Interface and Getting Started
INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER-AIDED
DESIGN
SOLIDWORKS Basics and
the User Interface
Reference :
Solidworks Essential for Solidworks Training,
Lesson 1 – SOLIDWROKS Basics and the User
Interface, page 7 – 25.
What is Computer-Aided
Design?
• CAD (computer-aided design) software is used by architects,
engineers, drafters, artists, and others to create precision drawings
or technical illustrations. CAD software can be used to create
two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D)
models.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer
systems (or workstations) to aid in the creation, modification,
analysis, or optimization of a design. CAD software is used to
increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of
design, improve communications through documentation, and to
create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the
form of electronic files for print, machining, or other
manufacturing operations.
3
CAD
Software
What is SolidWorks?
SOLIDWORKS
Mechanical Design Automation Software
What is
SolidWorks?
Intuitive solutions for every
stage of your design
SolidWorks – For Everything You Design
The SolidWorks Model
The SolidWorks Model
Part Part
Drawing Assembly Drawing
The SolidWorks
Concept
• Parts are the basic building blocks in the
SolidWorks software. Assemblies contain parts
or other assemblies, called subassemblies.
• A SolidWorks model consists of 3D geometry
that defines its edges, faces, and surfaces.
• The SolidWorks software lets you design
models quickly and precisely. SolidWorks
models are:
• Defined by 3D design
• Based on components
3D Design
✔ SolidWorks uses a 3D design approach. As you
design a part, from the initial sketch to the
final result, you create a 3D model. From this
model, you can create 2D drawings or mate
components consisting of parts or
subassemblies to create 3D assemblies. You
can also create 2D drawings of 3D assemblies.
✔ When designing a model using SolidWorks,
you can visualize it in three dimensions, the
way the model exists once it is manufactured.
Component Based
✔ One of the most powerful
features in the SolidWorks
application is that any
change you make to a part
is reflected in all associated
drawings or assemblies.
Terminology: Basic Geometry
• Axis - A straight line that can be used to create Axis
model geometry, features, or patterns. An axis Plane
can be made in a number of different ways,
including using the intersection of two planes.
• Plane - A flat 2D surface / Flat construction
geometry. Planes can be used for a 2D sketch,
section view of a model, a neutral plane in a
draft feature, and others.
Origin
• Origin - The point where the three default
reference planes intersect. The coordinates of
the origin are:
(x = 0, y = 0, z = 0)
Terminology: Basic Geometry
• Face –
The surface or “skin” of a part. Faces can be
flat or curved.
Vertex Edge
• Edge –
The boundary of a face. Edges can
be straight or curved.
• Vertex –
The corner where edges meet.
Edge
Faces
User Interface
Windows Functions
• The SOLIDWORKS application includes familiar Windows functions,
such as dragging and resizing windows. Many of the same icons,
such as print, open, save, cut, and paste are also part of the
SOLIDWORKS application.
User Interface
Document Window
• Divided into two panels:
• Right panel contains
the graphics area.
▪ Location to display, create, and modify a part,
assembly or drawing.
• Left panel contains:
Graphics area
1. FeatureManager® design tree - Lists the
structure of the part, assembly or drawing.
2. Property Manager - Provides settings for many
functions such as sketches, fillet features, and
assembly mates.
3. Configuration Manager - Lets you create,
select, and view multiple configurations of
parts and assemblies in a document.
FeatureManager® Design Tree
PropertyManager
Preview
Confirmation
corner
Property
Manager Handle
User Interface
Function Selection and Feedback
• The SOLIDWORKS application lets you perform tasks in different
ways. It also provides feedback as you perform a task such as
sketching an entity or applying a feature. Examples of feedback
include pointers, inference lines, and previews.
• Menus
• Toolbars
• Command Manager
• Shortcut bars
• Context toolbars
• Mouse Button
Terminology: User Interface
Menu
Bar
Command Task pane
Manager
Drawing
document
window
Part
document
window Status bar
