SolidWorks VS Creo which one is Better

Summary

This video compares two leading CAD software, SolidWorks and Creo, detailing their histories, functionalities, and applications. SolidWorks, known for its user-friendly interface and ease of learning, is ideal for mechanical design and smaller assemblies. Creo, with its advanced capabilities like topology optimization, excels in complex design and large assemblies. The video also covers their rendering capabilities, industry applications, learning curves, and pricing models, helping viewers choose the best software for their needs.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ SolidWorks and Creo are leading CAD software used across various industries for designing and modeling.
• ⏱️ SolidWorks was founded in 1993 and acquired in 1997, evolving from a simple solid modeler to a comprehensive CAD program.
• 🚀 Creo, initially released as Pro Engineer in 1987, is known for its performance and depth of functions, impacting the CAD market significantly.
• 🔄 Both software generate files related to parts, assemblies, and drawings, with changes in one reflected across all associated files.
• 🌐 SolidWorks is used for mechatronic systems development, from planning to project management, while Creo aids in product design for manufacturers.
• 🎨 SolidWorks allows for 3D modeling with both surface and solid modeling, offering a range of tools for realistic model creation.
• 🖌️ Creo focuses on parametric modeling and offers advanced features like freestyle surfacing and interactive surface design.
• 📊 SolidWorks and Creo both support animations and simulations, with SolidWorks using Motion Manager and Creo utilizing its mechanism package.
• 🎭 Rendering in SolidWorks is enhanced by Photo View 360 for photorealistic outputs, while Creo's rendering is more basic and focused on engineering needs.
• 📈 SolidWorks is user-friendly with an easier learning curve, suitable for mechanical design and smaller scale projects.
• 💼 Creo is more complex and scalable, ideal for complex projects and large assemblies, but has a steeper learning curve.
• 💵 SolidWorks offers a free 12-month license for educators and hobbyists, while Creo's pricing varies based on service levels and licensing types.

Q & A

What are the primary industries that rely on CAD software?

CAD software is primarily used in industries such as architecture, mechanical engineering, and gaming to turn ideas into realistic models.

When was SolidWorks first founded and by whom?

SolidWorks was founded in 1993 by John Heshtek.

What significant acquisition did SolidWorks experience in its early history?

SolidWorks was purchased by the company Dassault Systèmes on June 24, 1997.

How has SolidWorks evolved since its inception?

SolidWorks began as a simple solid modeler and has since developed into a full CAD program with improved assembly performance, 3D mesh modeling, and many other features.

Who founded Creo and when was it initially released?

Creo was founded by Dr. Samuel Geisberg in 1985 and was initially released as Pro/ENGINEER by the company PTC in 1987.

What are the three basic types of files generated by SolidWorks?

SolidWorks generates three types of files: the part, the assembly, and the drawing, which are all interrelated.

What additional capabilities does SolidWorks offer besides 3D modeling?

SolidWorks offers simulation, cost estimation, sustainable design, and data management capabilities.

How does Creo assist in product design?

Creo aids in product design through 3D direct modeling, finite element analysis, technical illustrations, and visualizations.

What are the differences between SolidWorks and Creo in terms of modeling and designing?

SolidWorks is mainly a solid modeler and is parametric, while Creo offers parametric and direct modeling, with advanced features like freestyle surfacing and topology optimization.

How do SolidWorks and Creo handle animations?

SolidWorks uses the Motion Manager and Animation Assistant for animations, while Creo offers two methods: using snapshots and the Mechanism package for smoother animations.

What are the differences in rendering capabilities between SolidWorks and Creo?

SolidWorks has PhotoView 360 for creating photorealistic renderings, whereas Creo's rendering is more basic and is considered a sub-feature of the CAD package.

Which industries are SolidWorks and Creo commonly used in?

SolidWorks is used in industries like medical devices, transportation, and building professionals, while Creo is used in automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, and robotics due to its adaptability.

How do the learning curves of SolidWorks and Creo compare?

SolidWorks is considered user-friendly with an easy learning curve, making it suitable for beginners and mechanical engineering design jobs. Creo is more complex and has a steeper learning curve, suitable for more complex projects.

What are the differences in availability and pricing between SolidWorks and Creo?

SolidWorks is available on Windows, Mac, and touch pen or dial input devices, with a standard license price and a free 12-month license for qualified individuals. Creo is only available on Windows, with two types of licenses (locked and floating) and a variety of pricing based on service levels.

What factors should be considered when choosing between SolidWorks and Creo?

The choice between SolidWorks and Creo depends on the complexity of the project and the user's goals. SolidWorks is better for simpler projects, while Creo is suited for complex designs and top-down design approaches.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to CAD Software: SolidWorks vs. Creo

The video script introduces the importance of CAD software in various industries, highlighting SolidWorks and Creo as prominent examples. SolidWorks, founded in 1993 by John Heshtek, has evolved from a simple solid modeler to a comprehensive CAD program, enhancing assembly performance and 3D mesh modeling. Creo, initially released as Pro/ENGINEER in 1987 by Dr. Samuel Geisberg, focuses on performance and functionality, impacting the CAD market significantly. The script aims to guide viewers in choosing the best CAD software for their needs, outlining the history and capabilities of both SolidWorks and Creo.

05:01

🛠️ Functionalities and Capabilities of SolidWorks and Creo

SolidWorks is described as a 3D modeler that allows users to transform ideas into complex models, parts, and assemblies. It generates three types of files corresponding to parts, assemblies, and drawings, with modifications reflecting across all related files. The software offers simulation, cost estimation, sustainable design, and data management capabilities. Creo, on the other hand, is a family of 3D CAD parametric modeling software used for product design across various manufacturing sectors. It supports 3D direct modeling, finite element analysis, technical illustrations, and visualizations. Creo also offers advanced features like topology optimization and extensions for enhanced surface design control. The script contrasts the modeling and designing processes of SolidWorks, which is primarily a solid modeler with parametric capabilities, and Creo, which provides extensive parametric and freestyle modeling capabilities.

10:02

🎨 Animation, Simulation, and Rendering in CAD Software

The script discusses the animation and simulation capabilities of SolidWorks and Creo. SolidWorks allows for animation creation through a timeline and motion manager, with the option to add rotations and bursts. Creo offers two animation methods: snapshot and mechanism package, with the latter producing smoother animations. Both software provide rendering capabilities, with SolidWorks featuring PhotoView 360 for photorealistic renderings and Creo offering a basic rendering feature through Creo Render Studio. The script also touches on the industries where each software is predominantly used, with SolidWorks being favored for mechanical design and building professionals, while Creo is used in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery due to its adaptability and simulation capabilities.

📊 Comparing Usability, Pricing, and Licensing of SolidWorks and Creo

The script compares the usability of SolidWorks and Creo, with SolidWorks being more user-friendly and suitable for beginners, while Creo has a steeper learning curve and is more complex. SolidWorks is available on Windows, Mac, and touch pen or dial input devices, whereas Creo is only available on Windows. Pricing and licensing options differ, with SolidWorks offering a standard license at $3995 and an annual subscription service for $1295, including technical support and upgrades. It also provides a free 12-month license for educators, makers, and students. Creo offers two licensing types: locked for single-device use and floating for multiple devices, with subscription pricing varying based on service levels and device usage. The script concludes by emphasizing that the choice between SolidWorks and Creo depends on the complexity of the project and the user's goals, with SolidWorks being more suitable for simpler designs and Creo for complex, top-down designs.

Keywords

💡CAD Software

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design, which refers to the use of computer software to design and create models of objects. It is a crucial tool in various industries, including architecture, mechanical engineering, and gaming. In the video, CAD software is central as it enables designers to turn ideas into realistic models, with SolidWorks and Creo being highlighted as prominent examples.

💡SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a 3D CAD design software developed by Dassault Systèmes. It is known for its parametric modeling capabilities, allowing users to create complex 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings. The video discusses its history, starting from 1993, and its evolution into a full CAD program with features like simulation, cost estimation, and data management.

💡Creo

Creo, formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER, is a parametric 3D CAD modeling software suite developed by PTC. It is used for product design and manufacturing, offering capabilities in 3D direct modeling, finite element analysis, and technical illustrations. The video compares Creo with SolidWorks, noting its advanced features and performance in handling complex designs.

💡Parametric Modeling

Parametric modeling is a method in CAD software where the design is defined by a set of parameters that can be adjusted to modify the shape and size of the model. This is a key concept in both SolidWorks and Creo, allowing for precise control over the design. The video mentions how parametric software like SolidWorks allows assigning dimensions to geometry to achieve desired results.

💡Assembly Performance

Assembly performance refers to the efficiency and speed at which CAD software can handle large and complex assemblies. The video discusses how SolidWorks has improved its assembly performance over time, enabling designers to create larger assemblies, which is crucial for mechanical engineering and product design.

💡3D Mesh Modeling

3D mesh modeling is a technique used in CAD software to create complex 3D surfaces made up of polygons. The video script mentions improvements in 3D mesh modeling in SolidWorks, which is important for creating detailed and realistic models, especially in industries like gaming and automotive design.

💡Simulation

Simulation in CAD software refers to the ability to virtually test and analyze the performance of a design before it is physically created. The video highlights that SolidWorks offers simulation capabilities, which can help in assessing the functionality and efficiency of designs, such as in mechatronic systems.

💡Rendering

Rendering in CAD is the process of generating a 2D image or animation from a 3D model. The video discusses how both SolidWorks and Creo can be used for rendering, with SolidWorks offering PhotoView 360 for creating photorealistic renderings, which is essential for presenting designs to clients or in marketing materials.

💡Top-Down Design

Top-down design is an approach in CAD where the overall design is defined first, and then the details are filled in. This method is contrasted with bottom-up design in the video, where individual components are designed first and then assembled. Creo is noted as being particularly suited for top-down design, which is common in industries like automotive and aerospace.

💡Ease of Use

Ease of use refers to how intuitive and user-friendly a CAD software is. The video compares the learning curves of SolidWorks and Creo, with SolidWorks being considered more user-friendly and easier for beginners, while Creo has a steeper learning curve due to its complexity and advanced features.

Highlights

CAD software is essential across industries for turning ideas into realistic models.

SolidWorks and Creo are prominent CAD software examples known for their functionalities.

SolidWorks, founded in 1993, has evolved from a simple solid modeler to a full CAD program.

Creo, initially released in 1987 as Pro Engineer, was one of the first major solid modelers to impact the CAD market.

SolidWorks generates three types of files: part, assembly, and drawing, with modifications reflecting across all related files.

Creo is a 3D CAD parametric modeling software used for product design by various manufacturers.

SolidWorks is used for developing mechatronic systems from planning to project management.

Creo offers extensions like Creo Interactive Surface Design for advanced control over geometry.

SolidWorks allows creating animations by dragging components along a timeline.

Creo's animation creation is simple, utilizing snapshots or the mechanism package for smoother animations.

SolidWorks' PhotoView 360 technology enables the creation of photorealistic renderings.

Creo's rendering feature, while basic, can produce respectable results for engineering software.

SolidWorks is designed for mechanics designers and building professionals, used in medical devices and transport factories.

Creo is adaptable for industries like automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery, suitable for complex design projects.

SolidWorks is user-friendly with an easy learning curve, ideal for mechanical engineering design jobs.

Creo has a steeper learning curve but is scalable for projects ranging from simple to complex.

SolidWorks is available on Windows, Mac, and touch pen or dial input devices.

Creo is only available on Windows, with licensing options based on device use.

The choice between SolidWorks and Creo depends on project complexity and goals, with Creo suitable for complex designs and SolidWorks for simpler ones.

Transcripts

it is difficult to find an industry

nowadays that is not in any way

dependent on cad software to turn ideas

into a realistic model whether it is in

architecture

mechanical engineering or even gaming

solidworks and creo are two prominent

examples of these different

types of cad software they are both

known for their impressive

functionalities

used by many designers and professionals

in this video

we're going to help you compare between

the two types of cad software

in order to choose the best one

solidworks history spans back to 1993.

it was founded by john heshtek

solidworks was purchased on june 24

1997 by the company dazzle system 2.

this technology was one of the first

significant 3d modelers for windows

while solidworks began as a simple solid

modeler it has since developed into a

full cad

program its early updates have increased

assembly performance

to enable designers to create larger

assemblies

improved 3d mesh modeling and many other

features

creo was founded in 1985

by dr samuel geisberg and initially

released in 1987

as pro engineer by the company

parametric technology corporation

it was one of the first major solid

monitors to winter the cad market

and greatly impact the industry the main

focus was always the performance

and depth of the functions as it was

built from the top down over time

and in countless benchmarks the software

proved that it has a great functionality

and impressive speed

solidworks is a 3d modeler that enables

users to take simple ideas and turn them

into complex models

parts and assemblies it generates three

types of files

relating to three basic concepts the

part the assembly

and the drawing these files are related

any modification

at any level is reflected in all the

files concerned

with it users can also take advantage of

simulation

cost estimation sustainable design and

data management capabilities

it is used to develop mechatronic

systems from beginning to end

at the initial stage the software is

used for planning

visual ideation modeling visibility

assessment

prototyping and project management the

software is then used for the design and

building of mechanical electrical

and software elements creo is a family

of 3d cad parametric modeling software

that aids in product design for all

types of manufacturers used in 3d direct

modeling

finite element analysis technical

illustrations

and visualizations with creo parametric

users can create and develop complex

surface geometry

using a range of features and freestyle

modeling capabilities

for users seeking more extensive

capabilities ptc offers extensions like

creo interactive surface design

extension

isdx to give users better control over

tendency and curvature

so what do you think what are the

modeling and designing differences

between solidworks and creole

solidworks and creo were both used to

make drawings and create models

however there are some differences in

the process that we are going to talk

about in this part

solidworks is mainly a solid modeler it

is a parametric software which means

that you can assign dimensions to your

geometry

consequently it will give you the wanted

result by using this software

you can build your design with surfaces

you can create any shape

and you can imagine of course if you

give it time and practice

you can use solid modelling to create

designs because solids have many

benefits

but there are some limitations those

components are good at capturing

manufacturing data

like mass weight etc but they can also

have

some limits and put banners in your way

while creating designs

your models will often appear somewhat

boxy and dual

the best way to benefit from this

software is to use both surfaces

and solids to achieve truly realistic

models

solidworks comes with a box of tools

that you can use freely

this software is mainly known for its 3d

features but you can also

draw 2d designs and shapes in it however

it should be reserved for annotations

ideally

you should use your 3d models to create

2d drawings

solidworks drawings comprise at least

one view generated from either a part or

assembly

kriya comes with a full screen mod

backed up with context aware mini

toolbars

book selection and geometry regions in

sketching

as opposed to fully trimmed sketch

geometry mini toolbars

are also available across a much wider

spread

of the system's modules and in both 2d

and 3d environments

this software comes with an option

called style features that lets you

create free form curves

and surfaces and also gives you the

possibility to combine

limitless numbers of them furthermore

its technical surfacing option

lets you manipulate patches of specific

types of surfaces

within their designated measurement

constraints working with curved tangents

that you can alter on screen freestyle

surfacing

lets you adjust the boundaries and other

measurements of your surface

the underlying structure changes as the

surface does

so as to keep everything in proportion

creo focuses on

bringing advanced cad tools such as

topology optimization

which makes it possible for users to

create optimized shapes

directly into geometry so can we create

animation and simulations with

solidworks

and creole in solidworks you can create

animation

by dragging the time bar along the

timeline to the specific point you

choose

and then you drag the component you want

to create

animation to the targeted location the

motion manager

moves the component from its essential

position to the position you designated

at the specified time use the animation

assistant to create

animations or to add rotation bursts

and gatherings to exist in motion

studies creating animation in creo is

considered simple

this software comes with two different

methods to create

animations the first one utilizes

snapshots

and the second one uses several matters

in korea's mechanism package

the snapshot method is arguably the

easiest to use

however the latter method creates a

smoother animation

with creo simulate users can cut down

production time by running powerful

simulations in a few mere clicks

from linear statistics structure

analysis to model structure analysis

everything is right at your fingertips

and now

let's talk about rendering well you can

render by using both solidworks and creo

thanks to both software it is possible

to quickly present designs that are

close to reality

offering your customers easily

understandable work

with solidworks and by using photo view

360

technology it is possible to create

photorealistic

renderings more easily photo view 360

is a solid works recent adding that

produces photorealistic renderings of

models

the rendered image incorporates the

appearances

lighting scene and decals included with

the model

foreview 360 is available with

solidworks professional

or solidworks premium by these simple

steps you will be able to have a

realistic

final rendering you just have to click

tools

adding photo view 360 start a preview in

the graphics area

edit appearances the scene details

and lights when you feel that your

design is ready to render

perform a final step by choosing photo

view

final render for creo render is simply

not a high enough priority

you can indeed create them with it but

wondering in creo

is a bare bones option that you would

expect in an engineering

software program that can give a

respectable result

but it is limited by the fact that it is

a sub feature

of a cad package the software comes with

a feature called creator render studio

which compiles with elements such as

model appearances

scenes and lighting to create a render

image

in a rendered image you can see how an

environment reflects onto a surface this

can help to reveal design flaws

or confirm design objectives it also

shows

how a modeled object will look in a

real-world setting

with realistic lighting shadowing and

surroundings

solidworks is used by a large class of

industries

technical drawers engineers and

specialists

but it is specifically designed for

mechanics designers and building

professionals

it is used in medical device companies

transport factories

and technical services creo is used in

many

industries and companies because of its

extensive adaptability

including automotive aerospace heavy

machinery

engineering services designing and

building robots companies

for example a robot and others that

require re-bus

testing and simulation of designs before

they are manufactured

i am pretty sure that by now you are

probably wondering

which one is easier to learn and use

well beginners will find some

difficulties using solidworks and creo

because they both require basic

information about using cad tools

solidworks is considered user friendly

and known for its easy learning curve

it is a good tool for mechanical

engineering design jobs

it makes the process of creating a 3d

result of a piece of a machine

or even a building easier this mid-range

cad

package has an easier initial usability

curve although this gets steeper

given that it started life as a simpler

piece of software

with complexity bolted on to compare

with

other cad package solidworks gets messy

when it comes to complicated scenarios

unfortunately the ease-to-use paradigm

falls apart in the face of complex

models when it comes to creo

it is considered a bit complex for

beginners and

also by the difficulty of its deeper

learning curve

it is scalable and can cope with product

from the very simple to very complex

whether working on one small part or

interaction between parts or

sophisticated geometry

long story short as you can tell

solidworks seems to be

easier than creo especially for

beginners however

keep in mind that any software is

considered reachable

and easy to use if you give it enough

time and practice

solidworks is not only available on

windows and mac

but also in touch pen or dial input

devices

to guarantee a better experience when it

comes to creo

it is only available on windows

solidworks and creo

have different options when it comes to

pricing and license as well

one license of solidworks standard is

3995.

the annual subscription service for a

standard license

which covers technical support upgrades

and more for one year

is 1 295 however

this software offers a free 12 month

license

for all qualified educators makers

hobbyists military students and

sponsored organizations

creo is available with two types of

license based on how many devices used

the first one is locked which means that

you can use creo

on a single device such as a work

desktop

and you can not transfer the program to

any other device

the second one is floating with which

you can use creo

on several devices the exact price of

creo can be hard to pin down

without talking to a cell person because

it offers a wide variety of extras

that are meant to be tailored to your

specific situation

however five basic service levels have

subscription pricing

to start off with all prices are pair

year subscription fees

design essentials two thousand three

hundred ninety dollars for locked

two thousand nine hundred thirty one

dollars for floating

design advanced five thousand eight

hundred ninety dollars for locked

seven thousand two hundred ninety nine

dollars for floating

design advanced plus ten thousand three

hundred dollars for locked

ten thousand nine hundred eighty dollars

for floating

design premium fourteen thousand three

hundred seventy five dollars

for locked fifteen thousand six hundred

ten dollars

for floating design premium plus twenty

thousand dollars

for locked and no floating license

available

and now let's answer the most important

question

which one is better there is no right or

wrong answer to which you should use for

your next project

but if your project consists of top-down

design

as an automotive company for example you

will definitely want to use creo

creo is much more stable and far

superior to solidworks

when it comes to top-down design and

surfacing kriya would also be a better

choice for any project consisting of

large assemblies

solidworks is primarily used for smaller

scale

and simpler design projects it will be

able to solve your problem

within limits solid works cannot work

with large assemblies or designed with

high quality surfaces

it is becoming more widely used in the

industry

due to its easy to use nature for

designing simpler projects

there is no need to go through the

hassle of learning

all of these advanced methods and

techniques in creo

this makes solidworks a much more

attractive option to those customers

overall

choosing between creole and solidworks

for your business or studies

comes down to one main factor the

complexity of your project and your goal

if you wish to design something

extremely complex creo is definitely the

choice for you

but if you want to design simpler

objects you might want to look into

using solidworks as the best option