SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) system that uses parameters such as dimensions and relationships to create and control the geometry of the modeled part. When modeling in SolidWorks, you can use SolidWorks equations to develop mathematical relationships between model dimensions or other model properties. Dimension names and other property names are used as variables in equations. Mathematical functions can build mathematical relationships between variables and two or more dimensions in sketches, parts, and assemblies. Equation capabilities in SolidWorks allow you to fully define your sketch and model geometry and establish relationships and constraints. It is essential to learn how to work with Solidworks equations. Equations are especially useful in engineering, where many systems rely on ratios and dynamic relationships that change depending on geometric parameters. Using SolidWorks’ equation capabilities, you can fully define your sketch and model geometry and establish relationships and constraints. You can modify one feature to respond to changes in another. You can improve your model’s intelligence. An equation shows a mathematical relationship between model dimensions or other model properties. As variables, they use dimension or property names.

SolidWorks allows you to create equations all over the place. It works in sketch mode and the equations viewer when entering the extruding thickness. Enter a dimension with an equals (=) sign, enter a formula, and press enter. The equals (=) character makes it a formula. No equation is created if you type an equation (such as 4 * 8) without the equals sign. SolidWorks only computes the value once. Within the equations viewer, you can also create an equation. When designing, you can use equations to create extrudes, linear patterns, and filets. However, not everywhere.

How To Work With Solidworks Equations 

SolidWorks includes a redesigned dialog box for creating and editing equations, global variables, and dimensions. You need to know how to work with Solidworks equations. You can specify the units of measurement for global variables and the values and equations that define them. Units can be defined in the Equations and Dimensions dialog boxes and PropertyManagers that support equations. SolidWorks makes it relatively simple to enter equations. There is no requirement for advanced programming knowledge. It’s similar to entering equations into a spreadsheet. To provide clarity in the future, add a comment at the end of an equation. To improve transparency, use descriptive names and organize your equations.

Step 1: To begin, navigate to Tools > Equations. When you click Equations, a new window titled Equations, Global Variables, and Dimensions should appear.

In the image above, there are a lot of buttons and options. These are the most visible: The top row contains four different equation viewing options, a search bar, an undo or redo button and a configuration selector. The main window with global variables, features, and equations is in the center row. The bottom row contains rebuild and other options for connecting the equations to a text file. The OK, cancel, and import/export buttons are located to the right of the image. 

Step 2: There are three variables used in equations. They are global variables, features, and equations. A global variable is a designated variable you can use anywhere in the part/assembly. Enter a name (with or without double quotes; SolidWorks adds them if you don’t) and a value or equation. Other variable names can be used when surrounded by double quotes: When you define the varying height, =”height” * 12 is a functional equation. You can use global variables when entering a sketch or feature dimension, creating an equation, or creating a custom property when creating a weldment.

The Features option group allows you to specify the features’ suppression state based on the equations’ results. To put a value in the first column, do the following. Select an empty cell by clicking it. Then, in the feature tree, select a feature. In the second column, type =”unsuppressed” or =if(“var6′′ > 3,” suppressed”,”unsuppressed”).

The third group is called Equations, but Dimensions would be a better name for this group. You can add a new item by picking a dimension in a sketch. The value for this dimension can then be calculated using an equation. If you entered an equation in a dimension dialog box, it would also appear here. The same can be said for linked dimensions.

Step 3: Equations and global variables can be configured the exact way dimensions are configured. With the Equations and Modify dialog boxes, you can create variations of equations and global variables and apply them to configurations. You could use the design tables to configure the equations, global variables, and various propertyManagers for parts and assembly features. When you create an equation in the Chamfer PropertyManager’s Distance field, you select configurations by choosing an option from the option list in the area. You can modify the equation and assign it to various configurations with the Equations or Modify dialog boxes.

In the Equations, Global Variables, and Dimensions dialog box, you can disable and enable equations in the Equation View, Sketch Equation View, or Ordered View. In all configurations, the equations are disabled. You can help the equations if no other active equation controls the same parameter.

Step 1: To disable equations, right-click an equation in the Equations, Global Variables, and Dimensions dialog box in any view and select Disable Equation.

The equation is no longer visible. All equations are kept in the Ordered View. The equations that have been disabled are no longer available.

Step 2: In the Equations, Global Variables, and Dimensions dialog box, click Ordered View to enable a disabled equation.

Step 3: Right-click the equation and select “Enable Equation” from the menu that appears. The equation reappears in all previous views where it occurred.

SolidWorks allows you to export all or a subset of your equations to a text file. You can import the equations from the text file. The text file is distributed to other parts and assemblies. Go to Tools > Equations to open the global variable and equations window. You can find the feature design tree in the Equations folder. You can save your equations as a text file and then import them using the import function. Furthermore, if you want multiple parts to use the same text file with equations, check the “Link to external file” box.

Conclusion

If you’re not already utilizing simulation equations, you might be losing out on a cost-effective option to enhance your models smartly with minimal work. Learn how to work with Solidworks Equations by following the steps explained above, and you will be able to get started using Solidworks Equations right away!