INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDWORKS SOFTWARE
INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDWORKS SOFTWARE
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.
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. 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
These terms appear throughout the SolidWorks software and documentation.
Origin
Appears as two blue arrows and represents the (0,0,0) coordinate of the model. When a sketch is active, a sketch origin appears in red and represents the (0,0,0) coordinate of the sketch. You can add dimensions and relations to a model origin, but not to a sketch origin.
Plane
Flat construction geometry. You can use planes for adding a 2D sketch, section view of a model, or a neutral plane in a draft feature, for example.
Axis
Straight line used to create model geometry, features, or patterns. You can create an axis in different ways, including intersecting two planes. The SolidWorks application creates temporary axes implicitly for every conical or cylindrical
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.
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. 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
These terms appear throughout the SolidWorks software and documentation.
Origin
Appears as two blue arrows and represents the (0,0,0) coordinate of the model. When a sketch is active, a sketch origin appears in red and represents the (0,0,0) coordinate of the sketch. You can add dimensions and relations to a model origin, but not to a sketch origin.
Plane
Flat construction geometry. You can use planes for adding a 2D sketch, section view of a model, or a neutral plane in a draft feature, for example.
Axis
Straight line used to create model geometry, features, or patterns. You can create an axis in different ways, including intersecting two planes. The SolidWorks application creates temporary axes implicitly for every conical or cylindrical