Professional CAD has always been relatively expensive and relatively hard to use. Not because that is the intent of CAD vendors, but because it’s the nature of the technology: A professional grade CAD program is probably an order of magnitude more complex than a typical “office” software application (even if you don’t count the advanced 3D mathematics.)
But, what if CAD’s barriers to entry could be lowered? What if the reach of professional CAD tools could be extended, to a larger community of users? What might be possible?
The combination of monthly subscription licensing and direct editing with synchronous technology have definitely lowered the barriers to entry for Solid Edge. Now an engineer with a great product concept can get access to a professional CAD tools that they can actually use, without needing to pony up thousands of dollars in advance.
When I talked to the people at Siemens PLM about the new monthly subscription option for Solid Edge, one of the things that most excited me was the possibility that it would enable smart engineers, who are not otherwise CAD experts, to pursue their engineering dreams: the projects that they’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t, for lack of affordable, usable, and powerful CAD tools.
Do you have an engineering dream? Something you’ve thought about doing, but blew off, because you couldn’t justify the upfront cost of the CAD software? Possibly an idea for a Kickstarter project, a concept for a Burning Man mutant vehicle, or design to contribute to a non-profit project? Fill out the official contest form below to enter.
If so, the Solid Edge people at Siemens PLM are interested in hearing about it. If your engineering dream inspires them too, you may win a full 12 month subscription to Solid Edge Premium, a $4,200 value and a Microsoft Surface Pro, an $850 value, to help you make that dream a reality.
For official rules click here.
(Important note: if you have a patentable idea, please talk to a patent attorney before sharing it with Design World, Siemens PLM, or anyone else)
The contest form is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an idea. Please stay tuned for the announcement of the winner!
Filed Under: Software
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