SOLIDWORKS Topology Optimization
Go from napkin sketch idea to an optimal design.
Overview
Topology Optimization is a feature available within SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional and Premium. It allows designers and engineers to find the optimal distribution of material for a part based on a given design space, loads, constraints, and performance goals (e.g., minimize mass or displacement). The tool helps create lightweight, structurally efficient designs directly within the familiar SOLIDWORKS environment, which can then be refined and prepared for manufacturing.
✨ Key Features
- Topology Optimization
- Integrated within SOLIDWORKS CAD
- Goal-driven design (Best Stiffness to Weight Ratio, Minimize Mass, Minimize Displacement)
- Manufacturing constraints (e.g., preserved regions, thickness control, symmetry)
- Export of smoothed mesh results
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Seamless integration within the widely-used SOLIDWORKS interface
- Ease of use for existing SOLIDWORKS users
- Part of a comprehensive design and simulation ecosystem
Unique Value: Empowers SOLIDWORKS users to create innovative, performance-driven designs by integrating powerful topology optimization capabilities directly into their familiar design workflow.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Finding the ideal material layout for a part to meet performance goals.
- Creating innovative, organic shapes for concept designs.
- Running optimization studies within the integrated CAD environment, avoiding import/export.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Users needing advanced generative design with multiple simultaneous studies or complex lattice generation.
- Engineers not using the SOLIDWORKS ecosystem.
🏆 Alternatives
While perhaps not as feature-rich as some standalone generative design platforms, its strength lies in its deep integration and ease of use for SOLIDWORKS engineers, providing a smoother workflow.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Subscription Service tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 14-day free trial
🔄 Similar Tools in Generative Design
Autodesk Fusion 360
A cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB software platform for product design and manufactu...
nTopology
An advanced engineering design software for creating complex, high-performance parts for additive ma...
PTC Creo Generative Design
An extension within PTC Creo that uses AI to autonomously create optimal designs from a set of requi...
Siemens NX Generative Design
A suite of tools within Siemens NX for topology optimization and generative design, powered by Conve...
Altair Inspire
A generative design and simulation solution that accelerates the creation of structurally efficient ...
Dassault Systèmes CATIA Generative Design
Generative design capabilities within the CATIA platform for creating optimized conceptual and detai...