Learn the basics of SOLIDWORKS design, and build a SOLIDWORKS feature-based, parametric, solid model using sketches and features. Create a new sketch. Sketch geometry like lines and circles. Add relations and dimensions. Revolve and extrude sketches to create features. Shell to create a thin walled model. Test the design with dimensional changes.
Use design tables to quickly create many configurations that change the values of dimensions and the suppression states of features. Set up a model to effectively use design tables. Understand the options when creating a design table. Add columns to a design table for additional dimensions and features to control. Add rows to a design table for additional configurations to create.
Use the ConfigurationManager to add configurations and modify the part by controlling the suppression state of features and by configuring dimensions. Use the ConfigurationManager to add configurations to a part. Suppress features to represent a different version of the model. Configure dimensions to create different size versions of the part.
Contour selection options allow individual contours to be selected within a sketch. By making use of contour selection techniques, a single sketch can be used to produce multiple features. Use the Contour Select Tool to pre-select contours for a feature. Use the Selected Contours options for a feature to define areas of a sketch to use. Use a single sketch to generate multiple features. Understand the icons displayed when using selected contours and sharing sketches.
Extend sketch profiles to create extruded bosses to add material and extruded cuts to remove material. Use sketch relations and dimensions to define sketch profiles. Understand some of the options for extruded features. Add material with an extruded boss and remove material with an extruded cut.
Create rounded or beveled edges using fillets or chamfers, respectively. Understand general filleting rules to facilitate better modeling practices. Create and understand some of the options for constant radius fillets. Create and understand some of the options for chamfer features.
