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.
Define mated entities and mate types for components that you use frequently. When you add the component to the assembly, some mates can automatically be added for you. Define the mate entities and mate types for a frequently used component. Add a component with mate references to an assembly. Select the configuration of a component that you drag into an assembly.
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.
This lesson contains exercises so you can improve your proficiency with Assemblies before taking the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) exam.
Use the Property Tab Builder stand-alone utility to build a customized user interface, or ‘tab’, and add file properties. Create Custom or Configuration Properties. Choose from seven different types of controls. Take data from external sources such as text or Excel files.
Use the Physical Dynamics options when moving components to allow realistic interaction between assembly components. Physical dynamics identifies collisions between faces and allows components to push one another when they come into contact. Understand options within the Move Component command. Use the Physical Dynamics option to simulate interaction between components being moved. Understand the limitations of using Physical Dynamics versus a Motion Study. Learn how to troubleshoot issues when using the physical dynamics option.
Exploded views can be created in assemblies to assist in detailing and visualizing components. Learn how to create an exploded view in an assembly. Use the options within the Exploded View command to explode single and multiple components. Understand the options for exploding sub-assemblies. Automate spacing for multiple components in a chain explode step. Learn how to animate explode steps.
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.
Mirror Component creates opposite-hand, but otherwise identical, versions of parts or subassembies. Specify which components are mirrored and which are purely copied (i.e. fasteners, which should not be mirrored). The geometry of a mirrored component changes to create a truly mirrored version, known as an \"opposite-hand\" version. Mirror components about an assembly plane. Create mirrored versions of parts in an assembly. Create opposite-hand versions of parts.
Create flexible tubing routes between existing components in an assembly. Edit tubing routes to accomodate tubing clips and cylindrical envelopes. Use the Repair Route command and the Re-route Spline option to resolve any errors. Create flexible tube routes. Edit routes using tubing clips and envelopes.
Make changes to route geometry using 3D sketches. Edit routes by deleting, trimming, and adding sketch geometry. Delete existing fittings and add replacements fittings. Edit existing routes. Delete existing fittings. Add replacement fittings.
Automatically create a piping route between connections. You choose from one of many possible routes. You can specify that the route goes around model geometry or through reference geometry. Drag and drop flanges. Create a new piping route. Create route geometry using auto-route. View multiple route solutions. Evaluate route solutions.
Select components according to their position relative to assembly envelopes and hide, suppress, or delete the selected components. Utilize assembly envelopes as reference components that are ignored by bills of materials and mass property calculations. Convert components to assembly envelopes. Select components based on their position relative to an assembly envelope. Hide or show components selected using an assembly envelope.
Large Design Review mode offers faster performance and enhanced visual features while limiting access to details of constituent parts and subassemblies. Large Design Review mode is ideal for visual presentations, rough measurements, and section views. Open an assembly in Large Design Review mode. Review the available tools and features in Large Design Review mode. Explore the limitations of Large Design Review mode.
The linear coupler mate links the translation of one component to the translation of another component. The translation occurs along an axis you define relative to the assembly origin or a reference component. Select the faces and reference components to define a linear coupler mate. Set the ratio of motion of one component relative to another.
Constrain a point or a vertex of a component to a path in an assembly. Then, control the pitch, yaw, and roll of the component as it moves along the path. Specify the entities for a path mate. Edit a path mate to control pitch, yaw, and roll of the component.
Center a component relative to two faces of a groove using a width mate. Add a width mate to center a component relative to two faces of another component. Understand the degrees of freedom that are constrained by a width mate.
The Belt/Chain assembly feature links idlers, pulleys, or sprockets together to achieve the intended rotation of several components simultaneously. Optionally, you can create a belt or chain component part. Select edges of pulleys and idlers for a belt/chain assembly feature. Set the properties of a belt/chain assembly feature.
The Hole Series feature adds holes to multiple components in an assembly. Unlike a typical assembly feature, the Hole Series adds part-level features to the individual components. Create a Hole Series feature in an assembly. Create a Hole Series feature from an existing hole feature. Understand the difference between the Hole Series feature and a typical assembly feature.
Learn the basics of SOLIDWORKS assembly design, by opening an assembly and adding components and mates. Open an existing assembly. Insert components into an assembly. Mate components using common types. Understand degrees of freedom and show assembly motion. Open components from the assembly. Hide and show components.
Use drawing view commands that are specific to working with assembly models including broken out section views, alternate position views, and exploded views. Use drawing view properties to represent assembly configurations. Create a broken-out section view to show internal components of the assembly. Create an alternate position view using an existing or a new configuration. Create an exploded assembly drawing view.
Use global variables and equations in assemblies to control dimensions of components or values of mates. Set dimension names. Define global variables. Add equations that link dimension values of one component to values in another component.