Evaluate the size, weight, and more of a model using the measure and mass properties tools. Understand how the material and coordinate system of a part affect its mass properties. Measure between points and circles to determine the size of a part.
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.
Copy instances of one or more features or bodies by mirroring them across a reference plane or planar face. The resultant copy is reversed, as if seen in a mirror, maintaining symmetry. Create mirror patterns of features and bodies. Control results with geometry pattern option.
Learn how shells are used to model thin structures. Create shells on thin structures using the shell manager. Apply symmetry fixtures to reduce computational efforts.
Add draft to cast and molded parts. Understand the various types of draft features you can create. Perform Draft Analysis to determine which faces need draft added to them.
Create circles and arcs as entities in a sketch. Learn about the variety of tools you can use to create circles and arc. Understand when you might choose the different circle and arc tools based on points in the center or along the perimeter of the circle or arc.
Insert driving dimensions into a sketch using the versatile Smart Dimension tool. With a single tool, you can create radial dimensions for arc, linear dimensions between two points, and more. The dimension that appears depends on the entities you select. Insert linear, angular, radial, and other dimensions. Modify dimensions. Move and reattach dimensions.
The Hole Wizard feature creates standard-sized holes according to ANSI, ISO, and other international standards. Hole type, size, and placement location are input by the user. Create hole wizard holes. Learn the elements and options of a wizard hole. Create multiple holes in the same feature.
Use the Interference Detection tool to identify any overlap between parts in an assembly. Clearance between parts can also be detected using the Clearance Verification tool. Use the Interference Detection tool to identify interferences between assembly components. Explore the options available within the Interference Detection tool. Use the Clearance Verification tool to identify clearances between assembly components. Explore the options available with the Clearance Verification tool.
Model parts in the context of an assembly, using references to other components to complete the design. The design intent for new parts (sizes of features, placement of components in the assembly, etc.) comes from other components in the assembly. Build a virtual part in the context of an assembly by employing Top-Down assembly modeling techniques. Create features in the assembly context by referencing geometry in mating parts. Understand InPlace mates and external references. Identify external references in the FeatureManager design tree.
Create several types of derived drawing views and understand the unique characteristics of each view type. A derived drawing view is created by referencing an existing drawing view. Create a projected view by folding off an existing drawing view. Project a view normal to a selected edge to create an auxiliary view. Show a portion of a view at an enlarged scale using detail views. Create a drawing view relative to planes or planar faces in the model. Focus on a portion of a drawing view by cropping and hiding the unwanted entities. Shorten an existing drawing view using broken views.
Mirror existing sketch entities with the Mirror Entities tool or by adding symmetric relations. Or, dynamically mirror sketch entities as you create them. Mirror sketch entities that you previously created. Dynamically mirror sketch entities as you create them. Add symmetric relations to sketch entities to mirror the entities.
Insert annotations into existing drawing views, including custom notes, geometric tolerances, and blocks. Create annotations and symbols. Create blocks from geometry and notes. Save a block to a file. Insert a block into a drawing.
Convert imported assembly and multibody geometry into SOLIDWORKS feature-based, parametric models. Recognize imported assembly geometry as multiple parts. Use Edit Feature to recognize only selected features from the part. Use child features to recognize multiple features with a single selection.
Convert imported sheet metal part geometry into SOLIDWORKS feature-based, sheet metal, parametric models. Recognize common sheet metal features such as Base Flanges and Sketched Bends. Flatten the result to view the flat pattern. Use a hybrid approach combining the automatic and interactive methods.
Install and use the testing software that you use to take any of the SOLIDWORKS certification exams. Download the Tester Pro Client software. Explore the user interface and critical aspects of the test taking experience.
Use both bottom-up and top-down assembly modeling design techniques to insert and modify components in an assembly. Insert components into an assembly using a bottom-up approach. Modify a component using a top-down approach. Create a new component using a top-down approach.
Add materials to parts for calculations of mass properties, for use with SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and to modify the appearance of the part. Define the material for a part. Add a custom material to a part. Use configurations to assign different materials to a part.
Use standard mates to constrain the degrees of freedom of components relative to other components or reference geometry such as planes or axes. Learn about standard mate types such as coincident, concentric, and more. Understand how selected entities such as faces, edges, vertices, planes, or axes determines the available mate types.
Create a pattern of one or more features or bodies in one or two circular directions. The circular direction is based on a cylindrical or conical face, a circular or linear edge, centerline or axis. Spacing of instances can be controlled in different ways. Create circular patterns of existing features. Vary spacing and range.
