SOLIDWORKS Link Module

Bidirectional Connectivity

Unlike a data exchange module, the SOLIDWORKS Link Module establishes a bidirectional connection between SOLIDWORKS and LightTools. You can update sketches and features in the SOLIDWORKS model from LightTools, see changes made in SOLIDWORKS to linked parts and assemblies from LightTools, and establish optical properties that are persistently defined in LightTools throughout the process. You can also automatically refine SOLIDWORKS geometry using the LightTools Optimization Module. 

Unique Features

• Optimized algorithms for faster simulation speeds

• Configuration features that allow you to capture an entire product design family within a single LightTools model and compare different product configurations

• Ability to create custom library items with properties and materials specific to CAD designs

• LightTools light sources, optical properties, and other material surfaces improve accuracy and design flexibility

• Modeling of LED phosphors and birefringent components with full polarization analysis and color output optimization

Streamlined Workflow and Design Accuracy

Powerful LightTools algorithms and improved data sharing with SOLIDWORKS create a dynamic duo of improved workflow and design accuracy.

With the SOLIDWORKS Link Module, you bring the CAD geometry into the model and set up its optical properties in LightTools once. Then, you can push one button to bring any subsequent updates from SOLIDWORKS into LightTools. LightTools automatically assigns the same optical properties to updated geometry that you defined for the original geometry, and the system is ready for analysis.

Alternatively, you can initiate changes to the SOLIDWORKS model from LightTools. The SOLIDWORKS feature-tree hierarchy is visible in the LightTools System Navigator, which allows you to update any driving numeric parameter (i.e., dimension or feature parameter) in the linked SOLIDWORKS model from the LightTools user interface. As with any other geometric entity in LightTools, you can also select SOLIDWORKS geometry to perform Boolean operations to create more complex geometry. This is especially useful if you need to use optical surface definitions, such as a polynomial asphere.

By combining the power of the SOLIDWORKS geometric modeler with the optical capabilities of LightTools, the SOLIDWORKS Link Module enables you to design, analyze, and optimize a complete optical system in one software package.