[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":143},["ShallowReactive",2],{"zu39eZvj9cD2_aMVN4OZ5XdfR5MAinIr-Z4FTfSepXU":3,"article_solidworks-support-monthly-news-november-2022_solidworks":10,"_apollo:default":141,"_apollo:identified":142},{"mailchimpAudience":4},{"actionUrl":5,"slug":6,"locale":7,"default":8,"__typename":9},"","solidworks-support-monthly-news-november-2022","en","https:\u002F\u002F3ds.us3.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fpost?u=ed4601044e1936748c0d2aa6b&id=e5080ff9fe&f_id=002d4de2f0","MailchimpAudience",{"posts":11},{"nodes":12,"__typename":140},[13],{"id":14,"slug":6,"title":15,"uri":16,"excerpt":17,"locale":18,"featuredImage":21,"tableOfContents":29,"content":30,"date":31,"authorJobTitle":5,"author":32,"masterings":44,"globalTags":65,"products":89,"disciplines":100,"seo":129,"__typename":139},"cG9zdDoxOTY0Ng==","SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News – November 2022","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-support-monthly-news-november-2022","\u003Cp>Hello to all, Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support…\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":19,"__typename":20},"en_US","Locale",{"node":22,"__typename":28},{"large":23,"__typename":24,"medium_large":23,"thumbnail":25,"srcSet":26,"sizes":27},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks.jpg.webp","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks-150x150.jpg.webp","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks.jpg.webp 588w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsolidworks-300x168.jpg.webp 300w","(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\u003Cp>Hello to all,\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News! This monthly news blog is co-authored by members of the SOLIDWORKS® Technical Support teams worldwide. Here is the list of topics covered in this month’s Blog :\n\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>\nPDM Professional User and Groups Management for Windows Login\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nBest Practice for IF Functions in Equations\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nWhy SHELL mesh calculates unexpected results?\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nEasy way to determine the source location of SOLIDWORKS® installation files\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>\nWorking with SOLIDWORKS® Visualize Shadow Catcher\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PDM Professional User and Groups Management for Windows Login\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>By Gordon PURSEL\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>This blog is for PDM Professional administrators interested in using Windows Login and importing groups from Active Directory (AD). If you are new to PDM Windows Login, I also recommend reviewing the SOLIDWORKS® PDM Administration Guide > Importing Active Directory Users into Groups (For SOLIDWORKS® PDM Professional only) and Knowledge Base Solution S-077650 for more details.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>To begin, if you are still trying to determine if Windows Login is best for your organization. Below are few time saving benefits to using Windows Login and Importing Groups from Active Directory.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>The PDM ‘Add Users’ and ‘Importing Groups from Active Directory’ wizards automatically creates Users with PDM User Properties mapped to AD attributes such as login name, full name, email, etc. Automatically creating users and repurposing the AD attributes is a real time saver when creating a large number of users.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The PDM ‘Add Users’ and ‘Importing Groups from Active Directory’ wizards can optionally assign users to groups imported from Active Directory.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Passwords and policies are managed by Windows Active Directory.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>User properties and group membership changed in AD can be updated in PDM via ‘Update from Active Directory…’. This includes adding new users to PDM, adding users to imported groups, removing users from the imported group, and updating user properties.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp>To configure SOLIDWORKS® PDM Archive Server for Windows Login :\n\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>To use Windows Login, the SOLIDWORKS® PDM Archive Server login type must be set to Windows login. If the Archive Server is not replicated, the setting can be configured in the Default Settings > Login tab. Note: When users login into PDM they are prompted for their Windows authentication credentials. Using the sub-option ‘Automatic login’ logs in Windows users automatically without prompting for credentials.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"437\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-111-615x437-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19648\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-111-615x437-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-111-615x437-1-300x213.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The setting can also be configured in the vault specific Properties > Login tab.Tip: Consideration to set Windows Login in the Default Settings or vault specific settings depends if all vaults default to use the same Windows Login > Settings and allow creating the same users. For example, if you plan to have multiple vaults containing different Windows users, be sure to configure Windows Login at the vault specific properties.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"602\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-106.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19649\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-106.png.webp 602w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-106-294x300.png.webp 294w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>On the Login tab > Windows Login > Settings add a group containing users who log into PDM\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-98-615x350-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19650\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-98-615x350-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-98-615x350-1-300x171.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003Cp>Tip: Configuring the Windows Login > Settings is where we see common mistakes. Following these guidelines will improve active directory lookups during PDM login and synchronizing PDM user and groups imported from active directory and avoid PDM access to unintended users.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Create a Domain group containing ‘only’ PDM users then add that group. This is preferred even when planning to import AD groups.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Do not add default ‘Doman Users’ group.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Remove the Local Built-In users and groups\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>Creating Windows Users in SOLIDWORKS® PDM Administration Tool\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>The PDM Admin can import Windows Users from the ‘Users’ or ‘Groups’ node. This first example shows the ‘Add Users’ dialog from the ‘Users’ node.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"415\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-87-615x415-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19651\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-87-615x415-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-87-615x415-1-300x202.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The ‘New Windows User’ can be used to list specified users from the Archive Server Tool > Windows Login > Settings.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"487\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-79.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19652\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-79.png.webp 487w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-79-275x300.png.webp 275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 487px) 100vw, 487px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>‘List Windows Users’ presents a list of users from the Archive Server Tool > Windows Login > Settings which are not already in the PDM vault. The ‘Add to Groups’ checkbox will add users to their appropriate imported AD groups.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"571\" height=\"528\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F6-55.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19653\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F6-55.png.webp 571w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F6-55-300x277.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The users created from either step will import User Properties from AD.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"587\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F7-46-615x587-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19654\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F7-46-615x587-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F7-46-615x587-1-300x286.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Cp>Tip: Use ‘Active Directory Property Mapping’ to override default user property mappings or map properties such as ‘User data’ that are not mapped to any Active Directory attribute\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"237\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F8-35-615x237-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19655\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F8-35-615x237-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F8-35-615x237-1-300x116.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\u003Cp>Importing Windows Groups from Active Directory\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>To import AD Groups use ‘Import from Active Directory…’ from the Groups node.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F9-23-615x310-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19656\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F9-23-615x310-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F9-23-615x310-1-300x151.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The next dialog presents a list of users from the AD Group. The Status column is used indicates if the user exists in PDM or if the new user will be created. Selecting the checkbox in the ‘User’ column either creates new users or adds existing users to the group.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"577\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F10-21.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19657\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F10-21.png.webp 577w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F10-21-300x257.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>At the end of the wizard, set the group permissions for the PDM vault\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F11-24-615x589-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19658\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F11-24-615x589-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F11-24-615x589-1-300x287.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Practice for IF Functions in SOLIDWORKS® Equations\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>By Mahendra SAVITA\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>When you use the IF function and assign a specific decimal value to the Global Variable or the value to compare with, you may get an unexpected result because of the floating-point math done by equations.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>SOLIDWORKS® uses floating-point math to compare values. For example, if you specify a Global Variable of 2.2, SOLIDWORKS might evaluate it as 2.2000001 or 2.1999998. In such cases, the comparison returns 0 (False) instead of 1 (True).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-112-615x165-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19659\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-112-615x165-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-112-615x165-1-300x80.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>To avoid this situation, use a tolerance value in your comparison equation. In this example, you create a tolerance of 0.0000001.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Under Value\u002FEquations, create the IF statement as follows:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>= IIF (“GV” – 2.2 \u003C= “tolerance”, 1, 0)\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>In the comparison IF function, Test With Tolerance, the Global Variable GV minus itself is less than or equal to the tolerance, so the equation Evaluates to 1, the expected result.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Note that the Test without Tolerance unexpectedly Evaluates to 0.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why SHELL mesh calculates unexpected results?\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>By Suresh NIKALAJE\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>SOLIDWORKS® Simulation Help description on the topic ‘Shell Definition PropertyManager’ summarizes: \u003Cem>“The program does not offset load and boundary condition definitions applied on the selected surfaces. Apply all loads and boundary conditions at the selected surfaces where the shell mesh is created”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Hence, it is important to understand how exactly the load offset works in case of shell, and the applicable modeling technique to avoid generating unexpected results.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>To exemplify the outcome, consider a 100 mm long a plain carbon steel plate with base dimensions 20 mm X 4 mm under 100N tensile load. A static study defined to conduct four separate and identical tests using different modeling approaches as shown in the following images –\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-29-615x330-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19660\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-29-615x330-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-29-615x330-1-300x161.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>The first body, treated as SOLID, fixed at bottom end and tensile load applied on top face\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The second body is treated as a BEAM, fixed at bottom joint and tensile load applied on top joint.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The third body uses the ‘Define Shell by Selected Faces’ option. There is a ‘Top Surface’ offset, bottom edge fixed and tensile load applied on top edge.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The fourth body also uses the ‘Define Shell by Selected Faces’ option defined using middle surface, bottom edge fixed and tensile load applied on top edge, mesh model as shown in the following images.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-27-615x330-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19661\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-27-615x330-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-27-615x330-1-300x161.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>After study is completed, post processing gives surprising displacement results. Here a tensile load (axial) in Y direction is the only dominant load; ideally, it would results only stretching of the plat. Therefore anticipated UX: X Displacement is 0 micron however in case of example III. SHELL (with offset) appears bending, and X Displacement detected is 0.044 micron, which is unexpected, as shown in the following images,\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-22-615x330-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19662\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-22-615x330-1.jpg.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-22-615x330-1-300x161.jpg.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>The third body uses the ‘Define Shell by Selected Faces’ option, with a ‘Top Surface’ offset, shows the bending effect, because:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>The software does not offset the force. The software applies the force at the exact location of the edge that selected for the force.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The program offsets the midsurface with a distance equal to half the thickness of the shell\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>Thus, a tensile force \u002F compressive defined on a flat shell does not cause any bending if you apply the load in the same plane as the midsurface of the shell (this is always the case when there is no shell offset).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Consequently, in this case, the load is not in the same plane as the midsurface of the shell. There is a half thickness offset of the force with respect to the midsurface of the shell. This creates a bending moment equal to the force value times half the thickness of the shell.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>It is not possible to offset the force. In this case, the solution to avoid causing bending in the shell is to edit the shell and not use any offset, for additional information refer KB S-078933.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy way to determine the source location of SOLIDWORKS® installation files\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>By Deepika PUJARI\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>While diagnosing issues related to SOLIDWORKS® Installation, you may need to know the source file location. In such situation, browsing through many locations and folders may not be ideal. One of the practical and quick methods of finding the source file directory of a program is through the Control Panel menu. The Control Panel has more columns than it shows by default. Here is what you need to do:\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>Open the Control Panel and go to Programs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Click ‘Uninstall a program’. This will take you to the list of installed apps.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>Right-click the title of any one of the columns and from the context menu, select ‘More’.\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-0png-615x169-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19663\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-0png-615x169-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-0png-615x169-1-300x82.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Chr class=\"wp-block-separator\">\n\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>‘Choose Details’ dialog box will appear listing the various columns you can enable. One of them is ‘Source’ and if you enable it, you will be able to view the folder location the application is installed from.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"426\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-113.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19664\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-113.png.webp 426w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-113-228x300.png.webp 228w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>The ‘Source’ column will show you the location of Install files for most of the applications.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-107-615x250-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19665\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-107-615x250-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-107-615x250-1-300x122.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>The information in this column is helpful when diagnosing SOLIDWORKS® installation errors like for example 1706, which is: ‘The Installation Manager cannot find required source files for product SOLIDWORKS® [version and service pack]’.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working with SOLIDWORKS® Visualize Shadow Catcher\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cp>\u003Cem>By Richie MORE\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>SOLIDWORKS® Visualize allows you to create stunning photo-realistic images and videos with the existing design CAD data.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>To achieve a Realistic render, requires precisely placing the object shadows as per the preferred environment. We can have a control over the shadow placement with Shadow Catcher.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Procedure to work with Visualize Shadow catcher\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Step 1– Open a Visualize Project. Add a background image as BackPlate. Match the CAD model to the BackPlate.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"478\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-114-615x478-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19666\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-114-615x478-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F1-114-615x478-1-300x233.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Step 2– Notice, the shadow does not correctly display near the walls. The shadow must fall on the wall, and not pass linearly as if the wall does not exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"342\" height=\"396\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-108.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19667\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-108.png.webp 342w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F2-108-259x300.png.webp 259w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Step 3– From the Model tab > Add Wall primitive, and align it to the image wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-99-615x480-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19668\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-99-615x480-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F3-99-615x480-1-300x234.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Step 4– Enable “ Shadow Catcher “.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"405\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-88.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19669\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-88.png.webp 405w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F4-88-243x300.png.webp 243w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 405px) 100vw, 405px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>Step 5– Now the shadow is correctly places over the wall as in the BackPlate image.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-80-615x481-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19670\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-80-615x481-1.png.webp 615w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002F5-80-615x481-1-300x235.png.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Ch1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Noteworthy Solutions from the SOLIDWORKS® Knowledge Base\u003C\u002Fh1>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fscreen-capture3.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11334\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp> When I right-click a part, drawing or assembly file, why does the SOLIDWORKS®  file utility label not appear?This problem could happen after a Windows® or SOLIDWORKS® update. To get more information, see solution ID: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcustomerportal.solidworks.com\u002Fsiebel\u002Fapp\u002Fcustomerportal\u002Fenu?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEView=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+View+(eService)&SWERF=1&SWEBU=1&SWEApplet0=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+Form+Applet+(eService)&SWERowId0=1-B7KMYGT\">S-079838\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fscreen-capture1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11335\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>When I use the SOLIDWORKS® PDM quick search or integrated search functionality, why do the SOLIDWORKS file open or save dialog boxes stop responding (hangs or crashes)?This problem can happen on a SOLIDWORKS® PDM client workstation if the file type associations for SOLIDWORKS files are incorrect. To get more information, see solution ID: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcustomerportal.solidworks.com\u002Fsiebel\u002Fapp\u002Fcustomerportal\u002Fenu?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEView=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+View+(eService)&SWERF=1&SWEBU=1&SWEApplet0=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+Form+Applet+(eService)&SWERowId0=1-B68EXFP\">S-079778\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"35\" height=\"34\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F02\u002Fsimulation-9.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17339\">\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003Cp>What can I do if every SOLIDWORKS® Flow Simulation project I run shows a ‘Preparing model’ Solver Monitor status indefinitely and any FloXpress analysis never finishes the ‘Meshing in progress’ step?To get more information, see solution ID: \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcustomerportal.solidworks.com\u002Fsiebel\u002Fapp\u002Fcustomerportal\u002Fenu?SWECmd=GotoView&SWEView=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+View+(eService)&SWERF=1&SWEBU=1&SWEApplet0=SW+OUI+KBase+Solution+Form+Applet+(eService)&SWERowId0=1-B65ZG30\">S-079776\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>","2022-11-09T12:27:51",{"node":33,"__typename":43},{"nicename":34,"description":35,"slug":34,"name":36,"firstName":37,"lastName":38,"avatar":39,"__typename":42},"akhilc","Mechanical Engineer with overall 5 years of experience in mechanical domain - Academics and Industry. 4+ years in Technical Support of Computer Aided Design and Supporting SOLIDWORKS suite of products. Certifications: 3DEXPERIENCE® Collaborative Industry Innovator, 3DEXPERIENCE® Industry Innovator, 3DEXPERIENCE® 3D Creator","Akhil C","Akhil","C",{"url":40,"__typename":41},"https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F5ba2a8aa81ecf67396d87354991e96f3d927e19db95dc1481e375b7710d05b0b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":45,"edges":57,"__typename":64},[46,52],{"id":47,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":50,"__typename":51},"dGVybTo5Mg==","Resources","resources","\u002Fmastering\u002Fresources\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":56,"__typename":51},"dGVybToxOTk2","Tutorials","tutorials","\u002Fmastering\u002Ftutorials\u002F",[58,62],{"isPrimary":59,"node":60,"__typename":61},false,{"id":47,"name":48,"slug":49,"uri":50,"__typename":51},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge",{"isPrimary":59,"node":63,"__typename":61},{"id":53,"name":54,"slug":55,"uri":56,"__typename":51},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":66,"__typename":88},[67,73,78,83],{"id":68,"name":69,"slug":70,"uri":71,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NjU3","Product Data Management (PDM)","product-data-management-pdm","\u002Ftags\u002Fproduct-data-management-pdm\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":74,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":77,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NjA3","Simulation","simulation","\u002Ftags\u002Fsimulation\u002F",{"id":79,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":82,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NjAz","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Ftags\u002Fsolidworks\u002F",{"id":84,"name":85,"slug":86,"uri":87,"__typename":72},"dGVybTo5NTk2","Tips and Tricks","tips-tricks","\u002Ftags\u002Ftips-tricks\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":90,"nodes":97,"__typename":99},[91],{"isPrimary":59,"node":92,"__typename":96},{"id":93,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":94,"__typename":95},"dGVybTo1Ng==","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[98],{"id":93,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":94,"__typename":95},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":101,"edges":122,"__typename":128},[102,115],{"id":103,"name":104,"slug":105,"uri":106,"parentId":107,"disciplines":108,"__typename":114},"dGVybTo3Mg==","Management and Collaboration","management-collaboration","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanagement-collaboration\u002F",null,{"nodes":109,"__typename":113},[110],{"title":104,"uri":111,"parentId":107,"__typename":112},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanagement-collaboration","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",{"id":116,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":117,"parentId":107,"disciplines":118,"__typename":114},"dGVybTo4NQ==","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fsimulation\u002F",{"nodes":119,"__typename":113},[120],{"title":75,"uri":121,"parentId":107,"__typename":112},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fsimulation",[123,126],{"isPrimary":59,"node":124,"__typename":125},{"parentId":107,"id":103,"name":104,"slug":105,"uri":106,"__typename":114},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge",{"isPrimary":59,"node":127,"__typename":125},{"parentId":107,"id":116,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":117,"__typename":114},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":5,"title":130,"metaDesc":5,"opengraphAuthor":5,"opengraphDescription":131,"opengraphTitle":15,"opengraphUrl":132,"opengraphSiteName":133,"opengraphPublishedTime":134,"opengraphModifiedTime":135,"twitterTitle":5,"twitterDescription":5,"readingTime":136,"metaRobotsNoindex":137,"__typename":138},"SOLIDWORKS® Support Monthly News – November 2022 - Blog Solidworks","Hello to all, Welcome to the new edition of the SOLIDWORKS® Support…","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-support-monthly-news-november-2022\u002F","Blog Solidworks","2022-11-09T17:27:51+00:00","2026-03-06T13:35:22+00:00",5,"noindex","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1777162829759]