Articles containing information about SolidWorks software for 3D cad design and drawing creation. You will find here practical tutorials which you can apply in your professional work when designing mechanical parts and assemblies.
If the default templates provided by SolidWorks don’t use the desired units, create new ones. The process of changing units is the same for all template types. This tutorial will explain how to change the units of a template and how to save them. Below are the default templates provided by SolidWorks, neither of which …
Projected geometry is useful when designing, it can be used at the part level or in an assembly. Projected geometry is created using the “Convert Entities” feature in the sketch tab. This tool creates references to existing geometry (edges, faces, sketch entities) for use in a new sketch. It can be used in both 2D …
IGES is another translation file format, the acronym is Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. Parts/Assemblies, saved into this format, can be opened by SolidWorks or another CAD application. Entities The result of the import is dependent on what exists in the model. Where possible SolidWorks will form solids, if there are gaps it may use surfaces …
The method used, to fill out a title block, depends on the attributes used in the sheet format. It will also depend whether assemblies and their parts are contained in a single file. Some properties may be controlled though SolidWorks PDM. $PRPSHEET Values linked with ‘ $PRPSHEET:”Custom property name” ‘ format, are linked to the …
The use of reference geometry is common when designing in SolidWorks. Expanding the “Reference Geometry” drop down, from the CommandManager, will show the following options: Plane, Axis, Coordinate System, and Point. This tutorial will cover the creating of reference planes. Creating Planes To define a plane one of the following are required: An plane and …
In a previous tutorial the options for importing STEP files were explained. This tutorial will cover the import process, and the use of FeatureWorks to recognize features. Download 6039K14, a support rail for a 3/4″ shaft, from www.mcmaster.com to follow along. Select the 3-D STEP as the file type. After opening the file, SolidWorks will …
There are a number of CAD programs available: SolidWorks, Catia, Autodesk Inventor and Siemens NX are a few that come to mind. Not all companies use the same CAD programs, to facilitate importing parts translation formats have been created. This tutorial will cover opening .stp/.step files. STEP stands for “Standard for the Exchange of Product …
SolidWorks offers two methods for breaking sharp corners; this is done with Fillet or Chamfer. This tutorial will cover the use of chamfers and dimensioning them in drawings. In a Sketch To create a chamfer in a sketch, expand the “Sketch Fillet” drop down and select “Sketch Chamfer”. Use angle-distance to specify both an angle …
As is usually the case, there are often multiple ways to achieve the same result in SolidWorks. Dome is a time saving feature, allowing for domes to be created without the need for a sketch or revolve. Domes can be concave or convex, and they can be applied to various surfaces. This tutorial will cover …
Decals can be used to change the appearance of a feature using an image. They are useful for placing logos or warning signs on equipment. There is no geometry associated with the decal, they are purely cosmetic. This tutorial will explore adding decals to a SolidWorks model. Placing a Decal To add a decal to …
