Weldment Tutorial in Balsa Wood for Bridge and Structures

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SolidWorks Weldment Balsa
To create a Balsa Wood bridge or other wood structures, use a SolidWorks Library Feature, a SolidWorks 3D Sketch and  SolidWorks Weldments,

Here are the steps, video and model files to create a Balsa Wood Structure:

1. Create a cross section sketch of your wood as save as a library feature.  Create all the cross sections of different wood members.  Save each section as a library feature into a single folder, example My Weldments>Balsa.

SolidWorks Library Feature

2. Copy your My Weldments folder to the SolidWorks>data>Weldment Profiles folder.

3. Click Insert, 3D Sketch.  Create a 3D Sketch.  Use the Tab key to change to the XY, YZ, and ZX plane.

4. Add relations and dimensions to the 3D Sketch.  Exit the Sketch.

SolidWorks 3D Sketch

5. Right-click in on the top Command Manager and Select Weldments.,

6. From the Weldment Toolbar, select Weldment.

7. Select Structural Member.  Select the My Weldments folder for standard and Balsa for type.

8. Select your cross section.

9. Select your 3D Sketch members.

10.  Select your larger members first.  Then create other structures for  the smaller cross members.  You can modify the start point and plane of the cross sections.

SolidWorks Weldment Large Beams

11. Use Trim to create corners and butt ends.

Model:Download Structure

Library Features:Download My Weldments

Video: Download Weldment

 

 

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach for the 3DEXPERIENCE Works products across all levels of learning including educational institutions, Fab Labs, and entrepreneurship.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1