When comparing Sculptris vs SolidWorks, the Slant community recommends Sculptris for most people. In the question“What is the best 3D modeling software?” Sculptris is ranked 10th while SolidWorks is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose Sculptris is:
Sculptris is provided free of charge from Pixologic.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Free
Sculptris is provided free of charge from Pixologic.
Pro Sculpting allows for easier creative expression
Sculptris has great editing tools that allow designers to concentrate on sculpting and completely immerse themselves into making models, forgetting about all the complex methods modelers usually have to use in their daily business.
Pro Works on Lower-End Devices
Sculptris is essentially a lesser version of ZBrush that works on low-end PCs.
Pro Easy CAD model exchange
Because Solidworks is so used, most companies/universities/research institutes have at least some licenses for it, even if it's not their main CAD program. This facilitates exchanging CAD models in native formats between institutions.
Pro Advanced modelling
Solidworks is one of the most advanced, commercial CAD applications on the market today. For solid modeling, it uses a parametric and feature-based philosophy. Its operations library is enough to build the products/objects that most designers/engineers will ever need to model.
Cons
Con Small scope
Doesn't do much besides sculpting.
Con No Linux version
Only for Windows and Mac.
Con Limited sculpting toolset
Con Expensive for individuals and freelancers
Solidworks typical clients are big organizations, so buying licenses can be quite expensive for individuals. Usually they only sell them in packs and will only give quotations when requested directly.
Con Weak analysis modules
Solidworks has analysis modules ( structural, thermal, flow, ... ), but they are quite simplistic and their solving abilities aren't the best, so analysis results should be looked at with a critical eye. These modules should only be used for preliminary analysis.