SOLIDWORKS 2015 (released in late 2014) was a major milestone for Dassault Systèmes, focusing on improving user productivity, expanding technical communication, and reducing software overhead. With over 200 new features, 90% of which were directly requested by the user community, the release aimed to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing. Key Features & Enhancements
Sketching Improvements: The Midpoint Line tool was introduced, allowing users to create lines symmetrical from a midpoint without extra references. The Rectangle Tool also received additional functionality to streamline early design phases.
Reduced File Sizes: A major technical update significantly reduced assembly and drawing file sizes, addressing the trend of users creating increasingly large and complex models.
SOLIDWORKS Treehouse: A visual assembly structure planning tool that allowed users to set up product hierarchies graphically before starting any actual 3D modeling.
Costing Tool Expansion: Enhanced support for more manufacturing processes, including plastic parts, castings, and 3D printing, helping designers estimate production costs in real-time.
Simulation Reports: Improved report generation capabilities allowed engineers to quickly publish HTML or Microsoft Word summaries of their simulation results. Expanded Ecosystem solidworks 2015
SolidWorks 2015 introduced several core updates focused on streamlining design workflows, improving productivity, and enhancing drawing capabilities
. Below is a comprehensive write-up of its key features, interface, and technical requirements. Core Design & Sketching Enhancements Midpoint Sketching
: A major addition that allows users to create lines symmetrical from a midpoint without needing extra reference geometry. Text on Surfaces : Users can add text directly
to a part face by selecting a face, using the "Text" sketch tool (represented by an 'A' icon), and then extruding it to create physical depth. Complex Geometry Tools : Tools like
remain central for creating organic, non-prismatic shapes used in consumer products like remote controls or coffee makers. SOLIDWORKS 2015 (released in late 2014) was a
: Originally a "labs" application, this tool was reintegrated into the main install to help users plan and visualize complex assembly hierarchies before starting the actual modeling. Drawing & Documentation Updates Spline Leaders for Balloons
: New adjustable spline leaders help reach difficult items in drawings while maintaining a cleaner look. Angle Dimension Triad
: A manipulation triad is available for angle dimensions, allowing users to dimension from a face without creating reference geometry. Improved Revision Tables
: You can now add revisions directly from the bottom of the table, and the "Zone" column automatically populates based on the placement of revision triangles. Security Layers
: A new layer tool allows for notes on a "security layer" that are visible in the software but do not appear when printed. Workflow & Productivity If you're looking for academic papers or documentation
Practical trick: Create a simplified configuration (Insert → Configurations → Add Configuration) with suppressed small components for analysis and motion studies.
Practical trick: For repetitive features in arrays, model a single feature and use “Linear Pattern” referencing the feature (not the sketch); it’s more robust to edits.
Practical trick: Create a drawing template with pre-set annotation views, layers, and BOM styles to dramatically reduce redlining time.
SolidWorks 2015 is a major release focused on performance, large-assembly handling, design productivity, and enhanced detailing for manufacturing. This guide highlights practical workflows, time-saving features, common pitfalls, and quick examples to get productive fast.
If you're looking for academic papers or documentation related to SolidWorks 2015, consider the following: