At Maglin, we use SolidWorks for product design (benches, trash containers, bollards, bike racks, etc.). Our present requirement is that a software be applicable to both the initial concept development and creative design process and then easily and accurately translate into an engineering capacity for manufacturing. It is important that developing the model is the first step in the process with our software and that it easily allows variables to be built into the design so that it can be presented in various configurations.
We need the software to “understand” various materials and processes. For instance, SolidWorks has an intuitive sheet metal application built in and a material selection option. It will also weigh a product and calculate mass. It has the capability to test stresses and load bearing limitations, etc. From the model, SolidWorks will easily generate production drawings and generate a bill of materials.
I’ve heard of another program called Autodesk Inventor, have you heard of designers using this software?
We also have our product line in SketchUp and are thinking about making our products available in Vectorworks as well (if the demand is there).
