Solidworks World 2018: Unveiling the Future of Design, Manufacturing, and the Industrial Renaissance

Solidworks World 2018, an eagerly anticipated event in the world of computer-aided design and engineering, concluded after four dynamic days in Los Angeles. This annual conference brought together a vast community of users, innovators, and industry leaders who rely on Dassault Systèmes’ flagship software, Solidworks. Attendees ranged from burgeoning startups to established giants across various cutting-on-edge sectors, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), advanced CAD solutions, and the rapidly evolving 3D printing and additive manufacturing industries. For publications like 3Dnatives, it was an unparalleled opportunity to engage with these forward-thinking companies, explore their latest developments, and gain insights into the technological advancements shaping our future.

The conference commenced with a compelling introductory talk by Gian Pablo Bassi, the CEO of Solidworks at Dassault Systèmes. His keynote address set a visionary tone for the entire event, focusing on the latest Solidworks innovations and the broader direction of the industry. Bassi initiated his presentation with a thought-provoking question: “How can we support you towards the next industrial revolution?” He then redefined this revolution, suggesting it was more accurately an “industrial renaissance” – a shift that emphasizes human creativity and ingenuity over mere machine automation. This human-centric philosophy underscored several key announcements, including the unveiling of ‘3DEXPERIENCE Social Collaboration Services’ and the expansion of the ‘3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace,’ a robust platform designed to connect buyers and sellers, all powered by the innovative xDesign solution. These initiatives highlighted Dassault Systèmes’ commitment to fostering collaboration and empowering users within an interconnected digital ecosystem.

Expanding on this transformative vision, Bernard Charlès, General Manager at Dassault Systèmes, further elaborated on the concept of the industrial renaissance. He articulated a progression: “Yesterday was Industry 4.0. Today we are in full digitization. Tomorrow will be the world of makers and innovators. We must go beyond mere digitization by involving the human element; our 3DEXPERIENCE platform is specifically designed to achieve this, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration between diverse communities.” This statement underscored the critical role of human interaction, creativity, and collaborative platforms in driving the next wave of industrial evolution. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform, therefore, is not just a collection of tools but a comprehensive environment intended to empower individuals and teams to innovate, design, and manufacture with unprecedented efficiency and interconnectedness.

Desktop Metal at Solidworks World 2018: Pioneering Living Parts

This year’s Solidworks World was prominently marked by the robust presence of numerous leading companies in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Among these, many showcased strategic partnerships with Dassault Systèmes, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between advanced design software and cutting-edge hardware. Desktop Metal, a recognized innovator in metal 3D printing, captivated attendees with the announcement of their groundbreaking new solution: Living Parts. This revolutionary design tool reimagines the conventional approach to 3D modeling. Instead of static structures, Living Parts enables the creation of 3D models that behave like living organisms, dynamically reacting and adapting to various interactions and environmental factors they encounter within the design simulation. Users can observe their models “grow” to optimal configurations, much like cellular structures expanding and organizing to achieve specific functionalities or improve performance. This innovative approach promises to unlock new possibilities for highly detailed, optimized, and performance-driven modeling, pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in complex product development and material science. It represents a significant step towards generative design where form follows function with biological precision.

HP Multi Jet Fusion 300 / 500: Full-Color 3D Printing Unleashed

The American technology giant HP leveraged Solidworks World 2018 as a prime platform to unveil its eagerly anticipated new range of 3D printers: the HP Jet Fusion 300/500 series. These groundbreaking machines mark a significant leap forward in additive manufacturing by offering the ability to print in full-color, enabling designers and engineers to produce both highly realistic prototypes and functional finished parts with unparalleled aesthetic quality. Stephen Nigro, President of HP 3D Printing, proudly introduced the HP Jet Fusion 300 printer at the show’s opening. He emphasized that this new generation of machines is poised to deliver “the speed, quality, color, and a relatively low cost expected in the additive manufacturing market.” This statement highlighted HP’s strategic focus on addressing key industry demands, making full-color 3D printing more accessible and economically viable for a wider array of applications, from intricate architectural models to customized consumer products, and sophisticated medical devices. The introduction of these printers solidifies HP’s position as a leader in democratizing advanced 3D printing technology.

Stratasys & Dassault Systèmes Partnership: Empowering Unlimited Tomorrow

Stratasys, a global pioneer and leading manufacturer of 3D printers, also made a significant announcement at Solidworks World 2018, revealing a crucial partnership with Solidworks and Unlimited Tomorrow. Unlimited Tomorrow is an innovative young American startup with a noble mission: to create more affordable and accessible 3D printed prostheses for children in need worldwide. This collaboration underscores the powerful potential of additive manufacturing when combined with cutting-edge design software and a philanthropic vision. As part of this impactful initiative, Stratasys and Unlimited Tomorrow have committed to printing the first 100 prostheses completely free of charge, demonstrating their dedication to making a tangible difference in young lives. Furthermore, Stratasys pledged to make its advanced 3D printing technology available to support this humanitarian endeavor. This partnership exemplifies how technological advancements, coupled with strategic alliances and a focus on social responsibility, can overcome significant barriers in healthcare, providing life-changing solutions to those who need them most.

Beyond these pivotal partnerships, Solidworks World 2018 featured an extensive roster of exhibitors showcasing the breadth and depth of the additive manufacturing industry. Prominent among them was Markforged, a manufacturer renowned for making metal 3D printing more accessible. They presented their impressive Metal X printer, a system designed to produce high-strength, production-quality metal parts efficiently. We also had the opportunity to reconnect with Xometry, a company we interviewed the previous summer, which continues to revolutionize on-demand manufacturing services by connecting engineers and designers with a vast network of manufacturing capabilities. Other industry stalwarts such as 3D Systems, a pioneer in additive manufacturing with a broad portfolio of industrial solutions, Ultimaker, celebrated for its user-friendly desktop FDM printers and vibrant open-source community, and Formlabs, known for its high-resolution desktop SLA machines, also showcased their latest innovations in materials and hardware. Additionally, 3DPlatform drew attention with its large-format 3DP Workbench printer, boasting an expansive print volume of 1000x1000x500 mm, catering to industrial applications requiring bigger parts. We also met with Sindoh, a leading South Korean FDM printer manufacturer, who shared their valuable experience as one of the early adopters and key users of Dassault Systèmes’ innovative Solidworks xDesign solution, reinforcing the theme of collaborative innovation.

Key Themes and The Road Ahead

Solidworks World 2018 clearly highlighted several overarching themes that are shaping the future of design and manufacturing. The concept of an “industrial renaissance,” as articulated by Dassault Systèmes leaders, moved beyond the traditional Industry 4.0 focus on automation to emphasize a human-centric approach. This vision champions collaboration, creativity, and the seamless integration of digital tools like the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and xDesign. The event also underscored the increasing democratization of additive manufacturing, with companies like Desktop Metal and HP introducing solutions that make advanced 3D printing more accessible, faster, and more cost-effective. From the biological inspiration behind “Living Parts” to HP’s full-color printing capabilities and the humanitarian efforts driven by Stratasys and Unlimited Tomorrow, innovation was truly at the forefront. The diverse range of exhibitors, showcasing everything from accessible metal printing to large-format FDM, painted a comprehensive picture of an industry rapidly evolving to meet complex demands for customization, efficiency, and sustainability. Solidworks World 2018 demonstrated that the future of product development is not just about designing objects, but about creating an intelligent, interconnected, and human-empowered ecosystem for innovation.

What were your impressions of Solidworks World 2018, and what innovations do you believe will have the most significant impact? Let us know your thoughts in a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest advancements in 3D printing and design; sign up for our free weekly Newsletter to get all the news delivered straight to your inbox.