LAB 01 Introduction to SolidWorks

Lab Report 01
Objective:
Introduction to SolidWorks Cad software and its interface and to learn the utilization of
different orientation views in the interface and SolidWorks Explorer.

Introduction to SolidWorks:
The SolidWorks CAD software is a mechanical design automation application that lets
designers quickly sketch out ideas, experiment with features and dimensions, and produce
models and detailed drawings.

This document discusses concepts and terminology used throughout the SOLIDWORKS
application. It familiarizes you with the commonly used functions of Sled works 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 2Ddrawings 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 SOLID WORKS, you can visualize it in three
dimensions, the way the model exists once it is manufactured.

SolidWorks is an easy to learn design and analysis tool. Model dimensions in SolidWorks are
associate between part, assembly and drawing.

Concepts:
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.

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.

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Purpose of SolidWorks:
SolidWorks is a leading 3D CAD and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) design software.
In addition to enabling 2D drawing and 3D modeling, SolidWorks facilitates access to the 3D
Experience cloud platform, allowing users to use powerful cloud-based tools that cover the
entire product development lifecycle.

It offers an extensive suite of 2D design, 3D modeling, and product development tools that
enable you to conceptualize, create, validate, communicate, manage, and convert your ideas
into designs.

The purpose will achieve by the following tools.

 2D drawing and 3D modeling tools that support the creation of accurate 2D designs as
well as complex parts and assemblies
 Cost estimation tools and manufacturability checks that enable you to design for
manufacturing and cost.
 Standardized data management tools.
 Integrated motion and stress analysis tools.

Feature Based means:

 Feature Based modeling means that you start with a simple basic features and then after
many practice you can add more feature.
 The Part is constructed so its individual feature describe the way the geometry should
behave e.g. a cut knows its shape and location and fact it has negative volume.

Understanding the Associativity Concept:

 An assembly is not a large file containing the copies of every part in the assembly, but
rather a file containing associate links to every model used in the assembly.

Parametric Design
 Parametric modeling is an approach to 3D CAD in which you capture design intent
using features and constraints.
 This allows users to automate repetitive changes, such as those found in families of
product parts.

Uses for Parametric Modeling:

The key advantage of parametric modeling is, when setting up a 3D geometric model, the shape
of model geometry can be changed as soon as the parameters such as the dimensions or
curvatures are modified; therefore there is no need to redraw the model whenever it needs a
change.

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Advantages of SolidWorks:
 User friendly
 Smooth and Easy Design Process
 Boost in Productivity
 Better Design Approach
 Cost Efficient
 Enhanced Collaboration
 Innovative

How to start SolidWorks Software?

 Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the window. The Start menu appears.
The Start menu allows you to select the basic functions of the Microsoft environment.
 From the Start menu, click All Programs, SolidWorks. The SolidWorks application
program is now running.

If SolidWorks Software in not on the Desktop then:

 Start the program from start menu by clicking Star-All Program –SolidWorks 2016 –
SolidWorks x64 Edition.
 We can also use window explorer or “Window Search” to find the file SolidWorks.exe
in the directory C:\Program Files\SolidWorks\SolidWorks. Double click to start the
program.

SolidWorks User Interface:

Figure 1: SolidWorks User interface

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Following are the main elements of the user interface of the SolidWorks:

 Menu Bar
 Command Manager
 Configuration Manager
 Property Manager
 Status Bar
 Task plane
 Toolbar
 Graphics Area
 Feature Manager Design Tree

Menu Bar:

The menu bar contains the SolidWorks menus, a set of Quick Access Tools, the SolidWorks
Search, and the Help options. Click the down arrow next to a tool to display a fly out menu
with additional functions. This lets you access most File menu commands.

Command Manager:

The Command Manager is a context-sensitive toolbar that dynamically updates based on the
toolbar you want to access. By default, it has toolbars embedded in it based on the document
type.

Feature Manager Design Tree:

The Feature Manager Design tree filter lets you search for specific features of parts and
components of assemblies. Adding Folders and Subfolders. In part or assembly documents,
you can add folders to the Feature Manager Design tree.

Configuration Manager:

The Configuration Manager is a means to create, select, and view multiple configurations of
parts and assemblies in a document.

Property Manager:

Property Manager is a tool in the SolidWorks program that lets you adjust properties like
coordinates, angles, and other values for the object you're drawing (POINT, LINE, CIRCLE,
ELLIPSE, or POLYGON). For each sort of entity, the characteristics provided vary.

Status Bar:

The status bar at the bottom of the SOLIDWORKS window provides information related to the
function you are performing.

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Tool Bar:

The Standard toolbar controls file management and model regeneration. The Surfaces toolbar
provides tools for creating and modifying surfaces.

Task Pane:

The Task Pane provides access to SolidWorks resources, libraries of reusable design elements,
views to drag onto drawing sheets, and other useful items and information.

Graphics Area:

The graphics area displays and lets you manipulate parts, assemblies, and drawings.

SolidWorks Explorer:
SOLIDWORKS Explorer is a file management tool designed to help you perform such tasks
as renaming, replacing, and copying SolidWorks files. You can show a document's references,
search for documents using a variety of criteria, and list all the places where a document is
used.

Figure 2: SolidWorks Explorer

Properties:
References:

You can list items that reference the selected part, assembly, or drawing document.

Where Used:

You can list all the places where a specified part or assembly is used.
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Configurations in SolidWorks Explorer:

With SolidWorks Explorer, you can list configurations for SolidWorks files.

Hyperlinks:

You can list and edit hyperlinks contained in the selected part, assembly, or drawing document.

E Drawings:

You can display an e Drawings image of the selected part, assembly, or drawing document

Tags:

Tags let you associate keywords with documents to make it easier to search for them.

Pack and Go Overview:

Gathers all related files for a model design (parts, assemblies, drawings, references, design
tables, Design Binder content, decals, appearances, and scenes, and SolidWorks Simulation
results) into a folder or zip file.

Orientation in SolidWorks:
You can rotate and zoom the model or drawing to a preset view. Select from the standard views
(Normal To, Front, Back, Isometric, and so on for a model, Full Sheet for a drawing) or add
your own custom views to the Orientation dialog box.

To select a view do the following:

 Click View orientation and select a view orientation.

 Click a view orientation on a standard views toolbar.
 Double-click a view orientation in an orientation dialog box.
Contents:
Views Models Normal to:
You can use the Normal to command to orient a model normal to the nearest global XYZ
coordinates.

Orientation Dialog Box:

You can update standard views from the Orientation dialog box or by using the menu options.

View Sector:

You can use the View Selector to see and select model views in context.

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 To pan

Device Procedure

Mouse (Left Button ) Click pan view or view>Modify>pan Then drag the pointer to the
required position
Hold down ctrl and drag. (In an active drawing you do don’t need
Mouse (Middle Button ) to hold down ctrl).

Keyboard Hold down Ctrl and press the arrow key.

 To Zoom in or out:

Device Procedure

Mouse (Left Button ) Click zoom in/out or view>Modify> Zoom in/out Drag the
pointer up to the zoom in or down to zoom out.
Hold down Shift and drag with the middle mouse button.
Mouse (Middle Button )
To zoom to the position of the pointer:

Spin the wheel forward and back. If you spin the wheel fast, you
accelerate the zoom speed. While spinning the wheel, keep the
pointer on the area where you want to zoom.
Mouse Wheel
To zoom to the center of the screen:

Click View > Modify > Zoom About Screen Center then spin the
wheel forward and back.

 Rotate View:
Device Procedure

Mouse (Left Button ) Click Rotate View (View toolbar) or View > Modify > Rotate
then drag the pointer.

Mouse (Middle Button ) Drag with the middle mouse button.

Keyboard Press the arrow keys. Hold down Shift to rotate in 90° increments.

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