SolidWorks® 2009 Bible

Chapter 31. Using Weldments

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Sketching in 3D

• Using the Weldment tools

• Using non-structural components

• Using sub-weldments

• Using Cut lists

• Creating Weldment drawings

• Tutorial: Working with weldments

Weldments in SolidWorks are built on driving structural profiles along sketch entities in a multi-body part environment. Weldment members can be curved, you can make them using standard or custom profiles, and you can build them from both 2D and 3D sketches. A Cut List within the part keeps track of how much of each profile is needed to fabricate the weldment. Weldments are specialized parts that are similar in some ways to sheet metal parts.

You can use weldments for round or rectangular tubular structures, structures made from channels, flanged sections, standard or custom shapes, gussets, and end caps, and they can also represent weld beads in the part. You can also use weldments to create structures that are bolted together, structural aluminum extrusion frames, vinyl window frames, and wooden frames and structures, and you can put them into assemblies with other parts such as castings, sheet metal, and fabricated plate.

Sketching in 3D

Earlier chapters discuss the tools that are available for 3D sketches; this chapter covers techniques for 3D sketching.

Navigating in space

When drawing a line in a 3D sketch, the cursor and Origin initially look like those shown in Figure 31.1. The ...