Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: robcohee ® 01/06/2010, 09:56:10 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Every now and again I get a question like this. What's the difference between Inventor and [insert CAD software here]. Fundamentally it comes down to standards, analysis, documentation, motion, collaboration, that makes a difference as I see it. Read on: Q: OK...I know you're biased...but can you be "Candid" and tell me why Inventor is better/easier than using SolidWorks. I haven't tried Inventor but I use SWX professionally with great results...but inventor is making me scratch my head. Your thoughts?.... My Answer: SolidWorks is a geometry creation tool where Autodesk Inventor is an engineering tool. Motion Analysis, FEA, Part Libraries (750,000+ standard components), Sheet Metal part creation and flat patterns, Tube and Pipe, Cable Harness, Document in 2D DWG directly from the 3D model. I could go on and on, and that's not being biased - just honest. Sure you can create 3D models with SolidWorks, but is it the right size, the right material based upon its application, can you create 2D DWG's from the model (natively), can you test the strength or fatigue of a part in an assembly while in motion? That's the difference between a geometry creation tool and an engineering tool. The typical 3D CAD modeler will look at a design challenge in terms of "how should I model this", and SolidWorks can model it up I'm sure. Where on the other hand, an engineer is trying to solve a problem. Inventor has the engineer's handbook built into the software and the geometry is created for the user automatically, as a result of the loads, forces, and function presented to it. When people look at CAD packages for CAD purposes only. SolidWorks and Inventor are almost a Ford and Chevy comparison. Taking it to another level, when you choose between Inventor and SolidWorks ask yourself are you an engineer or a CAD modeler? Let that be your guide.

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: robcohee ® 01/06/2010, 09:55:25 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Every now and again I get a question like this. What's the difference between Inventor and [insert CAD software here]. Fundamentally it comes down to standards, analysis, documentation, motion, collaboration, that makes a difference as I see it. Read on: Q: OK...I know you're biased...but can you be "Candid" and tell me why Inventor is better/easier than using SolidWorks. I haven't tried Inventor but I use SWX professionally with great results...but inventor is making me scratch my head. Your thoughts?.... My Answer: SolidWorks is a geometry creation tool where Autodesk Inventor is an engineering tool. Motion Analysis, FEA, Part Libraries (750,000+ standard components), Sheet Metal part creation and flat patterns, Tube and Pipe, Cable Harness, Document in 2D DWG directly from the 3D model. I could go on and on, and that's not being biased - just honest. Sure you can create 3D models with SolidWorks, but is it the right size, the right material based upon its application, can you create 2D DWG's from the model (natively), can you test the strength or fatigue of a part in an assembly while in motion? That's the difference between a geometry creation tool and an engineering tool. The typical 3D CAD modeler will look at a design challenge in terms of "how should I model this", and SolidWorks can model it up I'm sure. Where on the other hand, an engineer is trying to solve a problem. Inventor has the engineer's handbook built into the software and the geometry is created for the user automatically, as a result of the loads, forces, and function presented to it. When people look at CAD packages for CAD purposes only. SolidWorks and Inventor are almost a Ford and Chevy comparison. Taking it to another level, when you choose between Inventor and SolidWorks ask yourself are you an engineer or a CAD modeler? Let that be your guide.

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Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- robcohee	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: mattschyman ® 03/24/2010, 11:02:03 Author Profile eMail author Edit

IMO I can honestly say that I have used AutoCAD products from the early 90's and although they were the standard, their interface has been clunky and their tutorial system is less than adequate. That being said, I still use AutoCAD to do simple plant layouts (2D). I use Solidworks for everything else. I am a machine designer with 20+ years experience and have used Microstation, AutoCAD, Solid Edge and now SolidWorks. For basic fixture, machine, componant design and especially detail drawings and assemblies, I have to go with Solidworks, hands down. There again, this is my experience/opinion.

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: yigitozkan ® 11/28/2009, 12:01:59 Author Profile eMail author Edit

for moulding sw is the best.if you/company that you work for use autocad,inventor is better than sw. but for basic cad sw is the best and easiest to learn.

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: yigitozkan ® 11/28/2009, 12:01:42 Author Profile eMail author Edit

for moulding sw is the best.if you/company that you work for use autocad,inventor is better than sw. but for basic cad sw is the best and easiest to learn.

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: AVIB ® 11/07/2009, 14:12:34 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Hello , Both are good. If you have a lot of AutoCad drawings and you need to convert them to 3D - Go to Inventor . AVIB

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: lovecadcam ® 08/02/2009, 06:11:44 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Solidworks Rocks!! and now they have a C.A.M. Package Too!

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Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- lovecadcam	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: dadstillsurfs ® 02/16/2010, 20:17:21 Author Profile eMail author Edit

I've used both.. Solidworks is a MUCH more productive package, especially in a PDM enviornment. Inventor is an easier package to learn, but not as many tools. Nor are there as many opportunities to use it, should you decide to change fields. I see from the other posts that there are "Incentive packages" available. Oh yeah.. there are lots of tutorials online Youtube, etc.

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Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skewhole	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: Tree ® 02/09/2009, 12:08:02 Author Profile eMail author Edit

I have used Inventor for about three years now and i have found that inventor is more user friendly. However solidworks can do tasks so much faster and easier, but its hard to figure it out. If you use the tutorials it makes things a lot easier, but not all the way easier. Its very confusing at first, but once you get used to it it can really help. So i guess its just a personal opinion. Modified by Administrator at Mon, Aug 10, 2009, 16:51:54

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Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- Tree	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: skn.mech ® 05/26/2009, 06:06:29 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Hi, Somee options in Solidworks have not been found in Inventor. But enven though we could manage to get the pofile through other option. Based on the usage of any software will be easier than going for other unusual softwares. Let me know any quiery... Thanks & Regards, S.Karthikeyan

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Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skn.mech	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: robcohee ® 01/06/2010, 09:53:15 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Every now and again I get a question like this. What's the difference between Inventor and [insert CAD software here]. Fundamentally it comes down to standards, analysis, documentation, motion, collaboration, that makes a difference as I see it. Read on: Q: OK...I know you're biased...but can you be "Candid" and tell me why Inventor is better/easier than using SolidWorks. I haven't tried Inventor but I use SWX professionally with great results...but inventor is making me scratch my head. Your thoughts?.... My Answer: SolidWorks is a geometry creation tool where Autodesk Inventor is an engineering tool. Motion Analysis, FEA, Part Libraries (750,000+ standard components), Sheet Metal part creation and flat patterns, Tube and Pipe, Cable Harness, Document in 2D DWG directly from the 3D model. I could go on and on, and that's not being biased - just honest. Sure you can create 3D models with SolidWorks, but is it the right size, the right material based upon its application, can you create 2D DWG's from the model (natively), can you test the strength or fatigue of a part in an assembly while in motion? That's the difference between a geometry creation tool and an engineering tool. The typical 3D CAD modeler will look at a design challenge in terms of "how should I model this", and SolidWorks can model it up I'm sure. Where on the other hand, an engineer is trying to solve a problem. Inventor has the engineer's handbook built into the software and the geometry is created for the user automatically, as a result of the loads, forces, and function presented to it. When people look at CAD packages for CAD purposes only. SolidWorks and Inventor are almost a Ford and Chevy comparison. Taking it to another level, when you choose between Inventor and SolidWorks ask yourself are you an engineer or a CAD modeler? Let that be your guide.

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Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- skn.mech	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: yigitozkan ® 11/28/2009, 12:02:36 Author Profile eMail author Edit

for moulding sw is the best.if you/company that you work for use autocad,inventor is better than sw. but for basic cad sw is the best and easiest to learn.

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks
Re: Re: Re: Re: Autodesk Inventor vs. Solidworks -- yigitozkan	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: thom.tremblay ® 03/19/2010, 15:47:36 Author Profile eMail author Edit

I wouldn't dare contest your support of Mold design in Dassault Solidworks but I would suggest you to seek out some information on Inventor Tooling. I think you'll find some very compelling capabilities around Mold design and analysis. Here is one of many great examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKmKRVAzLiM Thom

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