09-04-2016, 08:47 PM
Sketch up is cool for what it is, but it is a toy compared to SolidWorks.
I have been using SolidWorks since 2003. It has all of the modeling features and a whole lot more.
For one thing, it is highly parametric, and controllably so. For example, I can create a part with four holes in the corners. I can set up those holes to be a given distance from the edges, or from the center or other criteria. Once these are set up, if I change the size of the part, the holes will move accordingly.
SolidWorks is also capable of moving parts with each other. I can, and have, modeled folding systems for a game table. I created the parts and the hinges, attached them together and then moved them in coordination to insure the sizes and movement before cutting any parts. It will also tell you if the moving parts will collide.
For most of us, there is no reason to spend the money for SolidWorks, especially when Sketchup is available, but for $20.00 I am looking for my Discharge documents.
I have been using SolidWorks since 2003. It has all of the modeling features and a whole lot more.
For one thing, it is highly parametric, and controllably so. For example, I can create a part with four holes in the corners. I can set up those holes to be a given distance from the edges, or from the center or other criteria. Once these are set up, if I change the size of the part, the holes will move accordingly.
SolidWorks is also capable of moving parts with each other. I can, and have, modeled folding systems for a game table. I created the parts and the hinges, attached them together and then moved them in coordination to insure the sizes and movement before cutting any parts. It will also tell you if the moving parts will collide.
For most of us, there is no reason to spend the money for SolidWorks, especially when Sketchup is available, but for $20.00 I am looking for my Discharge documents.