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SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps engineers validate and optimise designs using integrated analysis tools grounded in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), directly within the SOLIDWORKS environment. It enables teams to test real-world performance earlier, reduce costly design rework, and improve confidence before manufacturing and procurement decisions are locked in.
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What is SOLIDWORKS Simulation?
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is an integrated portfolio of structural analysis tools that allows engineers to predict how parts and assemblies will behave under real-world conditions such as loads, restraints, temperature effects, and motion-driven forces. The tools operate inside SOLIDWORKS, allowing design teams to validate performance without exporting geometry or rebuilding models in separate analysis software.
The Simulation portfolio supports a range of study types, from everyday structural checks to more advanced non-linear and dynamic analysis, depending on the package selected. Engineers can iterate faster by running “what-if” scenarios during design, then refining geometry, materials, and assembly behaviour to meet safety, durability, and performance requirements.
Key capabilities include:
Linear static structural analysis for parts and assemblies
Non-linear and dynamic analysis options (package dependent)
Thermal and thermal-stress studies (package dependent)
Frequency and buckling checks (package dependent)
Fatigue and lifecycle estimation (package dependent)
Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation supports better engineering decisions by turning performance questions into measurable results early in development. Teams can validate design intent sooner, reduce reliance on physical prototypes, and improve product quality with fewer late-stage surprises.
Key points:
- Faster iteration between design and validation
- Reduced friction from file exports and rework
- More consistent design intent across revisions
Key points:
- Clear insight into stress and deformation drivers
- Improved confidence in safety margins
- Better-informed material and geometry decisions
Key points:
- Fewer late-stage changes and production delays
- Lower risk of field failures and warranty claims
- Stronger handover from design to manufacturing
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Capabilities
SOLIDWORKS Simulation includes a practical set of study types to validate real-world performance and support engineering decisions through the product lifecycle. Capability depth depends on the Simulation package selected.
Structural analysis for parts and assemblies
Validate structural performance under applied loads and restraints using linear static analysis, then review stress distribution, displacement, and factor of safety. This capability forms the everyday foundation of design validation for many engineering teams.
Key points:
Stress, strain, displacement, and factor of safety output
Assembly-level evaluation with realistic connections and contacts (as needed)
Design iteration support through result comparison and reporting
Thermal and thermal-stress studies
Thermal studies help engineers understand how heat flows through a design and how temperature changes can influence performance. Thermal-stress evaluation supports scenarios where expansion, contraction, or temperature gradients may contribute to stress and distortion.
Key points:
Steady-state and transient thermal analysis options
Thermal effects used to inform stress behaviour
Better decisions for heat-sensitive components and assemblies
Thermal and thermal-stress studies
Thermal studies help engineers understand how heat flows through a design and how temperature changes can influence performance. Thermal-stress evaluation supports scenarios where expansion, contraction, or temperature gradients may contribute to stress and distortion.
Key points:
Steady-state and transient thermal analysis options
Thermal effects used to inform stress behaviour
Better decisions for heat-sensitive components and assemblies
Frequency, buckling, and stability checks
Frequency studies help identify natural modes of vibration so designs can be kept away from operating excitation ranges. Buckling studies support stability checks for slender structures and compression-dominant designs where instability can become the limiting factor.
Key points:
Resonant frequency (modal) studies
Linear buckling analysis
Earlier identification of vibration and stability risks
Fatigue, drop test, and specialised study types
Fatigue studies support lifecycle estimation for repeated loading scenarios, which helps teams reduce long-term failure risk. Certain packages also include studies such as drop test, pressure vessel checks, and other advanced tools suited to specialised requirements and certification-driven workflows.
Key points:
High-cycle fatigue estimation based on stress results
Drop test studies for impact scenarios (package dependent)
Pressure vessel and additional study types (package dependent)
Fatigue, drop test, and specialised study types
Fatigue studies support lifecycle estimation for repeated loading scenarios, which helps teams reduce long-term failure risk. Certain packages also include studies such as drop test, pressure vessel checks, and other advanced tools suited to specialised requirements and certification-driven workflows.
Key points:
High-cycle fatigue estimation based on stress results
Drop test studies for impact scenarios (package dependent)
Pressure vessel and additional study types (package dependent)
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Packages
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is available in multiple packages to match different engineering requirements, from core structural validation through to advanced study types and productivity tools. Package selection typically depends on the failure modes you need to evaluate, the complexity of your load cases, and the depth of reporting required for internal sign-off or certification processes.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard
- Linear Static Analysis
- Fatigue Analysis
- Motion Analysis
- Thermal Analysis
- Optimisation Studies
- Fixture and Connector Management
- Basic Vibration Analysis
- Trend Tracker for Design Changes
- Simultaneous Analysis of Multiple Scenarios
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
- All features of SOLIDWORKS Simulation Standard
- Nonlinear Analysis (Material and Geometric)
- Frequency and Harmonic Response Analysis
- Buckling Analysis
- Drop Test Analysis
- Pressure Vessel Design Validation
- Advanced Vibration Analysis
- Enhanced Thermal Analysis
- Comprehensive Connector and Fastener Management
- Structural Simulation on Large Assemblies
SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium
- All features of SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional
- Dynamic Analysis (Time-Based Motion)
- Composite Material Analysis
- Fluid Flow Analysis
- Thermal-Fluid Coupling
- Enhanced Optimisation Studies
- Electromagnetic Analysis (Electromagnetic Interference)
- Topology Study for Shape Optimization
- Parametric Study for Design Evaluation
- Comprehensive Fatigue Analysis
Real-world results with SOLIDWORKS Simulation
See how engineering teams use SOLIDWORKS Simulation to validate performance earlier, reduce design risk, and improve product reliability. Our SOLIDWORKS Customer stories highlight practical applications across industries, showing how simulation-driven decisions support better outcomes from concept through to production.
Software: SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium
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Request a SOLIDWORKS Simulation quote
If you are evaluating SOLIDWORKS Simulation for engineering analysis and product validation, MECAD Systems can help you identify the right simulation package and implementation strategy for your organisation.
Our specialists will work with you to understand your product development process, engineering challenges, and analysis requirements to ensure you implement the most effective simulation solution.
- Explore SOLIDWORKS Simulation capabilities
- Identify the right simulation package for your workflow
- Discuss licensing options and deployment strategies
- Receive guidance from SOLIDWORKS simulation specialists
Frequently asked questions about SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is an advanced finite element analysis (FEA) tool integrated within SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, allowing engineers and designers to test and validate product performance before manufacturing. By applying forces, pressure, temperature, and motion to 3D models, users can simulate real-world conditions to identify weaknesses, optimise materials, and improve product durability. This reduces design errors, lowers costs, and speeds up product development by eliminating the need for multiple physical prototypes.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides a comprehensive range of analysis tools, including:
- Static Stress Analysis – Evaluates structural integrity under loads to identify weak points.
- Thermal Analysis – Simulates heat transfer and temperature effects on components.
- Fatigue Analysis – Predicts product lifespan under repeated loading conditions.
- Vibration & Frequency Analysis – Identifies natural frequencies to prevent resonance issues.
- Drop Test & Impact Analysis – Simulates real-world impact scenarios to assess product durability.
- Nonlinear & Dynamic Analysis – Models advanced behaviours such as plastic deformation and time-dependent loads.
These capabilities allow engineers to make informed design decisions, ensuring products meet performance, safety, and industry standards.
Traditional prototyping can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring multiple iterations before a final design is approved. SOLIDWORKS Simulation enables virtual testing, allowing engineers to:
- Detect design flaws early in the process, reducing costly revisions.
- Optimise material usage to lower manufacturing costs.
- Evaluate multiple design scenarios in a fraction of the time.
- Reduce physical prototypes, minimising waste and production delays.
By integrating simulation into the design workflow, companies can bring products to market faster and more cost-effectively.
- Seamless Integration – Works within the SOLIDWORKS interface, eliminating the need for third-party software.
- Ease of Use – Intuitive setup with automated meshing and guided workflows, making it accessible to both engineers and designers.
- Accurate Results – Uses industry-standard FEA solvers to deliver precise and reliable analysis data.
- Improved Product Quality – Identifies potential failures before manufacturing, reducing warranty claims and returns.
- Scalability – Available in Standard, Professional, and Premium versions to match different engineering needs.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is ideal for:
- Mechanical Engineers – Ensuring strength, durability, and efficiency of mechanical components.
- Product Designers – Testing performance under real-world conditions before production.
- Manufacturers – Reducing costs by optimising materials and minimising waste.
- Aerospace & Automotive Engineers – Analysing stress, aerodynamics, and thermal performance for high-performance applications.
Whether you’re designing small components or complex assemblies, SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides the tools to make better, data-driven decisions.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation uses proven FEA solvers to deliver highly accurate results when properly configured. Accuracy depends on:
- Material properties and load conditions applied in the simulation.
- Mesh refinement, as a higher-quality mesh improves precision.
- Boundary conditions, ensuring simulations closely match real-world scenarios.
For critical applications, engineers can validate results using experimental testing, ensuring compliance with engineering and safety standards.
SOLIDWORKS Simulation is available through MECAD Systems, an authorised SOLIDWORKS reseller. Our team provides:
- Custom pricing & licensing options to suit your business.
- Expert training & support to help you maximise the software’s capabilities.
- Free consultation & demos to show how SOLIDWORKS Simulation can enhance your design process.
Contact MECAD Systems today to learn more about SOLIDWORKS Simulation and how it can transform your product development.
How MECAD Systems Can Help
Get Started With SOLIDWORKS Simulation
SOLIDWORKS Simulation provides powerful engineering analysis tools that allow teams to test, validate, and optimise product performance before manufacturing. Whether you are evaluating structural behaviour, thermal performance, or product durability, SOLIDWORKS Simulation helps engineers make informed design decisions while reducing costly physical prototypes.