solidwork notes

1. User Interface Basics

1.1 Command Manager

  • A dynamic toolbar that organizes SolidWorks commands into tabs.
  • Key tabs: Sketch, Features, Assembly, Surface, Sheet Metal.
  • Customizable for user preferences.

1.2 Feature Manager Tree

  • Hierarchical list of model features, sketches, and relations.
  • Located on the left panel.
  • Helps in navigating and editing parts or assemblies.

1.3 Graphics Area

  • Main workspace for creating and editing models.
  • Features tools like zoom, pan, and rotate.
  • Displays previews, dimensions, and annotations.

1.4 Property Manager

  • Context-sensitive panel that appears when editing or creating features.
  • Used to define feature-specific parameters.

1.5 Task Pane

  • Located on the right side.
  • Access libraries (Design Library), files, appearances, SolidWorks resources, and more.

1.6 Status Bar

  • Displays information such as units, sketch status, and cursor position.
  • Located at the bottom of the screen.

2. Sketching Essentials

2.1 Sketch Relations

  • Define relationships between sketch entities (e.g., perpendicular, parallel).
  • Relations ensure design intent and constraints.

2.2 Dimensions

  • Used to define size and position.
  • Can be driven or driving dimensions.

2.3 Origin

  • The reference point for sketches and models.
  • Located at the intersection of default planes.

2.4 Planes

  • Default planes: Front, Top, Right.
  • Additional planes can be created for complex geometry.

3. Features

3.1 Extrude

  • Extends a 2D sketch into a 3D object.
  • Types: Boss/Base (add material) and Cut (remove material).

3.2 Revolve

  • Rotates a sketch profile around an axis to create a 3D object.

3.3 Sweep

  • Extrudes a sketch along a path.

3.4 Loft

  • Creates a smooth transition between two or more profiles.

3.5 Fillets

  • Rounds edges or corners of a part.

3.6 Chamfers

  • Bevels edges at an angle.

3.7 Editing and Modifying Features

  • Use the Feature Manager Tree to edit sketches or features.
  • Modify dimensions or add relations for adjustments.

4. Assemblies

4.1 Mates

  • Standard Mates: Coincident, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, etc.
  • Advanced Mates: Width, Symmetric, Distance, etc.
  • Mechanical Mates: Cam, Gear, Screw, etc.

4.2 Subassemblies

  • Assemblies used within a larger assembly.
  • Manage and reuse components effectively.

4.3 Exploded Views

  • Visualize how components fit together.
  • Useful for documentation and presentation.

5. Drawings

5.1 Views

  • Orthographic: Front, Top, Side.
  • Section: Show internal features.
  • Detailed: Zoom in on specific areas.

5.2 Dimensioning and Annotations

  • Add critical dimensions and notes for manufacturing.

5.3 Adding Tables

  • BOM (Bill of Materials): Lists components.
  • Revision tables: Document design changes.

6. Advanced Design

6.1 Surface Modeling

  • Create complex shapes using surfaces.
  • Tools: Boundary Surface, Filled Surface, Trim Surface.

6.2 Sheet Metal Design

  • Tools for creating sheet metal parts.
  • Features: Base Flange, Edge Flange, Hem.

7. Applied Learning

7.1 Real-World Designs

  • Apply SolidWorks features to solve design challenges.

7.2 Reverse Engineering

  • Model existing objects for analysis or reproduction.

7.3 Product Design

  • Create innovative designs from concept to prototype.

8. Additional Modules

8.1 Weldments

  • Used to create structural frames.
  • Features: Structural Members, Gussets, End Caps.

8.2 Simulation Basics

  • Analyze designs under load conditions.
  • Tools: Static analysis, Stress analysis.


1. Surface Modeling

Use Case:

  • Ideal for creating complex, organic, or freeform shapes that are difficult or impossible with traditional solid modeling.
  • Common applications: product design, automotive, and aerospace industries.

Key Tools:

  1. Boundary Surface

    • Creates surfaces between two or more profiles or guide curves.
    • Provides greater control over surface shape compared to Lofted Surface.

  2. Lofted Surface

    • Generates a smooth transition between multiple profiles.
    • Supports guide curves for precise control.

  3. Offset Surface

    • Creates a surface parallel to an existing one at a specified distance.
    • Useful for shell-like structures.

  4. Trim and Extend Surfaces

    • Trim: Removes unwanted portions of a surface using a boundary.
    • Extend: Extends a surface edge by a specified distance.

Exercise:

  • Task: Design a bottle or an aerodynamic car body.
    • Sketch the profiles of the bottle/car.
    • Use Lofted Surface or Boundary Surface to create smooth transitions.
    • Apply Trim to refine details like openings or contours.

2. Sheet Metal Design

Use Case:

  • Streamlined creation of parts intended for sheet metal fabrication.
  • Ensures manufacturability with features for bending, flattening, and cutting.

Key Tools:

  1. Base Flange/Tab

    • Starting point for sheet metal parts; defines the base thickness and material.

  2. Edge Flange

    • Adds flanges to edges for structural strength or connections.

  3. Hem, Jog, and Forming Tools

    • Hem: Folds edges for safety or strength.
    • Jog: Adds offsets to sheet metal surfaces.
    • Forming Tools: Stamps custom features (louvers, beads) into the sheet.

  4. Flatten and Unfold Features

    • Flatten: Visualizes the part in a flat state for cutting.
    • Unfold: Temporarily unfolds to add features like holes or cuts.

Exercise:

  • Task: Design a simple box with bends and flanges.
    • Create the base using Base Flange/Tab.
    • Add flanges on edges using Edge Flange.
    • Finalize with Hem or Jog features.
    • Use Flatten to generate the flat pattern.

3. Weldments

Use Case:

  • Simplifies the design of welded structural frames, trusses, and supports.
  • Automatically calculates cut lengths for members.

Key Tools:

  1. Structural Members

    • Creates beams or tubes using a profile and path.
    • Library of standard profiles (e.g., rectangular, circular, I-beams).

  2. Trims/Extends

    • Adjusts member ends to ensure a proper fit for welding.

  3. Gussets and End Caps

    • Gussets: Adds reinforcement between members.
    • End Caps: Covers open ends for aesthetics or functionality.

Exercise:

  • Task: Model a steel frame for a table or a ladder.
    • Define the frame's skeleton using sketches.
    • Apply Structural Members along the sketch paths.
    • Use Trim/Extend to ensure proper alignment.
    • Add Gussets for reinforcement where members meet.

4. Advanced Assemblies

Use Case:

  • Manage large, complex assemblies with intricate motion or configurations.
  • Common for machinery, robotics, and mechanical systems.

Key Tools:

  1. Advanced Mates

    • Path Mate: Constrains a component to follow a predefined path.
    • Width Mate: Centers a component between two faces or edges.

  2. Assembly Configurations

    • Creates multiple assembly variations within the same file.
    • Useful for representing different states, such as open/closed positions.

  3. Large Assembly Mode

    • Optimizes performance when working with assemblies containing many components.
    • Reduces graphical detail and suppresses unused features.

Exercise:

  • Task: Design a working gear mechanism.
    • Assemble gears with proper alignment using Standard Mates (e.g., Concentric).
    • Use Path Mate to guide motion along predefined paths.
    • Test and visualize motion interactions in the assembly.


  1. Surface Modeling: Discuss how you handled complex designs like aerodynamic shapes or ergonomic models.
  2. Sheet Metal: Emphasize practical knowledge of creating manufacturable designs with tools like Flatten and Hem.
  3. Weldments: Highlight experience in creating structural models, focusing on automation via Structural Members.
  4. Advanced Assemblies: Showcase problem-solving with motion studies or managing large assemblies efficiently.