In contrast, SolidWorks 2017 only supports straight structural members and has limited options for patterning and trimming. Users have to create multiple features and sketches to achieve the same results as in SolidWorks 2020.
New Envelope Publisher
Another enhancement in SolidWorks 2020 is the new Envelope Publisher, which simplifies the top-down design workflow and improves the performance and data management of large assemblies. An envelope is a simplified placeholder for a group of components that can be used as a reference without loading the actual components. The Envelope Publisher allows users to create envelopes in a subassembly and publish them to a higher-level assembly, where they can be used for mating, interference detection, or assembly analysis.
In contrast, SolidWorks 2017 does not have the Envelope Publisher feature, and users have to load the entire assembly to access the references from a subassembly. This can cause performance issues and data management challenges, especially for complex designs.
Fast Detailing Mode
A third improvement in SolidWorks 2020 is the fast detailing mode for drawings, which allows users to do most drafting functions without loading the 3D model information in the background. This means that drawings can open much faster, and user interactions are more responsive. Users can add or edit annotations, dimensions, notes, balloons, tables, and more in the detailing mode. Users can also switch back to the resolved mode if they need to access the 3D model information.
In contrast, SolidWorks 2017 does not have the detailing mode feature, and users have to wait for long open and rebuild times to work on drawings. This can affect the productivity and efficiency of users who work with large or complex models.
Conclusion
SolidWorks 2020 offers several enhancements and new features that can help users design faster and smarter than SolidWorks 2017. Some of the notable improvements are the support for curved structural members and expanded patterning capabilities for weldment design, the new Envelope Publisher for top-down design workflow, and the fast detailing mode for drawings. These features are available in SolidWorks Standard, Professional, and Premium versions. Users who are looking to upgrade their SolidWorks version should consider these benefits and try out SolidWorks 2020 for themselves.
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