UGS’ Solid Edge 2D Design Now Available at No Cost

By DE Editors

UGS Corp.(Plano, TX) has made its Solid Edge 2D Drafting software (a $995 value)available to anyone who requests the software through a new onlinedownload at solidedge.com/free2d. There is no cost to download orlicense the software; optional support and automatic upgrades for theproduct are available for a nominal cost.
 
“UGS knows how to wake up an industry,” said Ken Versprille, Ph.D.,principal and PLM research director, CPDA. “Their new free 2D draftingproduct puts a gold stamp on drafting as a commodity.  We aretalking top-notch 2D drafting here; not the weak teasers the industryhas seen offered free in the past. It is an impressive, bold move by aleading vendor to increase their market recognition and is sure to makeothers scramble in their back rooms.”

Solid Edge is the CAD component of the new UGS Velocity Seriesportfolio. Solid Edge 2D Drafting provides a set of capabilities forcreating 2D documentation, including drawing layout, diagramming,annotation and dimensioning controls that automatically comply withdrafting standards, such as ISO, ANSI, BSI, DIN, JIS, and UNI. Inaddition, it provides intuitive wizards for translation to ease thetransition from 2D AutoCAD and other drafting applications.

Solid Edge 2D Drafting features an engineering sketchpad, which allowsdesigners to sketch ideas and turn freehand sketches into 2D dimensiondriven (variational) drawings.  Users can use the free 2Dsketchpad in the office, onsite, or on the shop floor. Solid Edge 2DDrafting features drag-and-drop diagramming capabilities usingindustry-standard symbols to automate the creation of electrical andPandID layouts. Users can develop schematics, layouts, and other2D-centric deliverables. 

According to the company, this announcement is a strategic mid-marketmove to transition 2D SMB Users to 3D. UGS hopes that organizations nowhave more reasons to adopt UGS’ Evolve to 3D program, a four-stepprocess for moving from 2D design to complete 3D digital mock-up. Thecompany expects that UGS customers who are paying for AutoCAD or other2D drafting tools will now use free Solid Edge 2D Drafting.

Users can share native drawings with their suppliers, for design reviewor manufacture, avoiding translation requirements while ensuring dataintegrity. Customers can subscribe to Solid Edge’s support program andgain access to the API at a nominal cost. 

For more information, visit solidedge.com/free2d.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.