Dassault Systèmes Launches SOLIDWORKS 2025, What's New in 3D Design? - 3D Printing Industry

3D CAD software provider Dassault Systèmes has introduced SOLIDWORKS 2025, a comprehensive upgrade to its widely utilized suite for 3D design and product development, tailored for millions of users worldwide.

With insights drawn directly from user feedback, the new release brings a range of improvements focused on accelerating product development, creating smoother workflows, and enhancing efficiency at every stage of design.

Engineered to support collaborative design and streamlined data management, SOLIDWORKS 2025 brings refined workflows across multiple areas, from parts and assemblies to drawings and advanced functions like 3D dimensioning, tolerancing, and complex routing for electrical and piping systems. Key applications within the suite, including SOLIDWORKS PDM, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, SOLIDWORKS Electric Schematic, and DraftSight, are also enhanced to deliver faster, more precise results for users.

Workflow efficiency in SOLIDWORKS 2025

By offering direct access to industry communities and real-time model notifications, the new collaboration tools within SOLIDWORKS 2025 encourage user engagement with peers, fostering a more connected design experience. Streamlined part design options include an advanced selection accelerator for chamfers and smoother blending of fillet edges, adding to design flexibility.

Assembly creation gains a boost as well, with tools allowing users to replicate entire components along with their mechanical mates, reducing setup time and effort. Users can now also approve drawings remotely on any device through a multi-approval stamp feature, which further supports a remote, collaborative environment. Tools for sketch adjustments make correcting broken dimensions a faster process, significantly reducing time spent on rework.

Integrated with Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud, SOLIDWORKS 2025 provides a unified workspace for data and applications, supporting real-time project updates and instant access to resources. This interconnected platform enables teams to work collaboratively and efficiently, leveraging the latest tools to meet the demands of modern product development.

Building on previous updates, Dassault Systèmes launched SOLIDWORKS 2024, focusing on enhanced efficiency and collaboration in 3D design. A standout feature allows users to save data in previous versions, facilitating smoother teamwork with colleagues using older software.

Reducing visual clutter, the new Collinear Dimension Command also improves design clarity by keeping chain dimensions aligned in limited spaces. Further updates enhance large assembly design, sheet metal, electrical routing, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, streamlining product development processes.

Novel 3D design software

In a broader trend within the 3D design software industry, recent launches include 3D design software developer Maxon introducing ZBrush for iPad, to expand its popular digital sculpting software to mobile with a suite of desktop-level features. Now available for handheld design, ZBrush for iPad offers over 200 sculpting brushes and tools such as ZRemesher, Sculptris Pro, and DynaMesh, enabling users to create detailed 3D models on the go.

On compatible iPads, the software supports up to 92 million polygons per mesh, bringing professional-grade capabilities to a portable format. With a customizable interface and Apple Pencil support, users can enjoy an intuitive sculpting experience. Available through Maxon One or as a standalone plan, ZBrush for iPad also includes a free version with limited tools, while cross-device file exchange ensures seamless workflow between iPad and desktop.

Elsewhere, 3D printing materials producer polySpectra launched neThing.xyz, a free, AI-driven generative design software aimed at simplifying 3D CAD modeling for a wider audience, including engineers, designers, and enthusiasts. This user-friendly platform enables users to create 3D models through AI prompts and customize the physical appearance of their designs.

It includes augmented reality (AR) preview capabilities for enhanced visualization and supports multiple file formats like STL and GLTF for downloading. Users can also modify generated code to refine models, while the “Make it real” feature allows direct 3D printing through polySpectra’s facilities, transforming digital concepts into physical objects.

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Featured image shows accelerate product development with designer-driven enhancements to the industry-standard in collaborative 3D design. Image via Dassault Systèmes.

With a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.