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 are MMKS.
Changing Units
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Units can be changed from the bottom right of the screen, when a file is open.
If the desired unit format is not available here, a custom format can be defined in the document properties tab of the system options. In “Units” section, choose “Custom” to define the units to be used. The units for each of the types, underlined in orange, need to be set.
To avoid setting the units for every file, save the blank part/assembly/drawing file as a template.
Saving Templates
Save the file using “Save As”, and give the template an identifiable name: Part-mm, Assembly-mm and Drawing-mm will be used. Select the appropriate file type .prtdot (part) and .asmdot (assembly) and .drwdot (drawing) for the templates. Save the file to the location specified in “File Locations” – “Document Templates” in the system options.
Once complete, close the template files. Launching a new file will now show the updated templates in the list of options.
Mastering the Unit System in SolidWorks: The Key to Accurate 3D Design
SolidWorks is a widely used 3D CAD software that is used in various industries, such as engineering, product design, and manufacturing. One of the fundamental aspects of working with SolidWorks is understanding the unit system used by the software. The unit system determines the scale and accuracy of the models that are created, and selecting the right units is crucial for ensuring that the designs are accurate and compatible with other software and equipment.
SolidWorks uses the International System of Units (SI) as its default unit system. The SI system is a standardized system of measurements used globally, and it is based on seven base units: meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela. The user can select the desired unit system from the Options dialog box, which can be accessed by clicking on the Tools menu, then selecting Options. The units can be set for length, mass, time, temperature, and other quantities, and can be displayed in a variety of formats, such as decimal inches, fractions, millimeters, or centimeters.
Using the correct unit system is essential to ensure the accuracy of the model. For example, if a designer creates a part in inches, but the manufacturer requires millimeters, the resulting product may not fit together properly. Similarly, if a designer creates a model in meters, but the intended application uses centimeters, the resulting product may be too small or too large. Thus, it is critical to understand the desired unit system of the final product or application before starting to design.
SolidWorks also allows the user to create custom unit systems, which can be useful for working with specialized equipment or applications that require non-standard units of measurement. The user can create a new custom unit system by selecting the “Custom” option in the Units section of the Options dialog box. However, it is important to note that using custom units can make it more difficult to share models and drawings with others, as they may not be familiar with the custom units.
In conclusion, understanding the unit system used in SolidWorks is crucial for creating accurate and functional 3D models. The user must select the right units and ensure they match the final product’s desired unit system. Additionally, it is important to avoid using custom units unless necessary, as they can lead to confusion and compatibility issues. By selecting the appropriate unit system and using it consistently, designers and engineers can create precise and reliable models that meet their intended purpose.
Understanding MKS, CGS, MMGS, and IPS in SolidWorks: A Comparison
SolidWorks provides several unit systems to allow users to work with measurements that are appropriate for their particular application. The unit systems in SolidWorks include MKS, CGS, MMGS, and IPS.
- MKS (meter-kilogram-second) is the default unit system in SolidWorks. It is based on the International System of Units (SI), and it uses meters for length, kilograms for mass, and seconds for time. Other quantities, such as force, pressure, and energy, are derived from these base units. The MKS system is commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, where accuracy and precision are important.
- CGS (centimeter-gram-second) is another system of units used in SolidWorks. It is based on the same principles as the MKS system, but uses centimeters for length and grams for mass, instead of meters and kilograms. The CGS system is commonly used in fields such as electromagnetism and optics, where the smaller units are more convenient to work with.
- MMGS (millimeter-gram-second) is a system of units used in SolidWorks that is similar to the CGS system but uses millimeters for length instead of centimeters. It is often used in precision manufacturing applications, where measurements need to be extremely accurate.
- IPS (inch-pound-second) is a system of units used in the United States and other countries that use the imperial system. It uses inches for length, pounds for mass, and seconds for time. The IPS system is commonly used in industries such as construction, architecture, and manufacturing in countries that do not use the metric system.
When working in SolidWorks, it is important to select the appropriate unit system for the application, as this can affect the accuracy and compatibility of the designs. It is also important to be consistent with the unit system throughout the design process, to avoid errors and confusion. SolidWorks also provides the option to create custom unit systems, which can be useful for specialized applications or equipment. However, it is important to use these custom units judiciously, as they can create compatibility issues when sharing designs with others who are not familiar with the custom units.
The Benefits of Using Templates for Setting the Unit System in SolidWorks
Using templates when setting the unit system in SolidWorks can help streamline the design process and ensure consistency in the design models. Templates are pre-defined settings that can be used as a starting point for new designs, and they can include various design elements such as custom properties, part and assembly features, and title blocks.
When creating a new design in SolidWorks, the user can select a template that has been pre-configured to use a specific unit system. This can save time and effort, as the user does not have to manually adjust the unit system settings each time a new design is created. Additionally, using a template with pre-defined settings can help ensure consistency and accuracy in the design models, as all parts and assemblies will be based on the same unit system.
Templates can also be customized to include specific design elements, such as custom properties and part features, that are relevant to the user’s particular application. For example, a template can include custom properties such as material, weight, and manufacturer, which can help streamline the design process and improve the accuracy of the design models.
In summary, using templates when setting the unit system in SolidWorks can help simplify the design process, ensure consistency in the design models, and improve the accuracy of the final product. Templates provide a pre-configured starting point for new designs, and they can be customized to include specific design elements that are relevant to the user’s application.
