Detail views are a great way to convey detail in a part or assembly. The tool in the software defaults to a circle shape to describe the model’s detail. However, there are many times that the shape used to enclose the detail calls for a more robust shape. To utilize a user-defined shape, unique options and setup steps are necessary. Let’s use this example, the body of an electric guitar. The body has many routes and holes for placement of […]
As an Application Engineer with CATI, I teach users year-round how to design in SOLIDWORKS software. During my time in this role, I have seen users run into the same problems time and time again. Through my experience, I have compiled a list of some of the most common mistakes or issues almost all newer users encounter. I will highlight the biggest ones, and the best ways to avoid them. 1. “Why can’t I select the X, Y, or Z […]
Oftentimes, when users work with assemblies, common geometry must be utilized for piecing components together. There are several shortcuts and tools available in the SOLIDWORKS software to make this mating process easier. But a shortcut I feel is underutilized is Multiple mate mode. Multiple mate mode is a shortcut located in the Mate PropertyManager. It is initiated by clicking the icon depicted below: In the following example, the assembly’s components have been added, but have yet to be mated together. […]
One of the greatest aspects of the SOLIDWORKS software is its user-friendly interface. Furthermore, the customization of the interface is perfect for users who want to make their workflow as straightforward and concise as possible. But one aspect I see a lot of users underutilizing is mouse gestures. Mouse gestures in SOLIDWORKS function similarly to the shortcut toolbar. The key difference is in how we initiate the gesture and how we select a command. To initiate a gesture, hold down […]
With every new version of SOLIDWORKS, we see tremendous changes in performance, improved functionality, and much more. In this article, we will discuss the changes implemented to a fundamental portion of the software, the System Options and Document Properties. What’s been added? The following has been added to the System Options in SOLIDWORKS 2021: What has changed? The following has changed within the System Options of SOLIDWORKS 2021: What’s been removed? The following has been removed from System Options in […]
If you are familiar with multibody design, then you know the advantages and disadvantages of using multi-bodies versus assemblies. Whether it be for improved performance or representing multiple components as a stock part, multibody parts give you almost all the same capabilities as assemblies. Let us look at some great shared assets between multi-bodies and assemblies. The first is the ability to piece individual elements using mates. Inherently, there is no mate command while working with part files. However, there […]
Combine Tool – How to Utilize Multibody Design Tools Multibody design has a great list of benefits: greater performance because every component is represented in a single file, the ability to represent a purchased part as a singular entity, and achieving complex geometries. With designing complex parts, the combine tool is especially useful because it allows users to seamlessly get to their end product. The Combine tool has three options: Add, Subtract, and Common. Add Option The “Add” option allows […]
Appearances in part files are a great way to give “life” to your design; life meaning how the part will look after it has been machined, polished, painted, etc. Using appearances in conjunction with display states in a part file gives users the freedom to convey similar designs with differing appearances all within the same part file. However, when working with these SOLIDWORKS functions, it is important to verify the changes to the part file are propagated correctly when used […]
Making use of copied or derived sketches can aid in the design process when the design intent is for multiple sketches to contain similar or the same constraints. The question remains, which option do I use? When the design intent is for a new sketch to contain similar information, a copied sketch is the best option. To create a copied sketch: copy an existing sketch, select the new sketch plane or face, and paste to place the new sketch. Oftentimes, […]
The standard methods of repairing fillets are utilizing the FeatureXpert tool or editing fillet features and manually fixing the fillet parameters. In SOLIDWORKS 2020, we now have the option of repairing missing references directly from the Fillet PropertyManager. The Repair Missing References (RMC) tool searches for valid geometry (edges, faces, etc.) near the missing references in the Fillet feature. Once this operation runs, the Fillet PropertyManager displays the number of repaired references. In conjunction with this RMC option, SOLIDWORKS 2020 […]