Solidworks World 2019: Pioneering the Future of Design with 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS and Advanced Manufacturing

Solidworks World 2019, held over four dynamic and insightful days in Dallas, Texas, concluded with resounding success, marking another pivotal moment for the global engineering and design community. This annual event, hosted by Dassault Systèmes, brings together a diverse gathering of designers, engineers, and dedicated Solidworks users from across the globe. This year’s convention drew an impressive crowd of over 6,000 attendees and more than 100 industry partners, significantly surpassing previous years’ participation numbers and underscoring the growing interest and innovation within the sector. Gian Paolo Bassi, CEO of Dassault Systèmes Solidworks, eloquently presented this year’s overarching theme: “Where Possibility Takes Form,” a statement that perfectly encapsulated the forward-thinking spirit and groundbreaking announcements made during the event. Our team at 3Dnatives was on the ground, immersing ourselves in the latest innovations and technological advancements that promise to redefine the landscape of 3D design and engineering.

Key Announcements: The Dawn of 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS

As anticipated by attendees and industry observers alike, Solidworks World 2019 was brimming with significant updates and strategic announcements designed to enhance the Solidworks ecosystem. The most prominent revelation came on Day 1 with the grand introduction of 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS. This new portfolio represents a comprehensive suite of industry-aware applications meticulously built upon the powerful and expansive 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This strategic move was made possible following Dassault Systèmes’ recent acquisition of IQMS, a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software company renowned for its manufacturing-focused solutions. The integration of IQMS into the broader 3DEXPERIENCE software environment is set to be a game-changer, with the product now rebranded as DELMIAWORKS. This integration aims to provide Solidworks users with unparalleled capabilities to connect their design processes seamlessly with manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and overall business planning, thereby creating a truly holistic product development lifecycle.

Furthermore, the platform’s capabilities were bolstered by the announcement that xShape, an intuitive and robust modeling tool specifically designed for organic and smooth shape creation, would also become an integral part of 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS. This addition caters directly to designers requiring advanced surfacing and aesthetic freedom, allowing for the creation of complex, ergonomic, and visually appealing products that were previously more challenging to achieve within traditional parametric modeling environments. Such strategic additions collectively enable Solidworks to offer an even wider and more sophisticated range of solutions, addressing the evolving needs of their expansive 3D design and engineering audience, from conceptualization through to production and lifecycle management.

Industry Insights: An Interview with Mark Rushton

During our time at the event, 3Dnatives had the privilege of speaking with Mark Rushton, a distinguished Product Portfolio Manager at Dassault Systèmes. With an impressive track record of attending five Solidworks World shows and possessing extensive experience in the additive manufacturing field, Mr. Rushton offered valuable perspectives on the evolution of the event and the industry at large. When asked to compare this year’s convention to those of recent years, he noted, “This year definitely feels even bigger and more energetic. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is generating a lot of excitement in the Solidworks user base because it really opens up a lot more doors and increases the scalability of what’s on offer.” This sentiment resonated throughout the exhibition halls, highlighting a palpable sense of anticipation among users for the expanded capabilities and collaborative potential that the new platform promises.

Our conversation naturally steered towards the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing. Rushton emphasized the industry’s dynamic nature, stating, “The 3D printing industry is changing and is so dynamic, new people pop up all the time, as well as new processes, technologies, etc. Everyone is trying to solve one issue of additive manufacturing; some people try to tackle the speed issue, others the material limitations.” He elaborated on the challenges faced by customers who wish to leverage the full spectrum of additive manufacturing technologies. To achieve true flexibility, he explained, businesses would typically need to invest in a multitude of different machine types, often requiring significant production volumes to justify the substantial capital expenditure and ensure a favorable return on investment (ROI).

This is precisely where the innovative marketplace feature within 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS steps in to provide a transformative solution. Rushton explained the significant advantage: “So that’s where the marketplace (3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS) comes in because it means that rather than having to own all of those different types of printers, you still have access to them. The way it works, you submit your 3D model, choose the specifications (process, tolerance, material), and it will filter out who can do that service for you.” This marketplace paradigm democratizes access to advanced manufacturing capabilities, allowing users to tap into a vast network of service providers with diverse 3D printing technologies without the prohibitive upfront investment. It promises to streamline the entire additive manufacturing workflow, from design to production, offering unprecedented flexibility, cost efficiency, and speed for prototyping and end-part manufacturing.

Exploring the Partner Pavilion: A Hub of Innovation

Following our insightful discussions, the next essential stop for the 3Dnatives team was the bustling Partner Pavilion. This expansive exhibition hub at Solidworks World 2019 served as a vibrant showcase for a multitude of companies specializing in 3D design, 3D printing, and 3D scanning technologies. The pavilion offered attendees a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge hardware and software in action, engage directly with experts, and explore the diverse goods and services that complement and extend the Solidworks ecosystem. It was a testament to the collaborative spirit driving innovation in modern product development.

Exhibitor Spotlight: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing

As anticipated, Makerbot, a prominent name in desktop 3D printing and a Stratasys subsidiary, had a significant presence. They were actively showcasing their innovative new Method model. This machine is strategically designed to bridge the performance gap between conventional desktop 3D printers and more robust industrial-grade systems, offering precision, reliability, and material versatility previously unseen in its class. While Makerbot already provides its own printing software, the company revealed ongoing collaborations with Solidworks, aiming to further enhance support for print files directly from Solidworks users, thereby streamlining the design-to-print workflow and fostering greater integration.

The South Korean company, Sindoh, also captured attention by presenting a couple of their impressive new machines. Originally known as a leading 2D printing manufacturer, Sindoh has successfully expanded its footprint in the 3D printing field, continually enriching its product offerings for customers. Notably, Sindoh holds the distinction of being the first company in South Korea to adopt Solidworks software, dating back to the early 1990s, showcasing their long-standing commitment to advanced design tools. At Solidworks World 2019, Sindoh unveiled its first-ever SLA (Stereolithography) printer, the Sindoh A1. This marked a significant diversification, as the company had previously focused exclusively on FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technologies. The introduction of SLA technology allows Sindoh to cater to demands for higher resolution, smoother surface finishes, and intricate details, expanding their capabilities beyond FDM’s strengths in material variety and speed. Complementing this, they also launched the 3DWOX 7X, a large-scale FDM printer, specifically designed to address the growing market demand for producing larger objects and batch production efficiently.

Markforged, a pioneer in accessible metal and composite 3D printing, naturally commanded a prominent booth. They showcased their acclaimed series of metal 3D printers, which have revolutionized industrial manufacturing by enabling strong, functional parts directly from digital designs. Their presence underlined the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing for end-use parts and functional prototypes across various industries.

Beyond these specific highlights, the Partner Pavilion was also graced by the presence of other major market players who are instrumental in shaping the 3D design and manufacturing landscape. Industry giants such as 3D Systems, known for its comprehensive range of industrial 3D printing solutions and software; Ultimaker, a leader in reliable and accessible FDM desktop printers with a robust ecosystem; Formlabs, celebrated for democratizing high-resolution resin-based 3D printing; and HP, making significant strides with its Multi Jet Fusion technology for industrial production, were all actively displaying their latest products and innovations, further cementing Solidworks World 2019 as a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of design and manufacturing.

Reflecting on a Transformative Event

Solidworks World 2019 in Dallas truly lived up to its theme, “Where Possibility Takes Form,” by showcasing an unprecedented level of integration, innovation, and community engagement. The launch of 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS and its accompanying tools like DELMIAWORKS and xShape underscored Dassault Systèmes’ commitment to providing a seamless, end-to-end platform for product development. The event highlighted the accelerating pace of innovation in additive manufacturing and the crucial role that software and connectivity play in unlocking its full potential. From desktop innovations to industrial-scale solutions, the future of design and engineering looks more connected and capable than ever before.

What were your key takeaways from Solidworks World 2019? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in a comment below or share your perspectives on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter to receive all the latest news in 3D printing straight to your inbox!