Parameters refer to constraints whose values determine the shape or geometry of the model or assembly. The software is written on Parasolid-kernel. SolidWorks is a solid modeler, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach which was initially developed by PTC (Creo/Pro-Engineer) to create models and assemblies. Screen shot captured from a SolidWorks top-down design approach SolidWorks has also licensed its 3D modeling capabilities to other CAD software vendors, notably ANVIL. SolidWorks also partners with third-party developers to add functionality in niche market applications like finite element analysis, circuit layout, tolerance checking, etc.

Directly competitive products to SolidWorks include PTC Creo Elements/Pro, Solid Edge, and Autodesk Inventor. In the United States, the first reseller of SolidWorks, in 1995, was Computer Aided Technology, LLC, headquartered in Chicago. Commercial sales are made through an indirect channel, which includes dealers and partners throughout the world. Its user base ranges from individuals to large corporations, and covers a very wide cross-section of manufacturing market segments. This includes a large proportion of educational licenses. has sold over 3.5 million licenses of SolidWorks worldwide. Gian Paolo Bassi replaces Bertrand Sicot, who is promoted Vice President Sales of Dassault Systèmes’ Value Solutions sales channel.ĭS Solidworks Corp. The current CEO is Gian Paolo Bassi from Jan 2015.

SolidWorks was headed by John McEleney from 2001 to July 2007 and Jeff Ray from 2007 to January 2011. SolidWorks currently markets several versions of the SolidWorks CAD software in addition to eDrawings, a collaboration tool, and DraftSight, a 2D CAD product. Under his leadership, SolidWorks grew to a $100 million revenue company. Jon Hirschtick stayed on board for the next 14 years in various roles. In 1997 Dassault, best known for its CATIA CAD software, acquired SolidWorks for $310 million in stock. Operating later from Concord, Massachusetts, SolidWorks released its first product SolidWorks 95, in November 1995. Initially based in Waltham, Massachusetts, United States, Hirschtick recruited a team of engineers with the goal of building 3D CAD software that was easy-to-use, affordable, and available on the Windows desktop. Hirschtick used $1 million he had made while a member of the MIT Blackjack Team to set up the company. SolidWorks Corporation was founded in December 1993 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate Jon Hirschtick.

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