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Key benefits of IRONCAD from Solidmakarna

Fast learning and high productivity

Learn in days instead of weeks, with intuitive tools like TriBall for precise positioning.

Flexible modeling without history dependency

Avoid rebuild errors and over-constrained models like in SolidWorks; change freely with drag-and-drop.

Included modules and lower costs

Everything from sheet metal to rendering is included - no extra fees, unlike SolidWorks add-ons.

Smooth transition

Seamlessly import SolidWorks files and experience design time cut in half, as our customers Lerocon and NEFAB testify.

"I have now been using IRONCAD for about 1 month and I am already 3 times faster than in SWX which I have used for over 10 years! I select what I want to move or change, and the rest of the design remains stable without the usual errors you get in other systems. I almost don't want to tell you about this - because IRONCAD has given us a real competitive advantage after the change of programs! "

Tidaholm Industries Logo

Jim Norman

Design Engineer, Tidaholm Industries

Why switch from SolidWorks to IRONCAD?

Traditional parametric systems like SolidWorks are most often used for structured environments, but they can feel rigid with mandatory constraints and histories that require extensive planning. IRONCAD gives you the freedom to choose: use parameters and constraints as needed, but benefit from direct editing for fast concept design.

Our customers often report saving time and money after the switch, with better handling of imported geometry thanks to dual solid kernels (Parasolid and ACIS).

History and Development from Solidmakarnas Point of View

IRONCAD developed since the late 1990s with a strong focus on user-friendliness and innovation, and we at Solidmakarna are proud to have been its reseller in Sweden for all these years. The latest version, IRONCAD , continues this tradition by emphasizing increased automation of 2D drawings. New features include functions that integrate seamlessly with Attachment Points in the 3D scene, while the established tools for automatic dimensioning of drawing views and Bulk Drawing Creation have been improved on several fronts to further streamline the workflow.

SolidWorks, from Dassault Systèmes since 1997, is a parametric system with strong integration into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, but it often requires additional training and does not handle imported geometry as smoothly as IRONCAD's dual core. We recommend IRONCAD for companies that want to reduce dependence on history-dependent models, which in SolidWorks can lead to time-consuming rebuilds.

Core Modeling and Flexibility - Why IRONCAD Wins

In SolidWorks, parametric modeling is the core: features are built sequentially with constraints (e.g. coincident, tangent) and parameters via equations, which can result in over-constrained models. IRONCAD turns this around with hybrid modeling by default, where you drag and drop geometry freely via catalogs and TriBall - our patented positioning tool that saves hours compared to SolidWorks mates.

Flexible shape creation based on free (or locked) 2D sketches

With IRONCAD , it IRONCAD easy to generate 3D models directly from a 2D sketch. You simply draw in a plane to form cross-sections that can then be shaped into complete objects through extrusion, rotation, lofting, or sweeping. Unlike many other tools, the sketch in IRONCAD need to be governed by strict limitations to achieve exact control and high precision. You have the flexibility to either import prepared 3D shapes from libraries—based on 2D profiles—or to design completely new ones via your own 2D sketch.

Constraints and parameters are optional in IRONCAD.

Constraints and parameters are optional in IRONCAD: use them for kinematic testing or variant management, but skip them for conceptual phases if you wish. This hybrid concept, with support for both Parasolid and ACIS, handles SolidWorks imports better and avoids parent-child issues that can plague traditional systems. User reviews from resellers and forums highlight IRONCAD's advantages in setup (9.1/10 vs. SolidWorks 7.7) and speed, where tasks often take half the time.

Key Features and Capabilities - A Detailed Comparison

In Solidmakarna we emphasize IRONCAD's all-in-one package: from sheet metal with unfold functions to built-in rendering and mechanical components via IC Mechanical - all at no extra cost.

Aspect SolidWorks IRONCAD
Learning curve Takes weeks to learn. Requires long training courses and strict rules. Learn in a few days. Free Swedish materials + IronCAD Academy.
History Dependence on history - changes are often difficult. Flexible history - change freely at any time.
Workflow & speed Cumbersome technology - often takes twice as long. Do the job in half the time with smarter methodology.
File management Separate part and assembly. Part and assembly in the same file - super easy.
Catalogs Limited possibilities, manual editing. Customizable catalogues with drag-and-drop.
Concept & creativity Locked model - limits creativity. Full support for concept design and free modifications.
Positioning Traditional, time-consuming methods. TriBall - lightning fast positioning & copying.
Additional modules Extra cost for Sheet Metal, rendering etc. Everything is included - no extra charges.

This table shows why IRONCAD often ranks higher in efficiency for small to medium-sized teams, with resellers noting up to double the productivity.

Why choose IRONCAD as an alternative?

IRONCAD is a hybrid approach that combines the best of flexible, direct and parametric modeling.
This leads to fewer constraints and more creative freedom, especially for conceptual design and rapid changes.

Workflows and User Considerations at Solidmakarna

For SolidWorks users, parametric workflows mean traceability, but also rigid models that are difficult to change late in the process. IRONCAD solves this with free editing: resiza via dragging instead of multiple sketches.

Our customer cases, such as SMC Automation, show great time savings in assembly drawings and 2D schematics. We offer 4-day basic training and free tutorials via theIronCAD Academy, making the transition smooth - especially for industries like furniture, machinery and packaging.

Performance, System Requirements and Support from Solidmakarna

IRONCAD runs efficiently on mid-range hardware and handles large assemblies thanks to optimized kernel.
We at Solidmakarna provide personalized support, including Swedish videos and demos.

Market Position and Adoption - Our Recommendation

SolidWorks has a large user base (over 3 million), but IRONCAD is growing among mid-market companies for its innovation. At Solidmakarna we see IRONCAD as the future of agile design, with cases from Husqvarna and Ankarsrum proving the benefits in production and visualization.

Baltic Yachts - Optimization with IRONCAD

The 218-foot ketch Hetairos is the largest yacht Baltic has launched to date. By using IRONCAD , their designers were able to produce 3D models and optimize the design in carbon fiber. This example shows how our CAD solution makes it possible to handle complex projects in different industries. Read more about Baltic Yachts below and how they use CAD in their daily work.

FAQ

Conclusion and next steps

As your partner in CAD optimization, we at Solidmakarna strongly recommend IRONCAD for a more agile and cost-effective design process. Contact us today for a free demo and see how we can help you switch from SolidWorks - experience the difference with Solidmakarna!