Chapter 1. Introducing SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a feature-based, history-based, associative, parametric 3D CAD program. That seems like many words, but they all have a specific meaning. In SolidWorks, you build 3D parts from a series of simple 2D sketches and features such as extrude, revolve, fillets, and holes, among others. You can then create 2D drawings from the 3D parts and assemblies.
This chapter will familiarize you with some of the tools available to make the transition to SolidWorks, and with some of the basic facts and concepts that you need to know to get the most out of the software.
If you want to start using the software without learning about how or why it works, you can skip directly to Chapter 4 for sketches or Chapter 5 to start making parts, assemblies, and drawings. Of course, I recommend you get a bit of background and some foundation first.
Installing SolidWorks for the First Time
I'm assuming you are installing SolidWorks for the first time on your computer. Detailed instructions for more involved types of installation and uninstallation are beyond the scope of this book.
Some of you will ...
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