Tags: SOLIDWORKS
How to create a multi-body sheet metal part from a solid geometry
The sheet-metal module included in SolidWorks allows us to create different types of consumer products that are part of our daily lives.
Continue reading “How to create a multi-body sheet metal part from a solid geometry”
With SOLIDWORKS PDM, it is possible to export the results of a search.
- Just do a search: Using the built-in search in the SOLIDWORKS PDM file explorer, search from the root of the vault or according to your needs.
- In the left menu of the SOLIDWORKS PDM File Explorer window, you have two new options (previously only available in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional search tool).
a) Option 1: Open search result
The results open in Microsoft Excel in a .tmp file.
From Microsoft Excel, you can (Save As) in the format of your choice.
b) Option 2: Export search result
This will export to a .csv file (Type: Comma-Separated Files).
The .csv file will open by default in Microsoft Excel.
It is possible to open the .cvs file with Microsoft Bloc-Notes or any other note editor.
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How to Insert Sheet Metal Bend Notes within SOLIDWORKS MBD
by Steven Murphy – Application Specialist at SolidXperts
Engineers are always looking for faster and more efficient means of providing manufacturing information for their models. SOLIDWORKS 2019 expansion of Model-Based Definition to sheet metal components allows for designers to integrate the necessary product manufacturing information (PMI) directly into their sheet metal parts.
In any sheet metal part, right-click on the flattened pattern and select ‘Insert bend notes.’ The flattened pattern includes all of the bend notes on the flattened view. This includes the bounding box in the 2D view for easy reference.
Once the bend notes have been created, simply add a bend table from the tables drop-down menu. The bend table can be used to consolidate all of the directions, radii, and bend angles into one location. As with any SOLIDWORKS table, the bend table can be exported as a separate table.
After creating the bend table, the final step of the process is to generate a 3D view with the derived flattened pattern configuration. This 3D view can be used to export to a 3D PDF, Edrawings, or just saved in SOLIDWORKS for anyone to access.
And just like that, SOLIDWORKS MBD has removed an extra step from the design to fabrication workflow. Even if the 3D views are used in conventional 2D engineering drawings, all of the PMI is localized within the SOLIDWORKS part model.
With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
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How to open Windows Firewall ports for SOLIDWORKS PDM
By Elene Teolis – PDM Application Specialist at SolidXperts
To establish a connection between the different components of a PDM installation, it must be ensured that communication is possible via the following ports:
PDMWorks Enterprise Archive Server Uses TCP and UDP 3030 Ports
SQL Server uses TCP port 1433 and UDP port 1434
Web server uses HTTP port 80 and HTTPS port 443
SolidNetWork License Server Uses TCP Port 25734
1- Start Windows Firewall
2- Select Inbound Rules and click New Rule
2.1. – Rule type
– Select Port ˃ Next
2.2. – Protocol and ports
– Choose TCP
– Enter the ports to allow ˃ Next
2.3. – Action
– Allow the connection ˃ Next
2.4. – Profile
– Check Domain and Private ˃ Next
2.5. – Name
– Enter a descriptive name for the rule ˃ Next
PDM – TCP IN
PDM – TCP OUT
PDM – UDP IN
PDM – UDP OUT
3- Select Outbound Rules and click on New Rule
3.1. – Rule type
– Select Port ˃ Next
3.2. – Protocol and ports
– Choose TCP
– Enter the ports to allow ˃ Next
3.3. – Action
– Allow the connection ˃ Next
3.4. – Profile
– Check Domain and Private ˃ Next
3.5. – Name
– Enter a descriptive name for the rule ˃ Next
PDM – TCP IN
PDM – TCP OUT
PDM – UDP IN
PDM – UDP OUT
4- Define the Incoming Traffic Rule for the UDP protocol by following the steps in point 2.
– Protocol and ports: choose UDP
5- Define the Outgoing Traffic Rule for the UDP protocol by following the steps in point 3.
– Protocol and ports: choose UDP
You have now successfully opened Windows Firewall ports for SOLIDWORKS PDM! If you want to learn more about new features in SOLIDWORKS from 2015 to 2019, download our White Paper.
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A Beginner’s Guide to SOLIDWORKS
Steven Murphy – Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE)
So you want to learn SOLIDWORKS? Well, you are in luck- SolidXperts has your back! Whether you are learning SOLIDWORKS as your first Computer-Aided Design (CAD) package or augmenting your software portfolio, this guide will go through the information you need to get you up and running in no time!
Step 1: Know your Resources
Good News: you are not the first person to learn the software! SolidXperts is helping people just like you to learn the software on a daily. The SOLIDWORKS community can also provide a ton of valuable material to augment your learning experience. Here is a list of the resources that you should become familiar with:
In-Person or Online Training
The most important resource for getting up to speed quickly on SOLIDWORKS is the online and in-person training courses provided by SolidXperts. These classes are designed to teach new users not only how to use SOLIDWORKS, but to understand the thought process behind design intent. You will work with SOLIDWORKS Experts who will personally cater to your learning style. The “SOLIDWORKS ESSENTIALS” class is the best way to get to where you want to be.
Tutorials
Did you know that SOLIDWORKS has built-in Tutorials to teach you the software? Located under Help (1)> SOLIDWORKS Tutorials (2) > Getting Started (3), there are a series of hands-on tutorials that will walk you through learning the basics of the program.
Blogs & Forums
Well, you already found this blog, so you are on the right track! From walkthroughs to tutorial videos to Q&A threads, the SOLIDWORKS community is here to help you succeed. No matter your skill level, there is tons of value to be gained from interacting with other users who have the same questions as you!
My.Solidworks.com
Provided by SOLIDWORKS, MySolidworks contains many training paths (each training path is composed of many individual topic videos) targeting a specific workflow of the software. Use these to your advantage to learn about areas of the software that is relevant to your profession. I would suggest starting with the “Part Modeling Basics” learning path.
*Note: online training works best when it is used to augment in-person training! Good modeling habits developed in the classroom have more staying power and will serve you better in learning the software.
Step 2: Learn the User Interface
A key portion of getting used to any new software is learning the user interface (UI). You want to be comfortable navigating through the menus. Here is a brief description of the key UI elements for getting started:
- Menu Bar
The Menu Bar contains a set of the most frequently used tool buttons from the Standard toolbar, the SOLIDWORKS menus, the SOLIDWORKS Search, and a flyout menu of Help options.
- CommandManager
The CommandManager 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.
- CommandManager Tabs
When you click a tab below the CommandManager, it updates to show that toolbar. For example, if you click the Sketches tab, the Sketch toolbar appears.
- SOLIDWORKS Search
You can use SOLIDWORKS Search to find information in documentation and forums. You can also find files and models, and find and run a SOLIDWORKS command with just a few keystrokes.
- Heads-Up Toolbar
A transparent toolbar in each viewport provides all the common tools required for manipulating the view.
- 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. The SolidXperts custom task pane (part of UtilsXperts) has all of our contact information, tools, and custom macros to help our customer base take full advantage of the SOLIDWORKS software.
- Feature Manager Design Tree
The FeatureManager design tree on the left side of the SOLIDWORKS window provides an outline view of the active part, assembly, or drawing. This makes it easy to see how the model or assembly was constructed or to examine the various sheets and views in a drawing.
- Graphics Area
The graphics area displays and lets you manipulate parts, assemblies, and drawings.
Step 3: Get Comfortable with the Basic Features
Now it is time to start using the program. As suggested earlier, check out the tutorials as they provide a solid explanation of the primary features used in CAD. Since the majority of CAD work only uses a fraction of all of the features available in SOLIDWORKS, focus on understanding these commands to start. Most people find that once you understand the thought process behind the below features, it is really easy to learn the rest! Focus on:
Sketch
When you open a new part document, first you create a sketch. The sketch is the basis for a 3D model. You can create a sketch on any of the default planes (Front Plane, Top Plane, and Right Plane), or a created plane.
Boss Extrude
The primary method of converting 2D sketches into 3D geometry, the Boss Extrude feature allows you to add depending on several conditions to your part. You will need to either have a sketch or create a sketch in order to create an extrusion!
Revolve
Revolves add or remove material by revolving one or more profiles around a centerline. Use these to create cylindrical or spherical parts in a single feature! A perfect example of a revolve would be a soda can.
Extrude Cut
Want to remove some material? The Extrude Cut features allow you to get rid of material on your part. Be aware that you need to have material before you can activate the extruded cut command.
Hole Wizard
Hole WizardIf you are looking to make any type of circular hole, look no further! The Hole Wizard contains specifications for the majority of holes, and even lets you bring that information into your 2D drawings automatically. Just select your Hole Type, Size, and Location to make your first hole.
While using these key features is a good starting point, it is not enough. During the SolidXperts courses, we discuss the ins and outs of these features and how to best apply them. Be you want to avoid picking up bad modeling habits!
Step 4: Start Modeling
See that pencil holder on your desk? Model it. What about your phone? Model that too! The more you work to understand completed parts as a combination of extrudes and cuts, the easier it is to CAD. There is no “secret” to getting good at modeling besides practice. At the end of the day, it takes time and a positive attitude to go from a casual user to a master modeler.
So that is it! If you follow this outline, you will have all of the tools you need to start modeling like a champ. Remember that you are only limited by your own creativity, so have fun and continue to grow. If you need help, feel free to give us at SolidXperts a call (we are the Experts!).
- Know your Resources
- Learn the UI
- Get Comfortable with the Basic Features
- Start Modeling
SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
SolidXperts team is always there for you!
Welded Constructions with the SOLIDWORKS Structure System
From the 2004 version of SOLIDWORKS onward, the welded construction function speeds up the creation of assemblies because it allows the representation of assemblies without having to create multiple individual files. But, there is more since version 2019.
The new “Structure” function allows the creation of welded constructions in a different way. It is not necessary to draw a path for each profile. For example, it is possible to create a starting profile (“Primary Element”) from:
– From 4 planes;
– Of a path element (a bit like welded construction);
– By defining a length by selecting only one point (note the absence of a sketch in the requested selection);
– By defining an intersection between a face and a plane.
So, with a few clicks, you can define a structure, including corner treatment:
You can then modify the created structure (in one function!) to change the profiles of certain elements:
Following the creation of the external shape of the frame, reinforcements or other elements must generally be attached to it. As mentioned above, creation methods using entities other than sketch segments can be used. For so-called “secondary” elements, using the selection of two existing profiles, two methods are possible:
– Supporting Plan Element” uses an existing plan to position the newly created profile.
Activating chain selection allows the automatic creation of element pairs when two entities are selected.
– Between point elements.
This method has two ways of working, using either distance or length ratio.
The first allows the definition of two distances from the starting point of the profiles:
We can see on the screenshot above that despite the two equally defined distances, the profile is at an angle. The reason for this is that the dimension is defined by the starting point of the profile, which corresponds to the starting point of the sketch, i.e. at the top of the structure for the profile on the left of the screenshot and at the bottom for the profile on the right:
Just click on the appropriate icons to reverse the directions and thus obtain a secondary profile perpendicular to the primary profiles.
Ratios (whose value must vary between 0 and 1) of length relative to each previously selected element can also be used. In this way, always taking the direction into account, it is easy to create a spacer that would be on one side at the upper third of a profile and at the lower third on the other.
As for the creation of a drawing, the operation is the same as for a welded construction.
All in all, even if you are already using welded construction, this new working method can be confusing at first, but you quickly get used to it and learn to appreciate the lightness of the creation tree it produces. Moreover, just like the welded construction, the result produced is compatible with the BeamCutXperts beam optimization tool.
For more information visit our SOLIDWORKS product page, or consult an Xpert!
How to Produce an Adaptive Form with DriveWorks
By Marco Chery – SolidXperts Application Specialist
What is an adaptive form?
DriveWorks projects created using responsive forms adjust their content regardless of the size and orientation of your device screen, whether it is a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This eliminates the need to swipe the web page from left to right to see content and the user’s browsing experience is more intuitive.
Why should you use them?
- For the dissemination of DriveWorks projects on the web;
- Improved user navigation;
- Access the project anywhere from any device.
A Few Tips
The easiest way to make your forms responsive is to use Frame Controls on the main page. From this main page, the windows will allow you to see the content of your different forms.
First, define the location of your viewing windows for the resolution of a desktop computer.
Second, create a plan to switch these windows to the screen of a phone and tablet.
Third, determine the borders for switching windows between different device resolutions. For this, we use a special DriveWorks variable: FormContainerWidth.
- Phone Resolution: 320 – 640 pixels
- Tablet Resolution: 640 -1200 pixels
- Computer Resolution: 1200+ pixels
Fourth, for each zone, we can create variables that will position the window taking into account the different resolutions.
Finally, we import the variables to the main page, in the layout section for each type of viewing window.
Conclusion
This method ensures your DriveWorks project forms are adaptive and attractive, regardless of the device on which they are viewed.
SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
SolidXperts team is always there for you!
SOLIDWORKS Visualize – Video Decal
By Nikita Lambert – Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE) at SolidXperts
You may have already said that your rendering is acceptable, but that it seems to be missing something, that your image lacks life. SOLIDWORKS Visualize now has the solution for you: You can now create a video decal and apply it to any surface of your model. For example, a cellphone company could put a clip showing the operating system in action on a newly designed device, an animated background plan outside a window, or even a television playing your favorite series! The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
To take advantage of this 2019 innovation, simply go to your Appearances tab, Add, New Decal, and finally Video. Browse and search for your video file and you need only apply it to your project.
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Exporting SOLIDWORKS Visualize to Nvidia Holodeck
By Nikita Lambert – Application Specialist at SolidXperts
Nvidia has developed a collaboration platform to allow engineering, sales, marketing, and management teams to interact with a design still in the development phase, using virtual reality technology.
This platform allows you to transport yourself to the interior of a 3D modeled building, in front of a podium showcasing your newest products, or even into a virtual meeting room with your VR headset.
SOLIDWORKS Visualize can export your completed project to an Nvidia Holodeck-supported format.
All appearances, environments, and lighting will be automatically recorded, all you have to do is explore the almost infinite possibilities of this new mode of communication.
SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
SolidXperts team is always there for you!
