SOLIDWORKS AI: New Concrete Features.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to be concretely integrated into SOLIDWORKS.
Drawing generation, VBA macro creation, reconstruction of imported models, or transforming an image into a sketch: several functions can already change the way designers work.
Here are the most interesting new features presented by SOLIDWORKS, along with their real-world uses and limitations.
LEO: An AI Assistant for Mechanical Design
LEO is an assistant integrated into the SOLIDWORKS environment. It can understand certain requests formulated in natural language and assist the user during their design work.
One of the presented functions involves creating an initial assembly structure from a written description. LEO can suggest a main assembly, sub-assemblies, and a starting organization.
This function does not automatically create all the geometry of the project. Its main purpose is to prepare file organization more quickly and to start from a consistent structure.
The user can then ask LEO to add, remove, or reorganize certain components.
Automatically Generate Your Drawings
Automatic drawing generation is probably one of the most interesting functions.
From a 3D part or assembly, SOLIDWORKS can create a first version of the drawing with different views, sections, and certain annotations.
The benefit is simple: the designer no longer necessarily starts with a blank sheet. The AI prepares an initial base that they can then correct and complete.
However, caution is advised. The generated drawing must always be verified. Dimensions, tolerances, annotations, and information necessary for manufacturing remain the responsibility of the designer.
This function should therefore be considered a time-saver, not an automatic validation of the document.
Drawings Launch in Background
Generate VBA Macros That Will Save You Time
One of the most interesting features presented concerns the generation of VBA macros for SOLIDWORKS.
The user can explain in natural language the operation they wish to automate, and the assistant then generates a first version of the corresponding code.
For example, it becomes possible to request a macro to:
- Automatically export multiple drawings to PDF;
- Save all parts of an assembly in STEP format;
- Modify custom properties of multiple files;
- Automatically rename components;
This is highly beneficial because SOLIDWORKS macros rely on its API and normally require knowledge of VBA as well as the software’s specific objects and methods. SOLIDWORKS then allows editing, debugging, and executing these macros, usually saved in .swp format.
However, AI does not automatically transform every request into a perfectly functional macro. The generated code may require corrections, particularly to handle missing files, incorrectly named documents, different configurations, or runtime errors.
This function should therefore be considered a development accelerator. A person with almost no VBA knowledge can obtain a first code base, while an experienced user can create automations tailored to their company much more quickly.
This new feature could make SOLIDWORKS macros accessible to many more users. Until now, many companies continued to perform repetitive operations manually simply because they lacked the necessary skills to program their own tools.
Convert an Imported File into a Parametric Model
STEP files are widely used to exchange models between different CAD software. Their main problem is that they generally do not contain the original feature tree.
Once imported, the model is often difficult to modify.
SOLIDWORKS AI functions aim to recognize certain shapes in imported files and recreate parametric features that are easier to modify.
This function could be useful for modifying models from a supplier, an older software, or an external database.
The results will nevertheless depend on the complexity of the part. Recognizing a simple hole or boss is much easier than reconstructing complex geometry.
The SOLIDWORKS user imports a “dead” file, meaning a STEP file where the SOLIDWORKS feature tree has been lost.
Transform an Image into a Sketch
The Picture to Sketch function, currently offered in SOLIDWORKS Labs as a beta version, allows transforming an image into an initial usable sketch in SOLIDWORKS.
The user can import a photo, drawing, or reference image, then ask the software to automatically extract the main contours. The goal is to avoid having to manually retrace each line with the sketching tools.
This function can be particularly useful for:
- Reproducing the general shape of an existing part from a photo;
- Converting a paper sketch into a digital sketch;
- Recovering the outline of a logo or graphic shape;
- Quickly creating a working base for a cut part;
- Accelerating certain simple reverse engineering operations.
However, the generated result should be considered a first approximation. Depending on the image quality, perspective, shadows, or shape complexity, the sketch may require significant cleanup.
The designer will generally need to verify dimensions, delete unnecessary lines, close certain contours, and add the necessary constraints to obtain a fully defined sketch.
Picture to Sketch therefore does not replace a true dimensional survey or 3D scanning software. Its main benefit is to reduce the time needed to go from a reference image to an initial editable geometry in SOLIDWORKS.
This feature allows importing an image/PDF that would have no business information into an exploitable file (sketch).
Conclusion: AI Will Profoundly Transform SOLIDWORKS
Today, AI primarily helps generate a drawing, create a macro, recognize a shape, or explain an error. In the future, it could intervene much earlier in the design process.
One can imagine a user simply describing their need: “create a support for me capable of withstanding this load, with this material and this manufacturing process.” SOLIDWORKS could then propose several concepts, generate the geometry, verify constraints, compare costs, and suggest the best option.
The designer will not disappear, but their role will evolve. They will likely spend less time performing repetitive tasks and more time defining constraints, validating technical choices, and making important decisions.
Artificial intelligence will therefore not simply add a few buttons to SOLIDWORKS. It could gradually change the very way products are imagined, designed, documented, and manufactured.
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