The integration of updated graphics pipelines leveraged modern workstation GPUs more effectively. Users experienced smoother panning, zooming, and rotating, even when handling complex geometry or large datasets.
SolidWorks 2015 expanded core capabilities to simplify complex geometry creation: Surface Flattening:
While mouse gestures existed prior to 2015, this version refined them into a productivity powerhouse. Users could now customize 8 and 12 gesture directions directly from the right-click drag. For a power user, this meant executing "Extrude," "Cut," "Fillet," or "Measure" without ever moving the mouse to the CommandManager. This drastically reduced the "miles" an engineer’s hand traveled across the screen daily. solidworks 2015
SOLIDWORKS 2015 – First Impressions (UPDATED) ... - Michael Lord
feature simplified the creation and manipulation of linkage systems. Surface & Profile Tools : Users could now extrude or cut-extrude using open profiles Users could now customize 8 and 12 gesture
Before dissecting the software, it is important to understand the environment into which was born. In 2014, the engineering world was transitioning from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1. 3D printing was becoming affordable, and model-based definition (MBD) was starting to challenge traditional 2D drawings. Dassault Systèmes positioned SolidWorks 2015 as the "bridge" release—modern enough to handle complex geometries but conservative enough to run on standard corporate workstations.
Companies designing smartphones used the "Style Spline" to create ergonomic phone backs without Class-A surfacing plugins. SOLIDWORKS 2015 – First Impressions (UPDATED)
The software introduced automatic collision checking for the tool shank and holder, in addition to the cutter, covering both roughing and finishing operations.
The core modeling capabilities were refined to enable quicker creation of complex geometries.
Enhanced predictability for cyclic loading allowed engineers to determine component lifespans more accurately by comparing stress data against standardized S-N material curves. SolidWorks Plastics
SOLIDWORKS 2015 marked a decisive shift toward 64‑bit computing. for the core CAD product; SOLIDWORKS 2014 had been the last release to support Windows 7 32‑bit. For 64‑bit environments, the following operating systems were supported:
