SolidWorks with an iPad

So every now and then we come across really amazing add-ons for SolidWorks that we just have to share with all of you.  Check out the video below about an app that lets you drive SolidWorks with your iPad, and some of the great things you can do with it.  (It’s also a chance to get a quick comparison to the 3D Mice, and to meet some of our Auburn office folks!)

(I love Amanda’s “Whaaaaaaat?!?” reaction at the end.  You’ll understand the first time you try Maide out yourself.)

To give credit where it is due, we first heard about this on the SolidSmack blog.

More information on the Maide app can be found at on the Maide Website. You have to download and install a small, free add-in on the computer running SolidWorks, then buy the $4.99 app for your iPad at the Apple App Store.  (The app is in beta for SW 2011, but we ran it on 2012 for the video and it worked fine.)  The other requirement is that the computer and iPad must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.  If I’ve got Wi-Fi the next time I’m making a presentation, I’m definitely using this to make a splash.

But what if you have 2 engineers and 2 iPads, and want to collaborate on SolidWorks models over the cloud?  While one of you is in the airport and another at a local Starbucks?  Well, SolidWorks doesn’t have an iPad viewing app yet, nor does eDrawings, but there is a company called CADFaster that gets the job done:

The CADFaster app is free to download, but requires a monthly service to use (there is a 14-day free trial, however.) More info is available on the CADFaster website. Again, this is putting your data in the cloud, so be aware you’re only one lost iPad or hacked e-mail away from everyone seeing your new, top-secret mousetrap design.  You can delete the models from the cloudspace when you’re done, but while they’re there, your entire review group can view them at once, measure, and make comments.  It’s great for a fast-moving, distributed, high-tech company, (just like CAPINC is becoming).

Leave any questions in the comments section below, and let us know if you’d like to try any of these out!