Apple’s Boot Camp was the first supported option allowing Mac users to run Windows on Macs, and if you need to get the absolute maximum speed out of your Mac hardware while running Windows, Boot.
First, I’ll admit Mac users have engineering software such as Matlab, Labview and AutoCAD. For 3D design and analysis in OSX there are few software platforms that are considered powerful CAD programs. Available CAD platforms are Sketchup, Maya, TinkerCAD but why not Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, Parametric Creo, NX, ANSYS or even NASTRAN?
Apple BootCamp provides Windows capabilities
Since 2006, Mac users have been able to install Windows to a second partition or hard drive. The only prerequisite is installing BootCamp and having an Intel processor. This development has had both positive and negative effects on engineering software becoming native to the Mac platform. It has enabled anyone with Apple hardware to install CAD software for design and analysis. This in turn has provided software companies with a financial incentive to develop high-end programs for the Apple platform.
Delivering on CAD promises
In 2010, Solidworks CEO Jeff Ray told the world Mac users would be getting Solidworks. It’s been 6 years Jeff, where is it? To answer this question, a reason could be that former executives raised enough capital to develop OnShape. A cloud computing CAD platform that runs natively on any Mac. One advantage of OnShape is that it allows both PC and Mac users to design and analyse cooperatively in real time. While this is advantageous to corporations and educational environments, cloud platforms are a drawback to users who prefer standalone installations.
Many people think that Mac computers are only useful for graphic design. The truth is Mac computers can also be used to develop products in engineering. Most, if not all of the programs required for use during your time as an engineering major are compatible with the Mac OS, and if they aren’t you can always create a Windows partition. Software engineering free download - Engineering Power Tools, Engineering Suite, RPN Engineering Calculator, and many more programs. Sep 10, 2016 I have done prior research on Mac vs Windows for engineering, and although some say that it's a no brainer to choose a windows laptop due to software compatibility, most suggest that macs are capable of running the required programs with ease.
A second argument he presented was, “…we have to be every bit as committed to that platform as we have been to Windows. Given the hundreds of developers we have working on Windows we can’t just go to them and say, ‘Starting tomorrow, you’ll start working on Mac.’”. He is correct in the sense that Solidworks would have to be every bit as committed but suggesting he would use the same developers for both Windows and Mac is completely inaccurate and unrealistic. Statements like this suggest there may be other reasons behind what is to all intents and purposes a commercial decision.
Is it all about the money?
Jeff Ray’s statements could be interpreted as a financial decision. We all appreciate that an immense amount of resources would be needed to develop engineering software for a new platform. Dedicating the required assets may not create the desired returns demanded by shareholders and boards of directors of today. However, if companies are unwilling to take a chance on new and potentially lucrative markets, where will tomorrow’s growth come from? What happened to innovation, companies willing to take a risk to stand out from the rest?
Future Engineering Software
The future of CAD design for most companies appears to be moving towards the cloud. Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk have already implemented versions of Solidworks and Inventor for cloud CAD development. A key advantage is both PC and Mac designers using the same CAD software, regardless of platform, which would simplify installation to licensing maintenance. OnShape recently conducted a study asking professional CAD designers what their biggest complaints were when working on large products. The top complaints were using different versions of software, licensing fees and loss of data. It’s beginning to make sense why so many companies are pushing the cloud platform.
Mac software for the near future
Mac users would be ecstatic if given the option to install standalone software packages such as SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor. Unfortunately at the moment it appears more beneficial for companies to move towards cloud CAD platforms to control costs and maximise exposure. Cloud platforms will make it easier for companies to produce and maintain high quality software. This would also make it more financially feasible to release regular updates in the future.
As of 2016, users willing to convert to cloud computing will have their desires met. However, Mac users who are waiting for companies to develop natively for Apple platforms could be waiting for some time with no guarantee of change in the foreseeable future. Is there a potentially enormous market awaiting any company willing to take a chance on fulfilling this appetite on Apple platforms? Are there any companies out there who are brave enough to take a short-term hit for potentially huge long-term income streams?
When talking about engineering software, PC has been dominant for many years as most software only run on Windows system. But what about Mac users? There has been a rising obsession with Apple products, and the trend seems to be continuing. In the workforce, despite PC’s incumbent dominance, more and more people are choosing Mac over PC.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between engineering and Mac. Today let’s take a look at the top 5 engineering software which work on Mac:
1. SketchUp Pro
Formally known as Google Sketchup, Sketchup Pro is a 3D modelling software that has a wide range of applications, including civil and mechanical engineering. SketchUp prides itself to be a very easy-to-use CAD software that can be used from early stages of design to the end of construction. It works on both Windows and Mac OS, and the intuitive interface has drawn a big community around it. Currently only license purchase is available for the Pro version.
2. AutoCAD
As a software giant in the engineering world, Autodesk makes software across the manufacturing, architecture, building, and construction industries. After many years focusing only on Windows development, it has recently caught up with the Mac development. Among all Mac-compatible products, AutoCAD is the most popular one. Software is purchased with yearly subscription.
3. SkyCiv
SkyCiv is a leading structural engineering software that provides a full-suite structural design and analysis software. As it’s fully cloud-based thus can work on any devices (fully compatible with Mac). The software covers all kinds of needs in structural engineering, from structural analysis, integrated design checks, 3D rendering, to section builder etc. Payment is flexible with both monthly and yearly subscription available.
4. OnShape
Challenging SolidWorks, OnShape is a fast-growing modern CAD system. It aims to solve the disconnection between the modelling tools and design data which slows down engineers’ work. As it’s also a cloud-based software, it works seamlessly with the Mac platform. Currently only yearly subscription is available.
5. SimScale
As a full-cloud engineering software, SimScale allows users to test, validate, and optimize their designs through Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Thermal Analysis via a web browser. As there’s nothing to download, it works perfectly with Mac OS platform. It has three tiers of pricing that includes Community, Professional, and Enterprise.
Technology makes engineers life easier
For a very long time, engineers with a Mac computer have been frustrated with the incompatible issue of most engineering software with OS system. With the advancement of secured cloud technology, it’s now possible to do design, analysis and simulations on Mac, directly via your browser!
Mac Or Windows For Software Engineering Free
Zoe Liang
Marketing Manager
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Marketing Manager