New tools in this release are designed to help educators and students learn how to use the program. Some of these improvements include:
- New teaching aids and lesson plans
- Robot assembly model libraries to assist students entering robotics contests like FIRST robotics
- SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium for FEA analysis
- Path Dimensions sketch tool for chains and belts
- Curve-Driven Patterns for conveyor and chain systems
- Assembly Explode for rotationally exploding components for drawings and animations
- SOLIDWORKS Electrical which is sold separately but will integrate into the Education Edition
As the number of SOLIDWORKS users grows it is important for schools to have the tools they need to teach the next generation of engineers how to use this software and its new features.
Bertrand Sicot, CEO of SOLIDWORKS, agrees: “The world needs engineers, innovators, and design leaders. Dassault Systèmes is committed to improving STEM education and bringing those next generation leaders to the forefront … The SOLIDWORKS education community is full of SAE Collegiate Design Series competitors and FIRST Robotics winners.”
Educational institutions are able to get free licenses if students will be using the program for use outside the classroom. This includes all teams working on FIRST Robotics who will receive their program in the form of a DS sponsorship. Additionally, if an institution wishes to teach the program they can become certified and eligible to administer the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate exam.
John Minor of Clemson University adds, “As a Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) provider, Clemson University’s engineering students have contributed to more CSWA’s than any other US university. In fact, Clemson is one of the top producer of CSWA’s in the world … The General Engineering program at Clemson has provided a solid foundation to prepare students for our global commercial customers.”
Source and image courtesy of Dassault Systèmes.