Revision table, now automatic with PDM 2018!

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Revision table, now automatic with PDM 2018!

From now on, find the SolidXperts technical minute every week on our blog. Tips, tricks, updates, news; you won’t miss any of it, so our SOLIDWORKS solutions will no longer be a secret to you. Continue reading “Revision table, now automatic with PDM 2018!”

Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts for SolidWorks

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Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts for SolidWorks

As with video games, there are hidden shortcuts in the SolidWorks software. Today, we reveal some of these different combinations to help with your part, assembly, and drawing creation.

Continue reading “Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts for SolidWorks”

Connectivity issues with PDM? Here is the solution.

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Connectivity issues with PDM? Here is the solution. (PING / NSLOOKUP / TRACERT / TELNET)

 

Let’s begin with a reminder of the main requirement to have an efficient network communication with the PDM server:

  • Be able to ping the PDM server by his hostname and his IP address.
  • The ping latency should be under 30ms on a LAN and 100ms on a WAN from a workstation client to the PDM server.
  • The ports TCP_3030, TCP_1433, UDP_1434 need to be opened on the windows firewall of the PDM server

 

To validate these requirements, here some steps that can be done:

  1. Run a constant ping of 1500 bytes to the PDM server
    • Start > Enter “CMD” and select “Command Prompt
    • From the new windows command prompt, enter:

> ping ARCHIVESRV –l 1500 -t

1.2.2 If the server replies well you will always obtain multiples lines with positive reply from the server.

1.2.2 Network issues will generate some line like “impossible to reach the host” or “request time out”, then you need to investigate on the network cards, the wires, the switches, the routes.

Latency of 100ms occurs in a WAN environment where the server and the client are not in the same office and a VPN is set between the two sites.

1.2.3 If the ping is failed using the hostname, try with the IP address, if that works then you know that you have a DNS issue.

  1. Run NSLOOKUP to know the DNS server used your network and to confirm that it can translate the name of the PDM server to get his IP address

2.1 From the command prompt windows,

enter:

> nslookup
you got the name and the IP address of your DNS server (dc.zzz.local 192.168.1.10)

>> ARCHIVES
you got the IP address of ARCHIVESRV (ex: 192.168.1.11)

If you can resolve the name of the server but cannot ping by his name:

  • Restart the Windows DNS client service on the user’s workstation
  • Clear the DNS cache using the command: ipconfig /flushdns

 

  1. Run a TRACERT to know the path taken to communicate with the PDM server

3.1 From the command prompt, enter:

> tracert ARCHIVES
Each line represents a hop, either the destination server directly, either the gateway of a VLAN or firewall or tunnel VPN or the ISP. The more lines you got, the more the latency can be impacted.

 

  1. Run Telnet to check if the ports are well opened

4.1 Start > Type “Control panel” > clic on “Programs and features” > choose “Activate or inactivate Windows features”, look for and select “Telnet client” and then OK.

4.2 >Telnet ARCHIVESRV 3030

4.2.1 If the port 3030 is opened you should obtain a new window opened with a cursor flashing.

4.2.2 If the port is not opened you will get the error message “Impossible to open a connection to the host using the port 3030”.

4.3 Repeat the previous steps but with port 1433 and 1434.

 

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    Server Installation for SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard

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    Server Installation for SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard

    By Elene Teolis – PDM Application Specialist

    The following steps will guide you through the installation of SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard and its basic minimal operational configuration settings.

    This document will cover the following points:

    1. Server Preparation
    2. Software installation
    3. Archive Server Configuration
    4. License Activation
    5. Creating a Safe

    Server Preparation

    1.1. Ensure the server meets the computer requirements. See Hardware and System Requirements – PDM STD.
    1.2. Have your PDM Standard License Number on hand.

    SOLIDWORKS PDM licenses must be released by SOLIDWORKS in order to be activated on a server.

    Contact SolidXperts Technical Support to have your PDM Standard license released.
    -Telephone: 1-877-824-3379 or 1-877-876-5434, ext. 150
    -Email: support@solidxperts.com

    The installation files for PDM Standard can be found on the DVD or in the SOLIDWORKS Portal.

    Software Installation

    2.1. Run ‘Setup.exe’ as an Administrator


    2.2. Choose which Server Products to install

    • Install SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Components
    • Install SolidNetWork Licensed Manager

    2.3. SNL Server Options

    • Enter your license numbers into SolidNetWork License Manager

    SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard licenses are floating. The available number(s) must be entered in this field, separated by a comma.

    2.4. Component Installation Summary

    • SOLIDWORKS PDM server – Edit

    • Validate and/or edit the options for:
      • Server Product: Choose SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
      • Features to install:
        • Archive Server
        • Server Database
        • Client

      • SQL Server:
        • Choose the previously installed SQL Express instance
        • Enter the SA username and password, chosen when installing SQL Express

    2.5. Validate the information – Install now


    Archive Server Configuration

    Once the server component installation is complete, the Archive Server Configuration tool starts automatically to continue configuration.

    3.1. You must change the location of the archive server files so that they are located on the disk intended for the data (as prepared in the first section “Server Preparation”).


    3.2. Choose a password for the default Admin user


    3.3. Choose a password the SA user will need to connect to SQL.

    3.4. Keep administrators only for “Administrative access” and keep the default options for “Attach access”.

    The Archive Server configuration is complete.

    License Activation

    4.1. Start SolidNetWork License Manager


    4.2. In the “Server Administrator” tab, choose “Edit”


    4.3. Choose “Select All”


    4.4. Choose “Activate/Reactivate” your product licenses


    4.5. Validate the information of your License Server

    • The ports are: 25734 and 25735

    Create a Safe

    5.1. Start the PDM Administration tool


    5.2. Right click on the server name – Create a new safe


    5.3. Enter a name for the safe


    5.4. Keep the default values for the location of the archive files.


    5.5. Select the SQL instance created for PDM Standard installation, leave the suggested name for the database.


    5.6. Add the License Server: Enter Port 25734@”name of your server”


    5.7. Choose a default language


    5.8. Check the default password (the password used will be the one set when installing the PDM Archive Server).

    (Uncheck the option and choose a new password if you do not want to use the default password)

    5.9. Choose Quick Start for SOLIDWORKS

    • You will have data cards and a basic workflow among others.

    5.10. Leave all the options checked by default

    5.11. Click on “Finish” to create the safe.

    The creation of the safe is finished.

    5.12. The name of the vault now appears in the PDM Administration Tool. Right-click on the server name and refresh if the name does not appear.

    For a standard PDM vault, the vault symbol appears in grey.

    You are now ready to create a local view on the client workstation and start working with your new PDM Standard vault.

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      SQL Express Installation and Configuration Guide

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      SQL Express Installation and Configuration Guide

      By Elene Teolis – PDM Application Specialist at SolidXperts

      How to Install SQL Express in Preparation for Installing SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
      *Your windows and menus may vary slightly depending on the server operating system.

      1. Server Preparation
      1.1. Make sure the server meets the technical requirements: View SOLIDWORKS and SW PDM System Requirements
      Make sure that .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.0 are installed, if necessary, configure the “Application Server” role on the server:

      1.2. Prepare file structure
      – If possible, create 2 partitions. Reserve the C: drive for applications and another for the data.
      – Create a folder structure in the disk to receive the data as specified below:


      Suggested file structure

      *SQL cannot save its data to an external disk or hard disk storage (NAS or SAN).

      2. SQL Server Express Installation
      The installation of SQL Server Express is done by following the instructions in the PDM installation guide. Here are the steps followed for a typical SolidXperts installation.
      – SQL Express can be found on the DVD or in SOLIDWORKS downloaded files.

      2.1. Start the installation as an administrator.

      \SOLIDWORKS 2019 SP0\PreReqs\SQLServer\sqlexpr_x64_enu.exe

      2.2. Choose a new installation.


      2.3. Accept the license terms.


      3. Option Selection: Choose Database Engine Services.


      4. Instance Configuration
      – If it is a new installation, choose Default instance.
      – If SQL is already installed, choose Named Instance and enter a name.


      4.1. Server Configuration: Leave default values for service account names.


      4.2. Database Engine Configuration
      – Select Mixed Mode.
      – Create a password for the SQL System Administrator.
      – Specify the SQL Administrator à Click Add Current User and add the Domain Administrators group (domain admin) and/or the local Administrators group.


      – Change the following directories to conform to the file structure created in the server preparation step.


      – Start the installation by clicking on Next.

      Installation complete

       

      5. SQL Express Configuration
      5.1. Launch ‘SQL Express Configuration Manager’

      – In IPAll, clear the value in Dynamic TCP Ports.
      – Set the TCP Port to the static port number that you want the SQL Server Express instance to follow:

      • If SQL Express is the only SQL Server instance on the system, set the port to 1433.
      • If there are other SQL Server instances on the system, set the port to a single value, for example 1440.

      – Restart the SQL Server Service for the new instance.


      The server is ready to install SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard.

       

      With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?

      Contact us! 

      SolidXperts team is always there for you!

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        Broken-Out Section View in a Drawing

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        Broken-Out Section View in a Drawing

        When creating a broken-out section view of a drawing, it is possible to set the depth of the cut according to a numerical value. But did you know that it’s possible to select an edge on another view to define the depth? Or that you can put your 3D drawing in temporary 3D view mode and select the depth on this one? Continue reading “Broken-Out Section View in a Drawing”

        How to create a multi-body sheet metal part from a solid geometry

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        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.

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        With SOLIDWORKS PDM, it is now possible to export the results of a search.

        1. 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.
        2. 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.

        With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?

        Contact us! 

        SolidXperts team is always there for you!

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        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:

          How to Insert Sheet Metal Bend Notes within SOLIDWORKS MBD

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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?

          Contact us! 

          SolidXperts team is always there for you!

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          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:

            How to open Windows Firewall ports for SOLIDWORKS PDM

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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.

            SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?

            Contact us! 

            SolidXperts team is always there for you!

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            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:

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