SolidWorks

Getting Started with SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a widely used 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program, especially popular in mechanical design and engineering. This guide introduces a step-by-step tutorial series and shares essential tips to help you set up your environment and work efficiently in SolidWorks.

Tutorial Series Overview

The SolidWorks tutorial series takes you from creating a simple part to building assemblies and producing technical drawings. You’ll learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling, assembly creation, and drawing generation. While advanced topics like simulation and sustainability are available, they are not required for basic part or mount design, especially if your components are not intended for heavy load-bearing applications.

• Beginner tutorials: Learn to create 3D models, assemblies, and drawings with practical, beginner-friendly examples 1234568910.
• Step-by-step progression: Start with basic parts, move to assemblies, and finish with detailed drawings.

• Simulation and advanced features: These are optional and can be explored as you become more comfortable with SolidWorks.

General Guidelines for Using SolidWorks

A basic understanding of SolidWorks is helpful for applying these tips:

• Show/Hide Dimensions: In the Feature Manager, right-click “Annotations” to show or hide all feature dimensions.

• Switch Between Drawings: Use Ctrl + Tab to quickly cycle through open drawings without minimizing windows.

• Smart Mating: Click the smart mate icon, double-click the part to mate (it turns transparent), then drag to the target part.

• Sweep Path for Complex Shapes: Use the sweep path on the exterior of your part to remove excess material before sweeping the profile.

• Symmetry: Design around the part origin for easier symmetry and modifications.

• Order of Operations: Follow a logical sequence when modeling, especially if others will use your parts. Deviate only for necessary workarounds.

• Sketch Relations: Use geometric relations (like midpoint or symmetry) rather than explicit dimensions to express design intent.

• Fully Defined Sketches: Ensure sketches are fully defined, preferably with relations to existing geometry for easier updates.

• Rotating Sketch Portions: Use constraints and dimensions or circular patterns to rotate parts of a sketch.

• Assembly Mates: Prefer mating faces over edges or points for stability.

• Reference Planes: Use reference planes to mate objects with few or no flat edges.

• Profile Placement: Position profiles close to their intended location before adding relations when sweeping edges.

• Mate Direction: If a mate aligns incorrectly, use the “anti-align” option to correct it.

• Drawing Views with Suppressed Parts: Use different configurations for suppressed/unsuppressed parts and import the desired views.

• View Dependencies: Right-click the top-level assembly and select “view dependencies” to see all mates and feature associations.

• Force Rebuild: If a model or drawing won’t update, press Ctrl + Q to force a rebuild.

• Drawing Review: Always create and analyze detailed assembly drawings (with sectional views and dimensions) before moving to 3D printing or fabrication.

Learning Resources

• Official SolidWorks Tutorials: MySolidWorks Training offers guided lessons and quizzes.
• YouTube Playlists: Find beginner to advanced tutorials, such as SolidWorks Mechanical Design and SolidWorks Beginner Modeling.
• Comprehensive Courses: Platforms like Udemy and SolidProfessor offer structured learning paths from beginner to advanced.