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.
Learn properties specific to sheet metal. Use the Sheet Metal feature to control sheet metal gauges, bend allowances, and Auto Relief options. Use the Sheet Metal feature to control sheet metal properties. Use a gauge table to control sheet metal gauges. Understand and use the 5 options to control the bend allowance. Use the Auto Relief feature to contol the type and location of relief cuts.
SOLIDWORKS includes many tools for evaluating part geometry. By analyzing the curvature of a parts curves and surfaces, you can evaluate the quality of transitions between features and the surfaces themselves. Understand what curvature is. Display Curvature to use colors to evaluate the surfaces of a model. Use Curvature Combs to evaluate sketch curves. Learn how to display the minimum radius and inflection points of a curve. Use zebra stripes to simulate reflections on faces of a model. Understand how to use evaluate tools to recognize tangency and curvature continuous conditions.
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.
Insert and manipulate dimensions in existing drawing views. You import dimensions from the model, create custom driven dimension, and move dimensions between views. Insert and manipulate driving dimensions. Create driven dimensions. Edit the properties of a dimension.
Observe stress analysis of a part using SimulationXpress to determine the deformation of the part under the influence of a load (force or pressure). Understand the assumptions and limitations of SimulationXpress. Observe stress analysis being performed on a part.
Create smart components by selecting components and features in a defining assembly. Then, insert smart components into an assembly to add the components and create the features. Create smart components in a defining assembly. Insert smart components into an assembly to create components and features. Select reference faces for the features of a smart component.
Apply color, material and texture appearances to components, part features, or faces in an assembly. Control how those appearances propagate through the model. Appearances applied at the assembly component level do not affect the individual part file. Apply an appearance to several componets in an assembly. Apply a material appearance and change how it is displayed. Understand the hierarchy of appearance application in an assembly.
Import parts into SOLIDWORKS, then use the rip feature to create thin cuts in sheet metal geometry between adjacent flanges. Insert bends to convert the model to a sheet metal part to flatten and further edit the part. Import other file types into SOLIDWORKS. Use rip feature to create thin cuts. Add bends to part to convert part to sheet metal.
Create a weldment frame from a series of layout sketches. The weldment environment uses standard weldment profiles to define the type of structural members in the weldment. Members of the same type and size are created in one feature. Create a weldment frame. Insert structural members. Relocate the profile sketch. Change corner treatments.
Project a sketch onto another sketch to create a curve that represents the cage for a water bottle. Create sketches that represent the overall shape of the water bottle. Project one sketch onto another to create the 3D curve. Create a sweep feature using the 3D curve as the path.
The Copy with Mates command copies existing components along with their mates. New references can be selected for the new mates to allow for modified placement. Use the Copy with Mates command to create new instances of components along with their mates. Understand when mate references for the copied mates are repeated. Understand when some of the copied mates require new mate references.
Create a pipe coupling using the Routing Component Wizard. Create a fitting with the Routing Component Wizard. Select and create C-points and R-points. Use design tables to configure fittings. Save created fittings to the Design Library.
Set the options of a sweep feature to control the orientation and twist of the profile along the path. Use curvature combs to evaluate the curvature of paths and guide curves. Control the twist of the profile along the path of a sweep.
Explore the Edge Flange feature, including edge selection, bend direction, and other pertinent options. Create an edge flange. Learn and understand the different options for edge flange.
Create a variable pitch helix that you use as the path for a sweep feature. Learn about the options you have to define the shape of the variable pitch helix. Create a variable pitch helix. Position the profile and path sketches properly for a sweep feature. Create a plane normal to a curve at a point.
Create and use hole tables and general tables to display different types of data, such as alternate part configurations, on a drawing. Create a hole table to display hole sizes and locations on a drawing. Use a general table to display any custom data. Resize and edit existing tables.
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.
Create a flattened annotation route for use in a 2D drawing. Insert and edit different tables displaying information pertaining to the route. Distinguish between annotation style and manufacture style drawings. Use the Flatten Route tool to create the flattened route and drawing. Learn to insert, edit and adjust an electrical BOM, cut list, connector table, and auto balloon in the drawing. Learn to edit flattened route.
By looking at the transitions between spiral surfaces and adjacent surfaces, you can understand the three types of continuity present in CAD systems. Identify C0 (contact), C1 (tangent), and C2 (curvature) continuity.
Use the Assembly Visualization tool to display, sort, and select components by property. Navigate the assembly visualization pane to sort or group components. Change the color of components to improve visualization in the graphics area. Add custom columns to the assembly visualization pane. Export the information in the assembly visualization pane.
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.
Wrap a flat sketch around a cylindrical or conical surface. A wrap feature can be an embossing type, which adds material, a debossing type, which removes material, or a scribing type, which splits the faces. Locate the sketch plane for a wrap feature. Define the length of a sketch using an equation. Remove material using the deboss option of the wrap feature.
