SolidWorks Simulation
Mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) software
Simulation & CAE software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if SolidWorks Simulation and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Manufacturing
- Professional services (engineering, legal, consulting, etc.)
- Construction
What is SolidWorks Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a computer-aided engineering (CAE) module used to run structural and related engineering analyses on 3D CAD models. It targets mechanical designers and engineers who need to validate parts and assemblies for stress, deformation, vibration, and fatigue within the SOLIDWORKS design environment. The product is typically used for design verification and iteration without exporting geometry to a separate analysis tool. It is offered in tiers that expand solver capabilities and analysis types.
Tight SOLIDWORKS CAD integration
The simulation workflow runs inside the SOLIDWORKS interface, which reduces context switching between design and analysis. Model changes in CAD can be re-evaluated with updated studies without rebuilding geometry in a separate application. This integration supports iterative design checks during part and assembly development. It also leverages SOLIDWORKS materials, configurations, and assembly structures for setup.
Broad structural analysis coverage
The product supports common structural use cases such as linear static stress, modal frequency, buckling, and fatigue (depending on license tier). It also includes contact and connector definitions suitable for many mechanical assemblies. These capabilities cover many day-to-day verification tasks for machine components and fixtures. For teams primarily doing mechanical design, this reduces reliance on external CAE tools for routine studies.
Tiered capabilities and add-ons
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is available in multiple packages (e.g., Standard, Professional, Premium) that scale from basic FEA to more advanced studies. This allows organizations to align cost and capability with user roles and analysis complexity. Add-on options can extend the toolset for specialized needs within the same ecosystem. The packaging approach supports gradual adoption across engineering teams.
Advanced multiphysics is limited
Compared with dedicated high-end CAE platforms, the scope for complex multiphysics and highly specialized solvers is more constrained. Certain analyses may require separate products in the broader vendor portfolio or third-party tools. This can introduce additional licensing and workflow complexity for organizations with diverse simulation requirements. Teams doing heavy CFD, EM, or coupled physics often need complementary software.
Results depend on user setup
As with most FEA tools, accuracy depends on boundary conditions, contact definitions, meshing strategy, and material data. The interface can make it easy to run studies, but it does not eliminate the need for engineering judgment and validation. Organizations may need training and internal standards to ensure consistent modeling practices. Without this, results can be misinterpreted or over-trusted.
Performance scales with model size
Large assemblies, complex contact scenarios, and fine meshes can increase solve times and memory requirements. Users may need higher-end workstations or compute resources to handle demanding studies efficiently. This can limit interactive iteration for very large models. In some cases, simplifying geometry or using sub-modeling approaches becomes necessary.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard | Not listed on official site — contact sales / Get a quote | Entry structural FEA: linear static, time-based motion. (Official product page lists features but no public price). |
| SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional | Not listed on official site — contact sales / Get a quote | Adds frequency, buckling, thermal, topology optimization, high-cycle fatigue, sequential multi-physics. |
| SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium | Not listed on official site — contact sales / Get a quote | Adds nonlinear static, nonlinear dynamic, linear dynamics, composite materials. |
Note: The official SOLIDWORKS website describes the three Simulation tiers and provides "Buy now" / "Get a quote" / "Contact Sales" flows but does not publish fixed per-plan prices for SOLIDWORKS Simulation products on its public pages. A time-limited promotional offer (SOLIDWORKS 30th Anniversary) makes SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard free for 3 months with qualifying CAD license purchases (promo valid through Nov 30, 2025) — see vendor site for terms.
Seller details
Dassault Systèmes SE
Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
1981
Public
https://www.3ds.com/
https://x.com/3DS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dassaultsystemes/
