Tool
Techniques
- use parametrics
- setup features
- refer to history
- feature based, parametric
- think of adding features, not of chopping a part
- opposite of a parametric modeller is a boolean modeler.
- solid vs surface model. surface ok to gap and overlap, solids must have common edge
- understand that drawings and assemblies are external references
- set up reusability central - things you use over and over
- use parametrics or not: convert wireframe, built via surfaces, export toSAT, ignore all history
- add history via FeatureManager
- consider bidirectional changes between drawing and assembly/parts
- define a design language in a template
- calculate space envelope
- determine material cutlists
- utilize multibody construction
- consider skeleton modeling
- think like a designer, artist, machinist, sculptor, cook
- change your design intent through the project (design for layout, design, manufacturing, production)
- use a flex feature to flex a body. Select a body (not a feature).
- to model stairs, model the rise and run as construction geometry slope, then make handrails parallel to that slope
- use modeling techniques to improve the robustness and usability of the model
- use 2d layout sketches to build 3d assemblies
- SolidWorks is a feature-based, history-based, parametric , solid modeling tool.
- in parametrics the dimensions drive the geometry
- there are sketched features (extrusion, revolve, sweep, loft) and applied features (shell, fillet, chamfer)
- history is available throughout the development of a model. History can be rearranged.
- Solid model implies high accuracy, material information. It's not just a collection of coordinates connected by lines.
- Parts, assemblies, and drawings have bidirectional associativity. Associativity means they are linked to each other. Bidirectional means changes in one will be applied to the other. Change your drawing and your part updates. The advantage: you only need to edit once.
- Surfaces have an inside and an outside.
- to select more than one thing, use the Ctrl key
- play close attention to the cursor feedback
- you can roll a view or rotate a view
- if you see artifacts on the screen that should not be there, try to redraw (CTRL-R).
- show the planes to help as a visual guide
- consider the tool to be a continuum of surface-solid-specialityapps where you trade off complexity, execution speed, flexibility and control. If you can, jump up. If something doesn't work, drop down.
- think "good enough" or "quality"
