Package differences

[SirDenisNayland]

I've been looking into picking up a package for my personal business, and ive noticed that the premium costs twice as much as the standard as well as twice as much in (optional but who wouldn't want support) yearly fees.

From what I've noticed there are not a lot of differences as far as functionality, except for the major things you would think of when you think solidworks such as kinematic animation (being able to see your designed engine or other device work in real time).

Then the premium includes things I could never see myself ever using like wire harnessing and the likes.. it seems they pigeonhole you into having to purchase the most expensive package (which I guess is a brilliant business decision for them, not so much for anyone else).

First and foremost I need a 3D solids modelling program for export and import to CAM, and I know each package will do this.
What intrigues me the most is the ability to put together various parts into an assembly, parts of varying materials, check for interferneces, be able to animate and watch them work in unison, be able to analyze stress areas and inherently be able to swap materials to see how they affect those stress points. Things like wear analysis aren't overly important, but I have a feeling they're grouped in with the above.

Now, I'm certain I need the premium package to pull this stuff off right? Or dare I say other add on packages :/

[PMF]

Hi SirDenisNayland,

Most of what you are looking for "ability to put together various parts into an assembly, parts of varying materials, check for interferneces, be able to animate and watch them work in unison, be able to analyze stress areas and inherently be able to swap materials to see how they affect those stress points" can be done in the standard package. Exceptions...haha there are always exceptions... you can stress test the individual components, not assemblies in Standard. You can attach "motors" and "springs" in assemblies as well to see how it will work in standard.

If you are looking for full stress analysis, then you may need the full FEA package. Kinematics is only available in Premium, but if your animation needs are simple you may be able to do it in Standard.

I would take your worst case scenario, and ask your reseller to do a demo on a similar part/assembly. They can also show you the yield and deflection you can get with Standard. If you have something in mind maybe the community can look at it and show you.

PMF

[SirDenisNayland]

Thanks for the reply PMF. I am interested in Solidworks for my own future personal business and venture use. I can't say much for part details and necessities at this moment really, just when the time comes I'd like to acquire the package(s) closest to what I imagine I will need that can do most everything save for some of the super high end features, rather than finding out I need this package and that package, substantially increasing the total cost rather than if I had bought them all at once.

Appreciate the insight. I guess from this point I will do more research and decide upon the features I could see myself immediately using as well as once growth occurs.

[BanduraMaker]

It sounds like you'll do fine with just the standard package to me so long as your FEA needs are light.

Talk to your reseller. Probably you could buy the standard version and if you run in to brick walls, be able to upgrade if you need to without losing any money.