2021 is coming to an end and that means a new version of SOLIDWORKS will be released; SOLIDWORKS 2022.
SOLIDWORKS 2022 has already been introduced at various launch events. If you haven’t had the chance to attend one of these, here is your chance to read about some of the new and interesting features.
1. Mirroring About Two Planes
What does it mean for you: You can now mirror about two planes at once. Previously, you needed to create multiple features to achieve this result.
The feature is easy to use and easy to find. In your Mirror Property Manager, select a second plane in Secondary Mirror Face/Plane.
Why do you need it? – If you are tired of wasting time making new features, then this is tool for you. Before, you needed to create two separate features to make a double mirror. With this new feature you won’t have to, thereby saving you time and simplifying your Feature Tree.
2. Draft across parting lines
What does it mean for you: While adding draft to a component, it is now possible to do it in both directions at once. Previously you needed multiple features to achieve this result.
In the Draft feature you select the directions to apply the draft.
Why do you need it? – For tool design, one of the challenges can be to add draft on multiple faces, resulting in a lot of features in the Feature Tree.
With this new enhancement, it is possible to save time, features and simplify the Feature Tree in the process.
3. Stud Wizard
What does it mean for you: With the Stud Wizard it is now possible to easily design threads on outer surfaces/studs – Much like a reverse Hole Wizard.
Why do you need it? – You might have to create a threaded rod in your design, and before it was either achieved with Cosmetic Thread or an actual Thread Feature resulting in a loss in performance.
With the new Stud Wizard you can quickly design a thread on either an already existing rod, or place the stud on a surface, using the positioning tab – It’s very similar to the Hole Wizard Feature, and it’s even possible to define an undercut!
4. Import/saving time performance in Step Files
What does it mean for you: Saving time is always great, and before importing and saving step files could be a real time consumer!
In SOLIDWORKS 2022 the import/saving times has seen a significant boost, dramatically reducing the time it takes to open/save large files.
Why do you need it? – If you are used to work with large step files, this is an actual game changer for your daily work, resulting in a lot of time saved, making you more efficient.
5. Colors in exported sketches
What does it mean for you: It is now possible to have sketches retain their color when exporting your files as DXF/DWGs – This removes the need for layering your bending/cutting lines, making the process of coloring sketches faster.
Why do you need it? – When working with DXF/DWGs and manufacturing down-the-line, it is a huge advantage to have your sketches already color-coded before sending them to the laser cutter or bending machine.
6. Administrative Images
What does it mean for you: The improvements to the user interface and the two new types of Images, will make creating these easier than ever.
Why do you need it? – With either the new Remote Client or Compressed Administrative Image type, it is now faster and easier to create and deploy Administrative Images.
So, for both the CAD Admin and the clients, these changes will be a great addition to simplifying the deployment and installation of Administrative Images.
So why do you need to update to SOLIDWORKS 2022?
While SOLIDWORKS 2022 offers some great new features and some additions to already existing features, there has also been a performance boost all through the software.
Users will see faster load times, better and more stable calculating times when working in Simulation and Plastics and faster response when working with assemblies.
All of these improvements will help make the engineers and designers work faster and more efficiently, cutting the time from idea-to-market.
The above-mentioned improvements are just some of the changes we’ll see in SOLIDWORKS 2022, and there certainly are more and exciting news to discover once you upgrade – And if you can’t wait, SOLIDWORKS 2022 SP0 is now ready for download and install!
