California Polytechnic State University Selects SolidWorks and COSMOS As Its Primary 3D Modeling...

Business Editors

CONCORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 29, 2003

Engineering students use 200 licenses of 3D mechanical design and

finite element analysis software to learn fundamentals of drafting

and advanced design

California Polytechnic State

University, San Luis Obispo, (Cal Poly) is using 200 licenses of SolidWorks(R), COSMOSWorks(TM), and COSMOSMotion(TM) to teach 3D mechanical design and analysis to its engineering students, SolidWorks Corporation announced today. Students will use the software to develop their design abilities by creating simple parts and will perfect these skills with advanced projects, such as building a hybrid power system for a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle.

Cal Poly, ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report's top public, undergraduate universities for its mechanical, aerospace, industrial, manufacturing, computer, electrical, and civil engineering programs, has purchased 100 licenses of SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software, 50 licenses of COSMOSWorks finite element analysis software and 50 licenses of COSMOSMotion analysis software. Students in the college's mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, bio research and agricultural enginering departments will use the software. The department chose SolidWorks because its short learning curve simplifies production of working drawings, which frees students to concentrate on the fundamentals of drafting rather than on learning the software. Because 3D solid modeling is becoming the standard in the professional engineering community, Cal Poly selected SolidWorks, the industry-leading 3D solid modeling software.

SolidWorks and COSMOS will be fundamental components of the mechanical engineering department's mandatory drafting course, taken by 200-300 freshmen every year. Upper-level students will use the software on their senior projects, such as creating gas-electric hybrid power train for the Ford Explorer. The Explorer project is funded by the Ford Motor Company, one of several corporations that fund research at Cal Poly.

Before adopting SolidWorks, Cal Poly taught drafting with 2D software tools that needed more steps to perform tasks SolidWorks does automatically, said Cal Poly engineering instructor Roger Ludin, who teaches the drafting sequence.

"We want our students to learn the fundamentals of drafting without spending a lot of time learning the software. SolidWorks has a short learning curve and automates tasks that have to be done manually in other applications, so students can start working on their skills immediately. For example, tools with ribbed cast pieces were very hard to design in 2D because the students have to do so many cross-sections to represent the shape. SolidWorks automatically cross-sections the 3D design in detail. Students don't have to do the cross sections manually, which leaves more time to study the skills that go into drawing the tool," Ludin said.

"Cal Poly recognizes that its reputation as a leading and progressive engineering school is based on its ability to offer students a rich learning experience that includes industry-standard software for 3D solid modeling," said Rosanne Kramer, director of worldwide education markets for SolidWorks Corporation. "SolidWorks and COSMOS products have a broad presence in industry and education, and provide students with tools for real world design and analysis. We are delighted to welcome Cal Poly into the worldwide community of top-notch engineering schools that are teaching with SolidWorks."

Cal Poly is working with SolidWorks' reseller CAD Graphics West Inc. for ongoing software implementation, training, and support.

About CAD Graphics West

Founded in 1992, CAD Graphics West, Inc. (www.cadgraphicswest.com) is a leading regional reseller of CAD/CAE/PDM software, training, consulting, and support. CAD Graphics West provides complete start to finish design and manufacturing solutions by offering SolidWorks and CAMWorks software. The company supports a broad range of SolidWorks add-on products including COSMOSWorks, PDMWorks, CAMWorks, and Dimension 3D printers.

About California Polytechnic State University

California Polytechnic State University, one of 23 California state universities, is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive institution that emphasizes a "learn by doing" educational experience for its more than 18,000 students. The university is located on a 6,000-acre campus in the foothills of San Luis Obispo. For more information visit the university's Web site at www.calpoly.edu.

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. Founded in 1993, SolidWorks' mission is to unleash the power of 3D for everyone in product development and foster a collaborative user community. In seven years of delivering product, SolidWorks has shipped more than 268,000 total seats of software worldwide. SolidWorks has offices around the globe and sells, distributes, and supports its products through a worldwide reseller network. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.COSMOSWorks and COSMOSMotion are trademarks of Structural Research and Analysis Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2003 SolidWorks Corporation.