Simplifying hardware requirements for the SOLIDWORKS suite of products

SolidWorks 3D CAD software

Processors – Processor speed is very important to performance. It is typically best to purchase one or two levels down from the fastest available processor. This is because there is typically a large premium to be paid for the fastest available processor(s). There is better value in choosing a high clock speed i7 processor than a lower clock speed Xeon processor. Multiple cores are used within SolidWorks CAD software only when reading and writing files and when working with multiple drawing views.

Hard Drives – Using an SSD drive as the primary drive will help significantly in reading and writing files, especially with large assemblies and parts. A secondary SATA drive is typically recommended for saving data that has been completed. The O/S, SolidWorks 3D cad software, and work-in-progress files should all be on the primary SSD drive. A 256GB drive will suffice, but as 500GB SSD drives come down in price they can also be considered.

Graphics Cards – The graphics cards speed up zooming, panning and rotating. A good starting point is the NVIDIA Quadro M2000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K2200 (this is all that is available in the workstation configuration available for purchase). For mid-size to large assemblies, the NVIDIA Quadro M4000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K4200 is recommended. For large to very large assemblies, the NVIDIA Quadro M5000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K5200 is recommended.

System Memory – While 8GB will suffice for smaller assemblies, 16GB is recommended for most applications. For large and/or complex assemblies, 32 GB is recommended. Faster memory is better.

View original source to read more.

Contact Us:
CAD MicroSolutions
65 International Blvd, Suite 103,
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6L9
Email: info@cadmicro.com

Are you an EAGLE user? We hope you like subscription fees

I’m sure most of you have heard the expression “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”, right?

Well, what would you do if it was broken?…

Autodesk has announced that EAGLE is now only available for purchase as a subscription. Previous, users purchased EAGLE once and used the software indefinitely. This means that you will be obligated to run the latest version and you’ll be paying Autodesk on a monthly or yearly basis.  Let’s break down the costs. Before Autodesk purchased EAGLE from CadSoft, a Standard license would run you roughly $70, paid once. The next level up was Premium, was priced at roughly $800, paid once. The new pricing tiers from Autodesk are a bit different. 

Standard will $100/year, and gives similar functionality to the old Premium level, but with only 2 signal layers. If you need more layers, you’ll need the new Premium level, at $500/year.  If you could have made do with the old Standard option, you’re now paying $100/year instead of the one-time $70 payment. If you need more space or layers, you’ll likely be up to $500/year.

Curious to know more? View original source: https://cadmicrosolutions.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/are-you-an-eagle-user-we-hope-you-like-subscription-fees/

Contact Us:

CAD MicroSolutions

65 International Blvd, Suite 103,

Toronto, Ontario M9W 6L9

Web: http://www.cadmicro.com/

Email: info@cadmicro.com

Let SOLIDWORKS PCB save you $8900

According to the Aberdeen Group, the cost of 1 prototype averages $8929. Customers need an integrated solution to this main problem.

As a designer, not only do you have deadlines to worry about, but it also doesn’t sit well with your Engineering Manager when you have to tell them you need to do another design re-spin because the board does not fit into the desired enclosure. What if you could ensure proper fitment and proper component placement the first time around?

Easy learning curve

SOLIDWORKS PCB has incorporated the ease to use Ribbon-style user interface that SOLIDWORKS is known for. When collaborating with the Mechanical Designer, or maybe you’re in charge of the ECAD and MCAD design, working between both tools ensures a seamless transition.

If you’re using SOLIDWORKS PCB as a standalone product for your electronic design tool, not only is the ribbon-style interface one of the easiest interfaces to learn, but we can also take advantage of its superior unified platform.

Click here to view original source.

Contact Us:

CAD MicroSolutions
65 International Blvd, Suite 103,
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6L9
Email: info@cadmicro.com

Configuring PDM to Manage Toolbox

Solidworks Toolbox is a library of standard components that can be inserted in assemblies. If you are using Solidworks PDM, you can reap the benefits of managing Toolbox in your vault. Once PDM is configured to manage Toolbox, it performs several automated functions such as:

• Checking Toolbox parts in and out as needed
• Adding the missing Toolbox parts to the vault
• Creating references between assemblies and Toolbox parts

Steps to configure PDM to manage the SOLIDWORKS toolbox library for complete integration

1. Copy the toolbox folder (Solidworks Data by default) to the vault folder in your local view. Once added, check it in.

2. a) Go to the administration tool, login into your vault (make sure you have ‘Can update Toolbox Settings’ administrative permission), double-click on Toolbox item and a dialog box would pop up.

b) In the dialog box, check the option to ‘Manage Solidworks Toolbox in the vault’. Next, select the user PDM will get permission from when accessing Toolbox components.

c) Finally, specify the Toolbox root folder. Click ‘ok’.

Click here to view original source.

Contact Us:
CAD MicroSolutions
65 International Blvd, Suite 103,
Toronto, Ontario M9W 6L9
Web: http://www.cadmicro.com
Email: info@cadmicro.com