SolidWorks 2009 Bible E-Book

Matt Lombard

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Serie: Bible
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 1430

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2009

Beschreibung

SolidWorks Bible is a comprehensive reference-tutorial that coversthe basics, but then quickly ramps up to more advanced leveltopics. Every feature is thoroughly covered yet written in a waythat makes learning this robust program seem non-threatening anduncomplicated. In a market full of books for beginners this is theone book that goes into extensive detail, not just on "how" thesoftware works, but in many cases "why" it works the way it does.The author is well known in the SolidWorks community and usesSolidWorks on a daily basis as his main design tool in hiscontracting and consulting work. Many topics covered in SolidWorksBible are not found in any other publication or even documentationdirectly from SolidWorks.Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials arenot included as part of eBook file.

Leseprobe

SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Table of Contents

Part 1: SolidWorks Basics

Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks

Starting SolidWorks for the First Time

SolidWorks License Agreement

Welcome to SolidWorks

Quick Tips

Online documentation

Hardcopy documentation

Identifying SolidWorks Documents

Saving your setup

Templates

Understanding Feature-Based Modeling

Understanding History-Based Modeling

Sketching with Parametrics

Understanding Design Intent

Editing Design Intent

View, Sketch Relations

Display/Delete Relations

Suppressed sketch relations

Working with Associativity

Tutorial: Creating a Part Template

Summary

Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface

Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface

Using the CommandManager and toolbars

Menus

Cursors

FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows

Task pane

Status bar

2D Command Line Emulator

Making the Interface Work for You

Customizing colors

Customization strategies

Working with multiple document windows

Tutorial: Getting to Know the Interface

Copy the existing settings

Set all interface items to their default settings

Customizing the CommandManager

Customizing menus

Change interface colors

Adding hotkeys

Combining macros with hotkeys

Summary

Chapter 3: Working with Sketches

Opening a Sketch

Identifying Sketch Entities

The Sketch toolbar

The Dimensions/Relations toolbar

Inferencing in Sketch

Exploring Sketch Settings

Using Sketch Blocks

Tutorial: Learning to Use Sketch Relations

Tutorial: Using Blocks and Belts

Summary

Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings

Discovering Design Intent

Is the part symmetrical?

What are the primary or functional features?

In what ways is the part likely to change?

What is the manufacturing method?

Will there be secondary operations?

Will there be other versions?

Creating a Simple Part

Where to start?

Symmetry

Make it solid

Instant 3D

Making the first extrude feature

Tutorial: Creating a Simple Assembly

Tutorial: Making a Simple Drawing

Summary

Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques

Manipulating the View

Arrow keys

Middle mouse button

Using the View toolbars

Scrollbars and splitters

Using the Magnifying Glass

Clicking the Triad axes

Using the View Tools

Camera Views

View Orientation

The Standard Views toolbar

Annotation views

Understanding RealView

RealView basic components

Applying appearances

Using Display States

Using Edge Settings

Tutorial: Visualization Techniques

Summary

Part 2: Building Intelligence into Your Parts

Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches

Editing Sketch Relations

Display/Delete Relations

SketchXpert

Copying and Moving Sketch Entities

Move entities

Rotate entities

Copy entities

Scale entities

Modify Sketch

Copy and paste

Simple drag

Derived sketch

Using Sketch Pictures

Three views

Perspective

Sharp edges

Auto Trace

Using Sketch Text

Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches

Color Display mode

Line color

Edit sketch or curve color

Line thickness and line style

Using Other Sketch Tools

RapidSketch

Sensors

Meta data for sketches

Construction geometry

Tutorial: Editing and Copying

Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles

Tutorial: Using Meta Data

Summary

Chapter 7: Selecting Features

Identifying When to Use Which Tool

Extrude

Instant 3D

Revolve

Loft

Sweep

Creating Curve Features

Helix

Projected curve

Curve Through XYZ Points

Curve Through Reference Points

Composite curve

Split lines

Equation Driven Curve

Filleting

Creating a constant radius fillet

Creating variable radius fillets

Face fillet

Full round fillet

Setback fillet

Selecting a Specialty Feature

Dome and Shape

Wrap feature

Flex

Deform

Indent

Tutorial: Bracket Casting

Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part

Summary

Chapter 8: Patterning and Mirroring

Patterning in a Sketch

Further sketch myth debunking

Patterning a sketch

Mirroring in a Sketch

Mirror Entities

Dynamic Mirror

Symmetry sketch relation

Mirroring in 3D sketches

Geometry Pattern

Patterning Bodies

Patterning Faces

Patterning Fillets

Understanding Pattern Types

Linear Pattern

Circular Pattern

Curve Driven Pattern

Sketch Driven Pattern

Table Driven Pattern

Fill Pattern

Cosmetic Patterns

Mirroring in 3D

Mirroring bodies

Mirroring features

Mirroring entire parts

Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern

Tutorial: Mirroring Features

Tutorial: Applying a Cosmetic Pattern

Summary

Chapter 9: Using Equations

Understanding Equations

Creating equations

Using driven dimensions

Equation tricks

Using Link Values

Using Global Variables

Using Expressions

Tutorial: Using Equations

Summary

Chapter 10: Working with Part Configurations

Controlling Items with Configurations

Finding configurations

Activating configurations

Creating configurations

Using the Modify Configurations box

Using Custom PropertyManagers

Derived configurations

File size considerations

Controlling dimensions

Controlling suppression

Controlling custom properties

Controlling colors

Controlling sketch relations

Controlling sketch planes

Controlling configurations of inserted parts

Library features

Unconfigurable items

Using Design Tables

What Can Be Driven by a Design Table?

Creating a simple design table

Design table settings

Editing the design table

Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables

Summary

Chapter 11: Editing and Evaluation

Using Rollback

Using the Rollback bar

Other Rollback techniques

Reordering Features

Reordering Folders

Using the Flyout FeatureManager

Summarizing Part Modeling Best Practice

Using Evaluation Techniques

Verification on rebuild

Check

Reflective techniques

SimulationXpress

Tutorial: Making Use of Editing and Evaluation Techniques

Summary

Part 3: Working with Assemblies

Chapter 12: Building Efficient Assemblies

Identifying the Elements of an Assembly

Standard reference geometry items

Assembly equations

Assembly layout sketch

Virtual components

Assembly reference geometry

History-based and non-history-based portions of the assembly tree

Parts and subassemblies

Folders

Mates

Assembly features

Component patterns

In-context reference update holders

Smart Fasteners

Hole Series

Using SpeedPaks

Using Ghosts

Sharing Self-contained Data

Using SpeedPak with drawings

Using Subassemblies

Creating subassemblies from existing parts

Organizing for performance

Organizing for the BOM

Grouping subassemblies by relative motion

Organizing groups of purchased components

Depicting an assembly process

Patterning considerations

Using Folders

Creating folders in the FeatureManager

Adding items to existing folders

Reordering items in the tree

Working with Tree Display Options

Show feature names and descriptions

Show component and config names and descriptions

Using names other than the part filename in the assembly FeatureManager

Viewing features, mates, and dependencies

Finding Useful Assembly Tools

Using Sensors

Using the AssemblyXpert

Tutorial: Managing the FeatureManager

Summary

Chapter 13: Getting More from Mates

Applying Mates

Mating Through the Mate PropertyManager

SmartMates

Mating with macros

Mating for Motion

Degree-of-Freedom analysis

Best bet for motion

Working with Advanced and Mechanical Mate Types

Symmetric mate

Cam mate

Width mate

Gear mate

Rack and Pinion mate

Limit mates

Screw mate

Path mate

Linear Coupler mate

Hinge mate

Belt/Chain

Editing and Troubleshooting

Editing existing mates

Troubleshooting

Distinguishing between the warnings and the errors

Examining Mate Options

Reviewing Mate Best Practices

Tutorial: Mating for Success

Summary

Chapter 14: Assembly Configurations and Display States

Using Display States

Display States and configurations

Display States and drawings

Understanding Assembly Configurations

Configurations for performance

Configurations for positions

Configurations for product variations

Design tables for assembly configurations

Assembly configuration dos and don'ts

Creating Exploded Views

Tutorial: Working with Assembly Configurations

Summary

Chapter 15: Component Patterns

Using Local Component Patterns

Local pattern references

Pattern seed only

Instances to Skip

Using Feature-Driven Component Patterns

Understanding Other Pattern Options

Dissolve Pattern

Add to New Folder

Component pattern display options

Component patterns and configurations

Tutorial: Creating Component Patterns

Summary

Chapter 16: Modeling in Context

Understanding In-Context Modeling

Advantages of in-context modeling

Potential problems with in-context modeling

Dealing with the Practical Details of In-Context Modeling

The in-context process

In-context best practice suggestions

Other Types of External References

Inserted parts

Split parts

Mirror parts

Using the Layout feature

Using the Layout workflow

Virtual components

Tutorial: Working In-Context

Summary

Part 4: Creating and Using Libraries

Chapter 17: Using Hole Wizard and Toolbox

Using the Hole Wizard

Anatomy of a Hole Wizard hole

2D versus 3D placement sketches

Making and using Favorites

Using the Hole Series

Understanding Toolbox

How Toolbox works

Toolbox in a multi-user environment

Toolbox administration

Using Toolbox

Organizing Toolbox parts in an assembly

Recommendations

Tutorial: Gaining Experience with the Hole Wizard and Toolbox

Summary

Chapter 18: Working with Library Features

Using Library Features

Getting started with library features

The Library Feature interface

Other Design Library functions

Creating Library Features

Creating a library feature

Creating a library feature from an existing part

Adding folders to the library

Locating and Internal dimensions

Understanding Dissection

Tutorial: Working with Library Features

Summary

Chapter 19: Using Smart Components

Understanding Smart Components

Using Smart Components

Getting started with a simple Smart Component

Auto-sizing Smart Components

Making Smart Components

Getting started with a simple Smart Component

Creating an auto-sizing Smart Component

File management with Smart Components

Editing Smart Components

Tutorial: Working with Smart Components

Summary

Part 5: Creating Drawings

Chapter 20: Automating Drawings: The Basics

The Difference Between Templates and Formats

Can templates be changed on existing documents?

Why have different templates or formats?

Custom drafting standards

Creating Drawing Formats

Customizing an existing format

Custom properties

Using the Title Block function

Creating a format from a blank screen

Creating a format from an imported DWG/DXF file

Saving the format

Second sheet formats

Creating Drawing Templates

Using Predefined views in drawing templates

Using styles and blocks in templates

Custom properties in templates

Saving a template

Creating Blocks

Summary

Chapter 21: Working with Drawing Views

Creating Common View Types

Using the View palette

Model

Projected view

Standard 3 view

Detail view

Section view

Creating Other View Types

Crop view

Broken-out Section view

Break view

Auxiliary view

Alternate Position view

Predefined view

Empty view

Custom view

Relative view

3D Drawing View Mode

View orientation and alignment

Using Display Options in Views

Display States

Display modes

Edge display options

View quality settings

Distinguishing Views from Sheets

Tutorial: Working with View Types, Settings, and Options

Summary

Chapter 22: Using Annotations and Symbols

Using Notes

The workflow for placing notes

Fonts

Text boxes and wrapping

Notes and leaders

Styles

Linking notes to custom properties

Hyperlinking text

Notes and symbols

Using Blocks in Drawings

Inserting blocks

Creating blocks

Editing blocks

Using Symbols

Where can you use symbols?

Custom symbols

Using Center Marks and Centerlines

Tutorial: Using Annotations

Summary

Chapter 23: Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Putting Dimensions on Drawings

Insert Model Items

Using reference dimensions

Dimension Options

Dimension Text

Primary Value Override

Display Options

Witness/Leader Display

Break Lines

Adding Tolerances

Precision

Geometric Tolerancing

Using Dimension Styles

Tutorial: Working with Dimensions and Tolerances

Summary

Chapter 24: Working with Tables and Drawings

Driving the Bill of Materials

SolidWorks table-based BOM

Excel-based BOM

Using Design Tables

Using Hole Tables

Using Revision Tables

Using General Tables

Tutorials: Using Tables

Using BOMs

Using Hole Tables

Using Revision Tables

Summary

Chapter 25: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors

Controlling Layers

Layers in imported 2D data

Layers on the sheet format

Dimensions and notes on layers

Components on layers

Controlling Line Format

Using the Line Format settings

End Cap Style

Line Thickness settings

Line Style setting

Color Display mode

Hiding and Showing Edges

Tutorial: Using Drawing Display Tools

Summary

Part 6: Using Advanced Techniques

Chapter 26: Modeling Multi-bodies

Using Powerful Tools Responsibly

Multi-body modeling is not assembly modeling

Appropriate multi-body uses

Understanding Multi-body Techniques

Complex shapes across bodies

Tool bodies and Boolean operations

Local operations

Patterning

Simplifying very complex parts

Bridge between solids

Undetermined manufacturing methods

Creating Multi-bodies

Disjoint sketches

Merge Result option

Feature Scope

Cut feature

Split feature

Insert Part feature

Managing Bodies

Body folders

Hide or show bodies

Deleting bodies

Renaming bodies

Tutorials: Working with Multi-bodies

Merging and local operations

Splitting and patterning bodies

Summary

Chapter 27: Working with Surfaces

Why Do You Need Surfaces?

Understanding Surfacing Terminology

Knit

Trim

Untrim

Hybrid modeling

NURBS

Developable surface

Ruled surface

Gaussian curvature

What Surface Tools Are Available?

Extruded Surface

Revolved Surface

Swept Surface

Lofted Surface

Boundary Surface

Offset Surface

Radiate Surface

Knit Surface

Planar Surface

Extend Surface

Trim Surface

Fill Surface

MidSurface

Replace Face

Untrim Surface

Parting Surface

Ruled Surface

Using Surfacing Techniques

Up to Surface/Up to Body

Cut With Surface

Replace Face

Fill Surface in action

Memory surface

Tutorial: Working with Surfaces

Using Cut With Surface

Using Offset Surface

Using Fill Surface blend

Summary

Chapter 28: Master Model Techniques

Using Pull Functions

Insert Part

Insert Into New Part

Using Push Functions

Split feature

Save Bodies

Tutorial: Working with Master Model Techniques

Insert Part

Insert Into New Part

Split

Save Bodies

Summary

Part 7: Working with Specialized Functionality

Chapter 29: Using the Base Flange Method for Sheet Metal Parts

Understanding the Big Picture

Using the Base Flange Features

Base Flange /Tab feature

Sheet Metal feature

Flat Pattern feature

Edge Flange feature

Miter Flange feature

Hem feature

Jog feature

Sketched Bend feature

Closed Corner feature

Corner Trim and Break Corner features

Forming Tool feature

Lofted Bends feature

Unfold and Fold features

Flatten command

Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet Metal Method

Summary

Chapter 30: Using the Insert Bends Method for Sheet Metal Parts

Architecture of Insert Bends

Making Sheet Metal from a Generic Model

Normal Cut

Rip feature

Sheet Metal feature

Flatten Bends feature

Process Bends feature

No Bends

Flat Pattern

Convert to Sheet Metal

Working with Imported Geometry

Making Rolled Conical Parts

Mixing Methods

Tutorial: Working with the Insert Bends Method for Sheet Metal Parts

Summary

Chapter 31: Using Weldments

Sketching in 3D

Navigating in space

Sketch relations in 3D sketches

Planes in space

Planar path segments

Dimensions

Using the Weldment Tools

Weldment

Structural Member

Trim/Extend

End Cap

Gusset

Fillet Bead

Using Non-Structural Components

Using Sub-Weldments

Using Cut Lists

Custom properties

Make Weld Bead

Creating Weldment Drawings

Tutorial: Working with Weldments

Summary

Chapter 32: Using Plastic Features and Mold Tools

Using Plastic Features

Using the Mounting Boss

Using the Snap Hook and Snap Hook Groove

Using Lip/Groove

Using the Rib feature

Using Draft

Using Plastic Evaluation Tools

Draft Analysis

Thickness Analysis

Undercut Detection

Working with the Mold Tools Process

Using the Scale feature

Insert Mold Folders

Parting Lines

Shut-off Surfaces

Parting Surface

Tooling Split

Core

Intervening Manually with Mold Tools

Passing Shut-off

Non-planar Parting Surfaces

Tutorial: Working with plastic features

Summary

Chapter 33: Animating with MotionManager

Overview

Understanding the terminology

Formatting output

MotionManager interface

What can you animate?

Identifying elements of the MotionManager

Using display options

Planning an animation

Using the Animation Wizard

Creating a rotating animation

Creating an exploded view animation

Animating the View

Animating view changes

Using paths to control cameras

Animating with Key Points

Getting started

Using the time bar with key points

Copying and mirroring motion

Adjusting the speed of actions

Getting output

Using Animations to Flex Parts

Animating with Basic Motion

Using gravity and contact

Using motors and springs

Summary

Part 8: Appendixes

Appendix A: Implementing SolidWorks

License activation

Home license

Network license

Dongle

Levels of SolidWorks

Reseller training

Hiring a consultant

Online or CD-based training

Train the trainer

Local colleges

User groups

Planning

Pilot project

Phased approach

Cold turkey

Primary components

Secondary components

Configured Systems

Before installing

Installation Manager

Installing from discs

Administrative Image

Filenames

Toolbox

Custom Properties tab

Property Tab Builder

Appendix B: Tools, Options

General Settings Page

Drawings page

Colors

Sketch

Display/Selection

Performance

Assemblies

External References

Default Templates

File Locations

FeatureManager

Spin Box Increments

View

Backup/Recover

Hole Wizard/Toolbox

File Explorer

Search

Collaboration

Advanced

Drafting Standard

Detailing

Grid/Snap

Units

Fractions

Line Font

Line Style

Line Thickness

Colors

Image Quality

Plane Display

Sheet Metal

Appendix C: What's on the CD-ROM

SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Matt Lombard

SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.10475 Crosspoint BoulevardIndianapolis, IN 46256www.wiley.com

Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana

Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 9780470480489

Manufactured in the United States of America

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, [phone], fax [phone]. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, [phone], fax [phone], or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read.

For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at [phone], outside the U.S. at [phone] or fax [phone].

Library of Congress Control Number: 2008942699

Trademarks: Wiley and related trade dress are registered trademarks of Wiley Publishing, Inc., in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books.

This work is dedicated to my grandparents, Earl “Boots” Woods and Mildred “Mid” Woods, who taught me that the value of hard work goes beyond the numbers on a paycheck.

About the Author

Matt Lombard holds a mechanical engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. Matt has worked as a design and manufacturing engineer in the medical and microelectronics industries. Currently, through his company Dezignstuff, he works mainly as a consumer product modeling consultant and technical writer.

Before becoming an engineer, Matt went to music school for two years and performed with the Navy band for four years. He still plays in local community groups for fun. Having grown up in the Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York, he now calls the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia home.

Credits

Senior Acquisitions Editor

Stephanie McComb

Project Editor

Jade L. Williams

Technical Editor

Ricky Jordan

Copy Editor

Lauren Kennedy

Editorial Manager

Robyn Siesky

Business Manager

Amy Knies

Senior Marketing Manager

Sandy Smith

Vice President and Executive Group Publisher

Richard Swadley

Vice President and Executive Publisher

Bob Ipsen

Vice President and Executive Publisher

Barry Pruett

Project Coordinator

Kristie Rees

Graphics and Layout Technicians

Ana CarilloAndrea HornbergerSarah Philippart

Quality Control Technician

Caitie Kelly

Media Development Project Manager

Laura Moss

Media Development Associate Producer

Angela Denny

Media Development Assistant Project Manager

Jenny Swisher

Proofreading and Indexing

Christopher M. JonesValerie Haynes Perry

The ideas that go into a book of this size do not all originate with a single individual. Research for many of the topics was done at user group meetings, SolidWorks Corporation's discussion forums, and SolidWorks Customer Portal, as well as the blogs and Web sites of many individuals. I would like to thank all of the individuals who have posted to the public forums or blogs. Many of these people have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to my SolidWorks education, as well as that of many other SolidWorks users around the world.

Welcome to the SolidWorks 2009 Bible. This book has been written as a desk reference for beginning and intermediate SolidWorks users. SolidWorks is such an immense software program that trying to cover all of its functions is an extremely ambitious undertaking, and I know that a few have been left out. Because of the scope of the topic, I have limited the book to covering the basic SolidWorks package, without the Office, Office Professional, or Office Premium add-ins, although I have devoted half of a chapter to Toolbox.

About This Book

You will find enough information here that the book can grow with your SolidWorks needs. I have written tutorials for most of the chapters with newer users in mind, because for them, it is most helpful to see how things are done in SolidWorks step by step. The longer narrative examples give more in-depth information about features and functions, as well as the results of various settings and options.

I have included an extensive appendix covering the Tools, Options settings. This offers an in-depth explanation of each option, including both System Options and Document Properties. This appendix uses special symbols to identify items that are new for SolidWorks 2007 or that affect file size or speed.

How This Book Is Organized

This book is divided into eight parts.

Part I: SolidWorks Basics

This part explores basic concepts and terminology used in SolidWorks. You need to read this section if you are new to the software and especially if you are new to 3D modeling or parametric history-based design.

Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts

This part takes a deeper look at creating parametric relations to automate changes.

Part III: Working with Assemblies

Part III delves into assembly modeling in it various aspects, from efficiency to in-context modeling.

Part IV: Creating and Using Libraries

Part IV helps you understand how to build and manage libraries of various types with an eye toward upgrading versions, best practice and reusing data when possible.

Part V: Creating Drawings

This part examines the functionality within the 2D drawing side of the software. Whether you are creating views, making tables or customizing annotations, this chapter has something for everyone.

Part VI: Using Advanced Techniques

This part examines several types of advanced techniques, such as surface modeling and multi-body modeling. This is information you won't find in other SolidWorks books, explained here by some one who uses the functionality daily.

Part VII: Working with Specialized Functionality

Specialized functionality such as sheet metal, weldments, plastics and animation requires detailed information. Part VII includes these topics because they are key to unlocking all of the power available in SolidWorks.

Part VIII: Appendices

The appendices in this book cover a range of ancillary data from how to implement the software to a detailed and complete list of the available options. The Tools⇒Options list in Appendix B is one of those things that distinguishes this book from others available. You need to know where to find settings, and this appendix has it all.

Icons Used in This Book

This book uses a set of icons to point out certain details in the text. While they are relatively self-explanatory, here is what each of these icons indicates:

Notes highlight useful information that you should take into consideration, or an important point that requires special attention.

Tips provide you with additional advice that makes the software quicker or easier to use.

Caution icons warn you of potential problems before you make a mistake.

The New Feature icon highlights features and functions that are new to SolidWorks 2009.

Cross-Ref icons point out where you can find additional information about a topic elsewhere in the book.

This icon points you toward related material on the book's CD.

The SolidWorks 2009 Bible is unique in its use of these two icons:

Best practice icons point out recommended settings or techniques that are safe in most situations.

Performance icons elaborate on how certain settings, features, or techniques affect rebuild speed or file size.

These icons point out and describe techniques and settings that are either recommended or not recommended for specific reasons. Best Practice is usually considered to be very conservative usage, where the stability of the parametrics and performance (a euphemism for rebuild speed) are the ultimate goals. These two aspects of SolidWorks models are usually weighed against modeling speed (how long it takes you to create the model).

Best Practice and Performance recommendations need to be taken seriously, but you should treat them as guidelines rather than as rules. When it comes right down to it, the only hard and fast rule about SolidWorks is that there are no hard and fast rules. In fact, I believe that the only reason to have rules in the first place is so that you know when you can break them. Parametric stability and modeling speed are not always the ultimate goals, and are often overridden when workaround techniques are used simply to accomplish a geometric goal.

Because not everyone models with the same goals in mind, a single set of rules can never apply for everyone. You must take the best practice suggestions and apply them to your situation using your own judgment.

My point of view while writing this book has been that of someone who is actually using the software, not of someone trying to sell ideas, nor of someone trying to make the software look good, or even that of an academic trying to make a beautiful argument. I try to approach the software objectively as a tool, recognizing that complex tools are good at some things and not so good at others. Both kinds of information (good and not-so-good) are useful to the reader. Pointing out negatives in this context should not be construed as criticizing the SolidWorks software, but rather as preparing the reader for real-world use of the software. Any tool this complex is going to have imperfections. Hopefully some of my enthusiasm for the software also shows through and is to some extent contagious.

Terminology

An important concept referred to frequently in SolidWorks is design intent. As a practical matter, I use the phrase design for change to further distinguish design intent from other design goals.

The reader needs to be familiar with some special terminology before continuing. In many cases, a SolidWorks vernacular or slang is used when the official terminology is either not descriptive enough or, as is sometimes the case, has multiple meanings. For example, the word shortcut has multiple meanings in the SolidWorks interface. It is used to describe right mouse button menus as well as hotkeys. As a result, I have chosen not to use the word shortcut and instead substitute the words RMB and hotkey.

I frequently use RMB to refer to Right Mouse Button menus, or other data that you access by clicking the right mouse button on an item. The word tree refers to the list of features in the FeatureManager. Also, command and option names are referred to using all initial capitals, even when SolidWorks does not use the same capitalization. For example, the setting Single Command Per Pick is listed in Tools ➪ Options as Single command per pick. I do this to help the reader distinguish command names from other general text.

Differences are frequently found between the names of features on toolbars and the names in the menus or PropertyManager titles. In these cases, the differences are usually minor, and either name may be used.

Most functions in SolidWorks can work with either the object-action or the action-object scenarios. These are also called pre-select and select, respectively. For example, the Hole Wizard is one tool for which pre-selection is definitely recommended because a difference in functionality is seen between pre-selection and selection. The Fillet feature shows no difference between using pre-selection and selection, although for some fillet options such as face fillet, pre-select is not enabled. Most features allow pre-selection, and some functions, such as inserting a design table, require pre-selection. Although you cannot identify a single rule that covers all situations, most functions accept both.

Frequently in this book, I have suggested enhancement requests that the reader may want to make. This is because SolidWorks development is driven to a large extent by customer requests, and if a large number of users converge on a few issues, then those issues are more likely to be fixed or changed. Again, the enhancement request suggestions are not made to criticize the software, but to make it better. I hope that several of you will join me in submitting enhancement requests.

SolidWorks is an extremely powerful modeling tool, very likely with the best combination of power and accessibility on the MCAD market today. This book is meant to help you take advantage of its power in your work and even hobbyist applications. If I could impart only a single thought to all readers of this book, it would be that with a little curiosity and some imagination, you can begin to access the power of SolidWorks for geometry creation and virtual product prototyping. You should start with the assumption that there is a way to do what you are imagining, and that you should be open to using different techniques.

For AutoCAD users making the transition to SolidWorks, you should simply forget everything you know about AutoCAD, because most of it, except for the most general geometric concepts, will not apply to SolidWorks, and will often simply confuse you.

Whoever you are, I hope that you find insight deeper than simply “what does this button do?” in this book. I hope that you will find an intuition for thinking like the software. Jeff Ray, CEO of the SolidWorks Corporation has said that the goal is to make the software as “intuitive as a light switch.” While most people will agree that they have some work left to achieve that particular goal, I believe that approaching the interface intuitively, rather than attempting to remember it all by rote, is the best method. Good luck to you all.

Contacting the Author

You might want to contact me for some reason. Maybe you found an error in the book, or you have a suggestion about something that you think would improve it. It is always good to hear what real users think about the material, whether you like it or thought it could be improved.

The best way to contact me is either through email or through my blog. My email address is [email protected]. You will find my blog at http://dezignstuff.com/blog. On the blog you can leave comments and read other things I have written about the SolidWorks software, CAD, and engineering or computer topics in general. I encourage you to also leave feedback on websites where you might have purchased the book. For example, Amazon allows customers to review books, and book reviews are always beneficial.

If you want to contact me for commercial help with a modeling project, the email address above is the best place to start that type of conversation.

Thank you very much for buying and reading this book. I hope the ideas and information within its pages help you accomplish your professional goals.

Part 1: SolidWorks Basics

In This Part

Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface Chapter 3: Working with Sketches Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques

If you are a new SolidWorks user, the chapters of Part I are essential. I recommend reading these chapters in order, since the material in each chapter builds on the material of the previous chapter.

If you are an existing SolidWorks user but new to the post 2009 releases, I strongly recommend Chapters 2 and 5. Even if you are a very experienced user, I recommend Chapter 5. The visualization techniques are things we all use on a constant basis in the software, and picking up even a small tip can add to your productivity dramatically.

Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks

In This Chapter

Starting SolidWorks for the first time Identifying different types of SolidWorks documents Understanding feature-based Modeling Understanding history-based Modeling Sketching with parametrics Understanding Design Intent Editing Design Intent Working with associativity Tutorial: Creating a part template

If you are coming to SolidWorks from Inventor, Solid Edge, or another program in that class, you will find SolidWorks to be very familiar territory, with a similar if not identical design philosophy. SolidWorks also shares a lot of underlying structure with Pro/ENGINEER, and if you are coming from that product, there will be some relearning, but much of your training will be transferable.

If you are coming from 2D AutoCAD, CADKEY, or MicroStation, SolidWorks may at first cause a bit of culture shock for you. However, once you embrace feature-based modeling, things will go more easily. As you will see, SolidWorks, and in fact most solid modeling in general, is very process-based.

Regardless of how you arrived here with this SolidWorks Bible in your hand, here you are. Together we will progress through basic concepts to advanced techniques, everyday settings, and subtle nuances. This book will serve as your tutor and desk reference for learning about SolidWorks software.

This chapter will familiarize beginners with some of the tools available to make the transition, and with some of the basic facts and concepts that you need to know to get the most out of SolidWorks.

If all you want to do is to start using the software, and you are not concerned with understanding how or why it works, you can skip directly to Chapter 4 for sketches or Chapter 5 to start making parts, assemblies, and drawings. Of course, I recommend getting a bit of background and some foundation.

Starting SolidWorks for the First Time

SolidWorks has many tools for beginning users that are available when the software is installed. A default installation presents you with several options when the software is started the first time. Following is a catalog of these options and how to get the most benefit from them.

If you plan to go to formal SolidWorks reseller-based training classes, it is a very good idea to go through some of the tutorials mentioned in this section first; this way you are prepared to ask educated questions and have a leg up on the rest of the class. You will get more out of the training with the instructor if you have seen the material once before.

SolidWorks License Agreement

It is useful to be familiar with what this document says, but the agreement does not have any bearing on learning how to use the software other than the fact that it allows for a Home Use License. Many users find this part of the license agreement, shown in Figure 1.1, helpful. The primary user of the license at work is also allowed to use the license at home or on a portable computer. This is often a good option for learning, additional practice or completing the design of the deck or soapbox derby car. If your business uses floating licenses, the rules are somewhat different. Contact your reseller for details. In any case, select Accept to get past the License Agreement page.

FIGURE 1.1

The SolidWorks License Agreement

Welcome to SolidWorks

The Welcome to SolidWorks screen, shown in Figure 1.2, is the next thing to greet you. This helps you establish what type of tools you would like to see in the interface and gives you some help options. You may not get the chance to see this dialog box if someone else, for example an IT person, has installed and done an initial test on your software for you.

Quick Tips

Quick Tips enables balloons with tips to help you get started with several tasks. For example, the first Quick Tip you see may be this one, shown in Figure 1.3. When you begin to create your first document in SolidWorks, a Quick Tip helps guide you on your way.

FIGURE 1.2

Welcome to SolidWorks screen

FIGURE 1.3

New SolidWorks Document Quick Tip

As you begin working, Quick Tips displays a box, shown in Figure 1.4, at the lower-right corner of the Graphics Window that offers context-sensitive help messages. As you work with the software, these messages change to remain relevant to what you are doing.

You can turn Quick Tips on or off using the small square on the Status Bar in the lower-right corner, as shown in Figure 1.5. You can turn the Status Bar itself on or off in the View menu; however, the Status Bar serves many useful purposes, even for advanced users, so I recommend you leave it turned on. You can also turn off Quick Tips in the Help menu by selecting Quick Tips. The on/off setting is document-type sensitive, so if you turned Quick Tips off in part mode, you will need to do it again for assemblies and drawings, as well. Quick Tips are a great way to get going or to get a little refresher if it has been a while or several versions have gone by since you last saw the software, but you shouldn't need them forever.

FIGURE 1.4

The main Quick Tip window

FIGURE 1.5

Turning Quick Tips on or off

The first time you create a document, you will be prompted to select units for your default templates, as shown in Figure 1.6. This is an important step, although you can make changes later if needed. SolidWorks stores most of the document-specific settings in document templates, which you can set up with different settings for each type of document — parts, assemblies, and drawings. More information on part and assembly templates can be found later in this chapter. Drawing Templates are described in detail in Chapter 20.

The main significance of this default template unit option is not so much the units as the dimensioning standard that is selected. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards use different methods of projecting views. ISO is typically a European standard and uses First Angle Projection, while ANSI is an American standard and uses Third Angle Projection. The standard projection used throughout this book is Third Angle.

FIGURE 1.6

Default template units selection

The difference between Third and First angle projections can cause parts to be manufactured incorrectly if those reading the prints (or making the prints) do not catch the difference or see that there is some discrepancy. Figure 1.7 demonstrates the difference between the two projection types. Make sure to get the option correct. If someone else, such a computer specialist who is not familiar with mechanical drafting standards, initially sets up SolidWorks on your computer, you will want to verify that the default templates are correct.

FIGURE 1.7

Differences between First (left) and Third (right) angle projections

Notice that the icons in the View Orientation drop down are arranged in a Third Angle projection fashion. This might be confusing for people accustomed to using First Angle.

Another setting affecting projections that you will want to check is found at Tools⇒Options, Display/Selection⇒ Projection type for four view viewport. This does not follow the dimensioning standard selected for the default templates or the country in which the software is installed.

Online documentation

Several types of online documentation are available to help SolidWorks learners along their path. A great place to start is with the SolidWorks Resources tab of the Task Pane (on the right side of the screen). This is the first tab in the list with the Home icon. The Getting Started section of the SolidWorks Resources tab is shown in Figure 1.8.

FIGURE 1.8

Getting Started on the SolidWorks Resources tab of the Task Manager

Tutorials

Following the link in the Help menu to the Online Tutorials leads you to a list of tutorials on subjects from sheet metal to macros, in parts assemblies, and drawings. These tutorials are certainly worth your time, and will build your skills and knowledge of basic functionality. This SolidWorks Bible distinguishes itself by going into far more detail and depth about each function, adding information such as best practice, performance considerations, and cautionary data, and acting as a thorough desk reference. The purpose of this book is not really to duplicate all of the resources for beginners, but to take the information into far more depth and detail, and answer the “why” questions instead of just the “how” questions.

What's New

With every release, SolidWorks publishes a What's New document to help you keep up to speed with the changes. This is typically a PDF file with accompanying example files. If you have missed a version or two, reading through the What's New files can help get you back on track. Again, don't expect a lot of detail or interface screen shots, but it should at least introduce the basic changes.

Moving from AutoCAD

In the Help menu is a selection called Moving from AutoCAD. This is intended to help transitioning users acclimate to their new surroundings. Terminology is a big part of the equation when making this switch, and figures prominently in the Moving from AutoCAD help file.

Likely the most helpful tools in Moving from AutoCAD are the Approach to Modeling and Imported AutoCAD Data sections. This information is useful whether you are coming to SolidWorks from AutoCAD or another CAD package.

Online User's Guide

The Online User's Guide is the traditional Help file. You can use either the Index or Search capabilities to find what you are looking for. The Online User's Guide contains screen captures and animations, sample files, and even a separate API (programming) help file. Frankly, it is not incredibly detailed, and often skips over important facts like what you might use a certain function for, or what the interface looks like, or even where you might find the command in the first place. The SolidWorks documentation is set to get some upgrades, so it remains to be seen if this is really an improvement or not. Meanwhile, this SolidWorks Bible fills in most of the gaps in information about the standard version of the software.

Tip of the Day

SolidWorks Tip of the Day is displayed at the bottom of the SolidWorks Resources tab of the Task Pane. Cycling though a few of these or using them to quiz coworkers can be a useful skills-building exercise.

Hardcopy documentation

Hardcopy documentation has regrettably dwindled from all software companies. Software manufacturers often claim that keeping up with the changes in print is too much work and inefficient. Still many users prefer to have a physical book in their hands, to spread out on the desk next to them; to earmark, highlight, and mark with post-its; and take notes in, as evidenced by you holding this book at this moment. Hardcopy documentation has an important role to play in the dissemination of information, even in a highly dynamic electronic age. The following items are still provided in hardcopy format.

• The Quick Start pamphlet acts as a rough outline for issues from installation to getting help. It is approximately ten pages and contains information that complete new users need to know.

• The Quick Reference Guide is a fold-out card that has reminders of some of the symbols displayed in the FeatureManager and other locations, as well as some of the default hotkeys and customization options.

Identifying SolidWorks Documents

SolidWorks has three main data type files. However, there are additional supporting types that you may want to know if you are concerned with customization and creating implementation standards. Table 1.1 outlines the document types.

TABLE 1.1

Document types

Design Documents

Description

.SLDASM

SolidWorks Assembly File Type

.SLDDRW

SolidWorks Drawing File Type

.SLDPRT

SolidWorks Part File Type

Templates and Formats

Description

.asmdot.

Assembly Template

.asmprp

Assembly custom properties tab template

.drwdot

Drawing Template

.drwprp

Drawing custom properties tab template

journal.doc

Design Journal Template

.prtdot

Part Template

.prtprp

Part custom properties tab template

.sldbombt

BOM Template (table-based)

.sldtbt

General Table Template

.slddrt

Drawing Sheet Format

.sldholtbt

Hole Table Template

.sldrevtbt

Revision Table Template

.sldwldtbt

Weldment Cutlist Template

.xls

BOM Template (Excel-based)

Library Files

Description

.sldblk

Blocks

.sldlfp

Library Part File

Styles

Description

.sldgtolfvt

Geometric Tolerance Style

.sldsffvt

Surface Finish Style

.sldweldfvt

Weld Style

Symbol Files

Description

gtol.sym

Symbol file allows you to create custom symbols

swlines.lin

Line Style definition file allows you to create new line styles

Others

Description

.btl

Sheet Metal Bend Table

calloutformat.txt

Hole Callout Format File

.sldclr

Color Palette File

.sldreg

SolidWorks Settings File

.sldmat

Material Database

.sldstd

Drafting standard

.swb, swp

Macros, Macro Features

.txt

Custom Property File, Sheet Metal Bend Line Note File

.xls

Sheet Metal Gauge Table

Saving your setup

If you have taken time to set up a computer and then need to reinstall SolidWorks, move to another computer, or duplicate the setup for another user, you need to copy out the files you have used or customized. All these files are located by default in different folders within the SolidWorks installation directory. Chapter 2 deals with interface settings and creating a registry settings file to copy to other computers or use as a backup, but that does not address also copying the files of various types that also comprise an installation customization.

Especially when you are doing complex implementations that include templates for various types of tables or customized symbol files, it is important to have copies of these files in a location other than the default installation folder. Uninstalling SolidWorks or installing a new version will wipe out all of your hard work. Use the Tools⇒Options⇒File locations to locate these files in separate library folders that can be on the local hard drive or on a network location.

Templates

I have included some of my part and assembly templates on the CD-ROM for you. Copy these files to the location specified at Tools⇒Options⇒File Locations⇒Document Templates.

When you begin to create a new document, and the New SolidWorks Document dialog box gives you the option to select one of several files to start from, those files are templates. Think of templates as “start parts” that contain all of the document-specific settings for a part (Tools⇒ Options⇒ Document Properties). The same concept applies to assemblies and drawings. Templates generally do not have any geometry in them (although it is possible).

The Novice interface for the File, New SolidWorks Document dialog box only allows you to select default templates. The Advanced interface allows you to select any available template.

As shown in Figure 1.9, several tabs can be displayed on the advanced interface. Each of these tabs is created by creating a folder in the template directory specified in Tool⇒Options.

FIGURE 1.9

The Novice and Advanced interfaces for the New SolidWorks Document dialog

Using multiple document templates

Using multiple templates enables you to start working from multiple starting points, which is an advantage in many situations such as:

• Standardization for a large number of users

• Working in various units

• Preset materials

• Preset custom properties

• Parts with special requirements, such as sheet metal or weldments

• Drawings of various sizes with formats (borders) already applied

• Drawings with special notes already on the sheet

Drawing templates and formats are complex enough that I cover them in a separate chapter. Chapter 20 Automating Drawings – The Basics discusses the differences between templates and formats and how to use them to your best advantage. This chapter addresses part and assembly templates.

Depending on your needs, it might be reasonable to have templates for metric and inch part and assembly, templates for steel and aluminum, and templates for sheet metal parts and for weldments, if you design these types of parts. If your firm has different customers with different requirements, you might consider using separate templates for those customers. Over time, you will discover the types of templates you need, because you will find yourself making the same changes over and over again.

To create a template, open a document of the appropriate type (part or assembly), and make the settings you wish the template to have; for example, units are one of the most common reasons to make a separate template, but in fact any of the Document Property settings is fair game for a template, from the dimensioning standard used to image quality settings.

Document Property settings are covered extensively in Appendix B.

Some document specific settings are not contained in the Document Properties dialog box. Still, these settings are saved with the template. Settings that fall into this category are the View menu entity type visibility options and the Tools⇒ Sketch Settings options.

Custom Properties are another piece of the template puzzle. If you use or plan to use BOMs (bills of materials), PDM (product data management), or linked notes on drawings, you need to take advantage of the automation options available with custom properties. Setting up custom properties is covered in detail in Chapter 20.

Also, the names of the standard planes are template specific. For example, the standard planes may be named Front, Top, and Side; or XY, XZ, and ZY; or Plane1, Plane2, and Plane3; or North, Plan, and East; or Elevation, Plan, and Side for different uses.

Locating templates

The templates folder is established at Tools⇒ Options⇒ File Locations⇒ Document Templates. This location may be a local directory or a shared network location. Multiple folders may be specified in the list box, each of which corresponds to a tab in the New Document's Advanced interface.

Once all of the Document Properties, custom properties, and other settings are set to your liking and you are ready to save the file as a template, click File⇒ Save As and in Files of Type, select Part Templates. SolidWorks prompts you to save the template in the first folder listed in the File Locations list. You can create assembly templates in the same way, but changing the settings for an assembly document.

You can also create additional tabs on the New SolidWorks Document dialog box can also be created by making subfolders in the main folder specified in the File Locations area. For example, if your File Locations list for Document Templates looks like Figure 1.10, then your New dialog will look like Figure 1.11.

FIGURE 1.10

Tools⇒ Options⇒File Locations list

FIGURE 1.11

New SolidWorks Document dialog box

Adding subfolders to either of the locations listed in File Locations results in additional tabs in the New dialog, as shown in Figures 1.12 and 1.13.

FIGURE 1.12

Additional subfolders added to a File Locations path

FIGURE 1.13

Resulting tabs in New SolidWorks Document dialog box

Default templates

Default templates are established at Tools⇒ Options⇒ Default Templates. The default templates must be in one of the paths specified in File Locations. Figure 1.14 shows the Default Templates settings.

FIGURE 1.14

Tools⇒Options⇒Default Templates settings

The Default Template option, Always use these default document templates Prompt user to select document template, applies to situations when a template is required by an automatic feature in the software such as an imported part, or a mirrored part. In this situation, depending on the setting selected, the system either automatically uses the default template or the user is prompted to select a template.

Allowing the software to apply the default template automatically can have a great impact on speed. This is especially true in the case of imported assemblies, which would require you to manually select templates for each imported part in the assembly if the Prompt user... option is used.

Sharing templates

If you are administering an installation of a large number of users, or even if there are just a couple of users working on similar designs, shared templates are a must. If every user is doing what she thinks best, you may get an interesting combination of conflicting ideas, and the consistency of the company's documentation may suffer. Standardized templates cannot make users model, assemble, and detail in exactly the same way, but they do start users off on the same foot.

To share templates among several users, create a folder for templates on a commonly accessible network location, preferably with read-only access for users and read-write permissions for administrators. Then point each user's File Locations and Default templates to that location. Access problems due to multiple users accessing the same files do not arise in this situation because templates are essentially copied to create a new document, not used directly.

One of the downfalls of this arrangement is that if the network goes down, users no longer have access to their templates. This can be averted by also putting copies of the templates on the local computers; however, it has the tendency to undermine the goal of consistent documentation. Users may tend to use and customize the local templates rather than use the standardized network copies.

CAD administration and organizing any group of people on some level always comes down to trusting employees to do the right thing. There is no way to completely secure any system against all people trying to work around the system, so you must rely on having hired people you can train and trust.

Understanding Feature-Based Modeling

There is some terminology that you need to come to grips with before diving into building models with SolidWorks. Notice that I talk about “modeling” rather than “drawing,” or even “design.” This is because SolidWorks is really virtual prototyping software. Whether you are building an assembly line for automotive parts or designing decorative perfume bottles, SolidWorks can help you visualize your geometrical production data in the most realistic way possible without actually having it in your hand. This is more akin to making a physical model in the shop than drawing on paper.

“Feature-based” modeling means that you build the model by incrementally identifying functional shapes, and applying processes to create the shapes. For example, you can create a simple box by using the Extrude process, and you can create a sphere by using the Revolve process. However, you can make a cylinder by using either process, by revolving a rectangle or extruding a circle. You start by visualizing the 3D shape, and then apply a 3D process to a 2D sketch to create that shape. This concept on its own is half of what you need to know to create models with SolidWorks.

Figure 1.15 shows images of simple feature types with the 2D sketches from which they were created.

Many different feature types in SolidWorks enable you to create everything from the simplest geometry shown previously to more complex artistic or organic shapes. In general, when I talk about modeling in this book, I am talking about solid modeling, although SolidWorks also has a complete complement of surfacing tools. I will discuss the distinction between solid and surface modeling in Chapter 27.

Table 1.2 lists some of the most common features that you find in SolidWorks, and classifies them according to whether they always require a sketch, a sketch is optional, or they never require a sketch.

FIGURE 1.15

Simple extruded and revolved features

TABLE 1.2

Feature Types

Sketch Required

Sketch Optional

No Sketch (Applied Features)

Extrude

Loft

Fillet

Revolve

Sweep

Chamfer

Rib

Dome

Draft

Hole Wizard

Shape

Shell

Wrap

Deform

Flex

In addition to these features, there are other types of features that create reference geometry (such as curves, planes, and axes, surface features (covered in Chapter 27), and specialty features for techniques like weldments (Chapter 31), plastics/mold tools (Chapter 32), and sheet metal (Chapters 29 & 30).

Understanding History-Based Modeling

In addition to being feature-based, SolidWorks is also history-based. To show the process history, there is a panel to the left side of the SolidWorks window called the FeatureManager. The FeatureManager keeps a list of the features in the order in which you have added them. It also enables you to reorder items in the tree (in effect, to change history). Because of this, the order in which you perform operations is important. For example, consider Figure 1.16. This model was created by the following process, left to right starting with the top row:

1. Create a sketch.

2. Extrude the sketch.

3. Create a second sketch.

4. Extrude the second sketch.

5. Create a third sketch.

6. Extrude Cut the third sketch.

7. Apply fillets.

8. Shell the model.

If the order of operations used in the previous part were slightly reordered (by putting the shell and fillet features before Step 6), the resulting part would also look slightly different, as shown in Figure 1.17.

Figure 1.18 shows a comparison of the FeatureManager design trees for the two different feature orders. You can reorder features by dragging them up or down the tree. Relationships between features can prevent reordering; for example, the fillets are dependent on the second extruded feature, and cannot be reordered before it. This is referred to as a Parent/Child relationship.

Reordering and Parent/Child relationships are discussed in more detail in Chapter 11, Editing and Evaluation.

The part used for this example is available in the material from the CD-ROM, named Chapter 1 — Features.SLDPRT. Parts on the CD-ROM exist for both 2007 and 2009 versions.

The order of operations, or history, is important to the final state of the part. For example, if you change the order so that the shell comes before the extruded cut, the geometry of the model changes, removing the sleeve inside instead of the hole on top. You can try this for yourself by opening the part indicated previously, dragging the Shell1 feature in the FeatureManager, and dropping it just above the Cut-Extrude1 feature.

You can only drag one item at a time in the FeatureManager. So you may drag the Shell, and then drag each of two fillets, or you could just drag the Cut feature down the tree. Alternatively, you can put the shell and fillets in a folder and drag the folder to a new location.

Reordering is limited by parent-child relationships between dependent features.

FIGURE 1.16

Features used to create a simple part

FIGURE 1.17

Using a different order of features for the same part

FIGURE 1.18

Compare the FeatureManager design trees for the parts shown in Figure 1.16 and Figure 1.17.

You can read more about reordering folders in Chapter 11, Editing and Evaluations.

In some cases, reordering the features in the FeatureManager may result in geometry that might not make any sense; for example, if the fillets are applied after the shell, they might break through to the inside of the part. In these cases, SolidWorks gives an error that helps you to fix the problem.

In 2D CAD programs where you are just drawing lines, the order in which you draw the lines does not matter. This is one of the fundamental differences between history-based modeling and non-history-based drawing.

Features are really just like steps in building a part; the steps can either add material or remove it. However, when you make a part on a mill or lathe, you are only removing material. The FeatureManager is like an instruction sheet to build the part. When you reorder and revise history, you change the order of operations and thus the final result.

Sketching with Parametrics

You have already seen that sketching is the foundation that underlies the most common feature types. You will now find that sketching in parametric software is vastly different from drawing lines in 2D CAD.

Dictionary.com defines the word parameter as “one of a set of measurable factors . . . that define a system and determine its behavior and [that] are varied in an experiment.” SolidWorks sketches are parametric. What this means to you as a SolidWorks user in a practical sense is that you can create sketches that change according to certain rules, and maintain relationships through those changes. This is the basis of parametric design. It extends beyond sketching to all of the types of geometry you can create in SolidWorks.

In addition to 2D sketching, SolidWorks also makes 3D sketching possible. Of the two methods, 2D sketches are by far the more widely used. You create 2D sketches on a selected plane, planar solid, or surface face, and use them to establish shapes for features such as Extrude, Revolve, and others. Relations in 2D sketches are often created between sketch entities and other entities that may or may not be in the sketch plane. In situations where other entities are not in the sketch plane, the out-of-plane entity is projected into the sketch plane in a direction that is normal to the sketch plane. This does not happen for 3D sketches.

You use 3D sketches for the Hole Wizard, routing, and weldments, among other applications such as complex shape creation.

For more information on 3D sketching, please refer to Chapter 31.

For a simple example of working with sketch relations in a 2D sketch, consider the sketch that is shown in Figure 1.19. The only relationships between the four lines are that they form a closed loop that is touching end to end, and one of the corners is coincident to the part origin. The small square icon near the origin shows the symbol for a coincident sketch relation. The setting to enable or disable these sketch relation symbols is found at View⇒Sketch Relations.