The SolidWorks Blog

SolidWorks World 2013 Partner Profile: Capvidia

One of the things we've heard from SolidWorks World attendees over the past few years is that you'd like to learn more in advance about the SolidWorks partners who set up booths in the Partner Pavilion. So now through SolidWorks World 2013, we'll be posting a series of blog entries about some of the partners you might think about checking out, and the people who will be representing them. Today we hear from Capvidia.

 

Tell us about Capvidia.

Capvidia is global company specializing in 3D data translation, data quality, validation, visualization, and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for SolidWorks users. We’ve been working with SolidWorks since 1995 and are a Certified Gold Partner with four products.

What products do you sell for SolidWorks customers? 

We sell FormatWorks, CompareWorks, PDQWorks, and FaceWorks via the SolidWorks reseller channel.   We also offer data translation services.

We solve the difficult problems associated with working with imported 3D CAD models in SolidWorks.  First of all, we solve all the translation issues for SolidWorks users by providing a precise, valid model using FormatWorks translation.   Our IGES and STEP translation is phenomenal and we have the very best bi-directional translation of CATIA. We also provide full support for reading MBD (model based definition) from CATIA, Creo/ProE, and Siemens NX.

Secondly, our CompareWorks product will validate any data translated into SolidWorks, by comparing it to the original CAD model.   This gives SolidWorks users the confidence that the translation of 3D CAD models into SolidWorks is correct.    And if the model is not correct, and SolidWorks healing is used , you can also validate the healed model to the original CAD model.   CompareWorks is also used to validate changes due to FeatureWorks or to compare parts that are remastered in SolidWorks to the original CAD File.    CompareWorks is an excellent tool for those companies who need to migrate data to SolidWorks.

CompareWorks also enables SolidWorks to comply with MBE (Model Based Enterprise) processes where data is reused.   CompareWorks makes SolidWorks is the only CAD system with this capability.

Why should SolidWorks World attendees visit your booth?

FormatWorks 2013 will be unveiled with our new capability to read PMI, GD&T and FT&A from CATIA, ProE, and UG directly into SolidWorks.   We will also  show new capabilities that enable SolidWorks to with MBD data comply with MBE processes.    We will also be offering special deals for those who visit our booth. 

How can customers connect with you before, during and after the show?

SolidWorks World 2013 booth number - 512

Website URL – www.capvidia.com

Email address – info@capvidia.com

Telephone number – 507 276-2379  or 949 910 2916

Facebook page  - http://www.youtube.com/user/CapvidiaVideo

YouTube channel - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Capvidia/195209520588402

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If you want to learn more about the SolidWorks Solution Partners exhibiting at SolidWorks World 2013, you can find a complete list on our website.

Still haven't registered for SolidWorks World 2013? Save $100 on the regular registration cost when you register by January 4, 2013. Also, you get three registrations when you pay for two, and as always, CSWPs and CSWEs save an additional $100. Learn more.

Want to learn about the benefits of attending SolidWorks World? You can find them here. Need help convincing the boss to let you go? We can help with that too.

And be sure to follow SolidWorks World on Twitter for regular news and updates.

For Teknion, It’s Easy Being Green with SolidWorks

As business models and office spaces evolve to meet the expectations of the 21^st century, more companies are embracing green, open spaces and collaborative environments. Many offices are designed with sustainability in mind, such as the Dassault Systemes Boston Office which uses Teknion Furniture, a SolidWorks customer. Teknion Furniture prides itself on a variety of office systems which encourage customers’ employees to collaborate, innovate, and communicate in a continually evolving business landscape.

Teknion Furniture at the Dassault Systemes Boston Office.

Teknion aims to design furniture of the future, by expanding product lines and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. To address these challenges, Teknion upgraded to SolidWorks Professional, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, and SolidWorks Sustainability from its previous AutoCAD 2D design tools. The company was attracted to SolidWorks because of the software’s ease of use, design configuration, and enhanced visualization. With SolidWorks, Teknion spends less time and resources on making physical prototypes, allowing Teknion to focus more on innovating new products to optimize business environments. By implementing SolidWorks, Teknion has quadrupled its number of product lines and reduced development time by 50 percent.

Using SolidWorks Sustainability, Teknion can evaluate the environmental impact of their design decisions. The software enables the furniture company to examine factors including carbon burden, energy consumption, air emission and liquid discharges associated with a particular design. By providing greater insights into the product design, SolidWorks Sustainability allows Teknion to give side-by-side comparisons of material choices to show customers the environmental implications of using glass versus acrylic for elements in their furniture. Generating photorealistic images which display environmental information,  SolidWorks Photoview 360 helps the Teknion sales team win orders.

SolidWorks solutions helps Teknion design products more efficiently, manage global design data more effectively, and examine the environmental ramifications of its products. To learn more about how Teknion paves the way to a greener future using products like SolidWorks Sustainability, read the case study.

How to overline text on a SolidWorks drawing

Remastered from SolidWorks Legion article entitled How to overline text on a SolidWorks drawing.

Occasionally, a SolidWorks user may need to state a number or variable as approximate within an annotation note.  The mathematical symbol for this is an overline.  Overlining text is supported via a trick in SolidWorks.  Here is a quick and dirty trick for creating overlined text on SolidWorks drawing:

1. Start an annotation note. 
2. With the note active and the text cursor placed at the desired location within the note, click on the Stack button from the Annotations toolbar. 
3. Choose the style with the division line across the center.
4. Choose the bottom alignment option.
5. Type your overlined text in the Lower text field.
6. Select OK.

The one drawback to this trick is that it will force spacing above your line of text.  This may only be a concern if one tries to use this technique within the general notes.

SolidWorks World 2013 Partner Profile: Delcam

One of the things we've heard from SolidWorks World attendees over the past few years is that you'd like to learn more in advance about the SolidWorks partners who set up booths in the Partner Pavilion. So now through SolidWorks World 2013, we'll be posting a series of blog entries about some of the partners you might think about checking out, and the people who will be representing them. Today we hear from Delcam.

Tell us about Delcam.

Delcam offers a range of CADCAM software for many different industries including but not limited to design, manufacturing, healthcare, mold making, aerospace, automotive, composites, footwear and packaging. 

Delcam was started with initial research at Cambridge University during the 1960s.  As research and technology continued to develop the development was taken over by the Delta Group in the 1970s.  By 1989 the company was bought from the Delta Group in a management and employee buyout.  The company was renamed Delcam International and moved to its current location in Small Heath Birmingham, UK. Delcam is now one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced CADCAM solutions for the manufacturing  industry.

What products do you sell for SolidWorks customers?

We sell complete CADCAM solutions for a variety of industries.  Our products include Delcam for Solidworks, FeatureCAM, PowerMILL, PowerSHAPE, PartMaker and ArtCAM.  We also sell services include training, support, and Professional Services.

Delcam’s range of design, manufacturing and inspection software provides complete, automated CADCAM solutions to help take complex-shaped products from concept to reality.  The software helps users boost productivity, improve quality and reduce lead times.  Delcam software can help companies increase profitability at every stage from the creation of a concept design through to the manufacture and inspection of prototypes, tool and sample components.

Why should SolidWorks World attendees visit your booth?

Attendees who visit our booth with be able to see and learn about our software and how we can help your company be more productive. We will be showcasing our new 2013 releases including Delcam for Solidworks, FeatureCAM, PowerMILL, and PowerSHAPE.

How can customers connect with you before, during and after the show?

See the Delcam staff at Solidworks World booth #605 in the Partner Pavilion and in case you miss us you can always contact us via:

Website: www.delcam.com

Email: marketing@delcam.com

Telephone: 1-877-335-2261

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DelcamAMS

Twitter: www.twitter.com/#1/delcamams

YouTube: www.youtube.com/delcamams

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If you want to learn more about the SolidWorks Solution Partners exhibiting at SolidWorks World 2013, you can find a complete list on our website.

Still haven't registered for SolidWorks World 2013? Save $100 on the regular registration cost when you register by January 4, 2013. Also, you get three registrations when you pay for two, and as always, CSWPs and CSWEs save an additional $100. Learn more.

Want to learn about the benefits of attending SolidWorks World? You can find them here. Need help convincing the boss to let you go? We can help with that too.

And be sure to follow SolidWorks World on Twitter for regular news and updates.

SolidWorks Simulation 2013 – Two of My Favorite Additions

SolidWorks Simulation 2013, like in previous releases, has been loaded with enhancements. Two things I particularly like in this release include Sub-Modeling, a huge time savings in solving large scale problems, and Parametric Optimization inside Flow, a DOE scheme for fluid flow optimization. Let’s talk about them one at a time.

Sub-Modeling

Most users of Simulation are concerned about one or two components in an assembly. However, the load transfer occurs through a bunch of other nearby components. Thus, the user is left with no choice but to run simulations on the entire assembly – until 2013. In Simulation 2013, the user can now start off with a simple coarse analysis on the entire assembly. This sets up a baseline estimate of the deflections that happen on each component. Deflections converge fast, and so a coarse mesh should generally be sufficient. The user can then launch a sub-model study where they are prompted to select only the components they care about. All the deflections up to the component of interest are then transferred as boundary conditions onto the new study, thus mapping the behavior at the assembly level down to the component level analysis. Once that is done, the user can easily perform many iterations – design changes, material changes etc. on the component in a fraction of the time that it would have taken if the work were to be done at the assembly level. It is a great tool, and one that will come in handy to the majority of Simulation users. This functionality is available in Simulation Professional and Simulation Premium.

Parametric Optimization in Flow

For those who have used Flow, you might be familiar with a hidden gem called Parametric Study. This tool allows for a single dimension/parameter optimization based on specifying a certain goal. For instance, the user can ask Flow to determine the optimal bore diameter to achieve a certain pressure drop. Because it is integrated within SolidWorks, Flow Simulation can vary the dimension until goal convergence is reached. However, it was limited in that it could only vary one dimension or parameter at a time. In 2013, the user can now start a parametric study mode to run multiple variables, which could be a combination of flow parameters and dimensions. This, in effect, is Design Study for Flow. With this power, Flow reaches new heights in terms of optimization. The user can start with a baseline run (I would recommend a coarse mesh, just enough to satisfy global flow convergence) and then set up multiple variables to determine the best configuration. It appears from my initial testing that it is going to run each and every combination of parameters and dimensions, rather than cherry picking the critical ones using intelligent DOE (like Design Study in FEA does). It remains to be seen if that will be an enhancement downstream or a "hidden" option that I haven't found yet. However, there are many positives, such as easy workflow, great post-processing when coupled with Compare Configuration Mode (another nice enhancement in 2013) and so forth. All in all, another good release of SolidWorks Simulation. There are other tools that have received an upgrade. Be sure to check out What's New from the help file.

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Vikram Vedantham is the Simulation Product Manager at 3DVision Technologies, a SolidWorks Value Added Reseller with locations across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.  He is a regular contributor to 3DVision Technologies' Blog where you will find new ideas to improve your productivity with SolidWorks Simulation.

Want to try out SolidWorks? You can request a free SolidWorks trial on our website.

Want to see how SolidWorks can help you win new business and get to market faster? Request a  SolidWorks demo today.

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Dimension Tangent to an Arc or Circle

When adding sketch dimensions from one circle or arc to another, a dimension will be added between the center points by default. However, by selecting the circle and/or arc when adding the dimension, the properties for that dimension now have options to change where the extension lines display.

These options can be changed at any time for dimensions that fit this criteria by editing the Dimension Properties in the Property Manager.

In addition, if you know the desired orientation of the dimension prior to adding it, you can ‘set’ the Arc Condition properties simply by the way you add the dimension to the sketch.

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Below is a dimension added by selecting the two circles and placing the text. Switching to the LEADERS Tab in the Property Manager shows how the Extension Lines can be changed.

Setting the Arc Condition on Insert

WHILE adding the dimension, if you hold SHIFT, you can Snap to the Minimum, Center or Maximum Arc Condition depending on what part of the circle/arc you select.

** These images have centerlines drawn at 45 degrees off of the center to center position of the two circles for illustration purposes only. - When the user holds SHIFT while adding the dimension between the two circles, if the cursor is between the ’90 degree window’, the ARC CONDITION gets set to minimum. Click to capture Arc Condition.

- While still holding SHIFT, if the cursor position moves outside the ’90 degree window’, the ARC CONDITION changes to CENTER. Click to capture Arc Condition.

- While still holding SHIFT, if the cursor is moved to the imaginary ’90 degree window’ on the far side of the circle, the ARC CONDITION changes to MAXIMUM. Click to capture Arc Condition.

Both methods yield the same end result. By using the ‘SHIFT’ method, the user can save a couple steps with each dimension.

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Darin Grosser is a SolidWorks Elite Application Engineer, Certified SolidWorks Expert and a senior member of the technical staff at DASI Solutions, a SolidWorks Value Added Reseller with locations throughout Michigan and Indiana. He is a regular contributor to the DASI Solutions Blog.

Creating Drawings for SolidWorks Multi-body Parts

When you have a multi-body part in SolidWorks the question that comes into play at some point is how do I make a drawing for each of the different bodies "parts". The answer to this is like many items in SolidWorks is open ended and has many different solutions and I am going to run you thru a few of these options.

Option 1 - Insert into New Part

This option creates a new derived part that contains a reference back to the parent part. Each new part contains a single feature named Stock- <parent part name> - n ->.

If you change the geometry of the original part, the new parts also change. The software updates the existing derived parts, preserving parent-child relations.

The items I see that can be a downfall to this method is that you now have an additional part that you need to maintain as well as a part the has no dimensions when you go to create a drawing of the part.

Option 2 - Save Bodies

This works much like Option 1 but does give you a few more items that you can control such as the file name, creating an assembly of all the different solid bodies, and part template choice.

Overall it is up to you which of these options will work best for your application.

Option 3 - Creating Configurations

You can always create a configuration(s) to represent the different bodies and their features.

For our example all we needed to do was create a new configuration called Steel Rule and suppress all of the features that were not related to our "target body". One warning is you have to make sure that when doing this you check all Parent/Child Relations to make sure when you suppress one feature it does not take out others you do not want suppressed.

The benefit to this is that you now have a configuration you can reference on the drawing or for an assembly later and you have dimensions that you can easily show on your drawing. The downside to this is you have to be aware of changes that you make to the file and managing all of the features.

Option 4 - Select Bodies (Model View)

The last option we have is Select Bodies which allows us to choose which body we want to create a drawing view of. The one item to consider is if your body is not oriented in a standard drawing view you will need to create a new named view to use in the drawing.

The downfall to this method is when inserting dimensions it brings in the dimensions for the entire model and not just the solid body.

I hope this helps everyone as they create different drawings.

Also a special thanks to Ken Zirbel from Fox Valley Tool & Die Inc. for letting my use his models for this example.

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Josh Altergott is Support Manager at Computer Aided Technology, a SolidWorks Value Added Reseller with locations in Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. He is a regular contributor to the CATI Tech Notes blog.

Want to try out SolidWorks? You can request a free SolidWorks trial on our website.

Want to see how SolidWorks can help you win new business and get to market faster? Request a  SolidWorks demo today.

 

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Learn something new in the SolidWorks featured content blog

A great benefit to being a SolidWorks user is access to endless amounts of content, but here's something you might not know about. Every month, the SolidWorks Services team puts together a "Featured Content" blog entry which samples some of the best items from four key areas.

• The SolidWorks Part Reviewer: Allow us to walk you through a design step by step with the SolidWorks Part Reviewer. With this feature, you can learn new ways to become more efficient in the creative process, challenge yourself with features you may never have used before or even add the existing parts into your own design. From creating a simple sphere to creating a complex assembly, there's something for everyone’s complexity level.
• SolidWorks Featured Author Blog: Every month one of our power users will delve into a specified area-containing their thoughts and designs. Benefit from learning from top Industry professionals. Some of our past examples have included using splines, conics, and working with living hinges.
• SolidWorks APIs: Learn about our application programming interfaces (APIs), which can be used to automate and customize the SolidWorks software. These quick tools can help make you more efficient within the SolidWorks software.
• One Minute Tech-Tips: Take a minute out of your day to learn a new tip/trick within the SolidWorks software. These short videos can be a quick refresher for you or maybe even a new learning platform.

You can find the Featured Content blog in the SolidWorks community website. 

SolidWorks World 2013 Partner Profile: ATR Soft

One of the things we've heard from SolidWorks World attendees over the past few years is that you'd like to learn more in advance about the SolidWorks partners who set up booths in the Partner Pavilion. So now through SolidWorks World 2013, we'll be posting a series of blog entries about some of the partners you might think about checking out, and the people who will be representing them. Today we hear from ATR Soft.

What products do you sell?

CustomTools for SolidWorks and EPDM offers Office-EPDM integration. We are a service partner for EPDM and SolidWorks. Our products let you focus on real design, and automate the rest. We help boost your design by eliminating daily routines, add functionality to SolidWorks and EPDM, and eliminate or reduce significantly data related errors.

Why should SolidWorks World attendees visit your booth?

In addition to learning about how CustomTools can help you to reduce time spent on your design, every day we will offer giveaways (Pens, shirts, flat screens, full licenses ), and a chance to become the SolidWorks World Ultimate Angry Birds Champion.

How can customers connect with you before, during and after the show?

1.       SolidWorks World 2013 booth number: 510

2.       Website: www.customtools.info

3.       Email: info@customtools.info

4.       Telephone: +358 403584677

5.       Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CustomToolsSW

6.       Twitter: http://twitter.com/CustomTools

7.       YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/customtools4sw

8.       Company blog: www.atrsoft.com

 

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If you want to learn more about the SolidWorks Solution Partners exhibiting at SolidWorks World 2013, you can find a complete list on our website.

Still haven't registered for SolidWorks World 2013? Save $100 on the regular registration cost when you register by January 4, 2013. Also, you get three registrations when you pay for two, and as always, CSWPs and CSWEs save an additional $100. Learn more.

Want to learn about the benefits of attending SolidWorks World? You can find them here. Need help convincing the boss to let you go? We can help with that too.

And be sure to follow SolidWorks World on Twitter for regular news and updates.

SolidWorks World 2013 Partner Profile: Mastercam

One of the things we've heard from SolidWorks World attendees over the past few years is that you'd like to learn more in advance about the SolidWorks partners who set up booths in the Partner Pavilion. So now through SolidWorks World 2013, we'll be posting a series of blog entries about some of the partners you might think about checking out, and the people who will be representing them. Today we hear from Mastercam.

Tell us a little about your history.

CNC Software, Inc. is the corporate headquarters and head development facility for Mastercam CAD/CAM Software. CNC Software is one of the pioneers of PC-based CAD/CAM, has been around for nearly 30 years, and is the #1 CAD/CAM developed in the world* (*Source: CIMdata, Inc.)

What can Mastercam do for SolidWorks customers?

Mastercam is 2- through 5- axis milling and routing, turning, wire EDM, Swiss machining, artistic relief cutting, 2D and 3D design, surface, and solid modeling. Also, Mastercam is fully integrated into SolidWorks with our Mastercam for SolidWorks product.

Mastercam for SolidWorks allows you to program parts directly in SolidWorks, saving you valuable time. SolidWorks users feel completely comfortable with the Mastercam machining tree while still in the SolidWorks environment, and Mastercam users feel at home with their familiar parameter screens and options.

Why should SolidWorks World attendees visit your booth?

SolidWorks users should attend our booth because we will be showing what is in store for our upcoming release Mastercam X7, including our new Lathe product as well as enhancements to our full line of products.

How can customers connect with you before, during and after the show?

1.       SolidWorks World 2013 booth number 123
2.       Website: www.mastercam.com
3.       Email: mcinfo@mastercam.com
4.       Telephone:1-800-ASK-MCAM
5.       Facebook: www.facebook.com/mastercam
6.       Twitter: www.twitter.com/mastercam
7.       YouTube: www.youtube.com/mastercamcadcam
8.       Company blog: http://blog.mastercam.com/

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If you want to learn more about the SolidWorks Solution Partners exhibiting at SolidWorks World 2013, you can find a complete list on our website.

Still haven't registered for SolidWorks World 2013? Save $100 on the regular registration cost when you register by January 4, 2013. Also, you get three registrations when you pay for two, and as always, CSWPs and CSWEs save an additional $100. Learn more.

Want to learn about the benefits of attending SolidWorks World? You can find them here. Need help convincing the boss to let you go? We can help with that too.

And be sure to follow SolidWorks World on Twitter for regular news and updates.