmini has pretty much done his due diligence on this one.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Another factor that has a big influence on our decision is we design a lot of weldments and, again, Solidworks seem to have a significant advantage over Inventor in that area. Inventor Frame Generator still doesn't allow custom profiles with our part numbers and descriptions, whereas Solidworks does.
Thanks again!
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Did you rebuilt all assembly constraints in SWx before running the test.
How many parts did you say that was?
Can you attach the Inventor assembly here so I can investigate the technique used?
Can you attach the Inventor file here that you couldn't open in SWx?
Can you provide the url from the Inventor forum where you were told this is not possible in Inventor? (I'm not interested in VAR statements - most of them don't know how to run the products (either one of them)either.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Was your project file locating the files directly from the workspace or are you using a project file that is not referencing that directory you placed the files in before opening them?
On kellnerp's point, I seen a lot more feature rebuild issues with SW that I ever have with Inventor. You may get your models open a little faster, and trust me, you don't want to hang your hat on just that fact even if it is trivial and probably environmental at this point, but the stability of your models may be in more question with SW. If all you do is Extrudes and Revolves then mabe it won't be as much of an issue.
In the end, I wouldn't switch based on a difference of 40 seconds. Especially when you have existing Inventor legacy data and a free license of AutoCAD to go with your Inventor. If you switch and still need a seat of AutoCAD you have to pay extra for that now. The cost of switching is more than just the initial price of the software.
This is what I am noticing in your scenario though...
You said you did receive training for Inventor correct? Based on your responses and feedback you have been providing I would not question you on the fact you received training, but the quality of that training. It is unfortunate that you may have not received the best training your money can buy, but it also appears you are not using that company to help in your testing and validation of your work here. Have you approached your Autodesk reseller? If they didn't have the time to answer or assist did you contanct another one? Maybe shop around for a better one or someone locally that can come in and validate or assist before adding a lot of cost and lost intial productivitiy to your engineering team with a software switch.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
That being said there are techniques and tools in SW that allow performance to be measured on any part or assembly document. These tools come from SWx and from others in the form of macros.
As far as stability goes, SWx has a long and open history of problems with that. AutoDesk has historically suppressed that kind of discussion. So you can't make any meaningful comparison. To say SWx has stability problems is like Ralph Nader saying the Corvair is the most dangerous car on the road. He was put to silence by a simple question, "Compared to what?" Does Autodesk release a list of open issues with Inventor like SWx does?
Just cherry picking from 150 hits on Google for
CODE
thread790-226300: Part rebuild, base view crashes Inventor
thread790-68851: Frequent Inventor Crashes Common?
thread790-308864: Large Assy Crashing
and a bunch more.
For SolidWorks there were 1,240 hits.
CODE
This brings up the possibility that SWx has more seats and a higher adoption rate than Inventor and hence more people having these things happen.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Or less seats with more problems. Or less infrastruture support so they have to reach out to the community more. You can swing that stick both ways. Or the adoption rate is equal and there are far less problems with Inventor. Autodesk actually has about 40% of the Industrial Machinery market. So if there are only 150 hits on Inventor crashing, I am pleased with that.
What I was referring more to was more along the lines of general stability issues, while this plays into how a user models to great deal, I know some of the best SW users still have huge gripes about models having to be completely rebuilt based on surface issues and rebuild problems. I just never see these issues with Inventor as long as the user implements what they learned in a correct manner.
On an tangental note, it still amazes me how many companies with 2D CAD Standards never think to implement 3D CAD Standards for modeling especially in a engineering group. It ends up becoming a verbal dicussion and nothing ever gets document on the correct way for them to use the software. With both programs there is a lot of different ways to approach design, but the majority of users still don't take the time to break down methodology or company guidelines.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
AutoDesk, not Inventor. There is a lot of AutoCAD in that number and AutoDesk no longer gives out sales numbers. So 150 tells you how many people with bundled Inventor seats are really using it. Adoption, adoption adoption.
Give some examples here. FUD is cheap.
We could same logic with many things:
Hey I can use this logic all day long.
Again you haven't mentioned whether AutoDesk makes a list of open problems available to users.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Also let me restate. Autodesk Manufacturing has 40% of the industrial machinery market since I wasn't clear on that before. That does include AutoCAD Mechanical (not basic AutoCAD). I hate even mentioning seat couts because they don't really amount to anything other than a psycological milestone. Seat reporting doesn't tell you what seats are actually in use, or unless you ask for it, for them to break down educational vs commercial. Adoption and %'s mean nothing on either side if you don't have a body in front of the machine.
Yes, we can have logic arguements all day long I agree, and beleive me we both probably have a lot of ammunition for it but...
We are also veering off course of this topic. So lets leave it at that or open a new thread.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Since both run on Windows and are very demanding of OS and hardware resources, one would expect a certain amount of trouble common to both from that source. But I'm still waiting for specific complaints about problems pertaining to surfacing with links.
The OP is down to performance and reliability. So far it looks like performance is lacking. Reliability is in question for lack of hard data on Inventor.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
I will reproduce it using best practices in both Inventor and SolidWorks and submit it to the forum of critique on whether it is or is not best practices.
Then we can run the test.
The scientific method in a colaborative environment.
As it is - the OP hasn't even posted the sldprt he couldn't open in Inventor (despite trying all options).
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
http://www.dezignstuff.com/blog/
The rest of the statement stems from many users I have transitioned off of SolidWorks due in no small part to the reliability of their models and performance of their designs especially when dealing with large assemblies.
I don't beleive performance is lacking, especially without a data set to investigate and an empirical study of the process. This thread has gone pretty far from a simple opening of a file which we have for the most part remedied. But this cannot be the only ROI factor in regards to switching CAD software.
No one knows curvyrace's buisness like his own company. And even if Creo was the better choice in CAD software, it doesn't always neccesitate a change in an engineering department. Legacy data has to be considered, intial cost of the switch, long term ROI on the change, bringing the Inventor staff up to speed on another software, piloting a new project with the software to work out bugs with those users. There is a whole slew of non-software related topics to consider before a switch to see if it actually makes sense to do so. Curvyrace has been doing some research but I feel he needs more than just volunteer forums for users that may or may not know what is best for their work and their situation, let alone if using the current tool in a different way would solve a majority of the use issues. I would gladly offer my assistance if he asks for it.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
They might be
1. assembly dataset to test
1.a Inventor Projects use (*.ipj)
2.Opening SWx file in Inventor
3.Inventor Frame Generator custom profiles creation/naming problems.
4. ?
If we address the technicial issues one-by-one in a methodical, logical, scientific fashion all of the opinion stuff becomes less of an issue.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Sorry DezignStuff doesn't work for me unless you point out where Matt mentions your specific issue.Still waiting???
Matt is pushing the software to the limits of what it can do, often searching for technique that has never been tried before. He is not talking about modeling problems that 99% of users will even get into.
Matt writes the SW Bible. He obviously hasn't traded in for something else and he knows how to use it profitably. And he has an obvious disdane for AutoDesk.
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RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
1. A dataset
2. A compelling reason to uproot an existing system with legacy data
3. Any other post or outreach to resolve issues that could be very minor to how the company currently uses Inventor.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
It how well you can turn 3d part in a 2d drawing and show all the details for manufacturing intent.
What am trying to say is it not how quick you can model something up, it how long you are going to spend drafting. i have Not used inventor so i cannot comment. I have used Solidedge and Solidworks and Pro/E
For me although Solidworks is easy to use when you push it on complex surfaces and very large assemblies it falls over alot. and unfortuantly I am stuck with it.
Pro/E hard to pick up but very powerful especailly with complex surface modelling and large assemblys, weak on flexiblity and file handling.
Best cad I used was Solidedge ST3, Strenghts are really good drafting tools, Handing large complex assemblies. Complex surfaces much easier and you can use direct modeling to push and pull the part to shape. Weakness is the UI interface is a little hared to pick up and understand.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
Yes, the question was really about the 3D CAD program - specifically Inventor and SolidWorks. No, the question was not about Pro/E or SolidEdge.
The question was very specific but with unsupported data and no sample data to test in a controlled scientific manner.
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
TOP
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Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."
RE: Solidworks vs Inventor Speed
In any case I feel I'm lucky to be a SolidWorks user and been taking care of.
See you at SolidWorks world in to weeks...
Take care.