Onshape - Detailed Review
Design Tools
Onshape - Product Overview
Onshape Overview
Onshape is a cloud-native product design platform that revolutionizes the way companies approach product design, particularly in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and PDM (Product Data Management) sectors.
Primary Function
Onshape is built from the ground up to address the shortcomings of traditional file-based CAD systems. It allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on 3D models, parts, assemblies, and drawings in a cloud-based environment. This setup enables real-time collaboration and co-editing, streamlining the design process from idea to production.
Target Audience
Onshape is used by a diverse range of companies and individuals. It is particularly popular among companies with 10-50 employees and revenues between $1 million and $10 million. The platform is widely adopted in industries such as Higher Education, Machinery, Computer Software, and Education Management. Geographically, the majority of Onshape users are based in the United States, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.
Key Features
Anywhere, Anytime Access
Onshape provides cloud-based access, eliminating the need for installations and reducing the risk of crashes. This allows users to work on designs from anywhere, at any time.
New Workflows
The platform introduces new workflows that speed up the creation of parts, assemblies, and drawings, enhancing overall design productivity.
Real-Time Collaboration
Onshape enables real-time collaboration and co-editing, allowing multiple stakeholders to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature enhances visibility and collaboration across the design team.
Modern Version Control and Release Management
Onshape includes built-in data management and release management workflows, which are superior to traditional file-based systems. This ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest version of the design.
Subscription Plans
Onshape offers various subscription tiers, each with different levels of data management and analytics tools. The CAD and collaboration tools remain identical across all plans, with variations in features such as intellectual property (IP) ownership.
Conclusion
Overall, Onshape is a versatile and flexible platform that simplifies product design and collaboration, making it an attractive option for a wide range of users in the design and engineering community.
Onshape - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
Onshape’s interface is clean and simple, yet powerful. It is designed to get out of the way and let users focus on their design work. The platform is web-based, meaning there is no software to download, install, update, or license, allowing users to start working immediately from any device with a web browser.
Ease of Use
Transitioning to Onshape is relatively easy, even for users coming from other CAD software like SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. The Quickstart experience helps new users apply their existing CAD expertise to accelerate their learning curve. The interface is familiar enough for seasoned CAD users to start building parts, assemblies, and drawings right away.
Customization
While Onshape does not allow changes to the default menus, users can create custom tools (Features) using FeatureScript, which can be tailored to fit specific needs. For example, you can create custom features for architectural purposes, such as inserting furniture from a catalog or building basic house structures with pre-built walls and floors.
Collaboration
Onshape excels in collaboration tools, enabling teams to work simultaneously on documents and projects. Features like Follow Mode allow real-time screen sharing and discussion, ensuring that team members stay in sync and work more efficiently with fewer errors. This collaborative environment is a significant advantage, especially for projects that require multiple stakeholders.
Accessibility and Reliability
Onshape offers anywhere, anytime access, ensuring uninterrupted productivity. With a high availability record (99.9 % uptime), users can rely on the platform to be stable and accessible 24/7. This includes access from mobile devices, further enhancing flexibility and productivity.
User Experience
Users appreciate the intuitive design environment, the ability to record version changes, and the superior visibility across the design team. Customer support is also highly praised for its quick response and helpfulness in resolving issues. However, some users note that Onshape can be limited in certain areas, such as surfacing for product design and offline access to models, particularly in large architectural projects.
Overall, Onshape’s user interface and experience are characterized by their simplicity, intuitiveness, and strong focus on collaboration and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for many CAD professionals.
Onshape - Key Features and Functionality
Onshape: A Cloud-Native CAD and PDM Platform
Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and Product Data Management (PDM) platform, has introduced several key features and functionalities, particularly in the area of AI-driven product development. Here are the main features and how they work:
Onshape AI Advisor
The Onshape AI Advisor, set to be released by the end of 2024, is a significant integration of AI into the platform. This feature allows users to interact with the system using simple, conversational language to ask questions or seek recommendations during the design process. The AI Advisor will respond based on a resource library of text-based documentation and videos, providing links to additional information. This tool aims to speed up the design process by offering immediate assistance and reducing the time spent searching for information.
Automatic Inspection Items
While not directly AI-driven, this feature streamlines quality assurance processes, which can be enhanced by future AI integrations. It automatically populates inspection tables as dimensions are added to drawings, maintaining dynamic links between dimensions and inspection items. This automation ensures consistency in quality control documentation and can be exported to CSV format for integration with other systems, such as CMM machines. This feature reduces errors and saves time, which could be further optimized with AI-driven inspection and analysis tools.
FeatureScript and Custom CAD Features
Onshape’s FeatureScript language allows users to create custom CAD features, which is particularly powerful for AI projects. This scripting language enables users to automate and customize their design workflows, integrating AI algorithms to perform specific tasks. For example, users can create scripts that leverage AI for optimization, simulation, or analysis, making the design process more efficient and accurate.
Cloud-Native Architecture and APIs
Onshape’s cloud-native architecture and open APIs make it an ideal platform for integrating AI technologies. This architecture allows researchers and companies to leverage Onshape in their AI projects, ensuring the platform can keep up with the demands of AI-driven workflows. The cloud-based nature also ensures accessibility on any device, which is crucial for collaborative and remote work environments.
Thickness Analysis
Although not an AI-specific feature, the Thickness Analysis tool leverages Onshape’s cloud computing architecture to deliver rapid results for complex injection-molded parts. This tool can be seen as a precursor to more advanced AI-driven analysis tools. It offers quick ray method analysis and the industry-standard rolling ball method, providing interactive capabilities like custom bounds definition and real-time section views. This feature helps prevent costly production issues by validating wall thickness for manufacturability, a process that could be further enhanced with AI-driven predictive analytics.
Onshape Educator Plan
The Onshape Educator Plan includes comprehensive tools for classroom management, assignment creation, and student progress tracking. It also features Onshape simulation capabilities, which are essential for real-world engineering analysis. While not directly AI-driven, this plan makes professional-grade CAD tools more accessible to educational institutions, preparing students for future AI-integrated design environments.
Conclusion
In summary, Onshape is positioning itself to be a leader in AI-driven product development by integrating AI advisors, enhancing automation through features like Automatic Inspection Items, and providing a flexible and customizable platform through FeatureScript. The cloud-native architecture and APIs ensure that Onshape can seamlessly integrate with emerging AI technologies, making it a versatile tool for designers and engineers.
Onshape - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Onshape’s performance is significantly enhanced by its cloud-native architecture, which allows for high-performance cloud computing without the need for specialized hardware. This setup enables fast and interactive finite element analysis (FEA) directly within the design environment, eliminating the need to leave the Onshape document or switch to different software.
The cloud-based approach also means that the computational load is handled by Onshape’s servers, while the user’s computer acts more like a graphic terminal, processing only the screen’s content. This distribution of workload ensures efficient performance even with large and complex assemblies, such as those with over 200 parts or 2000 features.
Additionally, Onshape provides tools like the Performance Panel, which offers detailed analytics on connection, tab graphics, document performance, part performance, and assembly performance. This panel helps users optimize their workflow by identifying potential bottlenecks and ensuring a smooth design process.
Accuracy
Onshape Simulation is highly accurate, particularly in structural analysis. It supports linear static and modal analyses, providing results such as stress, displacement, natural frequencies, and mode shapes. These analyses help designers determine potential mechanical failures under static or dynamic loading and identify areas where material weight can be optimized.
The simulation capabilities are integrated directly into the assembly environment, allowing for the simulation of full assemblies rather than just individual parts. This integration ensures that assembly mates (like fastened, revolute, or slider mates) are accurately translated into simulation kinematics, maintaining a precise physical representation of the assembly.
Onshape’s proprietary TrueSOLID technology, acquired through the Frustum Inc. acquisition, powers its simulation capabilities, ensuring interactive and adaptive analysis that refines results in real-time.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Onshape offers significant advantages, there are some limitations to consider:
- Data Privacy and Access: For the free version of Onshape, data is essentially public domain, and users lose access to their data if they stop paying. This can be a significant concern for companies that require strict data privacy and control.
- Integration with Other Systems: Users need to ensure that Onshape can integrate fully with their existing systems such as PDM, PLM, ERP, MES, or MOM. If Onshape cannot cover 100% of the company’s processes for R&D, quality, and data management, it might not be the best fit.
- User Transition: While many users find Onshape more enjoyable and faster to use than other CAD tools like SolidWorks, there can be a learning curve, especially for those accustomed to different software. However, Onshape’s cloud-native architecture and accessibility on various devices can ease this transition.
In summary, Onshape excels in performance and accuracy, particularly in its simulation and cloud-based design capabilities. However, it is crucial to consider the potential limitations, especially regarding data privacy and integration with other business systems, to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements for your specific use case.
Onshape - Pricing and Plans
Onshape Plans
Standard Plan
- Cost: $1,500 per user per year.
- Features:
- Surfacing and sheet metal
- Part and assembly modeling
- Access anywhere
- Drawings
- Direct technical support
- Unlimited versioning and branching
- Bill of materials
- Private design space and data ownership
- Basic data management tools (versions, history, branching, and merging)
Professional Plan
- Cost: $2,500 per user per year.
- Features:
- Includes all features from the Standard plan
- Formal release management
- Simulation (structural analysis)
- PCB Studio (integration with ECAD data)
- Custom properties and metadata
- Company-level admin tools
- Unlimited private storage
- Consolidated billing
- Unlimited free viewer licenses
Enterprise Plan
- Cost: Custom pricing; contact Onshape for details.
- Features: This plan is tailored to meet the specific needs of large enterprises and includes all features from the Professional plan, along with additional customized solutions.
Free Options
Onshape Free Plan
- Cost: Free
- Features:
- Free professional-grade 3D CAD
- Immediate access after signing up
- Access on any device with a browser
- Onshape Learning Center resources
- Public documents only (all documents are publicly accessible online)
Education Plan
- Cost: Free
- Features:
- All features of the Standard plan modified for educational use
- Private documents (visible only to the user)
- Version control
- Import and export standard CAD formats
- Sharing and collaboration
- Full CAD functionality
- Available for students, educators, and school volunteers at accredited institutions. Documents are tagged with an EDU icon.
Onshape Program for Startups and Entrepreneurs
- Cost: Free for qualifying companies
- Features:
- Onshape Professional package at no cost
- Designed for hardware startups to help eliminate cost bottlenecks
- Requires filling out a form for qualification
Onshape Discovery Program
- Cost: Free for up to six months for qualified users
- Features:
- Trial of Onshape Professional for up to six months
- Available for qualified CAD professionals
Each plan is designed to meet the specific needs of different users, from hobbyists and students to small businesses and large enterprises. Onshape’s cloud-based architecture ensures that users always have access to the latest version of the software without the need for downloads or installations.
Onshape - Integration and Compatibility
Onshape Overview
Onshape, a cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, is renowned for its seamless integration with various tools and its broad compatibility across different platforms and devices.
Integration with Other Tools
Onshape offers a rich REST API that enables integration at every level of the program. This API is well-documented and provides proven methodologies for connecting Onshape to other systems, including ERP, PLM, and cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive.
API Integration
Onshape’s API allows for real-time bidirectional connectivity, ensuring all systems and stakeholders have the most up-to-date design data. The API supports industry-standard authentication protocols such as API keys and OAuth2, ensuring secure and encrypted communication.
Cloud Storage
Integrations with cloud storage services are straightforward and can be managed at both company and individual levels. Users can easily import and export data between Onshape and these services, facilitating smooth data transfer and collaboration.
Enterprise Systems
Onshape can connect with essential enterprise systems, improving operational efficiency by integrating product design data with release-and-change processes and downstream sales and operations processes.
Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Onshape’s cloud-native architecture makes it highly accessible and compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms.
Web Browsers
Onshape supports the latest stable versions of several browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari (Mac OS only), Opera, and Microsoft Edge. Chrome is often the fastest, while Firefox is preferred for handling large models across fewer tabs.
Operating Systems
Onshape can run on any computer – Windows, Mac, Linux – and even on tablets and smartphones. This cross-platform support ensures that users can access their CAD data from any device with an internet connection.
Mobile Devices
Onshape is compatible with iPhone 8 and above, recent iPad models, and Android devices with capable GPUs. While mobile access is useful for quick edits or client presentations, complex CAD work is best suited to desktop or laptop setups.
Hardware Requirements
Unlike traditional CAD software, Onshape does not require high-end workstations. It has modest system requirements, making it accessible on a variety of hardware configurations. However, optimizing performance may require using a 64-bit version of the browser and ensuring WebGL capabilities are supported.
Additional Features
Real-Time Collaboration
Onshape allows multiple users to work collaboratively on the same design simultaneously, with granular permissions to manage teamwork effectively.
Version Control and History
Onshape maintains a complete history of design changes, making it easy to revert to previous iterations or track modifications made by different team members.
3D Visualization
The platform offers 3D visualization capabilities, enhancing the design review process by allowing users to view, pan, zoom, and rotate models effortlessly.
Overall, Onshape’s integration capabilities and broad compatibility make it a versatile and accessible tool for CAD and product development, suitable for a wide range of users and environments.
Onshape - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Onshape’s customer support is highly integrated into the software itself. Here are some key features:In-App Support Tickets
Users can create support tickets directly within the Onshape interface. This allows for a clear description of the issue, and users can even capture screenshots, highlight areas of interest, and add comments to communicate the problem effectively.Document Sharing
For more complex issues, users can share their documents directly with the support team using a simple toggle switch. This enables the support staff to see the issue firsthand and resolve it more quickly. This sharing is limited in time, and users can revoke access at any point.Email Notifications
Once a support ticket is generated, users receive email notifications at each step of the process, keeping them informed about the status of their issue.Support Team
The Onshape support team is unique in that it is combined with the User Experience (UX) team, and many members have a background in mechanical engineering. This allows them to understand and address user problems more effectively. The team prioritizes IT tickets and tracks common themes that may be limiting the user experience.Additional Resources
Onshape provides several resources to help users get the most out of the software:Onshape Learning Center
This offers self-paced video training, technical briefings, and instructor-led courses. The resources cover Onshape essentials, advanced topics, and data management processes. Instructor-led courses are available for a small fee, and each learning pathway includes exercises and course completion certificates.Forums
The Onshape forums are a valuable resource where users can search for previously posted questions and solutions. If a relevant answer is not found, users can post their own questions, which are frequently answered by expert Onshape users and staff.Webinars and Videos
Onshape hosts webinars and provides videos that cover various topics, such as back-to-school resources for educators, custom features, and best practices for teaching Onshape in the classroom.Contact Information
For additional support or inquiries, users can contact Onshape through various channels:Toll-Free Number
(844) 667-4273Emails
Dedicated emails for different departments such as customer service, partnerships, legal, and media. These resources and support options are designed to ensure that Onshape users can quickly resolve issues and maximize their productivity with the software. Onshape - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Collaboration and Accessibility
Onshape stands out for its real-time collaboration features, similar to Google Docs. This allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, regardless of their location, and see changes in real time.
Cloud-Native
Being cloud-based, Onshape eliminates the need for software installation and can be accessed from any device, including Windows, Mac, Linux, tablets, and smartphones. This makes it highly accessible and convenient.
Version Control and Iterations
Onshape’s integrated versioning and access control features are highly beneficial. Users can track and manage multiple iterations of a design within the same document, which is particularly useful for iterative design processes.
FeatureScript and Customization
Onshape’s unique FeatureScript language allows users to create custom CAD features, which is particularly powerful for AI projects and other specialized needs.
Education and Research
Onshape offers a free Education plan, providing full access to the platform without any installation requirements, making it an ideal tool for educational and research purposes.
Manufacturing Drawing and BOM Management
Onshape has been praised for its strong manufacturing drawing capabilities and Bill of Materials (BOM) management, often surpassing other CAD software in these areas.
Disadvantages
Internet Dependency
One of the significant drawbacks is that Onshape requires a stable internet connection to function. This can be problematic in areas with poor internet connectivity or during high internet usage times.
Limited Offline Access
Unlike some other CAD software, Onshape does not offer offline access, which can be a limitation for users who need to work without an internet connection.
Feature Limitations
Onshape lacks some features that are available in other CAD software like SolidWorks. For example, it has limited Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) capabilities, no mirroring in assemblies, and no mass override. The mating system is also different and can be less intuitive for some users.
Performance Issues
Users have reported performance issues, especially when using a touchpad or experiencing slow internet connections. Browser shortcuts can also interfere with Onshape’s functionality.
Learning Curve
Some users find it difficult to use Onshape initially due to the lack of built-in tutorials and the unique interface, which can take time to get accustomed to.
These points highlight the key benefits and drawbacks of using Onshape for AI-driven product design, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Onshape - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Onshape to Other AI-Driven Product Design Tools
Onshape Unique Features
Onshape is distinguished by its cloud-native architecture, which allows it to run on any computer, tablet, or smartphone without the need for installation or downloads. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for research and educational purposes, as highlighted by its free Education plan that provides full access to the platform.FeatureScript Language
Onshape’s FeatureScript language enables users to create custom CAD features, which is highly valuable for AI projects. This feature allows for extensive customization and integration with AI workflows.Cloud-Powered Analysis
Onshape offers advanced features like Thickness Analysis, which leverages cloud computing to provide rapid results for complex injection-molded parts. This tool is especially useful for validating wall thickness and preventing production issues.Automatic Inspection Items
Onshape streamlines the quality assurance process with automatic inspection items, ensuring dynamic links between dimensions and inspection tables, and facilitating seamless integration with quality control systems.Potential Alternatives
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a traditional 3D CAD design software that, while not as cloud-centric as Onshape, offers comprehensive design and analysis tools. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a more established, desktop-based CAD environment.Physna
Physna is a geometric search engine that helps businesses utilize their 3D model data more effectively. While it doesn’t offer the same CAD design capabilities as Onshape, it is useful for searching and managing large 3D model databases.Tinkercad
Tinkercad is an easy-to-use 3D CAD tool that is particularly suited for designing physical products ready for 3D printing. It is more user-friendly and less complex than Onshape but lacks the advanced features and cloud integration.AI-Driven Design Tools
Autodesk Dreamcatcher
Autodesk Dreamcatcher is an advanced generative design tool that uses AI to explore design alternatives and optimize for specific constraints and goals. It generates numerous design alternatives based on user-defined parameters and evaluates each design for performance metrics like strength and durability. This tool is ideal for optimizing designs with specific materials and manufacturing processes in mind.Polymet
Polymet is an AI product design tool that combines design generation, component management, and production-ready code in a single workflow. It is best for early-stage startups and design & development agencies, offering efficient team collaboration features and a unified workflow from design to production-ready code.v0 by Vercel
v0 by Vercel focuses on seamless deployment workflows, targeting technical teams and developers. It excels in integrating with development tools and offers an efficient component selection system, although it lacks team collaboration features and may require additional design refinements. Each of these tools has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the user, whether it be advanced CAD features, generative design, or streamlined design-to-production workflows. Onshape’s unique cloud-native architecture and custom feature creation capabilities make it a strong contender in the AI-driven product design category. Onshape - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Onshape
1. What are the key features of Onshape that support advanced surfacing and design?
Onshape has introduced several features to enhance its surfacing capabilities. For instance, the G2 Boundary Surface feature allows for curvature-continuous connections between surfaces, which is crucial for high-quality aesthetic designs. This feature works in conjunction with other advanced tools like G3 bridging curves and isoparametric curves, enabling the creation of complex surface models with precise control over surface transitions.2. How does Onshape integrate with AI and machine learning in product development?
Onshape is well-positioned to support AI integration and enable future AI-driven workflows. Its cloud-native architecture and APIs make it a popular choice for research and AI projects. The platform’s FeatureScript language allows users to create custom CAD features, which is particularly powerful for certain types of AI projects. This integration enables users to leverage AI technologies within their product development processes.3. What tools does Onshape offer for quality assurance and inspection processes?
Onshape provides several tools to streamline the quality assurance process. The Automatic Inspection Items feature automatically populates inspection tables as dimensions are added to drawings, maintaining dynamic links between dimensions and inspection items. This feature also allows for interactive highlighting and the export of data to CSV format, which integrates well with quality control systems and CMM machines.4. How does Onshape support educational institutions and students in learning CAD and engineering?
Onshape offers a dedicated Educator Plan that includes comprehensive tools for classroom management, assignment creation, and student progress tracking. This plan also includes Onshape simulation capabilities, allowing students to perform real-world engineering analysis. The cloud-based nature of Onshape ensures that students can access their work from any device, eliminating traditional software installation and compatibility issues.5. What is FeatureScript, and how does it benefit users?
FeatureScript is Onshape’s programming language that empowers users to create automation and custom features. Users can either utilize offerings from the Onshape community or craft their own custom features. This capability is incredibly powerful for certain types of AI projects and allows users to extend the functionality of Onshape according to their specific needs.6. How does Onshape ensure data consistency and accuracy across different teams?
Onshape implements a single source of truth (SSoT) practice, centralizing and managing data to ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability. This approach prevents multiple versions or conflicting data, which can lead to confusion, errors, and inefficiencies. Onshape’s built-in product data management (PDM) ensures all design data is managed from a sole, clear reference point.7. Can Onshape be accessed and used on various devices?
Yes, Onshape is cloud-native and can be accessed from any device, including Windows, Mac, Linux, tablets, and smartphones. This flexibility allows engineers to work on their models from any location, enhancing collaboration and accessibility.8. How does Onshape handle data security and cybersecurity?
Onshape implements robust data and cybersecurity policies, including third-party testing and a skilled security operations team. These measures are designed to safeguard intellectual property and swiftly address any emerging threats, ensuring the security of user data.9. What simulation capabilities does Onshape offer?
Onshape provides simulation tools that allow designers to analyze stress, deformation, and factors of safety for assemblies under static loads. This is done using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and cloud computing, without the need for specialized hardware. This feature is included at no additional cost and is particularly useful for real-world engineering analysis.10. How does Onshape facilitate collaboration and version control?
Onshape’s cloud-based platform allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document in real-time. The version tree feature keeps track of all iterations and changes, enabling users to access and revert to previous versions if needed. This ensures seamless collaboration and effective version control.