DesignModeler (or DM as the cool kids call it) does everything except create detailed drawings. This is the default CAD creation/manipulation/repair module within ANSYS Workbench (requires additional license). I’ve seen this used heavily in board and package level semiconductor analyses for creating BGAs and all the other small parts that need to be considered. The nice thing about it is that you can harness APDL to create batch jobs. It’s good at doing basic modifications (surface imprints, solid gluing, surface stitching) but not much else. If you’re using this for serious CAD work, you have way too much time on your hands.

The very first one is /prep7, available within ANSYS MAPDL. In case you’re keeping count, SpaceClaim brings the total number of geometry processing modules ANSYS offers up to 3: It’s a nice combination of a slick CAD tool for use in a high-powered FEA program. and can operate either as a stand-alone application or integrated into the Workbench environment. ANSYS SpaceClaim Direct Modeler is a slightly modified version of the CAD package SpaceClaim (from the SpaceClaim Corporation).

update presentations may have seen mention of a new product called ANSYS SpaceClaim Direct Modeler.

Ansys spaceclaim vs solidworks