In SOLIDWORKS we create our own templates to use as the basis for new parts, drawings, and assembly documents.
For Example, I want to create a template in which my Default Material Is “AISI 1020 Steel” In units of Inch.
To create a template:
Go To .
now Click type of template that you want to create: Part, Assembly, or Drawing.
In the graphics area, The FeatureManager design tree Select Material & Unit We Can Also Select items such as sketches, notes, and features.
Click .
Select a template type for Save as type:
- Part Templates (*.prtdot)
- Assembly Templates (*.asmdot)
- Drawing Templates (*.drwdot)
Click Save.
Now new SolidWorks templates Will Show In Start
Why you should create new SolidWoks Templates?
Contents
Using templates in SolidWorks is an essential step in streamlining your design process and ensuring consistency in your designs. Templates provide a pre-designed framework that can be used as a starting point for new designs, saving you a significant amount of time and effort.
Not only do templates help save time, but they also ensure that all of your designs have a standardized framework and appearance, which is crucial for large projects with multiple designers or when creating designs for a company or organization. By using a consistent template, you can make it easier to manage and organize your files.
Moreover, templates can help reduce errors in your designs. It’s easy to overlook important design elements or make mistakes when starting from scratch. However, when using a template, crucial design features are already included, reducing the risk of errors.
In conclusion, creating custom templates in SolidWorks is an excellent way to streamline your workflow, ensure consistency, and reduce errors in your designs. By taking advantage of this feature, you can improve the quality of your designs and make your design process more efficient.
Important properties to consider setting in the template
When setting properties for a SolidWorks template, there are several important ones to consider. Here is some guidance on which properties to set and why they are important:
- Units: The units used in your design are crucial to ensure that your parts and assemblies are created with the correct dimensions. It’s essential to set the units to the correct value before creating any geometry.
- Materials: The material used in a part can have a significant impact on its performance and behavior. By setting the material property in your template, you can ensure that all new parts have the appropriate material applied from the start.
- Appearance: The appearance of a part or assembly is an important consideration for the final design. By setting the appearance in your template, you can ensure that all new parts and assemblies have a consistent look and feel.
- Custom Properties: Custom properties allow you to add specific information to your parts or assemblies. This information can be useful for tracking and organization purposes, as well as for creating custom bills of materials.
- Document Properties: Document properties include a wide range of settings, such as the default plane orientation, grid settings, and lighting options. By setting these properties in your template, you can ensure a consistent design experience across all parts and assemblies.
In summary, when setting properties for your SolidWorks template, it’s important to consider the units, materials, appearance, custom properties, and document properties. By setting these properties, you can ensure that all new designs have a consistent look and feel, are created with the correct dimensions, and include all the necessary information for tracking and organization purposes.
Tips and Best Practices
Here are some best practices for setting document properties in SolidWorks:
- Review default settings: SolidWorks comes with default settings for document properties, and it’s essential to review these settings to ensure they match your design requirements. By doing so, you can save time and avoid errors in the design process.
- Set document properties before designing: It’s best to set the document properties before creating any geometry in your design. This ensures that all new parts and assemblies are created with the correct properties and dimensions.
- Save document properties in the template: Once you have set the document properties for your design, save them in your SolidWorks template. This will ensure that all new designs created from that template use the same properties and settings.
- Use appropriate units: It’s crucial to use the correct units in your design to ensure that the dimensions of your parts and assemblies are accurate. Use the units that are commonly used in your field, and ensure that they are consistent across all designs.
- Be consistent: When setting document properties, ensure that you are consistent across all parts and assemblies in your design. This will make it easier to manage and organize your files and avoid confusion.
- Update document properties as needed: Document properties may need to be updated as your design evolves. Ensure that you regularly review and update the properties as needed to ensure that they reflect the current design requirements.
In summary, to set document properties in SolidWorks, it’s best to review default settings, set properties before designing, save them in the template, use appropriate units, be consistent, and update properties as needed. By following these best practices, you can ensure a consistent design process and reduce errors in your designs.
