Solidworks for Skid mounted packaged equipment?

[DemarEngr]

My company is looking at Solidworks and Inventor to go to 3D. Currently we are using 2D autoCAD to get done what we need to get done. I have demos of each coming in next week.

My question is this.
Does anybody currently use Solidworks for skid mounted equipment? If so is it worth it? Our drawings basically break down into Structual Welded assemblies and Piping Assemblies. Plus the detailing of each for our shop.

Both areas are relatively simple. Our 3D models at most will have 800-1000 parts in it. Any comments on the learning curve would be much appreciated also.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

SolidWorks has a Weldments module & a Routing module (which does piping & wiring). I don't know what Inventor has. Do a search for "inventor" & read some of the previous threads for users comments about it ... mostly they are not good.

In my opinion you will not go wrong with SolidWorks.


Making the best use of this Forum. faq559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions. faq559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of. faq559-520

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Forgot to mention that SW now has a DWGeditor which eliminates the need to have a current copy of AutoCAD. The DEGeditor can read and modify ANY version of AutoCAD.


Making the best use of this Forum. faq559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions. faq559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of. faq559-520

 

[MElam]

SolidWorks should work fine for the assemblies you describe.

The weldment module is included with the basic SolidWorks package while the piping module is an additional cost. This does not mean you can not do piping without the add-on though (we do it all the time!)

If you want to see the piping add-on, be sure to ask them to include "Routing" with the demo.

Coming from 2D CAD, there will be a big learning curve regardless of which system you choose - do not let the ADESK reps fool you. ANY 3D parametric system will require a new way of thinking. That being said, the SolidWorks interface is pretty intuitive and comes with some very good tutorials.

Make sure you get evaluation copies of each to work with on your own. Do not expect a canned demo to give you all the info you will need.

 

[MadMango]

To reinforce what MElam is saying, read faq559-838.

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Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?