Capabilities
Best-in-class 3D design
Next Generation Design
The future of 3D product development—generative modeling, additive manufacturing and reverse engineering, enabled by Convergent Modeling technology.
Synchronous Technology
Combining the speed and simplicity of direct modeling with the flexibility and control of parametric design.
Sheet Metal Design
Build complete sheet metal design system with support for the entire design-through-fabrication process.
Assembly Modeling and Management
Superior assembly performance, whether you’re dealing with a few components or hundreds of thousands of parts.
Modular Plant Design
Streamline your P&ID workflow process with database-driven access to pipe specifications.
CAD Drawing and Drafting
Drawing layout, detailing, annotation and dimensioning controls that automatically comply with mechanical drafting standards.
Photo-Realistic Rendering
Photo-realistic images and animations from within the modeling environment to bring your models to life.
Cloud-ready Design
Easy access across different devices, instant configuration of your CAD environment, and quick sharing of data with team members, suppliers and customers.
Model-Based Definition
Realize significant gains in manufacturing productivity; spend less time on engineering documentation using fully digital processes.
Augmented Reality
Bring ideas to life with design visualization; validate digital designs in a physical environment.
Subdivision Modeling
Develop distinctively unique products based on organic shapes without the need for expert knowledge.
Adaptive UI
Improve productivity with new adaptive user interface capabilities that harness artificial intelligence to predict next steps based on user behavior.
There’s a Solid Edge 3D Design package that’s right for you.
Choose the features you want at the value you need.
Solid Edge Design and Drafting
Get started quickly with our most affordable 3D CAD package! Solid Edge Design and Drafting includes basic part and assembly design, automated drawings, basic animation and rendering, 3D print preparation and cloud-enabled productivity.
Solid Edge Foundation
Our complete 3D CAD includes all the functionality of Solid Edge Design and Drafting, plus added sheet metal, frame and weldments, surface modeling, and plastic part design functionality. Plus, take advantage of built-in capabilities for basic FEA simulation for stress, motion and vibration.
Solid Edge Classic
Solid Edge Classic is everything you need in a 3D CAD package, including all the capabilities of Solid Edge Foundation, plus advanced features such as design for cost, reverse engineering (3D scanning), generative design, cam, gear, pulley and shaft design, spring design and beam and column design.
Solid Edge Premium
Our ultimate 3D CAD package, Solid Edge Premium includes everything included in the feature set of Solid Edge Classic, with the addition of advanced motion simulation, advanced stress simulation, simulation optimization, electrical routing, PCB collaboration and pipe and tube design.
| Solid Edge Features | Design & Drafting | Foundation | Classic | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic part and assembly design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2D drafting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Import/export to all popular 2D/3D file formats | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Synchronous Technology (intelligent direct editing) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mesh modeling (convergent technology) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visualization tools | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud enabled | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prep for additive manufacturing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced part and assembly design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sheet metal design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Frame and weldments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bulk migrators | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Surface modeling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Simulation for parts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Subdivision modeling (advanced surfacing) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Photorealistic rendering | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Standard parts & Libraries (nuts, bolts, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Vendor catalog integration (CADENAS) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Adaptive UI | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Reverse engineering | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Engineering reference (springs, CAMS, gears, etc.) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Design for cost | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Generative design | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Pipe and tube design | ✓ | |||
| PCB collaboration | ✓ | |||
| Electrical routing | ✓ | |||
| Linear stress simulation (parts/assemblies) | ✓ | |||
| Advanced motion simulation | ✓ | |||
| Simulation optimization | ✓ |
Parasolid Inside
The engine behind Solid Edge is Siemens Parasolid® software, the most widely used computer-aided geometric modeling kernel in the industry. Parasolid delivers 100 percent 3D model compatibility between product development applications. By enabling the creation and modification of digital 3D models, Solid Edge delivers on the Siemens commitment to provide digital transformation capabilities to its users. Digital transformation allows even the smallest organizations to leverage technology to level the playing field with large enterprises.
FREE Software
Free 3D Design Software
Free Software for Your Startup
If you’re an early stage startup in business for less than three years, you can now apply to get Solid Edge for free. With no application fee!
Download Free Solid Edge for Students
Build the skills you need with Solid Edge Student Edition software—a free version of the same easy-to-use software suite used by professionals.
Video
Mechanical Design in Solid Edge 2021
Solid Edge continues to improve in the area of design with each new release.
Solid Edge 2021 is, in my opinion, the best Solid Edge release in years! There are a lot of things that will make the design process easier for our engineers. It’s a major update.
Ricardo Espinosa, R&D Engineering Manager, Kimball
Customer Stories
How real companies are seeing the benefits of 3D Design
Agricultural equipment manufacturer speeds up product design with Solid Edge
Dramatic improvements in product development using Solid Edge and MACsheet SEG5
Integrated design-through-manufacturing system delivers a custom wooden cell phone case in just three hours; also opens door to new markets
Economic downturn drives change in strategy
Hydraulic power manufacturer cuts down reliance on prototypes
Whales uses Solid Edge to optimize design and cut development time
Integration of project planning, pipe routing and 3D design
