Catia V6 vs Solidworks

[Ian63]

Hi,

We have been running Catia now for about 12 years, initially V4 and then V5 (ME2 & MD1)from about 2000. Most of our design work is solid modelling assemblies with a little surfacing.

We are now considering whether to upgrade to V6, or alternately drop Catia and go across to SolidWorks.

My question is, what do I loose if I choose SolidWorks over upgrading to V6 with equivelant seats to ME2 & MD1?

I've had a good look at how to handle the existing Catia files, but I'm really interested to hear if there are new features in V6 that I will missout on.


Ian.

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers

Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[Azrael]

I would say that it would be to take a big step back. I have done some testing with V6 and biggest change isn't the features and function but rather the capability you gain with the platform. Geometry on product level is now supported, multiple references are supported. If I'm correctly informed, the Live shape module will be in the base package (the direct modeller). Multiple users can work on same product and save independently and the results will be merged, the ability to send features through the messenger like functionality (existed in V5 already but not this good). If you have large assemblies then the difference is huge compared to V5, almost all DMU can be done through the VPM navigator (based on a new very light representation), you can also search in the database for parts that are similiar in geometrical shape (like a 3d google).

I just scratched the surface...

 

[MMike1]

Funny this thread appeared.

I'm an eng manager.....former CATIA v4 jockey (aerospace). I've got a decent amount of Solidworks under my belt as well. My gang now uses Solidworks. But I'm starting to wonder if we need to make the leap to CATIA.

It's easier to find aerospace talent when you use CATIA. Most people already know it and they are keen to work with it. Solidworks is a bit of a tough sell when you're hiring.

We also recently had an issue with a partner we're working with. We got a CATIA model from them and tried to convert it to Solidworks. Unmitigated disaster. The file size was just ginormous. It's been a few weeks now and we still haven't really solved the problem.

Solidworks is obviously much more affordable. But I'm really starting to wonder......