3D CAD tools are the key to achieving streamlined workflows, higher accuracy, and faster innovation in today’s engineering industry.
Of these, SolidWorks is one of the most popular among design, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing professionals. Those interested in utilizing the software, however, have one big question to answer: What type of pricing plan should you choose?
If you want to learn more about SolidWorks pricing, this post is your guide to all the available options.
What Factors Influence SolidWorks Pricing?
The price of SolidWorks is mainly determined by the subscription tier chosen, the licensing model (perpetual vs term), and the additional cost of software maintenance, training, and custom functions. It comes in a variety of packages to suit different requirements.
Knowing the differences between these packages will help engineers and organizations make the right decision that meets their workflow and comes within their means.
A Look at the Pricing Structure
SolidWorks comes in three packages: Standard, Professional, and Premium. You’ll also find other SolidWorks tools on the package’s website, like Simulation, Composer, and Plastics, which are only available in higher-level packages.
Simulation, for instance, manipulates CAD data to test for things like vulnerability to thermal conditions and resonant frequencies.
1. SolidWorks Standard.
SolidWorks Standard encompasses 3D part and assembly modeling, 2D drafting, eDrawings, sheet metal design, and other standard computer-aided design (CAD) applications.
Who it’s for: Engineers and designers who need a solid but basic 3D modeling solution. It’s suited for in-house design, limited testing, and conceptual design learning.
What it costs: A SolidWorks Standard license will run you $3,995. With an optional $1,295 a year maintenance fee, the cost to lease Standard for three years is $8,580.
2. SolidWorks Professional.
The Professional package builds on Standard with file management, photo-realistic rendering, and 3D model design.
Who it’s for: Designers and engineers who need more complex modeling, simulations, and file management.
What it costs: A SolidWorks Professional license will cost $5,490. In the first year, maintenance, upgrades, and technical support can cost between $1,295 and $1,495.
3. SolidWorks Premium.
The SolidWorks premium edition is capable of advanced simulation, piping and tubing design, electrical routing, and tolerance analysis.
Who it’s for: Users are looking for accuracy and will be involved in large, complex, and multifaceted projects?
What it costs: Between $8,000 to $9,000. Yearly Costs for Support: Around $2,000.
Subscription vs. Perpetual: What’s the Difference?
There are two ways for engineers and designers to buy SolidWorks software that best suits their business needs or personal use.
A perpetual license allows you to use the software forever with no time limitation, whereas a subscription (or term license) includes maintenance and support and gives access to the software for a specific period, typically a term such as 90 days, one year, or multiple years.
In a perpetual license, you pay a large upfront cost and an optional annual fee to receive updates and get customer support.
You own the license permanently and can use it as long as you want. With a subscription, you purchase a lower upfront cost and access to the newest version of the software. You pay to renew your subscription each year.
This gives firms the versatility to select the license model that complements the working system of their company. A start-up, for example, may prefer to opt for the subscription type to better plan the costs.
On the other hand, an established company has mapped out their company’s expenses and has the resources to pay the large upfront cost to purchase the perpetual license, which they can own without having to pay the cost for the next many years, therefore saving money long run and owning the product using it for the operation.
Education and Startup Options
SolidWorks has services available for schools and recent startups as well. Many students and teachers have the opportunity to gain a license at no or low cost through their institution.
Small businesses that meet certain eligibility standards may have access to a 1-year license through designated programs. This allows small businesses to get off the ground with innovative ideas without financial strain right out of the gate.
SolidWorks Costs Beyond the License Fee
While the licensing cost forms most of SolidWorks’ investment, it’s advisable to consider other related expenses that may influence the total cost of ownership:
- Training: New users should consider taking a certified course or training video to get through the learning curve.
- Hardware: SolidWorks requires a certain amount of hardware processing and graphic capability.
- Add-ons and Modules: Depending on the project, additional simulation software or a task-specific add-on may be required.
Choosing the Best Option
The right SolidWorks package for you will vary depending on the specifics of your use case. Users looking to tackle simple models and assemblies might find that the Standard package has everything they need.
Those looking to take advantage of visualization and product data management tools should pursue the Professional package instead. Engineers seeking top-of-the-line simulation capabilities and those working across disciplines might consider the Premium package to deliver the most value.
Understanding these tiers in detail can help you make a decision that balances functionality with cost efficiency.
Price vs. Possibility
For engineers and designers, the decision to purchase CAD software like SolidWorks goes far beyond software costs and often hinges on the inclusive capabilities of the purchase.
The suite of capabilities for the application is designed to reduce design cycles, help identify issues before production, and build more accurate prototypes. Better, more efficient design processes will save time and resources.
If you’re an engineer or a designer, the decision to buy SolidWorks is simply a matter of whether any given package matches applicable features with your needs. While the up-front cost might be steep, the accrued time savings in increased productivity and workflow improvements may well justify that expense.
Having a true grasp of where SolidWorks stands in relation to your engineering or CAD environment — technically and financially — is the surest way to get the most out of your purchase.