PURCHASE SOLID EDGE?

[PCB4U]

I am looking for opinions on Solid Edge (V18 soon V19). I am new to 3D and taught myself Catia at work. I consider myself an OK user of Catia where I can draft, constrain, assemble, etc. I didn't get into surfaces and contouring as I didn't need to do that type of assemblies. Being an EE, usually a 2D environment for me for over 35 years, seeing in 3D has been real interesting!

I have my own motorcycle aftermarket business and am considering using Solid Edge to design these products basically metal products (billet) like circular shapes, rectangular shapes, drilling in the assembly level (can it define the drill depth in an assembly?), chamfered, pocketing, assembling, etc.

I know the interface and techniques will have to re-learned.

Opinions on the package would really be appreciated. I am getting prices around $5K plus about $1500 for a year's worth of maintenance and updates. I hear UGS is great with support...yes?

Thanks for any comments
Jay

http://www.motorcycleupgrades.com

 

[zissou]

I am a new SE user, coming from a little more than three years w/ SolidWorks. I find, and this is just my opinion, that Solid Edge is a better program in a few key, to me, areas; Sheet metal design and drafting/detailing.

I was making parts in less than a day when I first sat down with SE and I suspect that you're experience will be the same.

UGS does have great support - sometimes it's almost irritating. Honestly, it's great. Our local reseller is also great.

Feel free to email me if you have questions, etc. I'll be more than happy to help you with your transition... justin.6326 (you know to put the little "at" symbol here)gmail(the "dot" goes here)com.

 

[PCB4U]

Thanks so much for the response.

I'm located in So CAL and waiting for the CD from the reseller to try SE for 30 days.

 

[beachcomber]

I've used Intergraph EMS, Catia V4, Solid Edge and Solid Works and also had a go with UG NX and Catia V5.
There is little to choose between Solid Edge and Solid Works, but they are both way out in front for ease of use.
There are some things in SW that are better than SE, but also some things in SE that are better than SW.
My preference is SE - the drafting, sheet metal and assembly are (in my opinion) far better than SW and I find the interface is far 'cleaner'.

When you get SE, make sure you go through the tutorials and learn as much as you can from them.
Also try to get some kind of training course thrown in if you do go ahead and purchase.

good luck

bc