Best Optical Design Software for SOLIDWORKS

RayViz is an add-in for SOLIDWORKS created by Lambda Research Corporation that allows users to integrate and save optical properties seamlessly within the SOLIDWORKS CAD interface. This feature enables users to assign optical traits from the TracePro property database, ensuring that these properties are embedded within the SOLIDWORKS model itself. Users have the capability to define light sources and execute ray tracing directly in SOLIDWORKS, which aids in visualizing light rays and their trajectories, thereby supporting tasks like verifying beam paths, spotting vignetting caused by mechanical elements, and detecting light leakage in light guides. Additionally, RayViz comes equipped with catalogs of LED sources and those featuring Gaussian and Lambertian beam profiles. A notable benefit of using RayViz is its functionality to save SOLIDWORKS models in the TracePro file format, which allows for thorough optical analysis within TracePro. Moreover, should any changes be made to the SOLIDWORKS model, users can easily synchronize these updates using the "update from RayViz" feature in TracePro, enhancing workflow efficiency. This integration ultimately streamlines the design process for optical engineers by combining powerful tools in a unified platform.

BeamWise comprises a suite of software applications and services tailored for the development of biophotonic and intricate optical systems. Built on the Design++ knowledge-based engineering platform, it effectively captures and utilizes internal engineering knowledge while facilitating the integration of existing systems into automated design and product configuration processes. By bridging the gap between optical and mechanical domains, BeamWise enhances CAD software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks with design guidelines and a comprehensive component library, ensuring consistent beam alignment as design modifications occur throughout the system. This automation solution tackles major issues in optical system development, such as expensive prototype revisions, labor-intensive design documentation, and unpredictable instrument performance, by automating the generation of 3D CAD models and comprehensive design documentation, which includes drawings and parts listings. Ultimately, BeamWise empowers engineers to innovate more efficiently and accurately in the complex realm of optical system design.