It is common practice to update parts and assemblies, but in a SOLIDWORKS Composer file, it is difficult to make substantial design changes since it is not a native SOLIDWORKS CAD software. However, it is simple to update SOLIDWORKS Composer actors and assemblies. All you have to do is select the components, and then choose “Update”. This relieves the headache of needing to update everything externally in SOLIDWORKS. In this lesson, individual actors as well as the whole assembly will be updated to show the updating capabilities of SOLIDWORKS Composer.
Learn to use a grid system, which is a type reference geometry, to represent a skeleton of structural members. Create a grid system to represent the center lines of structural members.
Use this tool to find the differences between two bill of materials (BOM) tables. Differences include changes in quantity, part number, etc.. Find differences between similar BOMs. Set options of the Compare BOM tool. Interpret the output of the Compare BOM tool to identify the differences between BOMs.
Use the Sort Operations command to automatically reorder operations. Examine sort operations process options. Set sort by order for operation type.
A parting line borders the surfaces that belong to the core and the cavity of a mold. Learn to automatically select a parting line or manually select one for more complex models. Learn how to scale parts to adjust for shrinkage. Perform a Draft Analysis to display faces with positive and negative draft. Create a parting line feature manually and automatically.
Search for, manage and view exisiting reports created by SolidWorks Utilities. Export reports to a briefcase or delete reports. Search for, manage, and view SolidWorks Utilities reports. Export and delete reports.
Learn DimXpert in Assembly to define dimensions and tolerances for overall sizes and installation interfaces in assembly environment. All the existing DimXpert capabilities in part are supported in assembly. Use Auto Dimension Scheme define the installation hole spacing. Use Location and Size dimension tools to define hole sizes and assembly feature dimensions and tolerances. Apply manual basic dimensions. Select edges instead of faces for easier definition. Place dimensions per mouse move just like in 2D drawings or sketches. Update flag notes automatically. Display coordinate systems per feature control frames.
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.
The Indent command will form an impression of a selected tool body in a selected target body of a part. By using the options within the Indent command, a simple cut, thickness, or clearance can be formed around the tool body region. Understand the options within the Indent command. Create an Indent feature to form faces of a part around selected tool bodies. Use the Delete Body command to remove tool bodies from the part.
A multibody sheet metal part has multiple sets of specific sheet metal features in the same feature tree. There are also multiple flat pattern features. The cut list shows each individual body. Learn the process for creating a multibody sheet metal part, and also some of the uses of such a part. Use sheet metal tools to create a new sheet metal body. Use a linear or circular pattern, mirror, or move/copy to duplicate a body. Use Insert Part to add a body into an existing sheet metal part. Divide a sheet metal body into multiple bodies. Learn some of the basic uses of multibody sheet metal design.
Import a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram file, which describes the routes, lines, descriptions, and connections of a piping system in text format. Create equipment and routing from the imported file. Learn the basic format and content of a P & ID file. Insert equipment from an imported P & ID file. Create a guideline spline for a piping system, and a route that fits the spline.
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.
Generate a Bill of Characteristics: Manually or automatically extract annotations. Leverage the SOLIDWORKS Inspection Addin or Standalone application based on your workflow.
Explore flat pattern feature options including parameters, corner options, grain direction, and faces to exclude. Create a drawing from a flat pattern, adding dimensions and other annotations. Explore flat pattern options. Create a drawing from a flat pattern.
Understand the characteristics of a large assembly, how SOLIDWORKS opens an assembly, and what can cause it to slow down. Also, a quick look at some possible solutions. Explore what makes a large assembly. Learn the sequence of steps SOLIDWORKS uses to open an assembly. Discover some common large assembly slowdowns.
Use the Edit Definition command to modify contouring operation leadin and leadout parameters. Modify leadin type. Modify leadin amount and overlap. Modify arc radius and arc angle.
Add a jog to an existing flange. A jog adds material to a sheet metal part by creating two bends and a flat from a sketch line. The mirror feature adds symmetry in sheet metal designs. Add a jog to an existing flange. Incorporate symmetry in sheet metal designs. Position a jog.
Understand what to do when a 3D printing job is complete. Learn the safest ways to remove a part from the machine. Understand how to prepare the machine for future jobs.
Animate an assembly from a first-person perspective. Create walkthrough animations. Position the camera throughout the animation sequence. Align the camera to a sketch path throughout the animation sequence. Save animations as AVI files.
Use the Coordinate System command to define and assign a Fixture Coordinate System for the active machine. Select the method for defining coordinate system. Define and select a coordinate system. Examine the option for creating a SOLIDWORKS coordinate system.
Utilize functions of the Costing Task Pane and CostingManager tab to analyze the cost of manufacturing a sheet metal part. Use the Costing Task Pane to evaluate materials costs. Learn how to customize material options for material and blank size. Use the Costing Manager to evaluate manufacturing costs. Learn how to customize cost values for manufacturing. Understand the values displayed in the Estimated Cost Per Part. Generate a cost analysis report.
Explore the user interface of SOLIDWORKS Treehouse, an assembly structure planning tool for managers and designers alike. Tour the user interface to explore how to use SOLIDWORKS Treehouse. Build the structure for a new assembly complete with parts and drawings.
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.
Use the Split Route tool to add junction points to existing routes. Create geometry at the J-point to orient an in-line fitting. Use the Split Route tool to add a junction point to an existing route. Create 3D geometry at a junction point. Use 3D geometry to orient an in-line fitting.
