book

SolidWorks® 2010 Bible

by Matt Lombard

April 2010

Intermediate to advanced

1174 pages

26h 29m

English

Wiley

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About This BookHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: SolidWorks BasicsPart II: Building Intelligence into Your PartsPart III: Working with AssembliesPart IV: Creating and Using LibrariesPart V: Creating DrawingsPart VI: Using Advanced TechniquesPart VII: Working with Specialized FunctionalityPart VIII: AppendixesIcons Used in This BookTerminologyContacting the Author
1.1. Installing SolidWorks for the First Time1.2. Starting SolidWorks for the First Time1.2.1. SolidWorks License Agreement1.2.2. Welcome to SolidWorks1.2.3. Quick Tips1.2.4. SolidWorks documentation1.2.4.1. Tutorials1.2.4.2. What's New1.2.4.3. Moving from AutoCAD1.2.4.4. SolidWorks Help1.2.4.5. Tip of the Day1.2.5. Hardcopy documentation1.3. Identifying SolidWorks Documents1.3.1. Saving your setup1.3.2. Using Templates1.3.2.1. Having multiple document templates available1.3.2.1.1. Locating templates1.3.2.1.2. Default templates1.3.2.2. Sharing templates1.4. Understanding Feature-Based Modeling1.5. Understanding History-Based Modeling1.6. Sketching with Parametrics1.7. Understanding Design Intent1.8. Editing Design Intent1.8.1. Choosing Sketch Relations1.8.2. Selecting Display/Delete Relations1.8.3. Using Suppressed sketch relations1.9. Working with Associativity1.10. Tutorial: Creating a Part Template1.11. Tutorial: Using Parametrics in Sketches1.12. Summary
2.1. Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface2.1.1. Using the CommandManager and toolbars2.1.1.1. CommandManager2.1.1.1.1. Customizing the CommandManager2.1.1.1.2. Docking the CommandManager2.1.1.1.3. Using Auto Collapse2.1.1.1.4. Mixing CommandManager with toolbars2.1.1.1.5. Tabs and document types2.1.1.1.6. Changing the appearance of the CommandManager2.1.1.1.7. Limitations2.1.1.2. Using toolbars2.1.1.2.1. Heads-up View toolbar2.1.1.2.2. Menu Bar toolbar and menu2.1.1.2.3. Flyout toolbar buttons2.1.1.2.4. Context toolbars2.1.1.2.5. Shortcut "S" toolbar2.1.1.3. Tool tips2.1.1.4. Managing toolbars2.1.1.4.1. Moving toolbars2.1.1.4.2. Flyout toolbars2.1.1.4.3. Full Screen mode2.1.1.5. Workflow customization2.1.2. Controlling Menus2.1.3. Changing Cursors2.1.4. Working with models in the FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows2.1.4.1. Using the FeatureManager2.1.4.1.1. Display pane2.1.4.1.2. Rollback bar2.1.4.1.3. FeatureManager filter2.1.4.2. Using the PropertyManager2.1.5. Getting around the Task pane2.1.6. Getting familiar with the Status bar2.1.6.1. Assigning Tags2.1.6.2. Making use of Quick Tips2.1.7. Using the 2D Command Line Emulator2.2. Making the Interface Work for You2.2.1. Customizing colors2.2.1.1. Exploring default selection colors2.2.1.2. Selecting Background options wisely2.2.2. Customizing strategies2.2.2.1. Considering hotkey approaches2.2.2.2. Organizing hotkeys2.2.2.3. Using mouse gestures2.2.2.4. Using the keyboard2.2.2.5. Minimizing icons2.2.2.6. Contemplating device approaches2.2.2.7. Using Touch and Multi-touch support2.2.2.8. Accessing Macros2.2.2.9. Saving custom interface settings2.2.3. Working with multiple document windows2.2.3.1. Managing Window2.2.3.2. Changing windows2.3. Getting to Know the Interface2.3.1. Copying the existing settings2.3.2. Setting interface items to their default settings2.3.3. Customizing the CommandManager2.3.4. Customizing menus2.3.5. Changing interface colors2.3.6. Adding hotkeys2.3.7. Combining macros with hotkeys2.4. Summary
3.1. Opening a Sketch3.2. Identifying Sketch Entities3.2.1. The Sketch toolbar3.2.2. The Dimensions/Relations toolbar3.3. Inferencing in Sketch3.4. Exploring Sketch Settings3.5. Using Sketch Blocks3.6. Working with Reference Geometry3.6.1. Creating planes3.6.2. Working with axes3.6.3. Using coordinate systems3.6.4. Using points as reference geometry3.7. Tutorial: Learning to Use Sketch Relations3.8. Tutorial: Using Blocks and Belts3.9. Tutorial: Reference Geometry3.10. Summary
4.1. Discovering Design Intent4.1.1. Is the part symmetrical?4.1.2. What are the primary or functional features?4.1.3. In what ways is the part likely to change?4.1.4. What is the manufacturing method?4.1.5. Will there be secondary operations?4.1.6. Will there be other versions?4.2. Creating a Simple Part4.2.1. Deciding where to start4.2.2. Building in symmetry4.2.3. Making it solid4.2.4. Using Instant 3D4.2.5. Making the first extrude feature4.2.5.1. Relative size or direct dimensions4.2.5.2. Creating the offset4.2.5.3. Sketch techniques4.2.5.4. Hole Wizard4.2.5.5. Cutting a slot4.2.5.6. Fillets and chamfers4.3. Tutorial: Creating a Simple Assembly4.4. Tutorial: Making a Simple Drawing4.5. Summary

5.1. Manipulating the View5.1.1. Using arrow keys5.1.2. Using the middle mouse button5.1.3. Using mouse gestures5.1.4. Using the View toolbar5.1.5. Adding scrollbars and splitters5.1.6. Using the Magnifying Glass5.1.7. Clicking the Triad axes5.2. Using the View Tools5.2.1. Camera views5.2.2. Zebra Stripes5.2.3. View Orientation5.2.4. The Standard Views toolbar5.2.5. Annotation views5.3. Getting the Most from RealView5.3.1. Using RealView basic components5.3.2. Applying appearances5.3.2.1. Appearance overrides5.3.2.2. Other entity colors5.3.2.3. The Display pane5.3.2.4. Automatic color features5.3.2.5. Remove appearances5.4. Using Display States5.5. Using Edge Settings5.6. Using Assembly Visualization5.7. Tutorial: Applying Visualization Techniques5.8. Tutorial: Using Assembly Visualization5.9. 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 Sketch6.2.6. Copy and paste6.2.7. Simple drag6.2.8. Derived sketch6.3. Using Sketch Pictures6.3.1. Three views6.3.2. Compensate for perspective6.3.3. Estimate sharp edges6.3.4. Auto Trace6.4. Using Sketch Text6.5. Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches6.5.1. Color Display mode6.5.2. Line color6.5.3. Edit sketch or curve color6.5.4. Line thickness and line style6.6. Using Other Sketch Tools6.6.1. RapidSketch6.6.2. Sensors6.6.3. Metadata for sketches6.6.4. Construction geometry6.7. Tutorial: Editing and Copying6.8. Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles6.9. Tutorial: Using Metadata6.10. Tutorial: Sketching Calculator6.11. Summary
7.1. Identifying When to Use Which Tool7.1.1. Using the Extrude feature7.1.1.1. 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. Understanding Instant 3D7.1.2.1. Creating extrudes with Instant 3D7.1.2.2. Editing geometry with Instant 3D7.1.3. Working with the Revolve feature7.1.3.1. End conditions7.1.3.2. Contour selection7.1.4. Introducing Loft7.1.4.1. Entities that you can use in a loft7.1.4.2. The similarities between lofts and splines7.1.4.3. The need for surfaces7.1.4.4. Loft end constraints7.1.4.4.1. None7.1.4.4.2. Default7.1.4.4.3. Tangent to Face7.1.4.4.4. Curvature to Face7.1.4.4.5. Direction Vector7.1.4.5. Isoparameter U-V lines7.1.4.6. Guide curves7.1.4.7. Centerline lofts7.1.4.8. SelectionManager7.1.4.9. Loft options7.1.5. Controlling Sweep features7.1.5.1. Simple sweep7.1.5.2. Sweep with guide curves7.1.5.3. Pierce relation7.1.5.4. Cut Sweep with a solid profile7.2. Creating Curve Features7.2.1. Working with Helix features7.2.1.1. Tapered Helix7.2.1.2. Variable pitch helix7.2.1.3. Spiral7.2.2. Creating projected curves7.2.2.1. Sketch On Faces7.2.2.2. Sketch On Sketch7.2.2.2.1. Reverse 2D drawing visualization method7.2.2.2.2. Intersecting surfaces visualization method7.2.3. Making Curve Through XYZ Points7.2.4. Building Curve Through Reference Points7.2.5. Putting together a Composite curve7.2.6. Using Split lines7.2.7. Equation Driven Curve7.3. Understanding Fillet Types7.3.1. 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 the FilletXpert7.3.1.3.3. Using preview7.3.1.3.4. Using folders7.3.1.4. Multiple Radius Fillet7.3.1.5. Round corners7.3.1.6. Keep edge/Keep surface7.3.1.7. Keep features7.3.2. 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. Using face Fillets7.3.3.1. 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. Applying a full round fillet7.3.5. Building a setback fillet7.4. Selecting a Specialty Feature7.4.1. Using the Dome feature7.4.2. Using the Wrap feature7.4.2.1. Scribe7.4.2.2. Emboss7.4.2.3. Deboss7.4.3. Flex feature7.4.4. Applying the Deform feature7.4.4.1. Point deform7.4.4.2. Curve to curve deform7.4.4.3. Surface push deform7.4.5. Indent feature7.5. Tutorial: Bracket Casting7.6. Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part7.7. Summary
8.1. Patterning in a Sketch8.1.1. Debunking more sketch myths8.1.2. 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 relation8.2.4. Mirroring in 3D sketches8.3. Exploring the Geometry Pattern Option8.4. 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. Cosmetic Patterns8.9. Mirroring in 3D8.9.1. Mirroring bodies8.9.2. Mirroring features8.9.3. Mirroring entire parts8.10. Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern8.11. Tutorial: Mirroring Features8.12. Tutorial: Applying a Cosmetic Pattern8.13. 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. Using 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. A new config10.1.3.2. Configuration properties and options10.1.3.3. Advanced options10.1.3.4. The Modify dialog box10.1.3.5. Negative dimensions10.1.4. Using the Modify Configurations dialog box10.1.4.1. Using Table Views10.1.4.2. Adding custom properties with the Modify Configurations dialog box10.1.5. Using Custom Property Managers10.1.6. Derived configurations10.1.7. File size considerations10.1.8. Controlling dimensions10.1.9. Controlling suppression10.1.10. Controlling custom properties10.1.11. Controlling sketch relations10.1.12. Controlling sketch planes10.1.13. Controlling configurations of inserted parts10.1.14. Library features10.1.15. Unconfigurable items10.2. Using Design Tables10.2.1. What can be driven by a design table?10.3. Creating a simple design table10.3.1. Design table settings10.3.1.1. Linked design table10.3.1.2. Edit control10.3.1.3. Options10.3.2. Editing the design table10.4. Using the Configuration Publisher10.5. Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables10.6. 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 order11.1.2. Using other Rollback techniques11.2. Reordering Features11.3. Reordering Folders11.4. Using the Flyout and Detachable FeatureManagers11.5. Summarizing Part Modeling Best Practice11.6. Using Evaluation Techniques11.6.1. Using Verification on rebuild11.6.2. Check11.6.3. Evaluating reflective techniques11.6.3.1. Zebra Stripes11.6.3.2. RealView11.6.3.3. Curvature display11.6.3.4. Deviation analysis11.6.3.5. Tangent Edges as Phantom11.6.3.6. Geometry Analysis11.6.3.7. Feature Statistics11.6.3.8. Curvature Comb11.6.4. Analyzing with SimulationXpress11.6.4.1. Welcome to SolidWorks SimulationXpress11.6.4.2. Applying Fixtures11.6.4.3. Applying Loads11.6.4.4. Selecting a Material11.6.4.5. Running the analysis11.6.4.6. Visualizing the results11.6.4.7. Optimizing the design11.7. 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. Virtual components12.1.5. Assembly reference geometry12.1.6. History-based and non-history-based portions of the assembly tree12.1.7. Parts and subassemblies12.1.8. Folders12.1.9. Mates12.1.10. Assembly features12.1.11. Component patterns and mirror components12.1.12. In-context reference update holders12.1.13. Smart Fasteners12.1.14. Hole Series12.2. Using SpeedPaks12.2.1. Using ghosts12.2.2. Sharing Self-contained Data12.2.3. Using SpeedPak with drawings12.3. Using Subassemblies12.3.1. Creating subassemblies from existing parts12.3.1.1. Insert a new subassembly12.3.1.2. Dissolving subassemblies12.3.2. Organizing for performance12.3.2.1. Solving mates12.3.2.2. Flexible subassemblies12.3.2.3. Legacy data12.3.3. Organizing for the BOM12.3.4. Grouping subassemblies by relative motion12.3.5. Organizing groups of purchased components12.3.6. Depicting an assembly process12.3.6.1. Item numbering12.3.6.2. Individual steps12.3.7. Patterning considerations12.4. Using Folders12.4.1. Creating folders in the FeatureManager12.4.1.1. Add To New Folder12.4.1.2. Create new folder12.4.2. Adding items to existing folders12.4.3. Reordering items in the tree12.5. Working with Tree Display Options12.5.1. Showing feature names and descriptions12.5.2. Showing component and config names and descriptions12.5.3. Using names other than the part filename in the assembly FeatureManager12.5.4. Using Component Reference per Instance12.5.5. Viewing features, mates, and dependencies12.6. Using Assembly Tools12.6.1. Using Sensors12.6.2. Using the AssemblyXpert12.7. Tutorial: Arranging Assemblies12.8. Tutorial: Managing the FeatureManager12.9. 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. Taking advantage of 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. Analyzing degree-of-freedom13.2.2. Setting up successful motion13.3. Working with Advanced and Mechanical 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. Screw mate13.3.8. Path mate13.3.9. Linear Coupler mate13.3.10. Hinge mate13.3.11. Belt/Chain13.4. Editing and Troubleshooting13.4.1. Editing existing mates13.4.2. Troubleshooting assembly mates13.4.3. Distinguishing between warnings and errors13.5. Examining Mate Options13.6. Reviewing Mate Best Practices13.7. Tutorial: Mating for Success13.8. Summary
14.1. Using Display States14.1.1. Controlling Display States and configurations14.1.2. Using Display States with drawings14.1.3. Using part Display States in assemblies14.2. Understanding Assembly Configurations14.2.1. Configurations for performance14.2.1.1. Suppressing components and features14.2.1.2. Configuring SpeedPaks14.2.1.3. Using part configurations for speed14.2.1.4. Advanced Component Selection14.2.1.5. Isolate14.2.1.6. SolidWorks Utilities Simplify Assembly14.2.1.7. Controlling display performance14.2.1.7.1. Lightweight parts14.2.1.7.2. SpeedPak14.2.1.7.3. 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. Modify Configurations and Configuration Publisher14.2.6. 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 Skip15.1.2. Mirror Components15.2. Using Feature-Driven Component Patterns15.3. Understanding Other Pattern Options15.4. Tutorial: Creating Component Patterns15.5. Summary
16.1. Understanding In-Context Modeling16.1.1. Advantages of in-context modeling16.1.2. Potential problems with in-context modeling16.1.3. Identifying alternatives to in-context modeling16.1.3.1. Assembly layout modeling16.1.3.2. Multi-body 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. List External References16.2.1.2.6. No External References16.2.1.2.7. 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. Using Other Types of External References16.3.1. Understanding inserted parts16.3.2. Understanding split parts16.3.3. Understanding mirror parts16.4. Using the Layout feature16.4.1. Using the Layout workflow16.4.2. Virtual components16.4.3. Balancing advantages and limitations16.5. Tutorial: Working In-Context16.6. Tutorial: Working with a Layout16.7. 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 steps17.1.4.3. Hole Series quirks17.2. Understanding 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?17.2.1.5. Which is better?17.2.2. Using Toolbox17.2.2.1. Turning on Toolbox and the Toolbox Browser17.2.2.2. Populating holes17.2.2.2.1. Drag-and-drop17.2.2.2.2. Populating multiple holes at once17.2.2.2.3. Feature Driven component patterns17.2.2.3. Smart Fasteners17.2.2.3.1. Smart Fasteners with Hole Series17.2.2.3.2. Smart Fasteners Populate All17.2.2.3.3. The limitations of Smart Fasteners17.2.3. Organizing Toolbox parts in an assembly17.2.4. Recommendations17.2.4.1. The simplest setup that works17.2.4.2. 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. Applying the Library Feature interface18.1.2.1. Task Pane18.1.2.2. Design Library18.1.3. Exploring 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 library18.2.4. Locating and Internal dimensions18.3. Understanding Dissection18.4. Tutorial: Working with Library Features18.5. 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. Managing file with Smart Components19.3.4. Editing Smart Components19.4. Tutorial: Working with Smart Components19.5. Summary
20.1. Comparing Templates and Formats20.1.1. Changing existing templates20.1.2. Maintaining different templates or formats20.1.3. Creating custom drafting standards20.2. Creating Drawing Formats20.2.1. Customizing an existing format20.2.1.1. Sample formats20.2.1.2. Editing a format20.2.1.3. Managing text20.2.2. Using custom properties20.2.2.1. Custom property data entry20.2.2.1.1. Summary Information20.2.2.1.2. The Custom Properties Tab20.2.2.2. Property link display20.2.2.3. Errors and link variables20.2.2.4. Creating linked properties20.2.3. Using the Title Block function20.2.4. Creating a format from a blank screen20.2.5. Creating a format from an imported DWG/DXF file20.2.6. Saving the format20.2.7. Second sheet formats20.2.7.1. Adding new sheets20.2.7.2. Reloading formats20.3. Creating Drawing Templates20.3.1. Using Pre-defined Views in drawing templates20.3.1.1. Aligning Pre-defined Views20.3.1.2. Populating a drawing with Pre-defined Views20.3.1.3. Pre-defined Views and sheet scale20.3.1.4. Pre-defined View limitations20.3.2. Using styles 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. View palette21.1.2. Model View21.1.2.1. Open documents21.1.2.2. Thumbnail Preview21.1.2.3. Start Command When Creating New Drawing Option21.1.2.4. Reference Configuration21.1.2.5. Select Bodies21.1.2.6. Cosmetic Thread Display21.1.2.7. Number of Views and Orientation21.1.2.8. Import Options21.1.2.9. Display State21.1.2.10. Display Style21.1.2.11. Scale21.1.2.12. Dimension Type21.1.2.13. 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 View21.2.2. 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. Pre-defined 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 styles21.3.3. Component Line Font21.3.3.1. Layers21.3.4. Tangent edge display options21.3.5. 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. Setting up a workflow for placing notes22.1.2. Making use of fonts22.1.3. Using text boxes and wrapping22.1.4. Placing notes and leaders22.1.4.1. Add 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. Adding styles22.1.6. Linking notes to custom properties22.1.7. Hyperlinking text22.1.8. Adding Notes and symbols22.2. Using Blocks in Drawings22.2.1. Inserting blocks22.2.2. Creating blocks22.2.3. Editing blocks22.3. Using Symbols22.3.1. Using symbols in notes and dimensions22.3.2. Creating custom symbols22.4. Using Center Marks and Centerlines22.5. Tutorial: Using Annotations22.6. Tutorial: Using Balloons on Assembly Drawings22.7. Summary
23.1. Putting Dimensions on Drawings23.1.1. Using Insert Model Items23.1.2. Using reference dimensions23.1.2.1. Rapid Dimension23.1.2.2. Reference dimensions and the DimXpert23.1.2.2.1. Reference dimensions on the solid model23.1.2.2.2. Reference dimensions on the drawing23.1.2.3. Using the DimXpert23.1.2.4. Annotation views23.1.2.5. Driven dimension color23.1.2.6. Ordinate and baseline dimensions23.1.2.7. Autodimensioning23.1.2.8. Reference sketches23.1.3. Understanding Dimension Options23.1.3.1. Dimension Text23.1.3.2. Primary Value Override23.1.3.3. Display Options23.1.3.4. Witness/Leader Display23.1.3.5. Break Lines23.1.3.6. Formatting dimensions with the Dimension Palette23.2. Adding Tolerances23.2.1. Changing precision values23.2.2. Using Geometric Tolerancing symbols23.3. Using Dimension Styles23.4. Tutorial: Working with Dimensions and Tolerances23.5. Summary
24.1. Driving the Bill of Materials24.1.1. Examining the SolidWorks table-based BOM24.1.2. Table-based BOM templates24.1.2.1. Table anchor24.1.2.2. BOM type24.1.2.3. Configurations24.1.3. Keep Missing Items24.1.3.1. Zero Quantity Display24.1.3.2. Item Numbers24.1.3.3. BOM Contents24.1.3.4. Controlling the appearance of the table-based BOM24.1.3.5. Dissolving, combining, numbering, and restructuring for indented BOMS24.1.3.6. Adding rows or columns24.1.3.7. Editing BOMs24.1.4. Retiring the Excel-based BOM24.2. Using Design Tables24.3. Placing Hole Tables on Drawings24.4. Using Revision Tables24.5. Using General Tables24.6. Using Tables in Models24.7. Tutorial: Using BOMs24.8. Tutorial: Using Hole Tables24.9. Tutorial: Using Revision Tables24.10. 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. Using Powerful Tools Responsibly26.1.1. Comparing multi-body modeling with assembly modeling26.1.2. Using multi-body techniques appropriately26.2. Understanding Multi-body Techniques26.2.1. Creating complex shapes across bodies26.2.2. Using Tool bodies and Boolean operations26.2.2.1. Indent feature26.2.2.2. Move/Copy Bodies and Combine features26.2.3. Using local operations26.2.3.1. Flex feature26.2.3.2. Shell feature26.2.4. Patterning26.2.5. Simplifying very complex parts26.2.6. Bridging between solids26.2.7. Modeling for undetermined manufacturing methods26.3. Creating Multi-bodies26.3.1. Using disjoint sketches26.3.2. Turning off the Merge Result option26.3.3. Applying the Feature Scope to bodies26.3.3.1. Rib feature26.3.3.2. Delete Solid/Surface feature26.3.4. Creating multi-bodies with the Cut feature26.3.5. Managing bodies with 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. Adding bodies using the Insert Part feature26.3.6.1. Working with Secondary operations26.3.6.2. Starting point26.4. Managing Bodies26.4.1. Using Body folders26.4.2. Hiding or showing bodies26.4.3. Deleting bodies26.4.4. Renaming bodies26.5. Using multiple Bodies with Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Molds26.5.1. Introducing multi-body functionality in Weldments26.5.2. Introducing multi-body functionality in sheet metal26.5.3. Introducing multi-body functionality in molds26.6. Tutorials: Working with Multi-bodies26.6.1. Merging and local operations26.6.2. Splitting and patterning bodies26.7. Summary
27.1. Introducing Surfaces27.2. Understanding Surfacing Terminology27.2.1. Knit27.2.2. Trim27.2.3. Untrim27.2.4. Hybrid modeling27.2.5. Non Uniform Rational B Spline27.2.6. Developable surface27.2.7. Ruled surface27.2.8. Gaussian curvature27.3. Existing Surface Tools27.3.1. 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. Thicken Surface27.3.10. Planar Surface27.3.11. Extend Surface27.3.12. Trim Surface27.3.13. Fill Surface27.3.14. MidSurface27.3.15. Replace Face27.3.16. Untrim Surface27.3.17. Parting Surface27.3.18. 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 Surface27.4.5. Memory surface27.5. Tutorial: Working with Surfaces27.5.1. 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. Auto-assign names28.2.1.3. 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. Using the Base Flange Features29.1.1. Base Flange/Tab feature29.1.2. Sheet Metal feature29.1.2.1. Gauge Table29.1.2.2. Bend Radius29.1.2.3. Thickness29.1.2.4. Bend Allowance29.1.2.4.1. Bend Table29.1.2.4.2. K-Factor29.1.2.4.3. Bend Allowance and Bend Deduction29.1.2.5. Auto Relief29.1.3. Flat Pattern feature29.1.4. Edge Flange feature29.1.4.1. Edit Flange Profile29.1.4.2. Use default radius29.1.4.3. Gap distance29.1.4.4. Angle29.1.4.5. Flange Length29.1.4.6. Flange Position29.1.4.6.1. Trim side bends29.1.4.7. Curved edges29.1.5. Miter Flange feature29.1.6. Hem feature29.1.7. Jog feature29.1.7.1. Fixed Face29.1.7.2. Jog Offset29.1.7.3. Fix projected length29.1.7.4. Jog Position29.1.7.5. Jog Angle29.1.8. Sketched Bend feature29.1.9. Closed Corner feature29.1.9.1. Faces to Extend29.1.9.2. Faces to Match29.1.9.3. Gap29.1.9.4. Overlap/Underlap ratio29.1.9.5. Open bend region29.1.9.6. Coplanar faces29.1.10. Forming Tool feature29.1.10.1. Creating forming tools29.1.10.2. Forming Tool Library29.1.10.3. Placing a forming tool29.1.10.4. Special techniques with forming tools29.1.10.4.1. Cross Breaks29.1.10.4.2. Form across bends29.1.11. Lofted Bends feature29.1.12. Unfold and Fold features29.2. Making Sheet Metal Parts from Generic Models29.2.1. Normal cut feature29.2.2. Rip feature29.2.3. Sheet Metal feature29.2.4. Flatten Bends feature29.2.5. Process Bends feature29.2.6. No Bends feature29.2.7. Flat Pattern feature29.2.8. Convert to Sheet Metal feature29.3. Using Other Methods29.3.1. Working with imported geometry29.3.2. Making rolled conical parts29.3.3. Mixing methods29.4. Using Multi-body Techniques with Sheet Metal29.4.1. Using Insert Part29.4.2. Using multiple Base Flanges29.5. Tutorial: Working with the Insert Bends Method for Sheet Metal Parts29.6. Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet Metal Method29.7. Summary
30.1. Understanding the Basics of Imported Geometry30.1.1. Gaining experience with imports30.1.1.1. Understanding the results of imports30.1.1.2. Demonstrating some data import30.1.2. Using direct converters30.1.3. Handling import errors30.1.3.1. Repairing import errors automatically30.1.3.2. Repairing import errors manually30.1.3.3. Tricking data into working30.1.3.4. Ensuring that you get good data30.1.4. Converting point cloud data30.2. Understanding the Traditional Role of Direct Edit Tools30.2.1. Defining the role of direct edit tools30.2.2. Understanding the strengths and limitations of direct edit tools30.3. Using SolidWorks Direct Edit Tools30.3.1. Combining direct edit with history30.3.2. Combining direct editing with imported geometry30.3.3. Handling imported data with FeatureWorks30.4. Tutorial: Importing and Repairing Solid Geometry30.5. Tutorial: Flex and Freeform30.6. 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. Groups31.2.2.2. Locating and orienting the profile31.2.2.3. Disjoint sketch segments31.2.2.4. Custom profiles31.2.2.5. Corner treatments31.2.2.6. Arc segments31.2.2.7. Patterning and symmetry31.2.2.8. 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. Using Cut List Properties31.5.2. Make Weld Bead31.6. Creating Weldment Drawings31.7. Tutorial: Working with Weldments31.8. Summary
32.1. Using Plastic Features32.1.1. Using the Mounting Boss32.1.2. Using the Snap Hook and Snap Hook Groove32.1.3. Using Lip/Groove32.1.4. Using the Rib feature32.1.4.1. Using draft in the Rib feature32.1.4.2. Ribs and multi-bodies32.1.4.3. Using Intersection Curves as reference32.1.4.4. Terminating ribs32.1.4.5. Using thin features32.1.5. Using Draft32.1.5.1. Neutral Plane draft32.1.5.2. Parting Line draft32.1.5.3. Step draft32.1.5.4. Some draft limitations32.1.5.5. What to do when draft fails32.1.5.6. DraftXpert32.2. Using Plastic Evaluation Tools32.2.1. Draft Analysis32.2.1.1. Basic32.2.1.2. Gradual Transition32.2.1.3. Face Classification32.2.1.4. Find steep faces32.2.2. Thickness Analysis32.2.2.1. Show Thin Regions32.2.2.2. Show Thick Regions32.2.3. Undercut Detection32.3. Working with the Mold Tools Process32.3.1. Using the Scale feature32.3.2. Insert Mold Folders32.3.3. Parting Lines32.3.4. Shut-off Surfaces32.3.5. Parting Surface32.3.6. Tooling Split32.3.7. Core32.4. Intervening Manually with Mold Tools32.4.1. Passing shut-offs32.4.2. Non-planar Parting Surfaces32.5. Tutorial: Working with Plastic Features32.6. Summary
33.1. Overview33.1.1. Understanding the terminology33.1.2. Formatting output33.1.3. Using the MotionManager interface33.1.4. What can you animate?33.1.5. Identifying elements of the MotionManager33.1.6. Using display options33.1.7. Planning an animation33.2. Using the Animation Wizard33.2.1. Creating a rotating animation33.2.2. Creating an exploded view animation33.3. Animating the View33.3.1. Animating view changes33.3.1.1. Orientation and Camera Views33.3.1.2. Introducing the time bar33.3.1.3. Creating key points33.3.1.4. Zooming and free view manipulation33.3.1.5. Using Interpolation modes33.3.1.6. Correcting mistakes33.3.2. Using paths to control cameras33.3.2.1. Using the fixed target method33.3.2.2. Using the sled method33.3.2.2.1. Positioning the sled33.3.2.2.2. Moving the sled33.3.2.2.3. Attaching the camera33.3.2.2.4. Hiding the sled33.3.2.2.5. Turning the camera on33.4. Animating with Key Points33.4.1. Getting started33.4.2. Using the time bar with key points33.4.3. Copying and mirroring motion33.4.4. Adjusting the speed of actions33.4.5. Getting output33.4.5.1. Other options33.4.5.2. Test animations33.4.5.3. Selecting a compressor33.5. Using Animations to Flex Parts33.6. Animating with Basic Motion33.6.1. Using gravity and contact33.6.2. Using motors and springs33.7. Summary
A.1. SolidWorks HelpA.1.1. SolidWorks Web HelpA.1.2. ContentsA.1.3. IndexA.1.4. SearchA.2. SolidWorks Web SiteA.2.1. Graphics CardsA.2.2. Customer PortalA.2.2.1. SolidWorks ForumsA.2.2.2. Knowledge BaseA.2.2.3. Software downloadsA.2.2.4. Release NotesA.2.2.5. What's NewA.2.2.6. Installation and administration guidesA.2.2.7. PDMWorks Workgroup Vault Debug GuideA.2.2.8. FLEXlm End Users GuideA.3. User GroupsA.4. Online ForumsA.4.1. BlogsA.4.2. ForumsA.5. Non-Commercial Web Sites
B.1. System RequirementsB.1.1. Windows VersionsB.1.2. SolidWorks versionsB.2. TroubleshootingB.3. Customer Care

Content preview from SolidWorks® 2010 Bible

Chapter 2. Navigating the SolidWorks Interface

The SolidWorks interface offers a wide range of tools. You will often find more than one way to do almost everything. There is no one best way to use the interface; and each method has strengths and weaknesses depending on the task.

Once you have mastered the various interface elements and customized your SolidWorks installation, working with the software becomes much more efficient and satisfying. You may find your mastery of the interface comes with practice and experience. The interface is complex and can be daunting. Many existing users may discover features in this book of which they were not aware, even though they have been trained and have used the software for years.

I explain each interface element identified in Figure 2.1 in detail within this chapter.

Figure 2.1. Elements of the SolidWorks interface

Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface

The major elements of the SolidWorks interface are the graphics window, where all the action takes place, the FeatureManager, which is the list of all the features in the part, the PropertyManager, where most of the data input happens, and the CommandManager and toolbars, where you access most of the commands in the software. Of these, I cover the CommandManager ...