book

SolidWorks® 2007 Bible

by Matt Lombard

April 2007

Intermediate to advanced

1102 pages

24h

English

Wiley

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IconsTerminology
1.1. Understanding Feature-Based Modeling1.2. Understanding History-Based Modeling1.3. Sketching with Parametrics1.4. Understanding Design Intent1.5. Editing Design Intent1.5.1. View, Sketch Relations1.5.2. Display/Delete Relations1.5.3. Suppressed Sketch Relations1.6. Working with Associativity1.7. Summary
2.1. Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface2.1.1. Toolbars2.1.1.1. Standard toolbar2.1.1.1.1. New2.1.1.1.2. Open2.1.1.1.3. Save2.1.1.1.4. Save All2.1.1.1.5. Close2.1.1.1.6. Reload2.1.1.1.7. Check Read-Only Files2.1.1.1.8. Make Drawing from Part/Assembly2.1.1.1.9. Make Assembly from Part/Assembly2.1.1.1.10. Print2.1.1.1.11. Print Preview2.1.1.1.12. Print3D2.1.1.1.13. Cut2.1.1.1.14. Copy2.1.1.1.15. Paste2.1.1.1.16. Delete2.1.1.1.17. Undo2.1.1.1.18. Redo2.1.1.1.19. Rebuild2.1.1.1.20. Options2.1.1.1.21. Properties2.1.1.1.22. Color2.1.1.1.23. Materials2.1.1.1.24. Screen Capture2.1.1.1.25. Textures2.1.1.1.26. Select Color Scheme2.1.1.1.27. Select2.1.1.1.28. Selection Filter2.1.1.1.29. Web Toolbar2.1.1.1.30. Full Screen2.1.1.1.31. New Window2.1.1.1.32. Tile Horizontally2.1.1.1.33. Tile Vertically2.1.1.1.34. Help2.1.1.2. Tooltips2.1.1.2.1. Toolbar Icon Size2.1.1.3. Managing toolbars2.1.1.3.1. Moving Toolbars2.1.1.3.2. Adding or Removing Toolbars and Icons2.1.1.3.3. Flyout Toolbars2.1.1.3.4. Full Screen Mode2.1.1.4. Workflow customization2.1.1.5. The CommandManager2.1.1.5.1. Minimizing the size of the CommandManager2.1.1.5.2. Adding Toolbars to the CommandManager2.1.1.5.3. Using the CommandManager2.1.2. Menus2.1.3. Cursors2.1.4. FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows2.1.5. Task pane2.1.6. Status bar2.1.7. 2D Command Line Emulator2.2. Making the Interface Work for You2.2.1. Customizing colors2.2.2. Customization strategies2.2.2.1. Hotkey approaches2.2.2.1.1. Organizing Hotkeys2.2.2.2. Using the keyboard2.2.2.3. Fewest number of icons2.2.2.4. Device approaches2.2.2.5. Macros2.2.2.6. Saving custom interface settings2.2.3. Working with multiple-document windows2.2.3.1. Window management2.2.3.2. Changing windows2.3. Tutorial: Getting to Know the Interface2.3.1. Tutorial goals2.3.2. Copy the existing settings2.3.3. Set all interface items to their default settings2.3.4. Customizing the CommandManager2.3.5. Customizing menus2.3.6. Change interface colors2.3.7. Adding hotkeys2.3.8. Combining macros with hotkeys2.4. Summary
3.1. Tools for Beginners3.1.1. SolidWorks license agreement3.1.2. Welcome To SolidWorks3.1.3. Quick Tips3.1.4. Online documentation3.1.4.1. Making My First Part and Making My First Drawing3.1.4.2. Online Tutorials3.1.4.3. Moving from AutoCAD3.1.4.4. Online User's Guide3.1.4.5. What's New3.1.4.6. Tip of the Day3.1.5. Hardcopy documentation3.1.5.1. Quick Start3.1.5.2. Quick Reference Guide3.2. Identifying SolidWorks Documents3.2.1. Document types3.2.2. Saving your setup3.2.3. Templates3.2.3.1. Using Multiple Document Templates3.2.3.1.1. Locating Templates3.2.3.1.2. Default Templates3.2.3.2. Sharing templates3.3. Opening Existing Documents3.3.1. Opening a document3.3.1.1. Looking inside a SolidWorks document3.3.1.2. Microsoft Shadow Data3.3.2. Understanding file references3.4. Using Visualization Tools3.4.1. Changing the view3.4.1.1. Arrow keys3.4.1.2. Middle mouse button3.4.1.3. Using the View toolbar3.4.1.4. View Orientation3.4.1.5. The Standard Views toolbar3.4.1.6. Annotation views3.4.2. Using color and optical properties3.4.2.1. Color hierarchy3.4.2.2. Other entity colors3.4.2.3. The Display pane3.4.2.4. Automatic colors3.5. Tutorial: Creating a Part Template3.6. Tutorial: Visualization Techniques3.7. Summary
4.1. Opening a Sketch4.2. Identifying Sketch Entities4.2.1. The Sketch toolbar4.2.2. The Dimensions/Relations toolbar4.3. Inferencing in Sketch4.4. Exploring Sketch Settings4.5. Using Sketch Blocks4.6. Tutorial: Learning to Use Sketch Relations4.7. Tutorial: Using Blocks and Belts4.8. Summary
5.1. Asking the Right Questions5.1.1. Is the part symmetrical?5.1.2. What are the primary or functional features?5.1.3. In what ways is the part likely to change?5.1.4. What is the manufacturing method?5.1.5. Will there be secondary operations?5.1.6. Will there be other versions?5.2. Creating a Simple Part5.2.1. Where to start?5.2.2. Symmetry5.2.3. Make it solid5.2.4. Making the groove5.2.4.1. Relative size or direct dimensions?5.2.4.2. Creating the offset5.2.4.3. Sketch techniques5.2.4.4. Hole Wizard5.2.4.4.1. Cutting a slot5.2.4.5. Fillets and chamfers5.3. Tutorial: Creating a Simple Assembly5.4. Tutorial: Making a Simple Drawing5.5. Summary

6.1. Editing Sketch Relations6.1.1. Display/Delete relations6.1.2. SketchXpert6.2. Copying and Moving Sketch Entities6.2.1. Move entities6.2.2. Rotate entities6.2.3. Copy entities6.2.4. Scale entities6.2.5. Modify sketch6.2.5.1. Scale About6.2.5.2. Translate6.2.5.3. Rotate6.2.5.4. Mirroring6.2.6. Copy and paste6.2.7. Simple drag6.2.8. Derived sketch6.3. Using Sketch Pictures6.3.1. Three views6.3.2. Perspective6.3.3. Sharp edges6.4. Using Sketch Text6.5. Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches6.5.1. Color Display mode6.5.2. Line color6.5.3. Edit color6.5.4. Line thickness and line style6.6. Tutorial: Editing and Copying6.7. Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles6.8. Summary
7.1. Identifying When to Use Which Tool7.1.1. Extrude7.1.1.1. Solid Feature7.1.1.2. Thin Feature7.1.1.3. Sketch types7.1.1.3.1. Sketch contours7.1.1.3.2. 3D sketch7.1.2. Revolve7.1.2.1. End conditions7.1.2.2. Contour selection7.1.3. Loft7.1.3.1. Entities that you can use in a loft7.1.3.2. The similarities between lofts and splines7.1.3.3. The need for surfaces7.1.3.4. Loft end constraints7.1.3.4.1. None7.1.3.4.2. Default7.1.3.4.3. Tangent to Face7.1.3.4.4. Curvature to Face7.1.3.4.5. Direction Vector7.1.3.5. Isoparameter U-V lines7.1.3.6. Guide curves7.1.3.7. Centerline lofts7.1.3.8. SelectionManager7.1.3.9. Loft options7.1.4. Sweep7.1.4.1. Simple sweep7.1.4.2. Sweep with guide curves7.1.4.2.1. Pierce relation7.2. Creating Curve Features7.2.1. Helix7.2.1.1. Tapered Helix7.2.1.2. Variable Pitch Helix7.2.1.3. Spiral7.2.2. Projected curve7.2.2.1. Sketch Onto Face7.2.2.2. Sketch Onto Sketch7.2.2.2.1. Reverse 2D drawing visualization method7.2.2.2.2. Intersecting surfaces visualization method7.2.3. Curve Through XYZ Points7.2.4. Curve Through Reference Points7.2.5. Composite curve7.2.6. Split lines7.3. Filleting7.3.1. Creating a constant radius fillet7.3.1.1. Selecting entities to fillet7.3.1.2. Tangent propagation7.3.1.3. Dealing with a large number of fillets7.3.1.3.1. Selecting Entities7.3.1.3.2. Using Preview7.3.1.3.3. Using folders7.3.1.4. Multiple Radius Fillet7.3.1.5. Round Corners7.3.1.6. Keep Edge/Keep Surface7.3.1.7. Keep Feature7.3.2. Creating variable radius fillets7.3.2.1. Applying the values7.3.2.2. Straight versus smooth transitions7.3.2.3. Other reasons to use the variable radius fillet7.3.3. Face fillet7.3.3.1. Continuous curvature face fillets7.3.3.2. Face fillets with Help point7.3.3.3. Single hold line fillet7.3.3.4. Double hold line fillet7.3.3.5. Constant width fillet7.3.4. Full round fillet7.3.5. Setback fillet7.4. Selecting a Specialty Feature7.4.1. Dome and Shape7.4.2. Wrap feature7.4.2.1. Scribe7.4.2.2. Emboss7.4.2.3. Deboss7.4.3. Flex7.4.4. Deform7.4.4.1. Point Deform7.4.4.2. Curve to Curve Deform7.4.4.3. Surface Push Deform7.4.5. Indent7.5. Tutorial: Bracket Casting7.6. Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part7.7. Summary
8.1. Patterning in a Sketch8.1.1. A little test8.1.2. Patterning a sketch8.1.2.1. Linear Sketch Pattern8.1.2.2. Circular Sketch Pattern8.2. Mirroring in a Sketch8.2.1. Mirror Entities8.2.2. Dynamic Mirror8.2.3. Symmetry sketch relation8.3. Geometry Pattern8.4. Patterning Bodies8.5. Patterning Faces8.6. Patterning Fillets8.7. Understanding Pattern Types8.7.1. Linear Pattern8.7.2. Circular Pattern8.7.3. Curve Driven Pattern8.7.4. Sketch Driven Pattern8.7.5. Table Driven Pattern8.7.6. Fill Pattern8.8. Mirroring in 3D8.8.1. Mirroring bodies8.8.2. Mirroring features8.8.3. Mirroring entire parts8.9. Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern8.10. Tutorial: Mirroring Features8.11. Summary
9.1. Understanding Equations9.1.1. Creating equations9.1.1.1. Naming dimensions9.1.1.2. Building the equation9.1.1.3. Using comments9.1.2. Using driven dimensions9.1.3. Equation tricks9.1.3.1. IIF9.1.3.2. SWITCH9.2. Using Link Values9.3. Using Global Variables9.4. Using Expressions9.5. Tutorial: Using Equations9.6. Summary
10.1. Controlling Items with Configurations10.1.1. Finding configurations10.1.1.1. Deleting configs10.1.1.2. Sorting configs10.1.1.2.1. Alphabetization10.1.1.2.2. Naming configs10.1.2. Activating configurations10.1.3. Creating configurations10.1.3.1. Making a new config10.1.3.2. Configuration properties and options10.1.3.3. Advanced options10.1.4. Derived configurations10.1.5. File size considerations10.1.6. Controlling dimensions10.1.7. Controlling suppression10.1.8. Controlling custom properties10.1.9. Controlling colors10.1.10. Controlling sketch relations10.1.11. Controlling sketch planes10.1.12. Controlling configurations of inserted parts10.1.13. Library features10.1.14. Unconfigurable items10.2. Using Design Tables10.2.1. What can be driven by a design table?10.2.2. Creating a simple design table10.2.3. Design table settings10.2.3.1. Linked design table10.2.3.2. Edit control10.2.3.3. Options10.2.4. Editing the design table10.3. Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables10.4. Summary
11.1. Using Rollback11.1.1. Using the Rollback bar11.1.1.1. Consumed features11.1.1.2. Examining the parent-child relationship11.1.1.3. Rolling back features with multiple parents11.1.1.4. Viewing consumed features in their original order11.1.1.5. Enhancement requests11.1.2. Other Rollback techniques11.2. Reordering Features11.3. Reordering Folders11.4. Using the Flyout FeatureManager11.5. Summarizing Part Modeling Best Practice11.6. Using Evaluation Techniques11.6.1. Draft analysis11.6.1.1. Basic draft analysis11.6.1.2. Gradual Transition11.6.1.3. Face Classification11.6.1.4. Find steep faces11.6.2. Thickness Analysis11.6.2.1. Show Thin Regions11.6.2.2. Show Thick Regions11.6.3. Undercut Detection11.6.4. Verification on Rebuild11.6.5. Check11.6.6. Reflective techniques11.6.6.1. Zebra Stripes11.6.6.2. RealView11.6.6.3. Lights and specularity11.6.6.4. Curvature display11.6.6.5. Deviation Analysis11.6.6.6. Tangent Edges as Phantom11.6.7. COSMOSXpress11.6.7.1. Material11.6.7.2. Restraint11.6.7.3. Load11.6.7.4. Analyze11.6.7.5. Results11.6.7.6. Optimization11.6.8. MoldflowXpress11.6.8.1. Injection location11.6.8.2. Material11.6.8.3. Conditions11.6.8.4. Analyze and Results11.7. Tutorial: Making Use of Editing and Evaluation Techniques11.8. Summary
12.1. Identifying the Elements of an Assembly12.1.1. Standard reference geometry items12.1.2. Assembly equations12.1.2.1. External references12.1.2.2. Link values and global variables12.1.2.3. Renaming12.1.2.4. Recommendations12.1.3. Assembly layout sketch12.1.4. Assembly reference geometry12.1.4.1. History-based and non-history-based portions of the assembly tree12.1.5. Parts and subassemblies12.1.6. Folders12.1.7. Mates12.1.8. Assembly features12.1.9. Component patterns12.1.10. In-context reference update holders12.1.11. Smart Fasteners12.1.12. Hole Series12.2. Using Subassemblies12.2.1. Creating subassemblies from existing parts12.2.1.1. Insert a new subassembly12.2.1.2. Dissolving subassemblies12.2.2. Organizing for performance12.2.2.1. Solving mates12.2.2.2. Flexible subassemblies12.2.2.3. Legacy data12.2.3. Organizing for the BOM12.2.4. Grouping subassemblies by relative motion12.2.5. Organizing groups of purchased components12.2.6. Depicting an assembly process12.2.6.1. Item numbering12.2.6.2. Individual steps12.2.7. Patterning considerations12.3. Using Folders12.3.1. Creating folders in the FeatureManager12.3.1.1. Add To New Folder12.3.1.2. Create New Folder12.3.2. Adding items to existing folders12.3.3. Reordering items in the tree12.4. Working with Tree Display Options12.4.1. Show feature names and descriptions12.4.2. Show component and config names and descriptions12.4.2.1. Using names other than the part filename in the assembly FeatureManager12.4.3. Viewing features, mates, and dependencies12.5. Tutorial: Managing the FeatureManager12.6. Summary
13.1. Applying Mates13.1.1. Mating through the Mate PropertyManager13.1.1.1. Mate workflow13.1.1.2. View and model positioning13.1.1.3. Select Other13.1.1.4. Multiple Mate mode13.1.2. SmartMates13.1.2.1. Alt-dragging a SmartMate13.1.2.2. Drag between windows13.1.2.3. Mate references13.1.3. Mating with macros13.2. Mating for Motion13.2.1. Degree-Of-Freedom analysis13.2.2. Best bet for motion13.3. Working with Advanced Mate Types13.3.1. Symmetric mate13.3.2. Cam mate13.3.3. Width mate13.3.4. Gear mate13.3.5. Rack and Pinion mate13.3.6. Limit mates13.3.7. Belt/Chain13.4. Editing and Troubleshooting13.4.1. Editing existing mates13.4.2. Troubleshooting13.4.3. Distinguishing between the Warnings and the Errors13.5. Examining Mate Options13.6. Summarizing Mate Best Practices13.7. Tutorial: Mating for Success13.8. Summary
14.1. Using Display States14.1.1. Display States and configurations14.1.2. Display States and drawings14.2. Understanding Assembly Configurations14.2.1. Configurations for performance14.2.1.1. Suppressing components and features14.2.1.2. Using part configurations for speed14.2.1.3. Advanced Show/Hide14.2.1.4. SolidWorks Utilities Simplify Assembly14.2.1.5. Controlling display performance14.2.1.5.1. Lightweight parts14.2.1.5.2. Resolved versus unsuppressed14.2.2. Configurations for positions14.2.2.1. Positioning with mates14.2.2.1.1. Driving the position directly14.2.2.1.2. Driving the position indirectly14.2.2.2. Positioning with sketches14.2.3. Configurations for product variations14.2.4. Design tables for assembly configurations14.2.5. Assembly configuration dos and don'ts14.3. Creating Exploded Views14.4. Tutorial: Working with Assembly Configurations14.5. Summary
15.1. Using Local Component Patterns15.1.1. Local pattern references15.1.1.1. Pattern Seed Only15.1.1.2. Instances to Skip15.2. Using Derived Component Patterns15.3. Understanding Other Pattern Options15.3.1. Dissolve Pattern15.3.2. Add to new folder15.3.3. Component pattern display options15.3.4. Component patterns and configurations15.4. Tutorial: Creating Component Patterns15.5. Summary
16.1. Understanding In-Context Design16.1.1. Advantages of in-context modeling16.1.2. Potential problems with in-context modeling16.2. Dealing with the Practical Details of In-Context Modeling16.2.1. The in-context process16.2.1.1. Starting out in-context16.2.1.1.1. The InPlace mate16.2.1.1.2. Alternative technique16.2.1.1.3. Valid relations16.2.1.2. Working in-context16.2.1.2.1. Text color16.2.1.2.2. Part color and transparency16.2.1.2.3. Edit Component button16.2.1.2.4. External reference symbol16.2.1.2.5. In-context16.2.1.2.6. Out-of-context16.2.1.2.7. Locked reference16.2.1.2.8. Broken reference16.2.1.2.9. List External References16.2.1.2.10. No External References16.2.1.2.11. External reference settings in Tools, Options16.2.2. In-context best practice suggestions16.2.2.1. Multiple contexts16.2.2.2. In-context with configurations16.2.2.3. In-context with motion16.2.2.4. In-context with multiple instances16.2.2.5. In-context and file management16.2.2.6. In-context and mates16.2.2.7. Circular references16.2.2.8. Skeletons and layouts16.2.2.9. In-context and libraries16.2.2.10. Removing relations16.2.2.11. Should you use mating or in-context?16.2.2.12. Communicating design intent16.3. Other Types of External References16.3.1. Inserted parts16.3.2. Split parts16.3.3. Mirror parts16.4. Tutorial: Working In-Context16.5. Summary
17.1. Using the Hole Wizard17.1.1. Anatomy of a Hole Wizard hole17.1.1.1. Placement sketch17.1.1.2. Hole sketch17.1.2. 2D versus 3D placement sketches17.1.2.1. Advantages and limitations of the 2D sketch17.1.2.2. Advantages and limitations of the 3D sketch17.1.3. Making and using Favorites17.1.3.1. Creating a Hole Wizard Favorite17.1.3.2. Storing custom holes17.1.3.3. Administering Hole Wizard Favorites17.1.3.4. Favorites quirks17.1.4. Using the Hole Series17.1.4.1. Hole Series interface17.1.4.2. Basic Hole Series steps17.2. Comprehending Toolbox17.2.1. How Toolbox works17.2.1.1. The database17.2.1.2. The Configurator application17.2.1.2.1. Huge screws17.2.1.2.2. A slight retraction17.2.1.3. Toolbox organization17.2.1.4. Configurations or parts?17.2.1.4.1. Which is better?17.2.1.5. Materials or custom part numbers in Toolbox17.2.2. Toolbox in a multi-user environment17.2.2.1. Sharing Toolbox17.2.2.2. Sharing an existing Toolbox library17.2.3. Toolbox administration17.2.3.1. Read-only setting17.2.3.2. Upgrading SolidWorks with Toolbox17.2.3.3. Adding custom Toolbox parts17.2.3.4. Adding folders to Toolbox17.2.3.5. Merging Toolbox libraries17.2.3.6. Toolbox and PDM17.2.3.7. Toolbox settings17.2.3.7.1. Content tab17.2.3.7.2. Settings tab17.2.3.7.3. Properties tab17.2.3.7.4. Smart Fasteners tab17.2.4. Using Toolbox17.2.4.1. Turning Toolbox and the Toolbox Browser on17.2.4.2. Populating holes17.2.4.2.1. Drag-and-drop17.2.4.2.2. Populating multiple holes at once17.2.4.2.3. Feature Driven component patterns17.2.4.3. Smart Fasteners17.2.4.3.1. Smart Fasteners with Hole Series17.2.4.3.2. Smart Fasteners Populate All17.2.4.3.3. The limitations of Smart Fasteners17.2.5. Organizing Toolbox parts in an assembly17.2.6. Recommendations17.2.6.1. The simplest setup that works17.2.6.2. A complete setup that works17.3. Tutorial: Gaining Experience with the Hole Wizard and Toolbox17.4. Summary
18.1. Using Library Features18.1.1. Getting started with library features18.1.2. The Library Feature interface18.1.2.1. Task pane18.1.2.2. Design Library18.1.3. Other Design Library functions18.1.3.1. Annotations18.1.3.2. Location of the Design Library folder18.1.3.3. Library Parts18.1.3.4. Sheet metal forming tools18.1.3.5. Assemblies18.1.3.6. Routing18.1.3.7. Smart Components18.2. Creating Library Features18.2.1. Creating a library feature18.2.1.1. A few limitations18.2.1.2. Creating a new library feature18.2.1.3. Saving the library feature18.2.1.4. Display of the Library Feature icon18.2.2. Creating a library feature from an existing part18.2.3. Adding folders to the library18.3. Tutorial: Working with Library Features18.4. Summary
19.1. Understanding Smart Components19.2. Using Smart Components19.2.1. Getting started with a simple Smart Component19.2.2. Auto-sizing Smart Components19.3. Making Smart Components19.3.1. Getting started with a simple Smart Component19.3.2. Creating an auto-sizing Smart Component19.3.3. File management with Smart Components19.3.4. Editing Smart Components19.4. Tutorial: Working with Smart Components19.5. Summary
20.1. The Difference between Templates and Formats20.1.1. Can templates be changed?20.1.2. Why have different templates or formats?20.2. Creating Drawing Formats20.2.1. Customizing an existing format20.2.1.1. Sample formats20.2.1.2. Editing a format20.2.1.3. Managing text20.2.1.4. Custom properties20.2.1.4.1. Property link display20.2.1.4.2. Errors and link variables20.2.1.4.3. Creating linked properties20.2.2. Creating a format from a blank screen20.2.3. Creating a format from an imported DWG/DXF file20.2.4. Saving the format20.2.5. Second sheet formats20.2.5.1. Adding new sheets20.2.5.2. Reloading formats20.3. Creating Drawing Templates20.3.1. Using predefined views in drawing templates20.3.1.1. Aligning predefined views20.3.1.2. Populating a drawing with Predefined views20.3.1.3. Predefined views and sheet scale20.3.1.4. Predefined view limitations20.3.2. Using favorites and blocks in templates20.3.3. Custom properties in templates20.3.4. Saving a template20.4. Creating Blocks20.5. Summary
21.1. Creating Common View Types21.1.1. Using the View palette21.1.2. Named21.1.2.1. Open documents21.1.2.2. Thumbnail Preview21.1.2.3. Options21.1.2.4. Cosmetic Thread Display21.1.2.5. Number of Views and Orientation21.1.2.6. Options21.1.2.7. Display Style21.1.2.8. Scale21.1.2.9. Dimension Type21.1.2.10. Cosmetic Thread Display21.1.3. Projected view21.1.4. Standard 3 view21.1.5. Detail view21.1.5.1. Pre-drawn detail circle21.1.5.2. Detail circle drawn in-line21.1.5.3. Editing a Detail view21.1.6. Section view21.1.6.1. Default Section view21.1.6.2. Partial Section view21.1.6.3. Aligned Section view21.1.6.4. Editing a Section view21.2. Creating Other View Types21.2.1. Crop view21.2.1.1. Editing a Crop view21.2.2. Broken-out Section view21.2.2.1. Drawing the closed loop21.2.2.2. Selecting the depth21.2.2.3. Editing the view21.2.3. Break view21.2.4. Auxiliary view21.2.5. Alternate Position view21.2.6. Predefined view21.2.7. Empty view21.2.8. Custom view21.2.9. Relative view21.2.10. 3D Drawing View Mode21.2.11. View orientation and alignment21.3. Using Display Options in Views21.3.1. Display States21.3.2. Display modes21.3.2.1. Component Line Font21.3.2.2. Layers21.3.3. Edge display options21.3.4. View quality settings21.4. Distinguishing Views from Sheets21.5. Tutorial: Working with View Types, Settings, and Options21.6. Summary
22.1. Using Notes22.1.1. The workflow for placing notes22.1.2. Fonts22.1.3. Text boxes and wrapping22.1.4. Notes and leaders22.1.4.1. Adding a leader to a note22.1.4.2. Multiple leaders22.1.4.3. Jogged leaders22.1.4.3.1. Add Jog Point22.1.4.3.2. Insert New Branch22.1.5. Favorites22.1.6. Linking notes to custom properties22.1.7. Hyperlinking text22.1.8. Notes and symbols22.2. Using Blocks22.2.1. Inserting blocks22.2.1.1. Existing Relations22.2.1.2. Definition22.2.1.3. Parameters22.2.1.4. Leader22.2.1.5. Text/Dimension Display22.2.1.6. Layer22.2.2. Creating blocks22.2.3. Editing blocks22.2.3.1. Add/Remove Entities22.2.3.2. Rebuild22.2.3.3. Explode22.3. Using Symbols22.3.1. Where can you use symbols?22.3.2. Custom symbols22.4. Using Center Marks and Centerlines22.5. Tutorial: Using Annotations22.6. Summary
23.1. Putting Dimensions on Drawings23.1.1. Insert Model Items23.1.2. Using reference dimensions23.1.2.1. Annotation views23.1.2.2. Driven dimension color23.1.2.3. Ordinate and baseline dimensions23.1.2.4. Autodimensioning23.1.2.5. Reference sketches23.2. Dimension Options23.2.1.23.2.1.1. Dimension Text23.2.1.2. Primary Value Override23.2.1.3. Display Options23.2.1.4. Witness/Leader Display23.2.1.5. Break Lines23.2.1.6. Layer23.2.1.7. More Properties23.3. Adding Tolerances23.3.1. Precision23.3.2. Geometric Tolerancing23.4. Using Dimension Favorites23.5. Tutorial: Working with Dimensions and Tolerances23.6. Summary
24.1. Driving the Bill of Materials24.1.1. SolidWorks table-based BOM24.1.1.1. Table-based BOM templates24.1.1.2. Table Anchor24.1.1.3. BOM Type24.1.1.4. Configurations24.1.1.5. Keep Missing Items24.1.1.6. Zero Quantity Display24.1.1.7. Item Numbers24.1.1.8. BOM Contents24.1.1.9. Table Format24.1.1.10. Controlling the appearance of the Table-based BOM24.1.1.11. Adding rows or columns24.1.2. Excel-based BOM24.2. Using Design Tables24.3. Using Hole Tables24.4. Using Revision Tables24.5. Using Gauge Tables and Bend Tables24.6. Using Weldment Cut List Tables24.7. Using General Tables24.8. Tutorials: Using Tables24.8.1. Using BOMs24.8.2. Using Hole Tables24.8.3. Using Revision Tables24.9. Summary
25.1. Controlling Layers25.1.1. Layers in imported 2D data25.1.2. Layers on the sheet format25.1.3. Dimensions and notes on layers25.1.4. Components on layers25.2. Controlling Line Format25.2.1. Using the Line Format settings25.2.2. End Cap Style25.2.3. Line Thickness settings25.2.4. Line Style setting25.2.5. Color Display mode25.3. Hiding and Showing Edges25.4. Tutorial: Using Drawing Display Tools25.5. Summary
26.1. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility26.1.1. Multibody modeling is not assembly modeling26.1.2. Appropriate multibody uses26.2. Understanding Multibody Techniques26.2.1. Complex shapes across bodies26.2.2. Tool bodies and Boolean operations26.2.2.1. Indent feature26.2.2.2. Move/Copy Bodies and Combine features26.2.3. Local operations26.2.3.1. Flex feature26.2.3.2. Shell feature26.2.4. Patterning26.2.5. Simplifying very complex parts26.2.6. Bridge between solids26.2.7. Undetermined manufacturing methods26.3. Creating Multibodies26.3.1. Disjoint sketches26.3.2. Merge Result option26.3.3. Feature Scope26.3.3.1. Rib feature26.3.3.2. Delete Body feature26.3.4. Cut feature26.3.5. Split feature26.3.5.1. Splitting with a sketch26.3.5.2. Splitting with a plane26.3.5.3. Splitting with a surface body26.3.6. Insert Part feature26.3.6.1. Secondary operations26.3.6.2. Starting point26.4. Managing Bodies26.4.1. Body folders26.4.2. Hide or show bodies26.4.3. Deleting bodies26.4.4. Renaming bodies26.5. Tutorials: Working with Multibodies26.5.1. Merging and local operations26.5.2. Splitting and patterning bodies26.6. Summary
27.1. Why Do You Need Surfaces?27.2. Understanding Surfacing Terminology27.2.1. Knit27.2.2. Trim27.2.3. Untrim27.2.4. Hybrid modeling27.2.5. NURBS27.2.6. Developable surface27.2.7. Ruled surface27.2.8. Gaussian curvature27.3. What Surface Tools Are Available?27.3.1. Extruded Surface27.3.2. Revolved Surface27.3.3. Swept Surface27.3.4. Lofted Surface27.3.5. Boundary Surface27.3.6. Offset Surface27.3.7. Radiate Surface27.3.8. Knit Surface27.3.9. Planar Surface27.3.10. Extend Surface27.3.11. Trim Surface27.3.12. Fill Surface27.3.13. Mid-surface27.3.14. Replace Face27.3.15. Untrim Surface27.3.16. Parting Surface27.3.17. Ruled Surface27.4. Using Surfacing Techniques27.4.1. Up to Surface/Up to Body27.4.2. Cut With Surface27.4.3. Replace Face27.4.4. Fill Surface in action27.4.5. Memory surface27.4.6. Molds27.5. Tutorial27.5.1. Using Cut With Surface27.5.2. Using Offset Surface27.5.3. Using Fill Surface blend27.6. Summary
28.1. Using Pull Functions28.1.1. Insert Part28.1.2. Insert Into New Part28.2. Using Push Functions28.2.1. Split feature28.2.1.1. Split28.2.1.2. Save All Bodies28.2.1.3. Create Assembly28.2.2. Save Bodies28.3. Tutorial: Working with Master Model Techniques28.3.1. Insert Part28.3.2. Insert Into New Part28.3.3. Split28.3.4. Save Bodies28.4. Summary
29.1. Understanding the Big Picture29.2. Using the Base Flange Features29.2.1. Base Flange /Tab feature29.2.2. Sheet Metal feature29.2.2.1. Gauge Table29.2.2.2. Fixed Face or Edge29.2.2.3. Bend Radius29.2.2.4. Thickness29.2.2.5. Bend Allowance29.2.2.5.1. Bend Table29.2.2.5.2. K-Factor29.2.2.5.3. Bend Allowance and Bend Deduction29.2.2.6. Auto Relief29.2.3. Flat Pattern feature29.2.4. Edge Flange feature29.2.4.1. Edit Flange Profile29.2.4.2. Use Default Radius29.2.4.3. Gap Distance29.2.4.4. Angle29.2.4.5. Flange Length29.2.4.6. Flange Position29.2.4.6.1. Trim Side Bends29.2.4.7. Curved Edges29.2.5. Miter Flange feature29.2.6. Hem feature29.2.7. Jog feature29.2.7.1. Fixed Face29.2.7.2. Jog Offset29.2.7.3. Fix Projected Length29.2.7.4. Jog Position29.2.7.5. Jog Angle29.2.8. Sketched Bend feature29.2.9. Closed Corner feature29.2.9.1. Faces To Extend29.2.9.2. Gap29.2.9.3. Overlap/Underlap ratio29.2.9.4. Open Bend Region29.2.10. Corner Trim and Break Corner features29.2.11. Forming Tool feature29.2.11.1. Creating forming tools29.2.11.2. Forming Tool Library29.2.11.3. Placing a forming tool29.2.11.4. Special techniques with forming tools29.2.12. Lofted Bends feature29.2.13. Unfold and Fold features29.2.14. Flatten command29.3. Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet Metal Method29.4. Summary
30.1. Architecture of Insert Bends30.2. Making Sheet Metal from a Generic Model30.2.1. Normal Cut30.2.2. Rip feature30.2.3. Sheet Metal feature30.2.4. Flatten Bends feature30.2.5. Process Bends feature30.2.6. No Bends30.2.7. Flat Pattern30.3. Working with Imported Geometry30.4. Making Rolled Conical Parts30.5. Mixing Methods30.6. Tutorial: Working with the Insert Bends method for sheet metal parts30.7. Summary
31.1. Sketching in 3D31.1.1. Navigating in space31.1.2. Sketch relations in 3D sketches31.1.3. Planes in space31.1.4. Planar path segments31.1.5. Dimensions31.2. Using the Weldment Tools31.2.1. Weldment31.2.2. Structural Member31.2.2.1. Locating and orienting the profile31.2.2.2. Disjoint sketch segments31.2.2.3. Custom profiles31.2.2.4. Corner treatments31.2.2.5. Arc segments31.2.2.6. Patterning and symmetry31.2.2.7. Configurations31.2.3. Trim/Extend31.2.4. End Cap31.2.5. Gusset31.2.6. Fillet Bead31.3. Using Non-Structural Components31.4. Using Sub-Weldments31.5. Using Cut Lists31.5.1.31.5.1.1. Custom properties31.5.1.2. Make Weld Bead31.6. Creating Weldment Drawings31.7. Tutorial: Working with Weldments31.8. Summary
32.1. Recording Macros32.1.1. Recording a rectangle-sketching macro32.1.1.1. Recording the macro32.1.1.2. Understanding what was recorded32.1.2. Replaying the macro32.1.2.1. Storing your macro32.1.2.2. Connecting to a hotkey32.1.2.3. Connecting to a custom toolbar button32.2. Creating a Macro with a User Form32.3. Building the Form32.4. Finding Macro Help32.5. Summary
A.1. LicensingA.1.1. Home licenseA.1.2. Network licenseA.1.3. DongleA.1.4. Standalone licenseA.1.5. Levels of SolidWorksA.2. Training OptionsA.2.1. Reseller trainingA.2.1.1. Training as evaluationA.2.1.2. Quality of trainersA.2.1.3. SolidWorks training materialsA.2.2. Hiring a consultantA.2.2.1. Specialty topicsA.2.2.2. On-site trainingA.2.3. On-line or CD-based trainingA.2.4. Train the trainerA.2.5. Local collegesA.2.6. User groupsA.3. Implementation SchemesA.3.1. PlanningA.3.2. Pilot projectA.3.3. Phased approachA.3.4. Cold turkeyA.4. Hardware SelectionA.4.1. Primary componentsA.4.1.1. CPUA.4.1.1.1. Multi-processor or multi-coreA.4.1.1.2. AMD versus IntelA.4.1.1.3. 32x versus 64x systemsA.4.1.1.4. Vista CompatibilityA.4.1.2. Video cardA.4.1.3. Memory (RAM)A.4.2. Secondary componentsA.4.2.1. Hard driveA.4.2.1.1. Drive speedA.4.2.1.2. RAID configurationA.4.2.2. Network cardA.4.2.3. MotherboardA.5. InstallationA.5.1. Before installingA.5.2. Installation ManagerA.5.3. Installing from discsA.5.3.1. Pay attention while installingA.5.3.2. New installation or upgrade?A.5.3.3. Level to installA.5.3.3.1. CustomizeA.5.3.4. Installation foldersA.5.3.5. Serial number and license serverA.5.3.6. SolidWorks SearchA.5.3.7. Performance feedbackA.5.3.8. Other softwareA.5.4. Administrative DirectorA.6. Configuration and StandardizationA.7. Data ManagementA.7.1. FilenamesA.7.1.1. Rules of file managementA.7.1.2. Compromise methodsA.7.1.2.1. Intelligent numbering systemsA.7.1.2.2. Hybrid naming systemA.7.1.2.3. Revision controlA.7.1.3. Network filesA.7.1.4. Using a PDM applicationA.8. System Maintenance
B.1. System OptionsB.1.1. General Settings PageB.1.2. Drawings pageB.1.2.1. Display StyleB.1.2.2. Area Hatch/FillB.1.3. ColorsB.1.4. SketchB.1.4.1. Relations/SnapsB.1.5. Display/SelectionB.1.6. PerformanceB.1.7. AssembliesB.1.8. External ReferencesB.1.9. Default TemplatesB.1.10. File LocationsB.1.11. FeatureManagerB.1.12. Spin Box IncrementsB.1.13. View RotationB.1.14. Backup/RecoverB.1.15. Hole Wizard/ToolboxB.1.16. File ExplorerB.1.17. SearchB.1.18. CollaborationB.2. Document PropertiesB.2.1. DetailingB.2.2. DimXpertB.2.3. DimensionsB.2.4. NotesB.2.5. BalloonsB.2.6. ArrowsB.2.7. Virtual SharpsB.2.8. Annotations DisplayB.2.9. Annotations FontB.2.10. TablesB.2.11. View LabelsB.2.12. Grid/SnapB.2.13. UnitsB.2.13.1. FractionsB.2.13.2. Decimal places or DenominatorB.2.14. Line FontB.2.15. Line StyleB.2.16. ColorsB.2.17. Image QualityB.2.18. Plane Display
C.1. SolidWorks HelpC.1.1. ContentsC.1.1.1. SolidWorks FundamentalsC.1.1.2. GlossaryC.1.2. IndexC.1.3. SearchC.2. SolidWorks Web siteC.2.1. Graphics CardsC.2.2. Customer PortalC.2.2.1. Knowledge BaseC.2.2.2. Software downloadsC.2.2.3. Release NotesC.2.2.4. What's NewC.2.2.5. Installation and administration guidesC.2.2.6. PDMWorks Workgroup Vault Debug GuideC.2.2.7. FLEXlm End Users GuideC.2.3. Discussion ForumC.2.4. Tech TipsC.3. User GroupsC.4. Online ForumsC.4.1. comp.cad.solidworksC.4.2. Other forumsC.5. Non-Commercial Web Sites
D.1. System RequirementsD.2. TroubleshootingD.3. Customer Care

Content preview from SolidWorks® 2007 Bible

Chapter 20. Automating Drawings: The Basics

IN THIS CHAPTER

The difference between templates and formats
Creating drawing formats
Creating drawing templates
Creating blocks

Engineering drawings include a lot of repetitious information from one drawing to the next. The information is not always exactly the same, but it is usually in the same format and of the same type. For example, part drawings always include information about who made the drawing, when they made it, what the material and surface finish of the part are, and some basic notes that depend on the use of the drawing (manufacturing, assembly, or inspection).

All of this information needs to appear consistently on each drawing, every time. However, humans are not always good at following dull routines, which is why we have computers, to help with these boring or difficult tasks.

The Difference between Templates and Formats

Even experienced users sometimes cannot tell the difference between templates and formats in SolidWorks. I have mentioned this before, but it is worth mentioning again. Simply put, templates are collections of document-specific settings and default views, saved in the *.prtdot (part template), *.asmdot (assembly template), and *.drwdot (drawing template) formats.

Formats, more formally called "sheet formats," are exclusive to drawing documents, and contain the sheet size, the drawing border-line geometry, and the text/custom property definitions that go with the text in the drawing border. Formats can also include ...