Tips & Tricks
Hide vs. Suppressed in SolidWorks Assemblies
Hiding and Suppressing parts in SolidWorks assemblies can have similar looking results, but both operations behave quite differently from each other. At the time this article is written, SolidWorks 2012 has several capabilities of both Hide and Suppress, and even
... ContinuedMining for Gems in SolidWorks Part Templates
This months tip, #2-Mining for Gems in Part Templates, stems from a recent visit to a company newer to SolidWorks. As we were going through establishing some standard part templates, particularly for Sheet Metal, the question came up on how,
... ContinuedIn drawings, how are breaks in projected Break views aligned with parent view’s breaks?
Break views are common practice for some industries where long components do not fit well on standard sheet sizes at a useful scale. SolidWorks has a function to break views in the Break tool in the Drawing toolbar. However, what if there is a projected view of that component which must also have a break?
... ContinuedTips for Using Enterprise PDM’s Label Function
Remember that kid that was always picked last to be on the kickball team? I think SolidWorks Enterprise’s Label function was that kid. What good is it? I have seen it used three different ways…
... ContinuedSolidWorks “Freeze” Saves You Time
New in Solidworks 2012 is a tool that allows you to take charge of your models and give you time back in your busy schedule. How many of us work with import bodies, large data sets, or complex models? We
... ContinuedSolidWorks Indent: One Tool with Unlimited Uses
One of the SolidWorks tools that I think gets overlooked for the unlimited number of possible uses is the Indent feature. Below are 3 different examples of how I have found that the tool can be used on an everyday
... ContinuedDesign Studies in a Bottle
One of the questions I hear a number of times a year is, "How do I measure the volume of a container and what is the best way to monitor the volume while making changes?" Let's take a closer look
... ContinuedSave 30% on how-to books and manuals from SolidWorks
Did you know that we have an online store? If you didn't, you should check it out. You can buy things ranging from SolidWorks clothing to the SolidWorks Student Edtion to books and manuals. In fact, we're running a special
... ContinuedFive Best Practices for Building Great Product Communication
If you handed a child instructions on how to tie their shoes, and do you think they could tie them? Could you? Read Cliff’s Five Best Practices for Building Great Product Communication.
... ContinuedBrainstorming … Fast & Fun
How many times have you come out of a brainstorming session feeling unsatisfied with the results? The team never felt like it got into a rhythm. The idea flow felt like a drizzle versus a storm. None of the ideas that the team spent much time on seemed especially good (BTW, you should never spend a lot of time on any one idea in a brainstorming session). There was one or two people that insisted on dominating the conversation and ended up speaking way too much. This to the frustration of the rest of the group. The good news is that there are just a handful of things you need to do to run a productive and fun brainstorming session.
... ContinuedGreen Design Contest in Full Swing
Thanks to all those of you who have participated in our Green Design Contest so far! I'm dying to preview your entries, but I'm going to wait until the formal judging starts on July 1st to check them all out
... ContinuedTaking the Certified SolidWorks Professional Test – Segment 1
In March I wrote about how I was challenged by blogger Matt Lorono to pass the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) test, and my promise to pass it by the day SolidWorks World 2012 begins. It has been a month since my first post, so I thought I would give an update to everyone.
If you’re not familiar with the CSWP, it’s broken up into three segments. So when Marie Planchard started helping me train, we focused on what I would need to know to pass the first segment. In this part, you have 90 minutes to
- Create a part from a drawing
- Use linked dimensions and equations to aid in modeling
- Use of equations to relate dimensions
- Update of parameters and dimension sizes
- Mass property analysis
- Modification of geometry on initial part to create a more complex part
In preparing for segment 1, I worked through the sample exam on the website. After I created it the first time, Marie worked with me to make the design again and showed me where I could save time. For example, Geometric Relations, Linked Values for sketch dimensions and Equations really help. In the CSWP exam, the part was not difficult – but you have to work fast.
... ContinuedSolidWorks Simulation Helps Keep Your Beer Cold
So it's a nice afternoon, and you've decided to go out and throw some steaks on the grill. Maybe some vegetables too (I like asparagus). And naturally, you're going to have a beer or three while you're cooking. But where
... ContinuedThe SolidWorks World 2011 Proceedings Website Is Live!
I know some of you have been waiting for this since SolidWorks World 2011 ended on January 26. And if you're one of those people, I won't make you read any more than necessary. Just go here to visit the SolidWorks World 2011 Proceedings website.
... ContinuedNew SolidWorks tutorials page available on SolidWorks.com
One of the things I learned from being a college professor is that people learn in different ways; perhaps you like to read, watch a video, or follow along with the 100’s of step-by-step tutorials inside SolidWorks software and SolidWorks
... Continued