[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":127},["ShallowReactive",2],{"cLlM1YjXd2-uTZWEDc1dz8DnvCN4pbHHiSVsyo3shrU":3,"article_solidworks-turns-imagination-into-manufacturable-reality_solidworks":10,"_apollo:default":125,"_apollo:identified":126},{"mailchimpAudience":4},{"actionUrl":5,"slug":6,"locale":7,"default":8,"__typename":9},"","solidworks-turns-imagination-into-manufacturable-reality","en","https:\u002F\u002F3ds.us3.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe\u002Fpost?u=ed4601044e1936748c0d2aa6b&id=e5080ff9fe&f_id=002d4de2f0","MailchimpAudience",{"posts":11},{"nodes":12,"__typename":124},[13],{"id":14,"slug":6,"title":15,"uri":16,"excerpt":17,"locale":18,"featuredImage":21,"tableOfContents":30,"content":31,"date":32,"authorJobTitle":5,"author":33,"masterings":43,"globalTags":57,"products":84,"disciplines":95,"seo":114,"__typename":123},"cG9zdDo2OTM4Mw==","SOLIDWORKS Turns Imagination into Manufacturable Reality","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-turns-imagination-into-manufacturable-reality","\u003Cp>A SOLIDWORKS Maker and electromechanical engineer translates pop culture concepts into manufacturable, full-scale structures using SOLIDWORKS Design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"locale":19,"__typename":20},"en_US","Locale",{"node":22,"__typename":29},{"large":23,"__typename":24,"medium_large":25,"thumbnail":26,"srcSet":27,"sizes":28},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1.jpg","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-768x512.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1.jpg 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-768x512.jpg 768w","(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\n\u003Cp>In engineering, the gap between concept and physical reality is where most ideas fail. Geometry must become structure. Materials must behave as expected, and fabrication constraints impose limits that digital concepts alone cannot resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69391\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fprotongun_800-1-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For Carlos Reyes, an electromechanical engineer and \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002F\">SOLIDWORKS\u003C\u002Fa>® content creator known as \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.carlos3dprint.com\u002F\">Carlos3D\u003C\u002Fa>, this gap is the work itself. His projects are inspired by \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.carlos3dprint.com\u002Fproject\u002F-i-built-the-marvel-vs-capcom-proton-cannon-two-meters-of-3d-printed-power\">fictional objects\u003C\u002Fa> in popular culture, which all require more than creativity. They demand disciplined modeling, iterative validation, and a willingness to confront physical constraints early in the design process. As Reyes explains, “What starts in my head becomes real. SOLIDWORKS is the tool I use to express that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fpokeball_800-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69392\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fpokeball_800-1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fpokeball_800-1-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fpokeball_800-1-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Designing for Scale, Structure, and Reality\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Reyes’ projects begin with open-ended questions that quickly become engineering problems. A sphere large enough for a person to fit inside introduces spatial constraints, structural requirements, and material trade-offs. Even seemingly simple geometry becomes complex at scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A spherical structure inspired by the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.carlos3dprint.com\u002Fproject\u002Fpokeball-xxl\">Poké Ball\u003C\u002Fa> required segmentation into repeatable components, each with consistent curvature and alignment. Early assumptions about materials proved insufficient. For example, wood’s flexibility required additional supports, while the structure covering exposed limitations in achieving a smooth surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblinmask_computer_800-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69388\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblinmask_computer_800-1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblinmask_computer_800-1-300x168.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblinmask_computer_800-1-768x431.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For a re-creation of a villain glider inspired by Spider-Man’s nemesis, the challenge was translating a stylized object into a manufacturable design, defining curves, edges, and proportions that preserved the visual intent. Both projects required continuous reconciliation between design intent and physical feasibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-3_800-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69387\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-3_800-1.png.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-3_800-1-300x169.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-3_800-1-768x432.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Modeling, Iteration, and Fabrication Alignment\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Reyes used \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002F\">SOLIDWORKS Design\u003C\u002Fa> as the central environment for defining geometry, testing concepts, and preparing for fabrication. For the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.carlos3dprint.com\u002Fproject\u002Fpokeball-xxl\">ball project\u003C\u002Fa>, he modeled repeatable curved segments—referred to as banana shapes—that could be patterned around a central axis to form a spherical frame. Once validated in SOLIDWORKS, the structure was mirrored to complete the geometry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fassy_3_800-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69386\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fassy_3_800-1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fassy_3_800-1-300x168.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fassy_3_800-1-768x431.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This approach allowed Reyes to move from a conceptual shape to a structured assembly that could be fabricated using CNC cutting. Pre-scale validation using laser-cut models revealed critical issues early, including insufficient space inside the Ball project and the need for intermediate supports. These insights informed revisions before full-scale production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Fabrication workflows for the Ball project were directly driven by the digital model. CNC cutting produced the primary wooden structure, while assembly relied on controlled spacing. “I used wood glue and stainless-steel screws, plus some guides to keep the spacing consistent,” note Reyes. When traditional covering approaches failed to achieve the required surface quality, Reyes adapted by designing a segmented 3D-printed shell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-4_800-3.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69385\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-4_800-3.png.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-4_800-3-300x169.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-4_800-3-768x432.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The villain glider project followed a similar pattern. Initial forms were created and refined digitally, enabling Reyes to sculpt complex surfaces and then translate them into printable components. He describes how he “quickly sculpted the glider’s initial form” in xShape and refined details in xDesign to move “from concept to first prototype.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblin_spidy_800-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69390\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblin_spidy_800-1.jpg.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblin_spidy_800-1-300x200.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fgoblin_spidy_800-1-768x512.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Iteration was continuous throughout both projects: Modeling informed fabrication, and fabrication constraints informed further modeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Execution Through Iteration and Control\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The primary benefit of this approach is control over geometry, fabrication, and outcomes. By structuring designs in SOLIDWORKS before fabrication, Reyes identified issues such as material behavior, fit, and spatial limitations early in the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Iterative prototyping reduced downstream rework. Laser-cut models exposed design flaws before CNC production. Assembly feedback informed adjustments to tolerances and structure. When initial covering strategies failed, the existing digital model enabled a rapid pivot to a 3D-printed solution without redesigning from scratch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The ability to break large assemblies into manufacturable components supported multi-process fabrication. CNC cutting, laser cutting, and 3D printing were coordinated from a single design source, maintaining alignment across processes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Reyes describes his approach as, “Sometimes I break the rules. That’s important. Pushing design forward often means moving faces, deleting features, and trying things that aren’t standard.” This reflects a workflow grounded not in rigid process, but in controlled iteration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-2_800-1.png.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69393\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-2_800-1.png.webp 800w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-2_800-1-300x169.png.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F04\u002Fcarlos3d-image-2_800-1-768x432.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Creative Designs That Are Manufacturable\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Engineering creative concepts into physical reality requires masterful project management in how tools are used. In Reyes’ work, SOLIDWORKS Design functions as a structured environment for exploration, where ideas are tested against material, geometry, and fabrication constraints before they are built.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The result is not just visually compelling projects, but manufacturable, assembled systems that hold together under real-world conditions. That distinction is important in maker-driven engineering, where creativity and execution must coexist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In any industry where concepts must become physical products, the ability to iterate, validate, and build with precision remains fundamental. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.solidworks.com\u002Fhow-to-buy\u002Ffind-solidworks-reseller\u002F\">Contact your local reseller\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more about how SOLIDWORKS Design can help you get your products to market faster and more efficiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Check out\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=sfzWDUxaqzY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> this video \u003C\u002Fa>to see Carlos and hear about how he creates his designs with SOLIDWORKS Design. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n","2026-05-08T08:00:00",{"node":34,"__typename":42},{"nicename":35,"description":36,"slug":35,"name":37,"firstName":37,"lastName":5,"avatar":38,"__typename":41},"solidworks","Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.","SOLIDWORKS",{"url":39,"__typename":40},"https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F1456c94d954684cae05ba938017ad326ccab65a27136da3cef939510afab2973?s=96&d=mm&r=g","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":44,"edges":51,"__typename":56},[45],{"id":46,"name":47,"slug":48,"uri":49,"__typename":50},"dGVybTo5NQ==","Customer Stories","customer-stories","\u002Fmastering\u002Fcustomer-stories\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",[52],{"isPrimary":53,"node":54,"__typename":55},true,{"id":46,"name":47,"slug":48,"uri":49,"__typename":50},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":58,"__typename":83},[59,65,70,73,78],{"id":60,"name":61,"slug":62,"uri":63,"__typename":64},"dGVybTo5NjAx","3D CAD","3d-cad","\u002Ftags\u002F3d-cad\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":66,"name":67,"slug":68,"uri":69,"__typename":64},"dGVybTo5NjA0","3D Printing","3d-printing","\u002Ftags\u002F3d-printing\u002F",{"id":71,"name":47,"slug":48,"uri":72,"__typename":64},"dGVybTo5NjA4","\u002Ftags\u002Fcustomer-stories\u002F",{"id":74,"name":75,"slug":76,"uri":77,"__typename":64},"dGVybTo5NjI0","Dassault Systemes","dassault-systemes","\u002Ftags\u002Fdassault-systemes\u002F",{"id":79,"name":80,"slug":81,"uri":82,"__typename":64},"dGVybTo5NTk5","Design","design","\u002Ftags\u002Fdesign\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":85,"nodes":92,"__typename":94},[86],{"isPrimary":53,"node":87,"__typename":91},{"id":88,"name":37,"slug":35,"uri":89,"__typename":90},"dGVybTo1Ng==","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[93],{"id":88,"name":37,"slug":35,"uri":89,"__typename":90},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":96,"edges":109,"__typename":113},[97],{"id":98,"name":61,"slug":62,"uri":99,"parentId":100,"disciplines":101,"__typename":108},"dGVybTo2MA==","\u002Fdisciplines\u002F3d-cad\u002F","dGVybTo1OA==",{"nodes":102,"__typename":107},[103],{"title":61,"uri":104,"parentId":105,"__typename":106},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fdesign-engineering\u002F3d-cad","cG9zdDozNzcz","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",[110],{"isPrimary":53,"node":111,"__typename":112},{"parentId":100,"id":98,"name":61,"slug":62,"uri":99,"__typename":108},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":5,"title":115,"metaDesc":5,"opengraphAuthor":5,"opengraphDescription":116,"opengraphTitle":15,"opengraphUrl":117,"opengraphSiteName":118,"opengraphPublishedTime":119,"opengraphModifiedTime":5,"twitterTitle":5,"twitterDescription":5,"readingTime":120,"metaRobotsNoindex":121,"__typename":122},"SOLIDWORKS Turns Imagination into Manufacturable Reality - Blog Solidworks","A SOLIDWORKS Maker and electromechanical engineer translates pop culture concepts into manufacturable, full-scale structures using SOLIDWORKS Design.","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Fsolidworks-turns-imagination-into-manufacturable-reality\u002F","Blog Solidworks","2026-05-08T12:00:00+00:00",6,"noindex","PostTypeSEO","Post","RootQueryToPostConnection",{},{},1778285036279]