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SolidWorks

3-D CAD DESIGN SOFTWARE


What is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks , a product of the SolidWorks Corporation, is a 3D Computer-aided design (CAD) program that runs on Microsoft Windows platforms. It was designed as a cost-effective alternative to 2D CAD packages. It was introduced in 1993 by newly-founded SolidWorks Corporation as competitor for products like AutoCAD/Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, SDRC I-DEAS (now Unigraphics NX) and Pro/ENGINEER among many others. Its main focus was to provide users with a way to harness the power of 3D without paying more than average 2D CAD software packages – and having more features, like generating 2D drawings directly out of 3D models (and 3D models from 2D drawings) with a single click, or finite element analysis in one package.


The SolidWorks approach

SolidWorks uses a simple "parametric" approach to modeling and assembling originally pioneered by Pro/ENGINEER. All dimensions define the geometry. To create volume and modifications, SolidWorks employs a feature-based system that can be rolled back to previous states in case something must be changed or multiple configurations of the same part must be handled. To assemble components, mates are created, which define the relative positions of the components to each other.

In addition, SolidWorks has a hierarchy of putting all the things together, which can be traced as follows:

Parts are simple geometry created according to the main design methodology. They interact between each other when placed in an assembly. At every time, drawings and assemblies can be created out of either parts or assemblies for archiving or manufacturing purposes.


Parts

Parts are modeled following a feature based approach. A sketch must be created first in order to define the primary geometry of the part.

First, a sketch is created on a plane. Lines are drawn to define the basic shape of the part and then dimensions are added to constrain the size of the part.

Next, a feature is applied to create volume. The sketch depicted here has been extruded outward.

Then, using the front face of the extrusion feature just created, another sketch is created. This time, a circle has been drawn, and constrained in diameter and distance from the edges of the reference plane.

 

Then, the last sketch is extruded. Both extrusions are automatically merged to create one solid body.

Using the front face of the last extrusion, a new sketch is opened and a circle is drawn. Then, using relations, it is made concentric with the larger circle.

A “Cut-extrude” feature is applied. Using the "through all" option, a hole is cut through the whole solid body.

 

Fillets are added accordingly to the main design intent. A constant radius can be specified, or multiple radii for multiple edges.

The part is then shelled to a given thickness, the shell feature applied to the back plane.


Drawings

Drawings can be created either from parts or assemblies. They are drawn automatically, just by clicking on the window that contains the part or assembly to draw. The drawing module includes most paper sizes and standards (ISO, DIN, GOST, JIS).


Editions

SolidWorks is available in 3 editions.


SolidWorks

The SolidWorks core product includes modeling, assembly, and drawing creation. It includes tools for parametric modeling, sheetmetal, weldments, and freeform surfacing. It can import numerous file types, some from other 2D and 3D CAD programs. It also has an API for custom programming. Also included is CosmosXpress and MoldflowXpress


SolidWorks Professional

The SolidWorks Professional bundle includes the SolidWorks core plus several add-in programs. These include:


SolidWorks Premium

The SolidWorks Premium bundle includes the SolidWorks core and Professional add-ins plus the following:


Add-in Products

COSMOSXpress

COSMOSXpress is a module designed to perform finite element analysis on parts. It can run FEA based on a given magnitude system (ips or SI), restraints and forces interacting with the part. It will then display the results of the analysis in von Mises stress (psi or N*m 2 ), and in a graphical manner the possible deformation the part being analyzed might experience. Although the software is shipped with COSMOSXpress, a more powerful version of the software, COSMOSWorks, can be bought – it can also perform FEA on assemblies.

PhotoWorks

PhotoWorks is a raytrace renderer built into SolidWorks.

Toolbox

SolidWorks Toolbox is a library of predefined fasteners, gears, cams, pins and other accessories, all according to industry standards. New parts can be created and added to the Toolbox for later use in other projects. All though this may sound useful, do not use this in a multiple user environment. There will constantly be sharing issues, which solidworks support will not have answers to.

Animator

SolidWorks Animator has the capability of exploding assemblies and animates the way components explode or join. It can also produce video output.

FeatureWorks

This module recognizes different features (fillets, cut-extrudes, extrudes) on imported models.

API

SolidWorks also includes an Application Programming Interface (API) for macro and third party development.



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