Defying Limitations: Bowhead Corporation, SOLIDWORKS, and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

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Defying Limitations: Bowhead Corporation, SOLIDWORKS, and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Christian Bagg, co-founder of Bowhead Corporation, is an admitted adrenaline junkie and outdoor enthusiast. After a snowboarding accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, all Bagg could think about was returning to his “normal” activities. His passion drove him to invent a mountain bike that accommodated the inability to use his legs. Although he was psyched to get back in the saddle again, another life-changing event lay just around the corner.

Bagg loaned one of his bikes to a camp for disabled children. There he witnessed a 14-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, who rarely spoke, return excited and energized from her first-ever experience of complete freedom on a bike. “Best day of my life!” she exclaimed. Her incredible joy galvanized Bagg’s mission: His company, Bowhead Corporation, would make access to mountain trails, woodland hikes, and the beauty of the great outdoors a reality for people around the world who have disabilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88KPf6_Tq2A

Designs Evolve as Company Grows

With SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, Bowhead Corp. introduced its innovative hybrid ATV/mountain bike a year ahead of schedule. Along with streamlining design efficiency, SOLIDWORKS Simulation enabled the Bowhead team to reduce its need for prototypes, which helped the company produce the bike with dramatically lower costs.

The first Bowhead Reach bike was delivered in November 2018. The company quickly learned that some riders were jumping over obstacles while sailing the bike up to eight feet in the air.

This prompted Bowhead to modify the base design by beefing up the shock absorber. It also replaced the throttle and braking controls with forearm paddles and built helmet-mounted bite throttles for use by quadriplegics.

“Now we have three bikes. We [also] have customer service, operations, engineering, and inventory management,” says Bagg. “SOLIDWORKS plays a role in every piece of our company.”

The growing company needed a data management and collaboration solution to continue working as an efficient and unified team.

Everyone on the Same Page

With 800 to 900 parts, Bowhead bikes are complex. “The [cloud-based] 3DEXPERIENCE platform became a way to manage an engineering company, not just to engineer the parts,” notes Bagg. “It was a funny moment realizing … that SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform were more than just engineering tools,” he recalls. “They became this sort of marriage counselor between operations and customer service and engineering. It was a way for everyone to look at a problem in a focused manner and then deal with it as a team.”

Modifications during product development can originate from the shop floor, designers, managers, and even customers. “When you are working with a complex product like ours, it is very important that you stay on top of the changes,” says Mechanical Engineer Sanket Patil. “A simple change affects everything, be it in your assembly or processes.”

The browser-based aspect of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform brings familiarity to any user who accesses the internet. “One of the things that I really enjoyed was giving access to the platform to non-CAD users who needed access to it because they do so much with the data,” notes Patil. “I didn’t have to hold their hand [or teach them anything]. I sent them a link where they created their user credentials, and they started using the system like pros from day one.”

“You find different ways of using the tool that wouldn’t be obvious to an engineer. By using 3DEXPERIENCE, things become less obscure, and everyone starts speaking the same language. As a communication tool, we finally have one way to bring everybody together.”

-Christian Bagg, co-founder of Bowhead Corporation

Control As a Positive Force

Managing all product data, parts, inventory, and bills of material is critical for Bowhead’s operational efficiency, collaboration, and success.

VP of Engineering Roger McPherson notes, “… to maintain the quality of our product, control is really important. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform has been useful for us in that way. We must make sure that our changes—and they come from everywhere—are managed whether from builders, customers, quality, or suppliers. We must manage that [data in an automated way].”

“All of our data is on the platform,” adds Patil. “We use the maturity states to control if a particular document or a part file or a drawing is being worked or if it’s released. This helps us to understand what is in the latest revision or what is the latest state of a drawing or a file.” Before using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Bowhead’s revision control was basically renaming a part file to something like “revision 1.11.2,” or “FINAL final revision.”

Great Communication Prevents Delays

Clear communication eliminates confusion and prevents duplicate or missed work, which improves productivity and speeds up the development process. When information is shared openly and effectively, all team members can make informed decisions faster and more effectively.

“As you grow your company, you really must grow the way you communicate. Having a cohesive, one-stop shop for communication has been, from a management side, the biggest addition of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to the SOLIDWORKS engineering platform,” says Bagg.

For example, the company’s assembly team can now see inside the glass doors of an engineering room, so they feel like part of the engineering team. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables all key departments to give feedback on the design earlier in the process, which can help prevent misunderstandings and associated delays downstream.

Secure and Easy File Sharing

“We quite frequently share information (3D data and 2D drawings) with external stakeholders [via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform],” says Operations Specialist Tatiana Place. Some suppliers use the files to produce Bowhead parts. Others use 2D drawings to supplement the 3D model. Bowhead also sends files to a firm that supports the company’s engineering change processes when Bowhead’s in-house team needs additional help.

Place loves how the 3DEXPERIENCE platform has replaced cumbersome and confusing email communications and supports its collaboration with suppliers. “[The platform] has enabled us to amplify our workforce and continually innovate the rate that we come up with ideas,” concludes Place. “I can’t imagine a world without 3DEXPERIENCE right now.”

If you’d like more information about how the 3DEXPERIENCE platform can improve your data management, collaboration, and communication, contact our dedicated team of Xperts to learn how to make the platform part of your SOLIDWORKS workflow.

Any questions? Need help? Ask one of our experts.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

Advanced Tips for Harnessing SOLIDWORKS Design Tables

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Advanced Tips for Harnessing SOLIDWORKS Design Tables

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Are you a seasoned SOLIDWORKS user looking to take your design skills to the next level? If so, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’re diving deep into one of SOLIDWORKS’ powerful, yet often overlooked features: Design Tables. These versatile tools can significantly streamline your design workflow and help you manage complex configurations with ease.

Understanding the Power of Design Tables

Design Tables in SOLIDWORKS allow you to create multiple configurations of a part or assembly within a single file. This means you can quickly generate variations of your design without duplicating files or creating version confusion. Imagine the time saved by tweaking parameters in a single table rather than editing multiple files, assemblies, or individual parts.

Design Tables excel at managing configurations where multiple dimensions and parameters change together. For instance, if you’re designing a bracket that comes in various sizes, materials, and hole placements, a design table can efficiently handle these variations.

Getting Started: Creating a Design Table

To begin click Insert in your top toolbar, navigate down to Tables at the bottom of the menu, and select Design Table. SOLIDWORKS will guide you through the process of setting up the table.

Creating from Scratch: If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll define the columns and rows of the table based on the parameters you want to control. Each cell in the table corresponds to a parameter, and each row represents a different configuration.

Importing from Excel: If you have an existing Excel spreadsheet with the parameters and configurations, you can import it into SOLIDWORKS. This is a great option if you’ve already set up your design variations outside the software.

Automatic Generation: SOLIDWORKS can automatically create a design table for you based on the existing configurations. This can be a time-saver when you’ve already created multiple configurations.

Optimizing Your Workflow with Advanced Tips

Excel Expertise Pays Off: Design Tables are linked to Excel spreadsheets. A good understanding of Excel functions can help you manipulate your configurations more efficiently. You can use Excel formulas to control dimensions, equations, and more. For example, you can set up equations that derive one dimension from another, ensuring consistency across configurations.

Creating User-Friendly Tables: Make your design table easy to navigate by using clear headers, color coding, and grouping related parameters. This not only improves your experience but also makes it user-friendly for colleagues who may need to work with your design. Organize parameters logically to enhance the readability of the table.

Leveraging Global Variables and Equations: Design Tables can manage not only dimensions but also global variables and equations. This means you can create complex relationships between parameters, enabling more sophisticated design variations. Suppose you’re designing a telescopic mechanism. You can use equations to control the length of different components based on a single parameter.

Using IF Statements for Smart Configurations: IF statements within Excel can be used to control specific configurations based on certain conditions. This is a powerful way to automate design changes based on logical rules. For instance, you can use an IF statement to automatically select a specific material based on the desired load-bearing capacity of a part.

Linking External Data: Did you know you can link external data sources, like spreadsheets or databases, to your design table? This can be incredibly useful for keeping your design parameters up to date without manual entry. If you’re managing material specifications in an external database, linking it to your design table ensures accuracy and consistency.

Keep an Eye on Performance: While design tables can be immensely powerful, they can also impact performance in large assemblies. Use configurations wisely and consider suppressing unnecessary components to maintain performance. Additionally, if you’re working on a collaborative project, ensure that everyone understands the structure of the design table to avoid conflicting changes.

Conclusion

Design Tables in SOLIDWORKS are a potent asset for optimizing your design workflow, managing variations, and ensuring accuracy. By mastering the advanced tips mentioned in this blog, you’ll be better equipped to handle complex configurations efficiently and effectively.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different scenarios, test your configurations thoroughly and embrace the flexibility and efficiency that SOLIDWORKS’ Design Tables offer. Your designs will thank you, and you’ll find yourself navigating even the most intricate projects with ease!

For more information on how to optimize your use of SOLIDWORKS, or to make sure you’re up to date with all the latest updates, upgrades, and new tools, Xperts suggest dedicated training. Explore our full schedule of available classes and certifications here, or reach out to the Xperts directly for custom training to fit your design routines.

Any questions? Need help? Ask one of our experts.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

Learn SOLIDWORKS: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Certification

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Learn SOLIDWORKS: A Comprehensive Guide to Training and Certification

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As the leading software suite for 3D modeling and design, SOLIDWORKS revolutionizes the way engineers and designers bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re a beginner looking to kickstart your SOLIDWORKS journey or an experienced professional seeking to enhance your skillset, training and certification play a crucial role in mastering this powerful tool. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of SOLIDWORKS training and certification, as well as provide valuable insights and Xpert tips to help you navigate the network of knowledge bases and learning pathways and get the most out of your trusted SOLIDWORKS software.

The Power of SOLIDWORKS Training

SOLIDWORKS training programs offer a structured approach to learning the software’s functionalities, tools, and workflows. These programs cater to individuals at all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. By enrolling in SOLIDWORKS training, you gain access to expert instructors who guide you through hands-on exercises, real-world projects, and best practices. This immersive learning experience allows you to grasp SOLIDWORKS’ vast capabilities quickly and build a strong foundation for continued growth.

Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Certification

Earning a SOLIDWORKS certification validates your expertise and proficiency in using the software. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and sets you apart in a competitive job market.

Industry recognition: Employers recognize SOLIDWORKS certifications as a mark of excellence and expertise, giving you a competitive edge when seeking job opportunities or advancements in your career.

Enhanced skills and efficiency: The certification process challenges you to master various aspects of SOLIDWORKS, expanding your knowledge and proficiency. This newfound expertise enables you to work faster and more efficiently, saving time, increasing productivity, and streamlining your design routines.

Network and community: Becoming certified connects you with a vibrant community of SOLIDWORKS professionals, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.

Navigating the Certification Path

SOLIDWORKS certifications are offered at different levels, allowing individuals to progress from entry-level to advanced designations. Understanding the certification path is essential for setting clear goals and planning your learning journey.

As a Certified SOLIDWORKS Training Center, SolidXperts offers training for all topics the SOLIDWORKS certifications cover, from SOLIDWORKS general training and performance optimization to tool-specific lessons. Plus, our courses discuss more than just the CAD training you’ll need, but also include information about exam prerequisites, formats, and tips for success at each level. Reach out to our certified trainers today and we’ll help you create the learning pathway that best suits how you design.

Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA):

The Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) certification serves as the entry-level credential for SOLIDWORKS users. It validates your fundamental understanding of SOLIDWORKS tools and functionality. This exam option is a great place for graduating students to start their 3D certification journey. To prepare for the CSWA exam, you can follow these steps:

1 – Familiarize yourself with SOLIDWORKS: Begin by getting acquainted with the SOLIDWORKS user interface, basic sketching tools, part modeling techniques, assemblies, and drawings. This foundational knowledge forms the core of the CSWA exam.

2 – Enroll in SOLIDWORKS training courses: Check out our full catalog of training to find the right courses that will empower you to master SOLIDWORKS.

3 – Practice with sample exams: SOLIDWORKS provides sample exams that closely mimic the format and difficulty level of the CSWA certification. Practice these exams to familiarize yourself with the question types and identify areas where you need improvement.

Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP):

The Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional (CSWP) certification is the next level after CSWA, focusing on more advanced modeling techniques, assemblies, and drawing functionalities.

1 – Gain practical experience: Build your proficiency by working on real-world projects that require complex part modeling, assembly design, and drawing creation. Practical experience enhances your understanding of SOLIDWORKS and prepares you for the challenges faced in the CSWP exam. This will also give you the opportunity to put your CSWA to work!

2 – Advanced training courses: Advanced SOLIDWORKS training courses cover the topics tested in the CSWP exam. These courses delve into advanced sketching techniques, surfacing, sheet metal design, and complex assemblies.

3 – Practice makes perfect: SOLIDWORKS provides sample exams and tutorials specifically designed for CSWP preparation. Use these resources to practice and reinforce your knowledge of advanced modeling techniques and assemblies.

It’s worth noting, though we recommend taking the CSWA before the CSWP, it is not a prerequisite. However, you must take the CSWP before taking the CSWE.

Certified SOLIDWORKS Advanced Professional (CSWPA)

In addition to the core certifications, SOLIDWORKS offers a range of specialty certifications that allow you to showcase your expertise in specific areas. These specialty certifications are designed to validate your proficiency in specialized skills, expanding your knowledge and making you a sought-after professional in your chosen field. Here are a few examples:

Sheet Metal (CSWPA-SM)

The CSWPA-SM exam assesses your proficiency in creating complex sheet metal designs using SOLIDWORKS. This exam tests your ability to create and modify sheet metal parts, apply bend allowances and reliefs, generate flat patterns, and create detailed drawings for manufacturing.

Mold Making (CSWPA-MM)

The CSWPA-MM exam assesses your proficiency in mold design using SOLIDWORKS. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in creating core and cavity components, applying draft angles, designing parting lines, and generating mold bases and inserts.

Surfacing (CSWPA-SU)

The CSWPA-SU exam evaluates your proficiency in advanced surfacing techniques using SOLIDWORKS. This exam tests your skills in creating complex surface geometry, utilizing surfacing tools, and applying advanced surfacing features.

Drawing Tools (CSWPA-DT)

The CSWPA-DT exam assesses your proficiency in utilizing SOLIDWORKS drawing tools to create detailed engineering drawings. This exam evaluates your skills in creating and modifying drawing views, applying annotations, generating bills of materials (BOM), and utilizing advanced drawing tools.

Weldments (CSWPA-WD)

The CSWPA-WD exam evaluates your proficiency in using SOLIDWORKS Weldments to design and document welded structures. This exam tests your skills in creating and modifying structural members, generating cut lists, and creating detailed weldment drawings.

…and more!

Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE):

The Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert (CSWE) certification is the highest level of achievement in SOLIDWORKS. It validates your comprehensive knowledge and ability to solve complex design challenges. In order to qualify to take the CSWE you must pass the CSWP as well as 4 additional CSWPA certifications. The CSWE exam covers a wide range of advanced topics, so be prepared with:

1 – Extensive hands-on experience: Accumulate extensive hands-on experience by working on complex projects and pushing the limits of SOLIDWORKS. Engage in challenging design scenarios that require advanced modeling, surfacing, and assembly techniques.

2 – Advanced training courses and workshops: Seek advanced training courses and workshops that focus on the topics covered in the CSWE exam. These courses often cover advanced surfacing, advanced assembly techniques, and simulation.

3 – Independent study and research: Conduct independent study and research to explore advanced SOLIDWORKS functionalities beyond what is covered in training courses. Experiment with advanced surfacing, advanced assembly configurations, and optimization techniques.

Conclusion

SOLIDWORKS certification exams can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can increase your chances of success. SOLIDWORKS training and certifications are essential tools for unlocking your full potential as a designer or engineer. The knowledge and expertise gained through these programs can propel your career to new heights, opening doors to exciting opportunities and fostering limitless innovation. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an aspiring designer, or an experienced professional, the journey to mastering SOLIDWORKS begins with training and certification.

To explore the full SOLIDWORKS certification program, click here.

For more information about our training programs, custom training options, or how you can start your journey to SOLIDWORKS certification, contact the Xperts.

Any questions? Need help? Ask one of our experts.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

Top Improvements to SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Roles

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Top Improvements to SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Roles

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At the forefront of CAD innovation and engineering design quality of life, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is constantly looking for ways to improve how the world’s engineers and product designers work. From improving their options for browser-based 3D modeling to adding new, more accessible tools and collaboration opportunities, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform adds new features as often as the world starts a new design! In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most recent upgrades, improvements, and additions to the browser-based roles on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to see how both designers and non-CAD users, worldwide, can benefit and enjoy a more accessible, more fluid daily design and product development routine.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the R2023x FD02 release.

1 . User Experience Quality-of-Life Upgrades

New Default Dashboard – Now, you can access all your roles in one convenient location – the SOLIDWORKS Creator Home dashboard. This dashboard is designed to help keep you organized and reduce screen clutter, allowing you to quickly access your 3DEXPERIENCE roles.

Get easy access to all your roles in one place.

System Status Menu – Enhance system performance and accurately track issues with the new System Status menu. This menu allows you to easily check the status of your network and server connections, so you can quickly identify any underlying problems that may be impacting performance.

Ensure a smooth connection and a successful design experience before you start any project.

Design in the Context of HomeByMe in 3D Creator – You can now take advantage of 3D Creator’s parametric capabilities and test for fit, function, and aesthetics when bringing your HomeByMe designs into the environment. HomeByMe, a free home design and furnishings solution by Dassault Systèmes, allows you to measure, reference, and mate to geometry in one place, ensuring your design fits your specifications. Easily share your 3D Creator models back to the HomeByMe community.

Design in a more realistic, life-like setting, and take advantage of parametric capabilities.

Selective Save – With the Selective Save feature, you can improve your collaborative workflow by saving parts of an assembly without interruption. You can quickly identify which components are locked, deselect them, and save only the components that you are currently working on. This eliminates the need to ask someone to unlock a file.

Work more efficiently and without interruption.

Lock Status and Unlock Requests – With the latest tools, you can quickly and easily identify which elements are locked and by whom, and then instantly send unlock requests directly to the right people in real-time. No more waiting for someone to unlock a file.

Collaborate seamlessly, knowing exactly which components are blocked and who to contact for immediate access.

Sketch Pattern – The Sketch Pattern command now offers increased control and flexibility when creating patterns with the new Skip Instance checkbox. This is a helpful tool when you don’t want certain instances of the pattern to be created in overlapping or whole areas. With the Skip Instance feature, you can quickly add or remove instances from your pattern without disrupting the overall pattern.

It’s now much easier to create the exact pattern you need for your design.

Hide/Show Options in Measured Command – The Measure command now offers added control and time-saving features with the Hide/Show Options. These options allow you to quickly capture measurements related to internal and hidden components that are located behind other geometry, so you don’t have to leave the Measure command to get the measurements you need.

With the Hide/Show Options, you can save time and have more control over your measurements.

Volumetric Section View – By using Volumetric Section View, you can create a bounding box to divide your design into sections, allowing you to view the internal components without being distracted by additional elements. With this view, you can focus solely on the task at hand, giving you the ability to gain a better understanding of your design.

Easily cut through the clutter and gain clarity in your designs.

2 . Manufacturing Definitions

Section Views – With a new 3D view type, you can easily create professional representations of internal features and dimensions for downstream communication. This makes it easier to define manufacturing information for internal component geometry.

Capture design intent and internal details of complex components more clearly.

Bent Leader Option – You can now customize how you display your drawings with the new bent leader option in Manufacturing Definition Creator. This feature allows you to create annotations with bent leaders that meet ASME and ISO standards for radius and diameter dimensions, giving you more control over the look of your drawings.

Be confident that all your drawings are compliant with industry requirements.

STEP A242 Export – You can now use 3DPlay to share, view, and mark up STEP A242 files for downstream communication and manufacturing. This format provides the industry-supported model-based definition (MBD) workflows.

Export 3D annotations more efficiently.

3 . Freeform Design

Align Vertices Command – The Align Vertices command has been updated. Now, when using shift-select, the first two entities you select will define the alignment axis for all the remaining points.

Specify vertices for alignment more easily.

Bend and Flex Tool – When using the Flex tool, the robot manipulator and range manipulator are now offset from one another, making them easier to use. Additionally, the Bend tool now offers a Limit Bend option that allows you to ensure the deformation of a specific design region without bending the region beyond the manipulator. With this new option, you can easily control the exact shape and form of your design.

Make your design intent clearer and gain increased control.

Improved Copy/Paste – With improved Copy and Paste, placing a copied instance of a subdivision (Sub-D) body is easier than ever. When you Copy and Paste, a preview of the new instance appears in yellow, allowing you to accurately locate it in the desired position. You also have the option to scale and flip the instance.

Create complex Sub-D geometry faster and more easily.

Reflect Command – Creating a mirrored instance of an existing subdivision body is now even easier. Simply duplicate the existing body and use the mirror tool to flip the object along the desired axis. This will create a mirrored instance of the original body which can be modified independently of the original.

Easily create a mirrored instance of a subdivision body.

Crease Command – Save time with the new and improved Crease Command! When you apply a crease, the affected entities will remain selected, allowing for further modifications without having to reselect them.

Save clicks and streamline crease creation.

4 . Sheet Metal Design

Enhanced Workflows and Mini Dialogs for Custom Walls – The Wall on Edge feature includes enhanced workflows and mini-dialogs that provide quick access to the sketch option and help to streamline the creation of custom walls and flanges. The workflow is shorter than before and the mini-dialogs are user-friendly, making it easier to use on smaller devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

Create custom non-rectangular walls and flanges quickly and easily with the new Wall on Edge feature.

5 . Structure Design

Machine Learning for End Cap and Plate Placement – With the Design Assistant Selection capabilities, you will get suggestions for multiple end cap or plate placements. Simply click on one of the endcaps and the Design Assistant will automatically populate a suggestion for the other endcaps or plates and propagate them for you.

Reduce time spent on manual work by quickly placing multiple end caps or plates.

Find out more:

Whether it’s communicating with colleagues or outside stakeholders, trying to add tools to a design more efficiently, encouraging experimentation with easy-to-use features, or just making your everyday designing more enjoyable, the 3DEXPEREINCE platform’s browser-based roles seek to make your daily design routines easier and more fluid, so you can focus on innovation.

Watch this 3DEXPERIENCE presented video to see these enhancements in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdBwc4Obc9Q

For more information or to request a 3DEXPEREINCE platform demo, contact the Xperts today!

Any questions? Need help? Ask one of our experts.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

Empowering 3D Journeys: Migrating to SOLIDWORKS, Implementing SWOOD, and Managing Change with Beaubois

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Empowering 3D Journeys: Migrating to SOLIDWORKS, Implementing SWOOD, and Managing Change with Beaubois

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At SolidXperts, we pride ourselves on our proven ability to help our clients optimize their design and manufacturing processes through the use of modern software solutions. As a trusted SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXPERIENCE, and 3D design service provider with more than 25 years of experience, our Xpert teams enable our clients to design products faster and more efficiently, empowering them to stay competitive in ever-evolving industries.

Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to work with Beaubois, a client in the architectural millwork industry, who was looking to transition from Solid Edge to SOLIDWORKS with the SWOOD add-on. In this post, we’ll share how we helped this client achieve their goals and improve their operations.

Step 1: Complete Process Diagnosis

Woodworking and architecture projects require a great deal of precision and expertise to create beautiful and long-lasting designs. To accomplish this, it’s important to use the right tools and software.

As a Quebec-based company that specializes in custom architectural woodwork, Beaubois aims to push boundaries and challenge the expected norms of the woodworking industry without sacrificing high standards and quality designs. In order to keep up with their unique customer requests and an increasingly intricate digital design landscape, they needed to take their design processes to a higher level of CAD and CNC machine communication.

To empower Beaubois’s 3D creative journey and support their long-term goals, our first step was to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of our client’s existing design and manufacturing processes. We wanted to identify any inefficiencies or areas where improvements could be made. This process included an in-depth analysis of their CAD data, production workflows, and automation processes.

Step 2: Pilot Project Implementation

After the diagnosis phase, we moved to the pilot project implementation stage. We worked closely with a small team of Beaubois employees to test the SOLIDWORKS software and the SWOOD add-on in a real-world scenario. The pilot project allowed us to identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments before a full-scale deployment.

Moving from Solid Edge to SOLIDWORKS can be an intimidating prospect. Even with a perfect solution, it can be difficult to onboard a full team quickly and cost-effectively while avoiding expensive downtime. For Beaubois, SOLIDWORKS offers superior CAD collaboration capabilities and a more intuitive user interface, along with improved 2D and 3D functionality.

Our team of Xperts helped onboard their design team to the SWOOD add-in, which provides a library of woodworking components, tools for designing 3D assemblies, the ability to create 3D renderings and presentations, and much more that allowed them to streamline their processes. The add-in also includes tools for estimating material costs and calculating production times, helping companies better manage their projects. With the SWOOD add-in, Beaubois can now design high-quality woodwork projects faster and more easily. Furthermore, SOLIDWORKS and SWOOD empower them to generate accurate and detailed toolpaths for their CNC machines.

Step 3: Global Deployment and Change Management

Following the successful pilot project, we helped the client roll out SOLIDWORKS with SWOOD across their entire organization. We provided extensive training and support to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential disruption to their operations. We also assisted with change management to help the client’s employees adapt to the new software and processes.

As Beaubois transitioned to SOLIDWORKS and SWOOD, the investment in training and infrastructure was essential to ensure a successful transition and maximize the rewards of better design and fabrication processes.

Step 4: Improved Results

Our work with this client resulted in several key improvements to their design and manufacturing processes. With SOLIDWORKS and SWOOD, they were able to optimize their CAD data for use with their factory robots, leading to faster and more efficient production. Additionally, the SWOOD add-on allowed them to automate many of their manufacturing processes, further improving efficiency and reducing errors.

Thanks to SolidXperts’ help, Beaubois has been able to transition to SWOOD for design and fabrication, resulting in enhanced communication and collaboration among staff, customers, and suppliers. This streamlining of the design process has saved Beaubois both time and money, while also allowing them to create products of the highest quality that exceed customer expectations. SolidXperts’ guidance and support during the transition enabled Beaubois to significantly increase their output and cost efficiency, while simultaneously creating more productive, more easily managed workflows.

Conclusion

We’re proud of the work we did with this client, and we believe it can serve as an inspiration to other businesses looking to improve their operations. To highlight our work, we created a video testimonial featuring the client discussing their experience working with us. In the video, they describe how our team helped them achieve their goals and improve their processes. Check it out!

More info about Beaubois

Explore all your SWOOD options on the official website here

We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their goals through the use of modern software solutions. Our work with this client in the architectural millwork industry is a great example of how we can help businesses improve their operations and achieve success. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or how we can help you optimize your processes, please contact us today.

Explore our services

Contact the Xperts

Any questions? Need help? Ask one of our experts.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation for Precise Structural Finite Element Analysis

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Using SOLIDWORKS Simulation for Precise Structural Finite Element Analysis

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Using the finite element analysis (FEA) tools available in SOLIDWORKS can help engineers, designers, and other professionals quickly and accurately analyze the performance of their 3D designs. FEA is a powerful toolkit for predicting the behavior of structural components and assemblies across a wide range of conditions. It can help to reduce the number of physical prototypes that must be produced before a design is finalized.

To get started with your SOLIDWORKS tools, you’ll first need to understand the basics of FEA and how it can be used. FEA is a computational method that uses mathematical equations to simulate the behavior of a structure or component under different conditions. The equations are used to determine how the component or assembly will react to various forces and environmental factors such as temperature, vibration, and pressure.

To begin, you must open the SOLIDWORKS Simulation application from the Tools menu. This will provide the user interface for setting up your FEA analysis.

The first step is to define the type of analysis that you want to perform. You can choose from a variety of analysis types, such as linear static, non-linear static, modal, and fatigue. For each type of analysis, you’ll need to define the boundary conditions, loads, and material properties.

Once you’ve defined the analysis type and boundary conditions, you can then set up the mesh. The mesh is a grid of elements that are used to model the behavior of the component. The number of elements and their size will depend on the accuracy that you need for your analysis. A higher number of smaller elements will result in a more accurate result but will take longer and more computing power to complete.

Once the mesh is set up, you can then run the analysis. The results of the analysis can be visualized in the form of graphs, tables, and animations. These results can help you to quickly and accurately understand the behavior of your design under different conditions.

Using the FEA tools available in SOLIDWORKS can be a powerful way to reduce the time and costs associated with prototyping and testing. By quickly and accurately analyzing the behavior of a design, you can reduce the number of physical prototypes that need to be produced and tested before a design is finalized.

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Taking Charge of the Next Wave of Product Development

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Taking Charge of the Next Wave of Product Development

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Product development managers, directors, and vice presidents constantly make sure their teams are coordinated, and the products they design are cost-effectively manufactured, marketable, dependable, ergonomic, and useful.

From initial design, all the way through to final manufacture, even a streamlined traditional product development process generates enormous volumes of data, frequently from several disconnected applications. Thousands of files, including parts, assemblies, drawing files, and files for simulation and manufacturing (OH MY!) may be found as integral pieces of a mechanical design project. Additionally, legacy files must be kept organized and accessible for efficient reuse. No one likes duplicating work. The management of everyday communication files, including spreadsheets, PDFs, and emails (among countless others), is also crucial, now more so than ever before.

How can this data be promptly and efficiently captured, managed, and used for your company’s advantage?

For those in charge of product development, finding and keeping the proper personnel has grown to be a constant worry. Nowadays, location is rarely a deciding factor in hiring, so allowing flexibility in terms of location has become critical as companies look for new ways to attract, retain, and motivate workers. The top talent seeks employment with cutting-edge businesses. Additionally, staff members who are given the freedom to reach their full potential and continually advance their abilities are happier and less inclined to walk away from a position.

The comprehensive corporate innovation portfolio, 3DEXPERIENCE Works, links all your people, data, and apps in a single environment, allowing all important stakeholders to take part in the creation of new products. It makes use of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud and combines the strength of SOLIDWORKS with other top-tier technologies from Dassault Systèmes.

How can 3DEXPERIENCE Works help product development leaders as we enter the new generation of product design and development?

Makes Decisions More Efficient

The communication process between design/engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders, who frequently occupy executive-level decision-making positions, has always been difficult to maintain. To provide critical input and provide the go-ahead for initiatives, these stakeholders must fully comprehend product concepts. Without a clear grasp of engineering’s goal, tensions can easily rise, sometimes leading to communication breakdowns and painfully delaying the decision-making or even final manufacturing and market delivery processes.

Using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s cloud-based collaboration capabilities gives non-engineering decision-makers a clear, concise, and curated window into that design process. Team members can explore models on the cloud-based platform at their own pace, regardless of their level of technical expertise. It enables people to take part in real-time reviews without needing to have the necessary 3D CAD skills.

Collaboration and productivity on the front end soar when non-technical owners, executives, and managers are given early access to the design review process. Decisions are made more quickly, with wider spread agreement. It is simpler to express worries, find problems, and provide remedies. Potential problems are identified early in the procedure, preventing delays later on in the process.

*Permission-based access may be granted to suppliers and clients so they can contribute to the security product record.

Manages Data More Efficiently

A few of the everyday issues encountered by product development executives and their teams include knowing who is working on what projects, when each phase of a project is due, why delays occur, and how to handle all the data.

The portfolio from 3DEXPERIENCE Works was created specifically to control the product development life cycle. Teams may offer their departmental knowledge at key points throughout the process thanks to simple-to-use applications. Everyone may easily obtain status updates via a dashboard view since the tools are interconnected.

This is fantastic news for SOLIDWORKS customers and other small-to-medium sized enterprises who lack the resources to set up a sophisticated data management system. Say goodbye to data extractions, screenshots, emails, Excel spreadsheets, and a jumble of other departmental tools thanks to 3DEXPERIENCE Works solutions. To reduce mistakes and communication blunders, the platform automatically maintains an audit trail of both engineering and communications data.

Data management for product development is increasingly favored using cloud-based PLM technologies. Smaller businesses can scale as their firm expands and invest only in the technologies they actually need. At its foundation, 3DEXPERIENCE Works has just one product definition.

*Depending on their role and access privileges, everybody within the firm may see, change, and contribute to one continuous process.

Ensures Collaboration

Small-to-medium sized firms still frequently use phone calls, emails, and even, occasionally, faxes as their main methods of client communication. However, manufacturing utilizing the 3DEXPERIENCE platform is automatically in-sync with product development. Regardless of whether things are made in-house or by other parties.

Lack of coordination can reduce production and raise the cost of the final product. With the aid of the tools provided by a cloud-based platform, you can establish project Communities where you can invite everyone involved, including clients and suppliers, to work more securely and efficiently.

Upstream issues that might be costly are avoided by using real-time design for manufacturing input from the shop floor or suppliers. Additionally, the platform records every conversation, making it possible to backtrack activities.

*Late-stage product difficulties are eliminated when designers and engineers are involved in manufacturing early in the process.

Everyone Moves in Unison

Utilizing each member of your team’s area of expertise is made simpler by the design-through-manufacturing solutions portfolio offered by 3DEXPERIENCE Works. On the platform, basic data management is already integrated, and if your business develops and your needs change, you can add or change your features and roles. Additionally, you have access to technologies created specifically for product development that are accessible to all important stakeholders, including executives, design engineers, shop floor workers, and suppliers.

For more information about the 3DEXPERIENCE Works portfolio, or to see how you would benefit from a secure and easy shift to cloud-based PDM or PLM workflows, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Xperts.

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Whether you’re ready to get started or just have a few more questions, you can contact us toll-free:

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS 2023 WHAT’S NEW

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3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS 2023 WHAT’S NEW

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ASSEMBLIES

Optimization of lightweight / resolved :

Lightweight supports part mass and similar properties.

Auto repair of mate references

Improved assembly cut feature

Highlighting for overwritten BOM cells

Specify the default BOM part number (as either Document or Configuration name)

Improved STEP export

Preview of Replace Component with instance(s) to replace controls

Color option for Explode Lines

Specify affected configuration(s) for skipped instances in patterns.

Ability to suppress magnet mates & related connection points

Override computed mass or cg values with Design Table entries

Assembly feature propagation blocked from affecting Toolbox parts

Assembly patterns with skipped instances are easier to configure.

Replace component improvement, better options for instances, and more.

COMPOSER

View Collections capability

Updated import file format support

Support of Pro/E, CREO & STEP meta properties

DRAWINGS

Component Name display choices made in part or assembly feature tree are reflected in the Drawing view pallet.

Detached Drawings are fully discontinued and replaced with Detailing Mode

Detail drawings of assembly components can be opened directly from the assembly drawing without opening respective geometry files.

RMB graphics area, BOM cell, or drawing view tree.

Not fully supported for Detailing Mode.

BOM table overrides can now have a specific highlight color. (default Sys Opt is black)

RMB selection is provided to restore to original values per cell, row, column, or the entire table.

Highlight color only shows when the table is selected. (not for print and so on)

Quantity indicators now allowed for Auto Balloons as well as manual balloons.

BOM tables can now be filtered like a spreadsheet, and the auto balloons update to match.

Do not combine filtering with the hiding of columns or rows.

Transparent component support for HLR / HLV views improved to match with ISO standard 128-2020.

Check box option in view PM or in Document Properties.

Hole Tables now support punches and slots in addition to holes (a top 10 ER).

GeoTol symbols can be limited to the current drawing standard.

Vector translation modifier now supported in GeoTol frames.

Dynamic Profile Tolerance supported per ASME Y14.5-2018

EDRAWINGS

Assembly display and publish improvement

Model Configuration support for eDrawings mobile apps

Publish support for Display States in eDrawings

Display Style improvements

File type version enhancement

Multi-language support for eDrawings to web HTML

Inch fractional measurement units

ELECTRICAL

Support for hybrid drawings – schematics & tables combined on 1 sheet

Component dynamic connection label annotations supported in schematics

Ability to set 3D part mass props from Electrical Schematic properties (per spec sheet)

Improved condition icons for 3D electrical components (inserted, connected, and so on)

Open ended wire support in schematic. (for pigtails or wire on install connections)

Schematic sheets support more image types. (tiff, png, jpg)

Deleting Component can force deletion of related symbols

Reset for Dismissed Messages

Excel Automation Improvement

Origin -> Destination specification

FLOW

Mesh Boolean Operation – allows meshes to create even when base geometry is imperfect

Turbidity Factor – for solar radiation effects, accounts for polluted or storm-filled atmosphere

Reduces heat effects in some cities versus open desert

Plot Cropping – (cut, mesh, surface) restrict the display to a particular material or fluid domain

Tangential & Radial Velocity effects for Fan Curves – property allows a more thorough definition of fan performance

Heat conductance on porous media as dependent on specific mass flow – increases accuracy for compressible fluid and gas flows.

Project Tree Sorting – alphabetically or chronologically

Transient Explorer export options – export results by time range, or for the active time moment

Transient Explorer custom parameters – for better visualization

New Study Goals –

Total Energy Balance

Volumetric Heat Generation Rate

Radial & Axial Velocities

Flux Plots with total energy balance display

Performance – Mesher and Solver operations are now faster due to improved memory use management

IMPORT/EXPORT

Large assembly export supports individual STEP file generation

Textured *.obj file import is improved

INSPECTION

AddIn – Balloon Sequence configurability

With multi-sheet options

Addin – Balloon Drawing Sheets Separately

Addin – Export sheets as separate PDF files

Addin – Export reports as separate Excel files

Addin – Inspection Manager with Characteristic tree view

Standalone – Autoballoons for PDF drawings

Standalone – Manual Extract replacement for OCR (better results)

Machine Learning support for 2D PDF

Sheet selection mode for multi-sheet drawings

Export Reports to individual Excel files

Balloon Sequencing

INSTALLATION & SNL

Flow Simulation HVAC and Electronics Cooling modules can now be independent AddIns and the SNL licenses loaded or unloaded as needed rather than always being reserved with each use of Flow Simulation.

Term licenses now show pending expiration in the SNL manager and can be renewed or reactivated by individual serial numbers.

All products will now have a term license option.

MANAGE

Automatic update of mapped linked records

New From option for data fields

BOM field comparison (linked vs primary)

Variable Driven BOM Qty support

Cancelled Tasks reflect properly in capacity planning

Task Board Display

MBD

View control for all dimension types, not just DimXpert annotations

Hole Tables support multiple views

Dimension Extension Line

Datum Feature editing

Wedge as geometric & annotation feature

Support for ISO Tolerance modifiers

PART MODELING

Support of Move/Copy Body translation or rotation values in Equations and Design Tables

Defeature now supports creating derived configurations for parts as well as assemblies.

Dimension support in Move/Copy Body

Allowance of Library Feature Errors – click [Yes] to accept the feature errors, and then correct them after the insertion in the current part.

Coordinate Systems are now valid for selection in more commands – such as, 3D sketch operations, 2D sketch dimensions, mirror, and during select other

Single stroke font support in Wrap Feature sketches (Scribe wrap type)

OLFSimpleSans – is installed by SOLIDWORKS

Hybrid Mesh-BREP modeling improvements

Extended feature support

Section View creation through Axis

Euler method rotation is now allowed for Move/Copy Body, and it can be set per configuration.

Move/Copy Body translations can also be set per part configuration now.

Global variables or equations can now be used to drive the Move/Copy Body values.

PDM

HTML customization for Notification templates

File Version Upgrade Tool – supports overwriting latest version

Streamlined UI for check-in/out

New options to manage Deleted Users

Transition Actions configurable by user account and properties thereof

Tooltips can be added to Data Card fields

Improved Data Card controls

Copy & Paste display text to variable fields

Buttons can have user-lookup data (names, AD fields, and so on)

Better image file support. (jpg, png)

Logging of File Retrieval Operations ([x]Get log property at PDM Pro server)

Display source Groups for Inherited User Permissions

All data transfers encrypted to/from the server

STEP export task enhanced for 242, or shattered assembly components.

eDrawing files in the vault support thumbnail previews in the explorer panel.

Autologin option for vault Admin. (setting in the admin tool at a local machine)

Archive Server & Database Server improved in higher latency environments (Azure, AWS)

Private State folder visibility option for non-Admin users.

PERFORMANCE

Level of Detail system option to improve graphics changes (zoom, pan, rotate) for most view types.

Faster save operations for large assemblies with some amount of unchanged components.

PDM is faster and more efficient in high-latency networks.

PDM file version upgrade tool operates faster.

PLASTICS

Material Database & Material Grade additions

Material Database UI improvement

Report enhancements

ROUTING

Improved electrical flattening and manufacturing drawings

With better connector tables.

Multi-wire circuit splice support.

Design Library auto-style clips added.

Routing Library Manager performance and usability improvements.

Harness diameter & length are show in an electrical route property manager.

Accommodates and displays unused cores.

Auto Route improvement for discrete wires

SHEET METAL

Deviation sensor

You can create a sensor to alert that the sheet metal exceeds a bounding box size. (max length, width, area, blank area)

Symmetrical Thickness

Specifies material to be applied symmetrically from the base flange sketch.

Gauge Values in Cut List properties (and drawing notes)

SIMULATION

Improved surface to surface bonding interactions (allowed for non-contacting faces)

For ignoring set screws, pins, etc.

Diagnostic Tools

Linkage Rod Connector

Penalty Stiffness Control for Contact (up to 50% solve)

Solver improvements

Underconstrained Body management (Simulation Professional & Premium)

SKETCHING

Elipses now have options to create construction lines across the axes.

SOLIDWORKS CAM

Barrel Tool Support

Improved Leadin & Leadout Calcuation for contour milling

Lines Only Option for VoluMill Toolpath

Tolerance Based Machining improvements

STABILITY

90% reduction in customer reported crash SPRs.STRUCTURE SYSTEMS

Corner Trims of similar corners by Group, with Connection Plates by Group

Configuration specific weldment member sizes

Alignment of Custom Properties Attributes (for matching with 3DEXPERIENCE attribute types)

USER INTERFACE

Comments in SOLIDWORKS files now have additional color and formatting options.

Comments can be set to Show At Start when files are opened.

Improved Restore Default Settings options and behavior.

Improved behavior of Copy Options Wizard.

VISUALIZE

Color Picker tool improvements

DSPBR Materials Support

Import Options (grouping) are easier for SOLIDWORKS files

Stellar Physically Correct illumination render

PhotoView 360 to be retired at 2023 sp5.

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This Year’s Top 10 Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Roles

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This Year’s Top 10 Enhancements in SOLIDWORKS Browser-Based Roles

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SOLIDWORKS browser-based roles are purpose-built for your needs and include parametric modeling, subdivision (Sub-D) modeling, and much more, and since they run on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform you also get built-in data management and collaboration capabilities that benefit the whole team. The latest enhancements brought in with SOLIDWORKS 2023 for these solutions include 2D drawing improvements, smart mates, and net surfacing, as well as improvements to downstream communication for manufacturing to help you be as productive as possible.

Let’s have a look at this year’s top 10 enhancements.

1- 2D Drawings | Manufacturing Definition Creator – Create both 3D definitions and 2D drawings to meet supplier requirements faster.

Manufacturing Definition Creator easily creates both 3D product manufacturing information (PMI) and 2D drawings. Use either model-based definition (MBD) or 2D sketches to break down the barrier between 3D and 2D and leverage model-based workflows while providing the flexibility needed to preserve existing manufacturing processes and supplier relationships that still use 2D drawings.

With Manufacturing Definition Creator, you don’t have to create a 2D drawing from scratch, you can use your existing 3D PMI to create a 2D drawing complete with definition, in a matter of a few mouse clicks.

Manufacturing Definition Creator features 3D definition and 2D drawing capabilities.

2- Welcome App | 3D Creator – Get up to speed on your new solutions quicker with a personalized welcome experience.

Whether you’re a new or experienced user, the Welcome app in the 3D Creator parametric design role helps you get up to speed, fast. Access the SOLIDWORKS online communities, switch seamlessly between your roles, and explore the Learning Center where you’ll find tips for getting started, in-depth learning tutorials, and Sample Content. Drag and drop a model into your interface to check out the role’s modeling features.

In addition to launching your roles, you can open your collaboration and management apps: 3DPlay, the Bookmark Editor, and more.

Access key role and app information plus SOLIDWORKS online communities directly in the Welcome app.

3- Design Assistant Smart Mate with Artificial Intelligence (AI) | 3D Creator – Build assemblies faster.

Design Assistant Smart Mate is one of the many AI-enabled features that uses built-in machine learning algorithms to offer design guidance based on your workflows. This tool is designed to help you create mates by dragging and holding a component in the position where you want it to mate with the surrounding components. The Smart Mate command will automatically launch when you drag a component close to the edge of another component.

Drag and snap components into place with the Smart Mate command.

4- Net Surfacing | 3D Sculptor – Create subdivision surfaces using familiar CAD operations.

Create your own primitives using a loft, a boundary condition, or a sweep with the Net Surfacing Command in the 3D Sculptor Sub-D modeling role. Start by defining a surface using familiar parametric commands, then use freeform Sub-D modeling to modify the shape of your customized primitive. You can also toggle between the customized parametric surface or subdivision surface. To increase design efficiency, choose pre-defined primitives or create your own with the Net Surface command.

Use familiar CAD operations to create a subdivision surface with Net Surfacing in 3D Sculptor.

5- 3D Print Orientation and Nesting Optimization | 3D Creator – Automatically set your parts up for success and save time on 3D prints.

The Print3D feature gives you the option to auto-arrange a selection of parts on the 3D printer build plate. Work smart and let the Print3D feature work hard for you to get the most efficient layout of your assemblies. This feature also helps reduce material costs!

Create the most efficient layout with automatic optimization and nesting and reduce material costs.

6- OM Tables | Manufacturing Definition Creator – Clearly define your assemblies and provide critical assembly information.

Easily and efficiently provide the most valuable information with 3D definitions and 2D drawings. Create and include a bill of materials (BOM), and automatically link BOM table values directly with ENOVIA for consistent, up-to-date information.

Customize your BOM tables using familiar table editing functionality and provide a wide range of linked assembly properties, such as part quantities, revisions, part numbers, and more.

Create a detailed bill of material (BOM) tables for 3D assembly definition and 2D drawings.

7- Automatic Corner Trimming | 3D Structure Creator – Save time by automating corner trimming processes.

Create accurate, manufacturing-ready structure designs, and do it quickly with 3D Structure Creator. The Automatic Corner Trims feature enables you to automatically trim members during member creation, so you don’t have to do this after. Create members based on sketch segments, model edges, points, or intersection planes, or between two members, and check Enable Automatic Corner Trims to trim corners and endpoints.

Create structure systems faster by automatically trimming members during member creation with 3D Structure Creator.

8- Recognize Command | 3D SheetMetal Creator – Increase productivity and create complex sheet metal shapes using traditional modeling features.

3D SheetMetal Creator features easy-to-use associative parametric sheet metal design tools. The Recognize command, for instance, includes solid and surface options so you can easily create complex sheet metal shapes and reduce complex design workflows. In addition to the “thin” option, you can convert solid bodies and surfaces with automatically generated flat patterns for manufacturing that doesn’t require shelled or uniform thickness geometry.

You can also customize bends, walls, splits, and gap distances with a single command!

Create complex sheet metal geometry using conventional convert-to-sheet metal workflows in 3D SheetMetal Creator.

9- Selection Accelerators | 3D Sculptor – Speed up selections and easily shape sub-D mesh.

There are several new selection accelerators you can access from the context toolbar and by using Shift Select. If you need to select a group of tangent edges or faces, you can use the Select Tangency accelerator on the context toolbar.

To select edges around the face of a box or quad ball, there’s a Corner Loop accelerator that lets you Shift Select two edges on either side of a corner to select the entire loop, and for creased edges, you can use the Select Crease accelerator on the context toolbar so you can select connected creased edges. Also, shift select will follow along creased edges.

Speed up geometry selection and modifications using new selection accelerators in 3D Sculptor.

10- Thickness Analysis | 3D Mold Creator – Ensure uniform thickness and improve design integrity by verifying that parts will fill properly.

3D Mold Creator provides specialized mold tooling design functionality that enables the faster, automated, and more robust design of mold cores, cavities, and inserts. The Thickness Check tool, for instance, enables you to perform thickness checks using a rolling ball “sphere” method or the normal distance “ray” method. You can easily identify thickness ranges using colors, in addition, to manually investigating thicknesses at specific locations by clicking on the area you’d like to investigate.

Prevent sink marks by ensuring uniform thickness with the Thickness Check tool in 3D Mold Creator.

SOLIDWORKS browser-based roles available on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform enable engineers and designers to work more efficiently on designs and assemblies from anywhere in the world. With the release of SOLIDWORKS 2023 hundreds of improvements have been made to accelerate your 3D product design processes. For more information on all the improvements, and to know more about what SOLIDWORKS or 3DEPXERIENCE solutions best fit your workflows, don’t hesitate to contact our Xperts teams

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How 3DExperience will help you use SOLIDWORKS

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How 3DExperience will help you use SOLIDWORKS

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By Steven Murphy – Elite Applications Engineer

While the 3DExperience platform takes the CAD industry by storm, what does it mean for the average SOLIDWORKS user? Despite the industry trend toward SAAS (Software as a service), SOLIDWORKS will remain available as a perpetual license. The only change for conventional SOLIDWORKS users is access to a wider variety of tools using the 3DExperience platform to augment your current workflows. Knowing what tools you have access to on the cloud will give you a competitive edge and the tools you need to stay successful.

Top Tools to Leverage 3DExperience Using SOLIDWORKS

ENOVIAWORKS (PLM)

Everyone is familiar with “the cloud,” or the idea of connecting via internet to servers remotely in order to gain flexibility and save on hardware costs. With the integration of ENOVIAWORKS into the 3DExperience platform, cloud PLM [Product Lifecycle Management] services are readily available to use with SOLIDWORKS files. This includes a complete product data management (PDM) system as well as tools to manage the processes surrounding the part’s fabrication.

For the average SOLIDWORKS user, this means access to revision controlled files from anywhere you can use SOLIDWORKS. Just login to the PLM services pain integrated with SOLIDWORKS and you are off to the races. You can also drag and drop files from the 3DExperience platform into SOLIDWORKS to open and start working. On top of this functionality, the files in PLM can be referenced in chats, integrated into blog posts, and worked with in the 3DExperience “X Apps.” These X Apps provide a range of versatility for part creation without ever leaving the cloud.

3DEXPERIENCE PLM SERVICES SOLIDWORKS View

XShape

XShape is the premier SubD cloud application available on the 3DExperience platform. Many industrial designers know the challenge of replicating complex surfaces inside of any CAD package. XShape allows for the creations of surfaces and parts using push-pull manipulation of primitive shapes while maintaining continuity. This functionality greatly surpasses the ability of SOLIDWORKS Freeform to create your aesthetically pleasing complex surfaces with your CAD file. On top of that, the SOLIDWORKS integration means that you can drag and drop the files from your web browser right into your model.

If you are doing any surfacing, industrial design, or non- parametric modeling, this application is a must have. Because this application was developed with SOLIDWORKS in mind, the seamless transition between software will support your workflow.

XShape SubD Modeling

3DExperience Marketplace

Who knew that you have access to quality industrial suppliers worldwide within SOLIDWORKS itself? You can find the manufacturers that your product needs without having to spend time and effort creating your own supply chain. This especially powerful in an industry where rapid prototyped 3D printed parts are becoming the de facto standard. Directly integrated with your SOLIDWORKS model, you can get competitive pricing, see shipment costs, and determine which provider meets your deadline.

The 3DExperience Marketplace is located in the “3DExperience Platform” add in located in SOLIDWORKS which provides the flexibility that any engineer can take advantage of. Let Dassault Systèmes qualify the manufacturers for you, all you need to do is provide the model!

3DExperience Marketplace Within the Task Pane

The 3DExperience brings value to all conventional SOLIDWORKS users, expanding the tools available to bolster your workflow. The platform provides you with the ability to create new types of models, store and access data online, as well as easily identify manufacturers based on your requirements. From here, the Dassault Systèmes ecosystem will only continue to adapt and grow.

Interested in the 3DExperience Platform? Reach out to our Xperts anytime with any questions or for more information.

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