SolidWorks® 2010: No Experience Required™

SolidWorks® 2010: No Experience Required™

Released March 2010
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9780470505434

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Book description

The only continuous, step-by-step tutorial for SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a 3D CAD manufacturing software package that has been used to design everything from aerospace robotics to bicycles. This book teaches beginners to use SolidWorks through a step-by-step tutorial, letting you build, document, and present a project while you learn.

Tools and functionality are explained in the context of professional, real-world tasks and workflows. You will learn the essential functions and gain the skills to use the software at once.

  • SolidWorks is a popular design software for manufacturing, and this book introduces it in the context of actually creating an object

  • Begins with an overview of SolidWorks conventions and the interface

  • Explains how to create models and drawings, create a revolved part and subassembly, and model parts within a subassembly

  • Explores modification capabilities and drawing and Bill of Materials templates

  • Moves on to top-level assembly models and drawings, Toolbox components and the Design Library, mates, export and printing capabilities, and creating renderings

  • Includes a glossary, a foreword from the SolidWorks product manager, and downloadable tutorial files

SolidWorks 2010: No Experience Required quickly turns beginners into confident users of SolidWorks.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Dear Reader,
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. About the Authors
  5. Introduction
    1. What You Will Learn in This Book
    2. Files on the Website
    3. How to Contact the Author
  6. 1. Becoming Familiar with SolidWorks
    1. 1.1. Start SolidWorks
      1. 1.1.1. SolidWorks License Agreement
      2. 1.1.2. Help and Workflow Customization
    2. 1.2. Navigate the SolidWorks Interface
      1. 1.2.1. Graphics Area
      2. 1.2.2. Heads-up View Toolbar
      3. 1.2.3. Status Bar
      4. 1.2.4. Task Pane
        1. 1.2.4.1. SolidWorks Resources
        2. 1.2.4.2. Design Library
        3. 1.2.4.3. File Explorer
        4. 1.2.4.4. Search
        5. 1.2.4.5. View Palette
        6. 1.2.4.6. Appearances/Scenes
        7. 1.2.4.7. Custom Properties
      5. 1.2.5. Menu Bar
      6. 1.2.6. CommandManager
      7. 1.2.7. FeatureManager Design Tree
      8. 1.2.8. Toolbars
    3. 1.3. Use the CommandManager
      1. 1.3.1. Access the CommandManager
      2. 1.3.2. Float and Dock the CommandManager
      3. 1.3.3. Hide Text in the CommandManager
      4. 1.3.4. Customize the CommandManager
        1. 1.3.4.1. Add Tabs to the CommandManager
        2. 1.3.4.2. Add Existing Toolbars to the CommandManager
        3. 1.3.4.3. Create a Custom Tab
        4. 1.3.4.4. Add and Remove Tools in Tabs
    4. 1.4. Use and Customize the Menus
    5. 1.5. Use Toolbars
      1. 1.5.1. Hide/Show Toolbars
      2. 1.5.2. Access the Shortcut Bar
        1. 1.5.2.1. Customizing a Shortcut Bar
      3. 1.5.3. Access the Context Toolbars
    6. 1.6. Use the Keyboard
      1. 1.6.1. Use Default Shortcuts
      2. 1.6.2. Add and Change Shortcut Keys
      3. 1.6.3. Print Keyboard Shortcuts
      4. 1.6.4. Use Accelerator Keys
    7. 1.7. Use the Mouse
      1. 1.7.1. Select with the Mouse
        1. 1.7.1.1. Individual Entities
        2. 1.7.1.2. Box and Cross Selection
      2. 1.7.2. Use the Right Mouse Button
        1. 1.7.2.1. Shortcut Menus
      3. 1.7.3. Mouse Gestures
      4. 1.7.4. Manipulate Views with the Mouse
    8. 1.8. Are You Experienced?
  7. 2. Learning the Basics
    1. 2.1. Explore the Document Structure
    2. 2.2. Explore the Anatomy of a Part
      1. 2.2.1. Graphics Area
        1. 2.2.1.1. Reference Triad
        2. 2.2.1.2. Origin
      2. 2.2.2. FeatureManager Design Tree
        1. 2.2.2.1. Filter
        2. 2.2.2.2. Sensors
        3. 2.2.2.3. Annotations
        4. 2.2.2.4. Material
        5. 2.2.2.5. Planes
        6. 2.2.2.6. Origin
        7. 2.2.2.7. Features
        8. 2.2.2.8. Rollback Bar
        9. 2.2.2.9. Display Pane
        10. 2.2.2.10. Hidden Tree Items
      3. 2.2.3. PropertyManager
      4. 2.2.4. ConfigurationManager
      5. 2.2.5. DimXpertManager
    3. 2.3. Use Assemblies
      1. 2.3.1. FeatureManager Design Tree in Assemblies
        1. 2.3.1.1. Display Pane
        2. 2.3.1.2. Mates
    4. 2.4. Tell a Story with Drawings
      1. 2.4.1. Graphics Area
        1. 2.4.1.1. Sheet Format
        2. 2.4.1.2. Drawing Views
        3. 2.4.1.3. Annotations
      2. 2.4.2. Sheet Tabs
      3. 2.4.3. FeatureManager Design Tree
      4. 2.4.4. PropertyManager
    5. 2.5. Are You Experienced?
  8. 3. Creating Your First Part
    1. 3.1. Save the Model
    2. 3.2. Set the Document Properties
    3. 3.3. Create a Base Extrusion
      1. 3.3.1. Create a Sketch
        1. 3.3.1.1. Sketch Prefixes
        2. 3.3.1.2. Draw a Rectangle
        3. 3.3.1.3. More About Rectangles
        4. 3.3.1.4. Define the Sketch
        5. 3.3.1.5. Dimension Types in Sketches
      2. 3.3.2. Use Instant3D
    4. 3.4. Add an Extruded Cut
      1. 3.4.1. Create a Sketch on a Planar Face
      2. 3.4.2. Fully Define the Sketch
      3. 3.4.3. Explore Options for Creating an Extruded Cut
    5. 3.5. Add Boss Extrusions
    6. 3.6. Core Out the Part
      1. 3.6.1. Define the Cutout Location
      2. 3.6.2. Cut Out the Cavity
      3. 3.6.3. Add Cutout for Electronics Cover
      4. 3.6.4. Add Holes for Wiring
        1. 3.6.4.1. Sketch a Circle with a Defined Diameter
        2. 3.6.4.2. Execute an Extruded Cut for the Counterbore
        3. 3.6.4.3. Create the Through Hole for the Lamp Shaft
        4. 3.6.4.4. Create a Through Hole for the AC Power Cord
    7. 3.7. Add Fillets and Chamfers
      1. 3.7.1.
        1. 3.7.1.1. Add Fillets Using FilletXpert
        2. 3.7.1.2. Reorder Features
        3. 3.7.1.3. Edit Fillet Feature
        4. 3.7.1.4. Select Edges Through Faces
        5. 3.7.1.5. Add Chamfers
    8. 3.8. Are You Experienced?
  9. 4. Creating Your First Drawing
    1. 4.1. Create a Drawing from a Part
      1. 4.1.1. Download and Install the Drawing Template
      2. 4.1.2. Open the Drawing Template
    2. 4.2. Add Views
      1. 4.2.1. Add Sectioned Views
      2. 4.2.2. Add Projected Views
      3. 4.2.3. Add a Broken-out Section
      4. 4.2.4. Add a Detailed View
    3. 4.3. Annotate the Drawing
      1. 4.3.1. Import Annotations
      2. 4.3.2. Move Dimensions Between Views
      3. 4.3.3. Arrange Dimensions
        1. 4.3.3.1. Extend the Extension Lines
        2. 4.3.3.2. Change Diameter Dimensions
      4. 4.3.4. Reverse Directions of Dimension Arrows
      5. 4.3.5. Hide/Show Annotations
        1. 4.3.5.1. Hide Dimensions
        2. 4.3.5.2. Show Hidden Dimensions
      6. 4.3.6. Dimension a Chamfer
      7. 4.3.7. Use the Dimension Palette
      8. 4.3.8. Add Reference Dimensions
      9. 4.3.9. Add Centerlines and Center Marks
        1. 4.3.9.1. Add Centerlines
        2. 4.3.9.2. Add Center Marks
    4. 4.4. Finalize the Drawing
      1. 4.4.1. Fill in the Title Block
      2. 4.4.2. Add Notes to the Drawing
      3. 4.4.3. Update the Revision Table
    5. 4.5. Share the Drawing
      1. 4.5.1. Print Your Drawing
      2. 4.5.2. Create a PDF of Your Drawing
      3. 4.5.3. Make a Detached Drawing
    6. 4.6. Are You Experienced?
      1. 4.6.1. Now You Can...
  10. 5. Creating a Revolved Part
    1. 5.1. Create a Sketch for a Revolved Part
    2. 5.2. Draw Arcs
    3. 5.3. Dimension Sketches with Centerlines
    4. 5.4. Mirror a Sketch
    5. 5.5. Trim Sketch Entities
    6. 5.6. Revolve the Sketch
    7. 5.7. Add a Threaded Boss
    8. 5.8. Add a Revolve Cut
    9. 5.9. Finish the Shaft
    10. 5.10. If You Would Like More Practice...
    11. 5.11. Are You Experienced?
      1. 5.11.1. Now You Can...
  11. 6. Creating a Subassembly
    1. 6.1. Model a Washer
      1. 6.1.1. Add Draft to a Part
      2. 6.1.2. Check the Draft of a Part
      3. 6.1.3. Add Multiple Fillets Using FilletXpert
      4. 6.1.4. Configure a Part
        1. 6.1.4.1. Switch Between Configurations
        2. 6.1.4.2. View the FeatureManager Design Tree and ConfigurationManager at the Same Time
    2. 6.2. Model a Washer Cover
      1. 6.2.1. Add Sketch Fillets
      2. 6.2.2. Create a Revolved Thin Feature
    3. 6.3. Create a Subassembly
      1. 6.3.1. Select a Part Configuration
      2. 6.3.2. Insert Components into Assembly
      3. 6.3.3. Move Floating Components in an Assembly
    4. 6.4. Add Mates in Assemblies
    5. 6.5. Change the Appearance of Parts in an Assembly
      1. 6.5.1. Change Colors Using Appearances
      2. 6.5.2. Add Realistic Material Appearances to Models
      3. 6.5.3. Turn on RealView
    6. 6.6. If You Would Like More Practice...
    7. 6.7. Are You Experienced?
      1. 6.7.1. Now You Can...
  12. 7. Creating a Simple Assembly Drawing
    1. 7.1. Create the Drawing Views
      1. 7.1.1. Explore the Model View PropertyManager
        1. 7.1.1.1. Reference Configuration Section
        2. 7.1.1.2. Orientation Section
        3. 7.1.1.3. Import Options Section
        4. 7.1.1.4. Display State Section
        5. 7.1.1.5. Options Section
        6. 7.1.1.6. Display Style Section
        7. 7.1.1.7. Scale Section
        8. 7.1.1.8. Dimension Type Section
        9. 7.1.1.9. Cosmetic Thread Display Section
      2. 7.1.2. Section the Washer Subassembly
    2. 7.2. Add a Bill of Materials
      1. 7.2.1. Explore the Bill of Materials PropertyManager
        1. 7.2.1.1. Table Template Section
        2. 7.2.1.2. Table Position Section
        3. 7.2.1.3. BOM Type Section
        4. 7.2.1.4. Configurations Section
        5. 7.2.1.5. Part Configuration Grouping Section
        6. 7.2.1.6. Item Numbers Section
        7. 7.2.1.7. Border Section
        8. 7.2.1.8. Layer Section
      2. 7.2.2. Specify the Anchor Point for the Bill of Materials
    3. 7.3. Add Balloons to the Drawing
      1. 7.3.1. Explore the AutoBalloon PropertyManager
        1. 7.3.1.1. Style Section
        2. 7.3.1.2. Balloon Layout Section
        3. 7.3.1.3. Balloon Settings Section
        4. 7.3.1.4. Leader Style Section
        5. 7.3.1.5. Frame Style Section
        6. 7.3.1.6. Layer Style
    4. 7.4. Finish the Bill of Materials
    5. 7.5. If You Would Like More Practice...
    6. 7.6. Are You Experienced?
      1. 7.6.1. Now You Can...
  13. 8. Creating a More Complex Part Model
    1. 8.1. Create the Base Feature of the Shade Mount
      1. 8.1.1. Transition Between Lines and Arcs in Sketches
      2. 8.1.2. Change a Line to a Construction Line
      3. 8.1.3. Create a Revolved Feature for the Shade Mount
    2. 8.2. Create a Swept Feature
      1. 8.2.1. Add a Reference Plane
      2. 8.2.2. Create a Path for Swept Feature
      3. 8.2.3. Create a Profile Sketch for Swept Feature
      4. 8.2.4. Create a Swept Feature from Sketches
    3. 8.3. Add a Swept Cut Feature
      1. 8.3.1. Share Sketches Among Multiple Features
    4. 8.4. Model the Shade Retainer
      1. 8.4.1. Fully Define the Sketch of Shade Retainer
      2. 8.4.2. Complete the Shade Retainer Feature
      3. 8.4.3. Introduce the Hole Wizard
        1. 8.4.3.1. Specify Types of Holes
        2. 8.4.3.2. Specify Positions of Holes
      4. 8.4.4. Add a Hole to the Shade Retainer
      5. 8.4.5. Add Cosmetic Threads
    5. 8.5. Mirror Features
    6. 8.6. Finish the Model
      1. 8.6.1. Model a Threaded Feature
      2. 8.6.2. Use the Helix/Spiral PropertyManager
      3. 8.6.3. Create a Helical Path
      4. 8.6.4. Add Sketch of Thread
      5. 8.6.5. Cut the Threads
    7. 8.7. Are You Experienced?
  14. 9. Modeling Parts Within an Assembly
    1. 9.1. Create the Shade Subassembly
      1. 9.1.1. Insert the Washer Subassembly
      2. 9.1.2. Mate the Washer Subassembly
      3. 9.1.3. Insert the Second Instance of the Washer Subassembly
    2. 9.2. Create an In-Context Model
      1. 9.2.1. Extrude up to Existing Geometry
      2. 9.2.2. Save Virtual Components Externally
    3. 9.3. Finish the Shade Model
      1. 9.3.1. Open the Part from Within an Assembly
      2. 9.3.2. Create a Shelled Feature
      3. 9.3.3. Add Holes to the Shade for Mounting
      4. 9.3.4. Add Appearances to the Shade Model
      5. 9.3.5. Edit an Appearance for a Part
    4. 9.4. Finish the Shade Subassembly
      1. 9.4.1. Define the Position of the Shade in the Assembly
      2. 9.4.2. Add Washers for the Shade Inside
      3. 9.4.3. Add the Shade Nut
      4. 9.4.4. Insert a Subassembly into an Assembly
    5. 9.5. Add Configurations to an Assembly
      1. 9.5.1. Suppress a Mate
      2. 9.5.2. Add an Angle Mate
      3. 9.5.3. Add a Configuration to Modify the Mate
      4. 9.5.4. Switch Between Configurations
    6. 9.6. Are You Experienced?
  15. 10. Making Modifications
    1. 10.1. Update Components in Isolation
      1. 10.1.1. Change Dimensions in Sketches with Instant3D
      2. 10.1.2. Change Dimensions in Sketches Without Instant3D
      3. 10.1.3. Prevent Loss of Data
        1. 10.1.3.1. Save Notification
        2. 10.1.3.2. Document Recovery
    2. 10.2. Update the Drawing Document
      1. 10.2.1. Update the Revision Table
      2. 10.2.2. Place Revision Symbols
    3. 10.3. Update Components Within Assemblies
      1. 10.3.1. Use In-Context Editing
        1. 10.3.1.1. Adjust Transparency During In-Context Editing
        2. 10.3.1.2. Create External References
      2. 10.3.2. Detect Interference Between Components
      3. 10.3.3. Make Modifications to the Washer Cover
      4. 10.3.4. Make Modifications to the Washer
      5. 10.3.5. Check for Remaining Interferences
    4. 10.4. Replace Components in Assemblies
    5. 10.5. If You Would Like More Practice...
    6. 10.6. Are You Experienced?
  16. 11. Putting It All Together: Part 1
    1. 11.1. Create the Top-Level Assembly
      1. 11.1.1. Fully Define the Mates for the Shaft
      2. 11.1.2. Mate the Shaft with the Assembly
    2. 11.2. Use the Design Library
      1. 11.2.1. Difference Between the Design Library and the Toolbox
      2. 11.2.2. Add Components to the Design Library
      3. 11.2.3. Add Components from the Design Library into an Assembly
    3. 11.3. Use the Width Mate
    4. 11.4. Use SmartMates to Mate Components
      1. 11.4.1. Types of SmartMates
      2. 11.4.2. Mate with Peg-in-Hole SmartMate
    5. 11.5. Finish the Appearance of the Assembly
    6. 11.6. If You Would Like More Practice...
    7. 11.7. Are You Experienced?
  17. 12. Putting It All Together: Part 2
    1. 12.1. Understand Rigid and Flexible Subassemblies
      1. 12.1.1. Understand Why Flexible Subassemblies Are Helpful
      2. 12.1.2. Make a Subassembly Flexible
    2. 12.2. Insert a Bill of Materials in an Assembly Document
      1. 12.2.1. Insert a BOM in an Assembly Document
      2. 12.2.2. Manipulate the Bill of Materials Table
      3. 12.2.3. Hide and Show the Bill of Materials
    3. 12.3. Control the Display of the Assembly
      1. 12.3.1. Set Display States
      2. 12.3.2. Create a Display State
      3. 12.3.3. Rename a Display State
      4. 12.3.4. Activate a Display State
      5. 12.3.5. Set the Display State Mode
    4. 12.4. Understand Selection Tools for Assemblies
      1. 12.4.1. Use the Volume Select Tool
      2. 12.4.2. Select Hidden
      3. 12.4.3. Select Suppressed
      4. 12.4.4. Select Mated To
      5. 12.4.5. Select Internal Components
      6. 12.4.6. Select Toolbox
      7. 12.4.7. Do an Advanced Select
    5. 12.5. Understand Assembly Visualization
    6. 12.6. Create an Exploded View of the Assembly
      1. 12.6.1. Create a New Exploded View
      2. 12.6.2. Modify an Exploded View
      3. 12.6.3. Add Paths to an Exploded View
    7. 12.7. If You Would Like More Practice...
    8. 12.8. Are You Experienced?
  18. 13. Making the Top-Level Assembly Drawing
    1. 13.1. Create an Exploded Assembly Drawing
      1. 13.1.1. Add an Isometric View to a Drawing
      2. 13.1.2. Adjust the Sheet Scale
      3. 13.1.3. Show the Drawing View in Exploded State
      4. 13.1.4. Create a Named View for the Drawing
    2. 13.2. Link to Assembly Bill of Materials
    3. 13.3. Update the Format of the BOM
    4. 13.4. Fill in the BOM
      1. 13.4.1. Add Balloons to the Assembly
      2. 13.4.2. Reorder the Assembly Item Numbers
    5. 13.5. Are You Experienced?
  19. 14. Sharing Your Documents with Others
    1. 14.1. Create PDFs of Drawings
    2. 14.2. Create Detached Drawings
    3. 14.3. Save Drawings in eDrawings Format
    4. 14.4. Export Drawings for Different Software Packages
    5. 14.5. Use Pack and Go to Send Files
    6. 14.6. Make Assembly Components Virtual
    7. 14.7. Create a Part from an Assembly
    8. 14.8. Open Files in eDrawings
    9. 14.9. If You Want More Practice...
    10. 14.10. Are You Experienced?
      1. 14.10.1. Now You Can...
  20. 15. Creating Your Own Templates: Part 1
    1. 15.1. Create Part and Assembly Templates
      1. 15.1.1. Create a New Part Template
        1. 15.1.1.1. Access the Document Properties
        2. 15.1.1.2. Explore the Option Categories for Parts
        3. 15.1.1.3. Specify Options for the Part Template
        4. 15.1.1.4. Save the Modified Document Settings
      2. 15.1.2. Save the New Part Template
      3. 15.1.3. Create a New Assembly Template with Saved Standards
    2. 15.2. Create a Title Block for Parts and Assemblies
      1. 15.2.1. Insert a Title Block into a Model
      2. 15.2.2. Edit Static Text in the Title Block
      3. 15.2.3. Link Text to System Properties
      4. 15.2.4. Add a New Custom Property for Linking Text
      5. 15.2.5. Link to a New Property with a System-Generated Value
      6. 15.2.6. Finish the Title Block Table
      7. 15.2.7. Save the Title Block Template
    3. 15.3. Create a Custom Property Tab
      1. 15.3.1. Edit Group Boxes in the Property Tab Builder
      2. 15.3.2. Add Controls to the Property Tab
      3. 15.3.3. Save and Use the New Custom Properties Tab
    4. 15.4. If You Would Like More Practice...
    5. 15.5. Are You Experienced?
      1. 15.5.1. Now You Can...
  21. 16. Creating Your Own Templates: Part 2
    1. 16.1. Set the Sheet Size and Drafting Standards
      1. 16.1.1. Explanation of the Sheet Sizes
      2. 16.1.2. The Different Drafting Standards
    2. 16.2. Start the Drawing Template
      1. 16.2.1. Select a Unit System
      2. 16.2.2. Draw Line Fonts
      3. 16.2.3. Set the Projection Type
    3. 16.3. Create the Drawing Title Block
      1. 16.3.1. Custom Properties Defined
      2. 16.3.2. Add a New Custom Property
      3. 16.3.3. Manage the Drawing Title Block
      4. 16.3.4. Edit the Sheet Format
      5. 16.3.5. Edit Notes
      6. 16.3.6. Edit Other Text Boxes in the Title Block
      7. 16.3.7. Link the Drawing Revision
    4. 16.4. Learn Timesaving Features for the Drawing Template
      1. 16.4.1. Add Predefined Drawing Views
      2. 16.4.2. Add a Revision Table
        1. 16.4.2.1. Define the Revision Table Anchor Point
        2. 16.4.2.2. Insert the Revision Table
        3. 16.4.2.3. Saving Changes to the Revision Table Template
    5. 16.5. Save and Share the Sheet Format and Template
      1. 16.5.1. Save the Sheet Format
      2. 16.5.2. Save the Draw Template
      3. 16.5.3. Share Templates and Sheet Formats over a Network
    6. 16.6. Are You Experienced?
      1. 16.6.1. Now You Can...
  22. 17. Creating Simple, Stunning Renderings
    1. 17.1. Use the PhotoView 360 User Interface
      1. 17.1.1. Menus
      2. 17.1.2. Tasks Toolbar
      3. 17.1.3. Selection Toolbar
      4. 17.1.4. View Toolbar
    2. 17.2. Create Your First Rendering
      1. 17.2.1. Open a Model
      2. 17.2.2. Add Appearances to a Model
      3. 17.2.3. Change the Scene Environment
      4. 17.2.4. Create the Final Rendering
    3. 17.3. Customize Your Rendering Even More
      1. 17.3.1. Adjust Appearance Properties
      2. 17.3.2. Let There Be Light
      3. 17.3.3. Save Custom Camera Views
      4. 17.3.4. Recall a Saved Custom Camera View
      5. 17.3.5. Add a Custom Background
      6. 17.3.6. Adjust the Floor Visibility
      7. 17.3.7. Recall Previous Renderings
    4. 17.4. Create Renderings with Depth of Field
      1. 17.4.1. Adjust Ground Height
      2. 17.4.2. Adjust the Rotation of Environment
      3. 17.4.3. Set Camera Options
    5. 17.5. Are You Experienced?
      1. 17.5.1. Now You Can...
  23. Glossary

Product information

  • Title: SolidWorks® 2010: No Experience Required™
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: March 2010
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470505434