In our world of product design, efficient collaboration, and seamless lifecycle management are crucial. Thankfully, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform emerges as a powerful solution, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and applications designed to streamline the product development process. In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of working with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and explore the key features and functionalities of its associated apps.

Understanding the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

At its core, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform serves as a business experience platform, providing robust product lifecycle management capabilities. This platform encourages and supports collaboration among your team members, allowing them to design products together, and guides them through the entire lifecycle from conception to final release.

Roles and Apps

Roles play a pivotal role in determining the apps and services accessible to you as a platform user. For mechanical designers working in collaborative teams, the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS role opens the gateway to a host of design routine-boosting functionalities.

With this role, users can:

• Search for, store, and manage files in collaborative spaces on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in the cloud.
• Share files with team members and leverage product lifecycle management features such as lock and unlock, tags, and revisions.
• Access additional apps and services in the 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace.

The Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS role comes with a set of apps that run within SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Visualize, including:

• Design with SOLIDWORKS
• Render with SOLIDWORKS Visualize
• Derived Format Converter (Optional)

*You’ll need both the 3DSwymer and Collaborative Industry Innovator roles before you can get started with Collaborative Designer.

Key Terms for Navigating the Platform

To effectively navigate the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and the 3DEXPERIENCE Connector for SOLIDWORKS, understanding key terms is essential:

Compass – The Compass serves as the gateway to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, providing access to roles and apps.

Role – Roles define the scope of apps and services available to users, tailored to specific job requirements. Administrators can create custom roles for users.

Collaborative Spaces – Collaborative spaces are secure areas on the platform for storing and managing files, supporting version control, and enabling collaboration among team members.

Physical Product – A physical product is a configuration of a part or assembly that can be manufactured, each with a unique part number for efficient searching.

CAD Family and CAD Family Objects – CAD families encompass one or more configurations of a part or assembly. CAD family objects represent the root configuration, all saved in the same collaborative space.

Installing and Connecting

Installing the 3DEXPERIENCE apps requires several prerequisites, including platform credentials, a web browser, Java 11 JRE, SOLIDWORKS 2019 SP0 or later, and SOLIDWORKS Visualize Standard or Professional 2020 SP3 or later. Once installed, users can seamlessly connect to the platform and access the designated apps and services.

To install the 3DEXPERIENCE apps:

1. Close SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Visualize.
2. Log in to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
3. If your company has an on-premises installation, contact your Administrator to get the sign-in link.
4. On the top bar of the 3DDashboard, click the Compass.
5. Under Me, click SOLIDWORKS.

6. Follow the prompts to download and install Design with SOLIDWORKS.

Creating Collaborative Spaces

Collaborative spaces are pivotal to the collaborative aspect of the platform. Users can create collaborative spaces to store, share, and manage files, providing a structured environment for efficient collaboration. Collaborative space owners and administrators have the authority to add members, assign access roles, and manage the collaborative space’s lifecycle.

Getting Started with 3DEXPERIENCE Apps

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform boasts a plethora of apps designed to cater to diverse needs. From project management to 3D model visualization, users can leverage these apps to enhance their workflow. The 3DDashboard serves as a portal, offering a centralized view of project and task information.

Commonly Used Apps:

3DSpace: Create collaborative spaces for data storage, sharing, and controlled access.

3DSwym: Connect with communities for collaborative discussions, questions, and information sharing.

3DSearch: Find content from various sources with the ability to filter results using 6WTags.

3DPlay: A viewer for manipulating 3D models, providing advanced functionalities such as sectioning, measuring, and annotating designs.

Managing Files in MySession

The MySession widget plays a pivotal role in managing your SOLIDWORKS on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Open, save, and export files seamlessly, utilizing the context menu or action bar. The FAQ section provides valuable insights into common queries related to saving all your SOLIDWORKS files, collaborative spaces, physical products, and CAD families.

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform, coupled with the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS role and associated apps, presents a comprehensive solution for modern product design and development. Whether you are a mechanical designer or a collaborative team member, this guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the platform effectively, create collaborative spaces, and leverage the diverse range of apps available. Embrace the power of 3DEXPERIENCE for a seamless and collaborative product development experience.

Welcome to the future of drafting and CAD design with the latest releases of DraftSight 2024 and 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight R2024x GA. As we embark on this journey of innovation, we’re excited to unveil the enhancements that not only elevate the capabilities of our industry-leading 2D drafting and 3D CAD solution but also redefine the user experience.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key features that make DraftSight 2024 and 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight R2024x GA stand out. From collaborative tools to advanced customization options, we aim to empower you with the tools you need to boost productivity and seamlessly bring your design ideas to life. So, buckle up as we explore the cutting-edge advancements that await you in these releases.

1.Support for CATIA Drawings –collaborate with clarity and precision.

Ensuring you and your partners have the best experience when collaborating is at the top of the list. In DraftSight 2024 you can import CATIA model drawings from a local disk or the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. When you import a CATIA drawing you can expect it to behave as any other DWG file so you can easily edit the drawing.

Import CATIA model space drawings from a local disk or the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

2. Tool Palette Customization –accelerate drawing creation and ensure consistency.

The tool palettes in DraftSight 2024 are designed to heighten your productivity. For starters, you can find all your frequently used commands and features in one place. Customization extends to predefined settings including layer, color, and line type, and ensures all newly created entities conform to the pre-defined standards across drawings.

Quickly insert an existing palette with the Import Palette functionality.

You can also efficiently create new palettes simply by dragging and dropping or importing and exporting pre-existing palettes created in other 2D CAD solutions.

3. Layer Palette – enhance the legibility of drawings with greater control of how inactive layer groups display.

The new Layer Manager Palette provides quick access to all your layer commands in one place, including layers, layer states, layer previews, or isolating layers. There’s also a new Merge Layer command so you can merge multiple layers into a single layer for better control and management. Last, with the new Visibility Enhancement command you can specify how objects in inactive layer groups appear in drawing areas.

Accessibility to the tool palette has been simplified in the new CAD General workspace.

4. Export Sheet Command – rapidly create new drawings from existing files without loss of detail.

Your wish is our command. With all the new commands in DraftSight 2024, you can stay more productive than ever, including when it comes to dealing with sheets. With the new Export Sheet command, you can export all visible entities from an active sheet viewport and entities from the sheets to the new drawing.

In addition, you can enhance the readability of a specific section, area, or view of the drawing with exported entities that are scaled views of model space, title block, and other annotative entities, such as dimensions and notes.

Export all visible entities of the active sheet viewports in model space to a new drawing with the new Export Sheet command.

5. Enhanced User Interface – easily navigate 3D models and reduce eyestrain.

To reduce eyestrain and enhance feature function visibility there’s a new default Dark mode.

There’s also a new View Navigator so you can easily switch between standard and isometric views or parallel and perspective views of a model. Its interface acts as a 3D orientation indicator that lets you see the current view direction.

The user interface features a new default dark mode to reduce eyestrain and enhance feature function visibility.

With DraftSight 2024 and 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight R2024x GA, you’re not just keeping pace – you’re surging ahead. Whether you’re collaborating with precision through CATIA drawings, streamlining your workflow with customizable tool palettes, or enjoying the enhanced legibility offered by the Layer Palette, these releases are designed to make your design journey smoother and more efficient. The Export Sheet Command and the Enhanced User Interface are the cherries on top, ensuring that you not only create with precision but do so with reduced eyestrain and enhanced visual clarity.

As you explore the latest capabilities, we invite you to elevate your drafting experience, embrace innovation, and make the most of the tools that DraftSight 2024 and 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight R2024x GA bring to your fingertips. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or just want some Xpert guidance, reach out to our dedicated DraftSight teams today to learn more about how we can help bring your designs to life!

Welcome to our tutorial on how to get started with Share and Markup, the powerful collaboration tool on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Share and Markup allows you to seamlessly collaborate with various stakeholders, even if they don’t have the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or SOLIDWORKS. Whether you need to share your designs within or outside your organization, this tutorial will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a smooth and efficient collaboration experience.

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Share and Markup
2. Enabling Share and Markup
3. Sharing Your Design
4. Accessing Shared Models
5. Marking Up and Commenting
6. Sending Back Markups
7. Managing Access
8. Use Cases

1. Introduction to Share and Markup

Share and Markup is a collaboration feature that simplifies the process of working with stakeholders who may not have direct access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform or SOLIDWORKS. It allows you to share your designs and collaborate efficiently, all from within your SOLIDWORKS environment.

2. Enabling Share and Markup

Before you can start using Share and Markup, your platform administrator must enable the “Allow platform members to share content with external users by link” and “Allow external users to view and comment on shared content” options in the Platform Management dialog. This step ensures that you have access to these collaboration features.

3. Sharing Your Design

– Click on the “Share a File” command in SOLIDWORKS.

– Choose the format in which you want to share your design (e.g., 3DXML, PDF, or STEP).

– Configure options like “Enable guest comments” and “Restrict access to specific users”.

– Enter the email addresses of the recipients.

4. Accessing Shared Models

Recipients will receive an email with a link to access the shared model. They may need to set up a free 3DEXPERIENCE ID account if they don’t already have one. Once they click the link, they can access and view the model in the 3DPlay viewer.

5. Marking Up and Commenting

Recipients can mark up and comment on the model using intuitive tools in 3DPlay. They can save their markups/comments as snapshots, making it easy to provide feedback.

6. Sending Back Markups

To send the markups/comments back to the designer, recipients can use the “Send” button from the Comments window. They can add additional messages if needed.

7. Managing Access

You have the ability to manage access to shared models and revoke it at any time. This feature is useful when a stakeholder no longer requires access or if project roles change.

8. Use Cases

– Sharing 2D Drawings: Share 2D drawings with suppliers or partners for quotes or reviews.

– Sharing for Machining: Share 3D files for machining or 3D printing, and easily update the model as needed.

– Sharing Lightweight Designs: Share lightweight 3DXML models for easy viewing on various devices, perfect for marketing presentations.

Share and Markup streamlines collaboration without the need for downloads or complicated processes. It enables designers and partners to work together efficiently, allowing you to focus on design and bring products to market faster.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us. Our Xperts here to help you get the most out of Share and Markup for your design collaboration needs.

Discover Share & Markup on the 3DEXPERIENCE!

In the world of modern manufacturing, where precision and efficiency reign supreme, the role of a Shop Floor Programmer has emerged as a crucial cog in the production machine. But what exactly does a Shop Floor Programmer do, and why is it so vital in today’s manufacturing landscape? In this article, we’ll demystify the Shop Floor Programmer role, both on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and on the production floor, and shed light on why it’s an indispensable part of the quickly digitalizing modern manufacturing process.

The Shop Floor Programmer: A Key Player in CNC Machining

At its core, the Shop Floor Programmer is the mastermind behind the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines on the shop floor. These professionals are responsible for translating intricate design blueprints and concepts into a language that machines can understand and execute. In essence, they bridge the gap between design and reality, turning digital visions into tangible products.

Structured Roles on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

Roles on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform are meticulously designed to mirror vital positions within the industry, ensuring that users have access to the apps, tools, and capabilities on the platform they’ll need to excel in their position. The Shop Floor Programmer role is no exception, as it’s crafted to empower professionals in CNC machining and shop floor management with a comprehensive toolkit to meet the demands of manufacturing.

Equipping Shop Floor Programmers for Success

To excel in the Shop Floor Programmer role, on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and in the manufacturing industry at large, individuals need a combination of technical prowess and a deep understanding of the manufacturing process. Here are the essential tools and skills that empower them to thrive:

1. CNC Programming Expertise: Proficiency in CNC programming is at the core of the role. This includes understanding the intricacies of toolpath generation, G-code programming, and machine kinematics.

2. CAD Design Familiarity: A solid grasp of computer-aided design (CAD) is essential for maintaining CAD-associativity and ensuring that design changes seamlessly propagate to CNC programs.

3. Simulation Proficiency: Mastery of simulation tools is crucial to validate CNC programs, detect potential issues, and optimize machining operations. This requires an eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving.

4. Machining Process Knowledge: Shop Floor Programmers must be well-versed in various machining processes, tool assemblies, and CNC accessories to create efficient and collision-free programs.

5. Adaptability: The modern manufacturing landscape is constantly evolving. Shop Floor Programmers must stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to adapt to changes effectively.

6. 3DEXPERIENCE platform Mastery: Finally, expertise in navigating and utilizing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s features and capabilities is fundamental. This includes harnessing the CNC Programming Wizard, CAD-associative instant update, toolpath verification, and more.

By equipping themselves with these essential tools and skills, professionals can excel in the Shop Floor Programmer role, ensuring the seamless translation of design concepts into high-precision, real-world products. This structured approach not only empowers individuals but also elevates the entire manufacturing process, contributing to enhanced efficiency, reduced downtime, and ultimately, greater success in the industry.

How does the Shop Floor Programmer role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform help?

The Shop Floor Programmer role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides users with a comprehensive set of tools and features that significantly enhance their daily tasks and responsibilities in CNC machining and shop floor management.

1. Streamlines CNC Programming: The role simplifies the creation of CNC programs by offering an intuitive programming wizard. This means that users, even those with limited programming experience, can efficiently generate CNC programs for a wide range of machining operations, reducing the time and effort required.

2. Ensures CAD-Associativity: Users can maintain strong associativity between their CNC programs and the original CAD designs. This instant-update feature ensures that any design changes are automatically reflected in the CNC program, reducing the risk of errors, and ensuring that the manufacturing process remains synchronized with design updates.

3. Facilitates Toolpath Verification: Shop Floor Programmers can quickly verify and fine-tune toolpaths using the platform’s toolpath verification and editing capabilities. This enables them to identify and rectify any issues before they lead to costly errors during actual machining, reducing downtime and material wastage.

4. Enables Advanced Simulation: The role empowers users to visualize and simulate CNC programs in a virtual environment. This capability allows them to detect accessibility problems, tool collisions, or other potential issues before they occur on the shop floor. It’s like having a digital testing ground to ensure program safety.

5. Supports Prismatic and Wire EDM Operations: Users can create CNC programs for both prismatic machining and Wire EDM operations, expanding their capabilities to handle a wide variety of manufacturing needs.

6. Maximizes Machine Tool Utilization: Shop Floor Programmers can optimize CNC programs to reduce non-value-added motions, minimize machining cycle times, and prevent collisions with other in-process parts. This efficient programming helps maximize machine tool utilization, leading to increased productivity.

7. Mitigates Production Risks: By considering the physical environment of the CNC machines, tool assemblies, and accessories, the Shop Floor Programmer role helps reduce the risk of unexpected issues and production delays. Users can create CNC programs that are tailored to the specific machine and tooling, ensuring a smoother production process.

8. Leverages Intellectual Property: Users can define and store machining processes as templates, standardizing and automating repetitive tasks. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in manufacturing, leveraging the company’s intellectual property and enhancing productivity.

9. Facilitates Rapid Response to Changes: With native associativity between machining programs and engineering/manufacturing data, users can quickly adapt to design changes or variations. This ability to respond effectively to engineering or manufacturing changes ensures a smoother transition from design to production.

In essence, the Shop Floor Programmer role on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform equips users with the tools and capabilities needed to streamline CNC programming, reduce errors, optimize machining processes, and mitigate production risks. It empowers them to excel in their daily jobs by making CNC programming more efficient, precise, and adaptable to the demands of modern manufacturing.

Why the Shop Floor Programmer Matters

The Shop Floor Programmer plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and efficiently. By creating efficient NC programs and validating them through simulation, Shop Floor Programmers help minimize downtime due to errors or unexpected issues during production. They employ strategies to optimize toolpaths, reduce non-value-added motion, and avoid collisions, ultimately reducing the machining cycle time and maximizing machine tool utilization.

Shop Floor Programmers consider the physical environment of the CNC machines, tool assemblies, and accessories, reducing the risk of unexpected problems that could lead to production delays. Storing and reusing machining processes as templates not only saves time but also ensures consistency in manufacturing, leveraging a company’s intellectual property for greater productivity. With strong associativity between machining programs and design data, the Shop Floor Programmer role enables concurrent engineering, shortening the design-to-manufacturing cycle and allowing rapid responses to changes.

In conclusion, the Shop Floor Programmer is not just a behind-the-scenes operator; they are the orchestrators of precision and efficiency on the manufacturing floor. Their ability to create, validate, and optimize CNC programs, while seamlessly integrating them with design data, is instrumental in meeting the demands of modern manufacturing. As technology continues to advance, the role of Shop Floor Programmers will only become more critical in ensuring that businesses stay competitive and deliver top-quality products to the market.