Part Design
Onshape delivers collaborative parametric modeling methods for solid, surface, frame, and sheet metal part designs.
What is a parametric design?
Parametric design is a process that enables the expression of parameters and rule-defining relationships among design elements. It's widely used in engineering and design, allowing for the rapid generation and modification of complex geometries and structures. This design method hinges on the principle that changing a parameter updates the design automatically, thereby enhancing efficiency and versatility in the design process. This is taken a step further with the Onshape “Part Studio” approach, where part relationships can be made in a cohesive and flexible manner.
Key Features
Part Studio Benefits
Onshape's Part Studios environment enhances parametric design, enabling the creation and editing of parts, surfaces, and sketches. It simplifies early design stages by using a single parametric history for reliable part relationships, facilitating top-down design. Parts from Part Studios integrate seamlessly into assemblies, BOMs, Release Management, and more.
Custom Features
Speed up your design process with Custom Features in Onshape. Automate complex or repetitive tasks using features written in FeatureScript. Create your own or integrate others into your toolbar for team-wide use.
Robust Features
Onshape's robust parametric design features streamline your workflow by performing multiple operations in one, cutting down on feature count. Choose features for solid, surface, frame, sheet metal design, and more as your product comes to fruition. Then easily preview a change's impact on the model before committing.
Risk-Free Design
Onshape's built-in PDM enables collaborative Part Studio design in real-time, while branch and merge and the “infinite undo” abilities support risk-free experimentation. Only Onshape provides a genuine cloud-native experience for product development to ensure design optimization.
Mixed Modeling
Discover the versatility of Onshape's Mixed Modeling, a powerful tool blending parametric and direct modeling. Effortlessly switch between methods to suit your design needs, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Ideal for both precise, rule-based work, and quick intuitive modifications, Onshape's Mixed Modeling unifies your design process in a single environment. Perfect for engineers and designers seeking agile, adaptable modeling solutions.
Let’s Get Technical: Transitioning to Onshape from SOLIDWORKS
Answers to the 10 most common questions asked when transitioning to Onshape from SOLIDWORKS
Explore More
Kickstart your upcoming design project with our handpicked collection of Tech Tips and instructional videos, crafted by our very own experts.
Learn how easy Parts Design in Onshape can be
The Learning Center is the destination for anyone seeking comprehensive, interactive training, offering a blend of self-paced learning, instructor-led courses, and hands-on exercises to enhance your design skills.Got Questions?
For more answers or to ask a question yourself head over to the Onshape Forum.
Parts may be exported to standard formats like Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, STEP AP242, IGES, SOLIDWORKS, Collada, Rhino, JT, PVZ, and GLTF. In addition, OBJ and STL formats are available, but not recommended if further design work is required.
"Onshape’s FeatureScript is game-changing for us. This is something I've never seen in any other CAD system. Our software engineers can create our own custom CAD features that are unique and suited just for our applications."