Product Design with Cloud Based and Desktop CAD software : A comparison between SolidWorks and Onshape

As mechanical computer-aided design (CAD) software keeps growing, which results in the broad influence of additive manufacturing in various industries. This phenomenon has changed the traditional methods of prototyping and production. As a result, mechanical CAD software takes an important role in product design. Even though desktop CAD software is improving and developing throughout the years, designers and design engineers are facing numerous challenges such as the conflict in versions, costs in hardware and license. The availability of cloud-based CAD software, offers a solution to its users, a service that requires no software installation, no conflict in versions and license. However, the ability of cloud-based CAD software is still in question, whether cloud-based CAD software can fully replace traditional desktop CAD software or just a supplementary tool. Thus, this thesis studies two parametric modeling software: SolidWorks (desktop CAD software) and Onshape (cloud-based CAD software). To examine the performance of each software, the author will employ both software to create an identical model where the strengths and weaknesses in the features and functions of respective software shall be revealed. Moreover, the author processes these models to a 3D printer to evaluate the final products from each software. In order to have a rational judgment, the author employs two analysis methods, SWOT analysis and the AHP model to analyze which software is more suitable for designers and design engineers. This thesis work is a case study on two prominent software, from the product design perspective to prototyping final products; it also demonstrates many factors that one need to take into consideration in order to find the most suitable software for their design goal