Is your SOLIDWORKS Visualize render not realistic enough?

After weeks of design, engineering, and modeling in SOLIDWORKS Visualize, your project is finally ready to present. It is time to share and communicate your concept with others.

You import your model into SOLIDWORKS Visualize to generate attractive images, but the result lacks realism.

Why is your final render in Visualize not meeting expectations? This article explores common issues, practical solutions, and advanced techniques, including the use of PBR materials, to help you create photorealistic renders in SOLIDWORKS Visualize.

Factors That Can Undermine Realism in SOLIDWORKS Visualize

Several elements can affect the quality of your renders in SOLIDWORKS Visualize. Here are some of the most common:

Is your scene lighting underwhelming in SOLIDWORKS Visualize?

Lighting is a critical factor in SOLIDWORKS Visualize. Using the default lighting imported from SOLIDWORKS may limit your scene’s visual potential. Creating custom lighting directly in Visualize is often the better option, as it gives you greater control over shadows, diffusion, and reflections.

Is the model not detailed enough?

Some modeling features may not be necessary for manufacturing in SOLIDWORKS, but they can be essential for photorealistic rendering. Sharp edges, chamfers, and fine surface details can significantly enhance the visual richness once imported into Visualize.

Is your scene composition lacking?

Scene layout, camera angle, and framing have a major influence on the quality of your render. Use photography principles such as the rule of thirds and depth of field. Adjust your camera settings in SOLIDWORKS Visualize to enhance the visual impact.

PBR Materials: The Key to Realism in SOLIDWORKS Visualize

If your render still seems flat even after optimizing lighting, modeling, and composition, it is time to focus on materials.

Since 2024, SOLIDWORKS Visualize has supported PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials. These are widely used in professional rendering engines because of their ability to mimic realistic material behaviors.

Benefits of Using PBR Materials in SOLIDWORKS Visualize

• Flexible parameters: PBR materials make it easy to modify the appearance of a surface. You can switch from metal to plastic just by adjusting a few settings. Often, you can reuse textures to generate entirely different-looking materials.

• Consistent results: PBR materials provide dependable, realistic results across different lighting and environmental conditions. When configured properly, they behave accurately whether used in indoor or outdoor scenes with artificial or natural lighting.

• Standardized methods: You do not need to start from scratch. PBR materials follow standardized formats, making them compatible with many 3D software applications. Because they are widely adopted, it is easy to find textures that work with them.

As shown above, PBR materials allow you to generate all kinds of substances, such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, and more. There’s no need to constantly switch material types—just a few parameter changes are enough.

Materials vs. Textures: What’s the Difference?

New users of PBR materials often wonder why more than one texture is needed to create a single material. A photo of wood texture alone is not enough to tell rendering software how the material should behave.

For something as basic as a wood material, you will likely need at least two or three textures to achieve a realistic result. The good news is that you do not have to create these textures yourself. Many PBR texture packs are available online. These texture sets are designed to be layered over your model to produce the desired effect.

Often, texture packs include more textures than you will actually need in SOLIDWORKS Visualize. That is because each rendering engine may use a different number of texture maps to achieve the same result. In Visualize, you can often create realistic materials using just Diffuse and Roughness textures.

It is important to use stackable textures (from the same family or originating from the same substance) so that the different types of information they generate remain consistent with one another.

My PBR Materials Don’t Look Right…

Now that you are using PBR materials, how do you make sure they stand out? Sometimes the materials are correctly set up, but the lighting, model, or scene fails to showcase their strengths.

It is not enough to configure PBR materials properly. Your rendering environment also needs to support and highlight their details. This is where post-processing becomes essential.

Don’t Expect Final Results in the Viewport!

Do not worry if the real-time preview in the SOLIDWORKS Visualize viewport does not look perfect. Like all rendering engines, Visualize depends on post-processing software such as Photoshop or After Effects to enhance the final image.

In fact, it is normal and often necessary to use post-production tools to bring out the fine details in your render. Visualize cannot generate all the visual information in a single image.

Try Render Passes!

When rendering a scene, the goal is not to get the final result in the viewport. Instead, the objective is to load your scene with as much visual data as possible through materials, textures, lighting, and more.

All of this data cannot be shown effectively in a single image. This is why render passes exist.

This is not an issue unique to SOLIDWORKS Visualize. Most rendering engines cannot produce one image that contains everything you need. Render passes divide your render into multiple images, each representing a different visual component of the scene.

PBR materials become especially useful in this process, as they contain more embedded data. This extra information is saved in the render passes and can be layered in post-production software to fine-tune your image.

On the left, the raw render as produced in Visualize without using render passes. On the right, the same render, procedurally enhanced in Photoshop by applying the different layers generated by SOLIDWORKS Visualize.

Choose a Procedural Post-Production Workflow

Post-production software like Photoshop can be complex to learn. That’s why you should adopt a procedural workflow that relies not on your team’s artistic skills, but on predefined parameters.

When incorporating your render passes into your post-production software, avoid editing the image using brushes or other destructive methods. Instead, use layer blending and masks to follow a workflow that delivers consistent results. This approach is not only easy to adjust, but also easy to teach to the rest of your team.

There’s no need to draw, paint, or create special effects—your render layers already contain all the information you need to produce a final image that matches your vision (see image below).

It’s Now your Turn to Make Your SOLIDWORKS Visualize Renders Stand Out!

Your project deserves to shine in SOLIDWORKS Visualize. By applying modeling best practices, using the power of PBR materials, and enhancing your images through post-production, you are now equipped to create renders that effectively communicate your design vision.

With some experience, you will be able to showcase every visual detail and deliver final images that are clear, realistic, and impactful.

If you have more questions, our SOLIDWORKS Visualize experts are here to support you in optimizing your rendering process.

In today’s busy manufacturing world, getting custom products out fast and right is very important. Design automation can help you achieve this. It saves time, cuts down on mistakes, and lets engineers focus on more valuable tasks.

If you are new to automation or thinking about using it in your design process, this guide will help. It will cover the fundamentals and advantages of DriveWorks automation within SOLIDWORKS.

What is Design Automation?

Design automation is a method of automating repetitive design tasks in CAD systems. Rather than creating different models for a product by hand, automation lets you set up your designs using rules, logic, and specific inputs.

With DriveWorks, you can make SOLIDWORKS parts, assemblies, and drawings automatic. This leads to faster results, better consistency, and fewer delays.

Who Can Benefit from DriveWorks Automation?

If your team frequently:

• Makes custom adjustments to your product
• Re-designs similar SOLIDWORKS models with small changes.
• Has long wait times because of the engineering workload.

…then design automation is a great fit for you.

It is exceptionally useful for companies that delivers products that can be changed or set up differently to the needs of their clients. This includes products like conveyors, cabinets, doors, machinery, grain silos, staircases, truck trailers and more!

Why Design Automation Matters in Custom Manufacturing

In custom manufacturing, each project has its own unique requirements. Providing custom solutions can help you stand out from the competition. However, it also makes things harder. You may need more design hours. There is a higher risk of mistakes leading to deadlines not being met.

This is where design automation becomes essential.

• Consistency Without Compromise: Automation uses rules every time. This ensures that each version meets engineering standards and customer needs. It helps avoid mistakes and lowers the chance of expensive errors.
• Speed from Quote to Manufacturing: Automated design processes quickly reduce the time needed for tasks. What once took hours can now be done in minutes. This gives your customers quotes faster and shortens the time to market.
• Scaling Customization: You don’t have to manually manage every product version anymore. With automation, you can grow your offerings without adding extra work for engineers. This makes mass customization easy and profitable.
• Empowering Your Team: Engineers can focus on more important work, like product development and new ideas. At the same time, sales teams can create quotes and visuals using web-based configurators—integrated into your workflow and accessible to both engineers and sales for real-time collaboration.

What Can You Automate with DriveWorks?

With the right setup, you can automate:

• Dimensions and Geometry in 3D models
• Features, Instances and Property as metadata
• Drawings, including views, datacards, and BOMs, and notes.
• Documents like quotes, cover letters, datasheets, and emails
• Outputs such as DXFs, PDFs, and STL files

This means there will be less hands-on work, fewer mistakes, and more time saved in your organization.

How to Get Started

1. Find repetitive tasks: Look at where your team spends a lot of time on repetitive tasks in SOLIDWORKS.
2. Create rules and logic: Use DriveWorks to set up rules that explain how your designs should change based on input values.
3. Test and improve: Begin with a small pilot project and slowly grow your automation.
4. Grow and use: After testing, apply the automation to more product lines and connect it with quoting or CRM systems.

Why DriveWorks automation?

Design automation isn’t just about saving time. It’s about transforming the way your team works. Whether you’re automating a single product or building an entire online configurator, DriveWorks delivers more than just efficiency. It empowers smarter workflows, stronger collaboration, and scalable innovation across your business.

Here are three key reasons why DriveWorks stands out:

• Accelerate Design with Intelligent Automation: Say goodbye to repetitive tasks and hello to productivity. DriveWorks automates routine design processes which helps your team work faster, reduce manual errors, and focus on innovation.
• Seamless Integration for a Smarter Workflow: Connect your favorite tools and systems, integrating effortlessly with Solidworks and PDM. DriveWorks can also integrate with other key softwares such as CRM and ERP’s, creating a streamlined automation pipeline that boosts efficiency across your entire operation.
• Empower Collaboration Across Teams: Design thrives on collaboration, not isolation. DriveWorks fosters real-time collaboration between engineers, designers, and other departments such as sales and marketing. Share feedback, align goals, and keep projects moving forward—together.

At Solidxperts, we support companies of all sizes in harnessing these capabilities with DriveWorks, delivering smoother engineering, greater accuracy, and faster sales cycles.

DriveWorks Product Tiers: Xpress, Solo & Pro

DriveWorks has three types of design automation tools. Each one is designed for different needs and sizes of businesses. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best solution for you:

DriveWorksXpress:  Entry-Level Automation (Free)

• Comes with every SOLIDWORKS license
• Helps to automate parts and assemblies
• Perfect for automating tasks you do often
• Can be found in the SOLIDWORKS Tools menu
• A good starting point for small automation projects

DriveWorks Solo: Advanced Automation for Engineers

• Get a 30-day free trial
• It automates parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Direct control over file naming and storage placement.
• It creates drawings that are ready for production, along with BOMs and quote documents.
• A built-in form designer helps you make custom input forms.
• This is good for companies that want to improve their engineering efficiency.

DriveWorks Pro: Comprehensive Automation & CPQ Solution

• This system is modular and can grow to meet different business needs.
• It allows for complete SOLIDWORKS automation and online 3D configuration.
• It works well with CRM, ERP, and PDM systems.
• You can configure it online from any device.
• This solution is perfect for companies that want to link sales, engineering, and manufacturing processes.

Need Help?

Our certified DriveWorks experts at Solidxperts are here to assist you with your automation projects. We can help you with training, consultation, or complete implementation. Whatever you need, we are ready to support you.

Designing products in SOLIDWORKS is one of the first steps in an R&D process. However, how can you meet the requirements of various certification bodies? Depending on your field of activity, you may need to comply with standards such as:

• FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (Regulations on electronic records and electronic signatures)
• ISO 9001 (Quality management systems)
• ISO 13485 (Quality management in the medical device industry)

A common requirement among these standards is the availability of an audit trail. SOLIDWORKS PDM already provides a history of your CAD file evolution, but did you know that it also offers tools for generating reliable and increasingly advanced audit trails?

What are the Challenges Related to Audit Trail Production in a PDM System for Certification Compliance?

The following concerns and challenges arise when implementing a Product Data Management (PDM) system while ensuring the presence of audit trails. Taking the previously mentioned standards as examples:

1. Integrity and Security of Audit Trails

To begin with, preventing modification or deletion of logs is essential. Audit trails must be immutable and shielded from unauthorized changes. This is a core requirement of 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 9001/13485.

Moreover, access control and authentication are critical. Only authorized users should have access, and all actions must be timestamped.

2. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

Traceability of modifications and approvals: Any modification to a document must be recorded with user identity, date, and justification, as per the standards.

PDM system validation: The document management software must be validated to ensure the integrity and reliability of records (21 CFR Part 11).

Archiving and retention of audit trails: Documents and their history must be securely stored and accessible in case of an audit (ISO 13485, FDA).

3. Performance and Data Management

Log volume and performance impact: Continuous activity logging can slow down the system, requiring optimization solutions.

Interoperability with other systems: The PDM must be compatible with other software (ERP, MES, LIMS) while ensuring compliance with regulations.

4. User Training and Awareness

Misuse of functionalities: Lack of training can lead to errors in audit trail recording.

Adapting to regulatory constraints: Compliance processes can be seen as restrictive and may require change management efforts.

In summary, implementing audit trails in a PDM system that complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 requires rigorous access management, system validation, data security, and performance optimization. Striking a balance between regulatory compliance and usability is crucial to ensuring effective adoption by teams.

Audit Trails in SOLIDWORKS PDM

Document History

Each document has a history of its evolution. Recently, SOLIDWORKS PDM has recently added more details regarding document access, particularly check-out operations. Document approval details are also stored in this history and can be considered electronic signatures.

System History in SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration

To ensure the integrity of SOLIDWORKS PDM configurations, a system history log is available. This allows auditors to track system changes, with recorded dates and users responsible for modifications.

File Access in SOLIDWORKS PDM

One of the most critical audit trails for security is tracking who accessed specific documents and when. SOLIDWORKS PDM has recently added the capability to log all file access activities, consolidating all operations into a single audit file.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Access Logs

Recently added to SOLIDWORKS PDM audit trails is a log of user login and logout activities. These logs include user connections, workstation details, IP addresses, applications used, and even connections from external systems.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Server Activity Log

SOLIDWORKS PDM compiles archive server activities into a log file. If system errors occur, they are recorded in this log, making it an essential tool for error analysis and troubleshooting.

SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Log File

Each SOLIDWORKS PDM client collects information in a log file, recording communication errors, connections, and disconnections.

Key Takeaway: Audit Trails in SOLIDWORKS PDM as a Pillar of Regulatory Readiness

Audit trail management is a key factor in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485. SOLIDWORKS PDM provides a comprehensive set of tools to ensure data traceability, integrity, and security. With advanced features like document history, access logs, connection tracking, and server/client logs, transparency and regulatory compliance become easier to maintain.

By adopting these tools, companies can enhance quality control, streamline audits, and meet the strict requirements of certification bodies. However, to fully leverage these capabilities, access management must be optimized, systems must be validated, and users must be properly trained. By combining rigor, security, and efficiency, SOLIDWORKS PDM becomes a major asset for compliant and efficient engineering data management.

References

ISO 9001 – Retrieved from: https://www.iso.org/standard/62085.html

FDA 21 CFR Part 11 – Retrieved from: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-11

ISO 13485 – Retrieved from: https://www.iso.org/standard/59752.html

Have you been using SOLIDWORKS for years and want your skills to be recognized accordingly? Earning SOLIDWORKS certifications validates your expertise and can potentially open new career opportunities. Moreover, if you have a SOLIDWORKS license with an annual subscription, these certifications are free.

Why Obtain SOLIDWORKS Certifications?

As a recruiter within the team of SOLIDWORKS specialists at Solidxperts, I pay special attention to these qualifications when reviewing applications. Certified candidates are the first ones I contact when I have a position to fill. A few years ago, I received over 75 applications for a position, and my primary selection criterion was the CSWP certification. Standing out in the job market is just one benefit. Here are several other compelling reasons to pursue SOLIDWORKS certification:

• Professional recognition: They are highly respected in the industry and provide tangible proof of your skills.
• Skills validation: They confirm your mastery of SOLIDWORKS, a valuable asset for reassuring potential employers.
• Increased visibility: Displaying your credentials on your LinkedIn profile enhances your chances of being noticed by recruiters.
• Access to more qualified positions: Some companies require specific certifications for advanced roles.
• Proof of professional commitment: Obtaining certification demonstrates your willingness to improve and keep up with evolving technologies.

How to Obtain Your Certification for Free

Before diving into how to prepare, it’s worth knowing that certification exams are free if you have an active SOLIDWORKS subscription. Visit SOLIDWORKS Certification Subscription Services Offer for more info on eligibility and sign-up steps.

Skills Assessed in SOLIDWORKS Certifications

SOLIDWORKS certification exams are known to assess several key skills, including:

• Complex part and assembly design: Advanced use of 3D modeling tools.
• Configuration management: Creating and managing design variations within a single file.
• Stress analysis: Using simulation tools to evaluate design performance.
• Advanced feature utilization: Mastery of sheet metal, surfacing, and mold tools.
• Creating detailed drawings: Producing precise technical drawings with annotations and tolerances.

All certifications assess different skills. The CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional) is one of the most recognized certifications. It demonstrates your ability to model complex parts and effectively assemble your designs. For practice, you can refer to this resource: CSWP Sample Exam.

As for the CSWE (Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert) is intended for seasoned users aiming for the highest level of SOLIDWORKS distinction. It represents advanced mastery and can even justify a salary increase. Learn more here: CSWE Certification Details.

In addition to CSWP and CSWE, several advanced certifications are available to further specialize your skills:

• CSWPA-SU (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Surfacing)
• CSWPA-WD (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Weldments)
• CSWPA-SM (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Sheet Metal)
• CSWPA-DT (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Drawing Tools)
• CSWPA-MT (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Mold Tools)
• CSWPA-EP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional – Electrical Professional)

These certifications allow you to deepen your skills in specific areas and strengthen your technical expertise.

Tips for Succeeding in SOLIDWORKS Exams

To maximize your chances of success in SOLIDWORKS certification exams, here are some practical tips:

• Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with the SOLIDWORKS interface and practice solving complex problems.
• Use official resources: Study guides and sample exams provided by SOLIDWORKS are invaluable for understanding the question format.
• Manage your time effectively: During the exam, start with the questions you are most confident in to save time.
• Master keyboard shortcuts: They can improve your speed and efficiency during modeling.
• Focus on key features: Exams often focus on essential skills such as sketches, assemblies, and drawings.

Recommended Learning Resources

To effectively prepare for SOLIDWORKS certifications, several resources are available:

• Official video tutorials: SOLIDWORKS offers detailed videos explaining key concepts and advanced techniques.
• Official study guides: These documents detail exam topics and provide practical exercises.
• Online forums and communities: Engaging with other candidates or certified professionals can offer valuable tips and insights.
• Training platforms: Sites like MySolidWorks offer online courses specifically designed for certification preparation.

Steps to Add a Credly Badge to Your LinkedIn Profile

By successfully completing a SOLIDWORKS certification, you can obtain a digital badge via the Credly platform. This badge provides a verifiable and shareable proof of your skills, which you can easily integrate into your LinkedIn profile, online resume, or email signatures. It enables recruiters and employers to quickly validate your skills and enhances your professional visibility. Note that the training you complete with Solidxperts will also grant you a Credly badge that you can display.

Learn more on our website: Solidxperts Credly Badges.

An Investment of Time, but a Worthwhile One 

Adding SOLIDWORKS certifications to your resume and LinkedIn profile is a strategic investment for your career. These credentials enhance your professional credibility, validate your technical skills, and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters. If you have an annual subscription, don’t miss the chance to earn these valuable certifications for free. Reach out to Solidxperts today to start your preparation.

Certification Preparation with Solidxperts

To maximize your chances of success, Solidxperts offers training tailored to your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, these courses will help you strengthen your knowledge and effectively prepare for certification exams. Our trainers have earned these qualifications themselves and are well-equipped to guide you to success. Explore the available course plans on Solidxperts Training page or simply contact us to plan customized training to suit your needs.