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:
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.
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
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.
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.
With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
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)
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.
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.
– 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.
With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
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”
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.
With 25 years of experience and more than 250 certifications, SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?
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 SOLIDWORKSfor anyone to access.
And just like that, SOLIDWORKSMBD 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?
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?
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.
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
If 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!).
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.
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Enjoy the promotion discount for 3 years, whether purchased annually or upfront.
Even after the promotion period, you’ll continue to benefit with a 25% discount on successive years.
Option 1: For licenses <1 year expired( Pay 2 Years Forward Upfront )
Get back on track with SOLIDWORKS CAD w/Cloud Services. By paying upfront for the next two years, you not only regain access to the powerful features of SOLIDWORKS but also enjoy cloud services to boost collaboration and efficiency.
Promotion Perks:
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Regain access to your design projects and continue where you left off, without any interruptions.
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If your license has been expired for over a year, we understand the urgency to get back in the game. With this option, you can secure SOLIDWORKS CAD ALC w/Cloud Services.
Promotion Perks:
Our team is here to support your reintegration process, and we’ll waive backdating and penalties for a smooth transition.
Take advantage of the comprehensive SOLIDWORKS suite and unleash your creativity with the latest tools and features.
5.11. Click on “Finish” to create the safe.
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.
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!
Hole Wizard
