Behind the software sits an active community of SOLIDWORKS users. They share ideas, learn from each other, and improve how they work.

SOLIDWORKS User Groups play a central role in this network. They bring users together at a local level for networking and skill development. This July, that same community will travel across the UK on motorbikes for a series of events known as IronSWUG.

What are SOLIDWORKS User Groups?

SOLIDWORKS User Groups, often called SWUGs, are community‑led groups supported by SOLIDWORKS. Their purpose is to connect users through shared learning and open discussion.

Each group is run voluntarily by local members. Meetings provide a space to learn more about SOLIDWORKS through practical examples.

Users become highly skilled with the tools they use most often. This builds speed and confidence, but it can limit exposure to other methods that may be faster or easier. Seeing someone approach the same task with a different set of features can change how you work in a single session.

Groups operate at a local level and are organised by their members. Events range from workshops to speaker sessions, with a focus on collaboration and real use cases.

Examples of previous SWUG events include:

• Surface Modelling and Optimisation Workshop
• Client Project Demonstrations in SOLIDWORKS
• Exploring 3D Printing in a Product Lifecycle
• Celebrating 30 Years of SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS User Groups in the UK

There are five active SOLIDWORKS User Groups in the UK:

• Belfast SWUG
• Birmingham SWUG
• North East SWUG
• Northamptonshire SWUG
• London SWUG

Anyone with an interest in SOLIDWORKS can join. Visit the SWUG community site and select your local group: https://community.swugn.org

Once you join, you can take part in discussions, view upcoming events and RSVP to meetings. All events are free to attend.

IronSWUG 2026: A UK Roadshow on Motorbikes

In July 2026, the UK SWUG community will run IronSWUG, a four-day series of User Group events across the country.

The organisers will travel between each stop on motorbikes and host meetings at each location. The aim is to connect User Groups and bring more users into the community.

The roadshow is supported by long-standing members of the community, including Kirby Downey from 3DPRINTUK. Kirby has contributed to many SOLIDWORKS events and continues to support User Group activity across the UK.

More details, including the full route and updates, are available here: www.ironswug.com

Solid Solutions and the Leamington IronSWUG Event

SWUGs operate independently from SOLIDWORKS resellers. This keeps the focus on users and shared experience.

Solid Solutions champions the User Group network through event hosting and promotion. The sessions remain community-led.

On Wednesday 15th July, the Leamington Spa IronSWUG event will take place at the Solid Solutions head office. Anyone attending who rides is welcome to arrive by motorbike. There is no set route or organised ride.

The wider tour is supported by partners across the SOLIDWORKS community, including 3Dconnexion and DriveWorks. They will also host a stop on Tuesday 14th July.

Why Attend a SOLIDWORKS User Group?

User Groups provide a direct way to improve CAD skills through practical learning.

Attendees often gain:

• New modelling techniques
• Faster ways to complete common tasks
• A better understanding of tools they already use
• Contacts within the local engineering community

New users build confidence. Experienced users see different ways of working.

Get Involved with SWUG and IronSWUG

Anyone using SOLIDWORKS can take part.

You can start by joining a local group and attending a session.

Join your nearest SWUG: https://community.swugn.org

Follow the IronSWUG roadshow: www.ironswug.com

Register for the Leamington event: https://community.swugn.org/events/details/solidworks-northamptonshire-solidworks-user-group-presents-ironswugeuroswug-2026-leamington-spa-uk/