Blender has got you covered for multiple workflows and projects ranging from 3D art for game design to 3D printing. However, as we make the transition from digital to physical products, Blenders’ abilities diminish. This is where other applications, such as SolidWorks, become better options.
SolidWorks has an easier learning curve than Blender because it is a more streamlined software that is focused on the specific task of creating hard surface 3D models. The user interface is easier to work with for SolidWorks because Blender has to accommodate various workflows. Blender does have an incredible learning library, though, to fall back on, and you will be able to learn anything that you need to know in Blender just by searching on either Google or YouTube.
If the purpose of your 3D modeling application is to design hard surface models that would eventually be used in production or manufacturing, then SolidWorks is going to be a better option than Blender 3D. However, what if you were looking to create more detailed models for other tasks? Would SolidWorks still be a better option than Blender?
How Does Modeling Work In Solidworks?
Solidworks uses a form of 3D modeling known as parametric modeling to create its models. Using parametric controls for 3D modeling in SolidWorks can transform your workflow and allow you to quickly change the shape of any 3D Object by simply changing the model’s dimensions.
In other words, if you were to change the length of one part of a model, then SolidWorks would be able to recalculate how that change affects the rest of the model and update the design accordingly.
While Blender can be used to create multiple objects and position them in a scene, the same is not strictly true for SolidWorks, as the whole purpose of this software is to focus on a single model. Therefore, scene creation is not something that SolidWorks takes into account.
In SolidWorks, you will want to focus your attention as a beginner on two tabs. The first tab is the features tab, which focuses on the basic tools for 3D modeling.
The second option is the sketch tab, which allows you to create technical drawings in SolidWorks, another important part of the production workflow.
What Type Of Objects Can Be Created Using SolidWorks?
The main purpose of modeling with Solidworks is to create object and object designs that will eventually becomes physical products or parts. In particular, SolidWorks is used to design and create mechanical parts for machinery, construction, and 3D printing.
SolidWorks is a perfect option for mechanical engineering, combining engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to help model 3D objects to exact specifications.
Not only can you design your models in Solidworks but you can also simulate the behavior of those models and their materials. This cuts both time and cost from the production pipeline.
Can Blender Be Used As A Replacement For Solidworks?
Blender is one of the most versatile 3D modeling applications available, as it can perform almost any known task related to 3D design. However, this incredible versatility does come at a price, and that price is that Blender stretches itself too thin.
Blender uses traditional polygonal modeling methods to create shapes using primitive models and editing those models using tools such as extruding, insetting, bevels, and booleans.
But while Blender is a powerful 3D modeling software, it does not have an out-of-the-box toolkit for parametric modeling.
You can reshape Blender to follow a similar workflow, as it has tremendous flexibility. If you are good with code, you could download the source code of Blender and make the changes to allow the software to use a parametric workflow.
The best way to simulate parametric modeling in Blender would be to use a combination of drivers, shape keys, and custom properties created so that you can influence multiple parts of the model with formulae.
Remember that SolidWorks is a form of CAD software that has a design process built around precision, while Blender is an artistic software with a focus on creativity.
These are very different mindsets to 3D modeling, and so we have to use what logic-based tools Blender has (Drivers) to create a system that at least imitates what we get in SolidWorks.
Thanks For Reading The Article
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