Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Equations Tutorial
Parametric Modelling:
SolidWorks is a ‘parametric’ modelling CAD system where parameters, such as
dimensions and relations, are used to create and control the geometry of the modelled
part.
When modelling in SolidWorks it is possible to create mathematical relations between
model dimensions or other model properties using SolidWorks ‘equations’
When using equations, dimension names and other property names are used as
variables and other global variables can be created. Mathematical functions can be
used to create mathematical relationships variables and between two or more
dimension in sketches, parts and assemblies.
Tutorial Exercise
In the following exercise you will create an equations-
driven design for the component shown opposite.
You are going to create (and submit drawings for) two variants of this component, both
a ‘Light Duty’ and ‘Heavy Duty’ version. Note that the bore diameter, overall height
and length, along with the hole size and position will not change; it is the wall and base
plate thicknesses which will update.
Variants
1
IT, Sligo CAD
Renaming Dimensions
Select the dimension which defines the full width
(e.g ‘D1@Sketch1’) and then rename the variable
as ‘FullSpan’. (FeatureManager pane on the left).
On entering ‘Return’ the @Sketch1 portion
reappears. This identifies the sketch to which the
variable belongs.
Rename the remaining dimensions as shown in the diagram above (i.e HalfSpan,
SideRad, etc.
2
IT, Sligo CAD
Applying Equation1:
To specify that dimension A (the half width
dimension) is half dimension B (the full width
dimension:
Select the ‘HalfSpan’ dimension in the sketch – its name will be displayed in the cell
and an ‘=’ sign will appear in the Value/Equation cell (see below).
Select the ‘FullSpan’ dimension (its name will appear in the cell) and then type ‘/’ and
‘2’ (=”FullSpan@Sketch1”/2 will be entered – see below).
3
IT, Sligo CAD
This creates a mathematical relationship whereby Dimension A will always be half the
value of dimension B.
Select OK to close the Equation dialog box. Note that the symbol will be attached to
the HalfSpan dimension, indicating that it is driven by an equation.
In this relationship the 150mm dimension is the driving dimension while the 75mm
dimension is the driven dimension. Driven dimensions are represented by the
symbol and cannot be modified directly by the user.
This equation has been applied within this specific sketch. However equations are not
limited to operating to within a sketch. Dimension can also be applied between any
dimensions within a CAD model (or between models in an assembly).
Before finishing the sketch change the larger radius (BaseRad) to 50mm and the
smaller radius (SideRad) to 25mm.
Continue modelling…
Continue modelling by extruding the base by 10mm.
Working on the top surface draw a circular sketch
concentric with the central arcs. However rather
than snapping to the arc end points; dimension
independently of the base and specify a dimension
of 100mm.
Create an extrusion 80mm high.
4
IT, Sligo CAD
5
IT, Sligo CAD
Now other dimensions will be adjusted in a manner that will achieve a uniform wall
thickness, where that wall thickness is dictated by the base thickness dimension.
Once an equation has been added, an ‘Equations’ feature menu item is added in the
Feature Manager pane.
Pick OK and adjust the height or thickness (T) of the base to 10mm, 15mm and 20mm
and observe the model updating. Note that the larger radii on the base flange remains
at R50, whereas the cylindrical feature changes to reflect the varying wall thicknesses.
To keep the base flange tangential to the Cylindrical upright, activate the Equations
Editor again and add an appropriate equation. Select the R50 BaseRad dimension and
make it equal to the outside diameter OD divided in half.
Finally, to establish and maintain a 2:1 relationship between the two radii in Sketch1
(BaseRad & SideRad) add another equation:
Pick OK to exit Equations and add 5mm fillets to complete the model.
6
IT, Sligo CAD
NOTE: You may need to rebuild the model to see the effect of the equations
entered.
Assignment Instructions/Requirements
Two variants are required – one ‘Light Duty’ version with a flange base and wall
thickness of 10mm and a ‘Heavy Duty’ version with a ‘T’ thickness of 20mm. Modify the
thickness dimension and observe these two variants.
Save two copies of this part, one called ‘Light Duty’ and the other part called ‘Heavy
Duty’
Drawings Required:
Ensure that the drawing contains a Title, Drawing Number, Your Name and the date.
Consider scale, layout, and the use of tangent edges, hidden detail lines, centre lines,
etc.
Submission
Submit the drawing detailed above on an A4 sheet.
7
IT, Sligo CAD
Equations Assignment
Introduction:
A company manufactures the component
shown opposite in a variety of strengths/sizes,
depending on customer requirements
Standard Features:
Large Boss:
Bore Diameter is 50mm
Height (H1) is 20mm greater than the Rib height.
Small Boss:
Bore Diameter is 30mm
Height (H2) is 10mm greater than the Rib height.
Rib:
Height (H3) is three times the thickness
Rib width is equal to the thickness
Overall centre-to–centre distance is 140mm
Apply fillets to all internal corners with a radius of one fifth of the thickness.
The product is made in a variety of thicknesses, i.e. 10, 15 and 20mm. For any variant
all sections must be of equal thickness
Model the component so that each variant can be achieved by simply changing a single
thickness dimension.
Assignment Instructions/Deliverables:
Model the component to meet the requirements specified.
Apply appropriate equations so that all component wall thicknesses and other
dimensions can be adjusted using a single thickness variable.
Create 3 variants (configurations) of the part.
Create draft views of the 3 variants, providing dimensional evidence of adherence to the
thickness requirements.
(NOTE: the drawings for all 3 variants may be made on a single A3 sheet).
Submission
Submit the drawings detailed above on an individual A3 sheets.