SLUGME X and the Birth of “Frank” the Dinosaur

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SLUGME X: The Biggest SOLIDWORKS User Group Event Yet, and the Birth of “Frank” the Dinosaur

SOLIDWORKS Largest User Group Meeting Ever (SLUGME) just celebrated its 10th anniversary, and the team went bigger, bolder, and more creative than ever before. Known for combining engineering skill, community energy, and a touch of maker magic, SLUGME X delivered an unforgettable experience centered around an ambitious project: building a full-scale dinosaur, affectionately named Frank.

This milestone event brought together the global SOLIDWORKS community to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and creativity in design. From concept to construction, SLUGME X showcased what’s possible when passionate users, talented designers, and cutting-edge tools unite around a shared idea.

What Is SLUGME?

For the uninitiated, SLUGME stands for SOLIDWORKS Largest User Group Meeting Ever, a worldwide event that connects thousands of users through live broadcasts, hands-on builds, and community-driven design challenges. Hosted by community leaders Todd Blacksher, Eric Beatty, and Dan Wagner, the series celebrates how SOLIDWORKS users learn from each other, share best practices, and push the boundaries of design.

Over the years, SLUGME has evolved from virtual meetups into a full-scale production featuring physical builds, charitable projects, and incredible design reveals. SLUGME X marked a decade of creativity with its most ambitious project yet.

Meet “Frank”

This year’s theme revolved around creating something massive, memorable, and uniquely SOLIDWORKS: a life-size dinosaur built entirely using SOLIDWORKS, xShape, and xDesign on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Designers Jason Pohl and Gian Calise led the creative charge, taking viewers inside the design journey. From early sketches of alligator couches and dragon concepts to the final form of “Frank” that came to life through collaboration, 3D modeling, and serious engineering.

Using tools like 3D Lean for brainstorming, xShape for Sub-D modeling, and xDesign for assembly and structure, the team demonstrated how SOLIDWORKS tools seamlessly supported both creative design and technical precision. They didn’t stop at the screen either…real welding, 3D printing, and painting brought Frank into the physical world.

Collaboration Across the SOLIDWORKS Community

SLUGME X wasn’t just about the final build, it was about teamwork and community. Creators, engineers, and SOLIDWORKS Champions from across the world joined forces, including members from Our Next Make, 3DPRINTUK, and GoEngineer.

 

The entire event highlighted how collaboration, both virtual and hands-on, remains at the heart of the SOLIDWORKS community.

More Than Just a Show – A Movement

With over 13,000 users now connected through SWUGN.org, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re attending 3DEXPERIENCE World, joining a local user group, or exploring the Makers version of SOLIDWORKS, the SWUGN community welcomes anyone ready to build, learn, and share.

Ready to See Frank in Action?

You’ve read the story…now watch it come to life.
Join the SOLIDWORKS community and experience the energy, creativity, and sheer fun of SLUGME X.

🎥 Watch SLUGME X on YouTube now:

 

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.
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