Introduction Of Solidworks
SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a powerful and widely used 3D Computer-Aided
Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software
developed by Dassault Systemes. It's designed to help engineers and
designers create precise 3D models and assemblies for a vast array of
industries.
Working Of Solidworks
3D CAD
Parametric Feature-Based Modeling
CAE
Product Development Solution
Part and Assembly Modeling
2D Drawings
Simulation and Analysis
Product Data Management (PDM)
Manufacturing
SolidWorks tools that enables engineers and
designers to:
Conceptualize and visualize products in 3D.
Design and refine complex parts and assemblies.
Simulate and analyze product performance.
Create manufacturing documentation.
Manage design data effectively.
Collaborate with other team members.
Key Features of SolidWorks
3D Modeling:
Parametric Modeling: Create solid models using features
defined by dimensions and relationships, allowing for easy
modification.
Direct Editing: Modify geometry intuitively by pushing, pulling,
and dragging faces, regardless of the original features.
Surfacing: Create complex and aesthetically pleasing shapes
using a variety of surface tools.
Sheet Metal Design: Easily create and flatten sheet metal parts
with automatic bend compensation.
Weldments: Design welded structures with specialized tools for
creating and documenting welds, plates, and gussets.
Mold Design: Design molds and tooling for manufacturing
plastic and cast parts, including draft analysis and cavity
creation.
Large Assembly Handling: Efficiently manage and work with
complex assemblies containing thousands of parts.
2D Drawings and Documentation:
Automatic Drawing Creation: Generate 2D drawings from 3D
models with associative views that update automatically with
design changes.
Comprehensive Annotation Tools: Add dimensions, tolerances,
notes, and other annotations to drawings.
Bill of Materials (BOM): Automatically create and manage parts
lists for assemblies.
Simulation and Analysis:
Static Analysis: Evaluate the structural integrity of parts and
assemblies under various loads.
Motion Analysis: Simulate the movement of assemblies to
understand how components interact.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Analyze fluid flow and
heat transfer within designs (available in higher-tier versions).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Predict a product's real-world
physical behavior by virtually testing CAD models.
Benefits of Using SolidWorks
Improved Design Efficiency:
Intuitive Interface: SolidWorks boasts a user-friendly and
customizable interface, making it easier and faster to learn and
use its extensive tools. Features like drag-and-drop, pre-defined
shapes, and smart editing tools significantly reduce design time.
Enhanced Design Quality:
Precise 3D Modeling: SolidWorks enables the creation of highly
accurate 3D models, minimizing the potential for errors before
manufacturing.
Streamlined Collaboration and Communication:
Seamless Collaboration: SolidWorks facilitates collaboration
within design teams and across different departments, allowing
for real-time feedback and ensuring everyone works with the
latest product information.
Reduced Costs and Time to Market:
Minimized Prototyping Costs: Virtual testing and analysis
through SolidWorks Simulation significantly reduce the need for
expensive and time-consuming physical prototypes.
Who Should Use This Guide?
Aspiring Engineers and Designers
Current CAD Users Exploring Alternatives
Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Design Teams and Managers
Educators and Trainers
Anyone Interested in 3D Modeling and Design
System Requirements and Installation Setup
1. System Requirements
Before installing SolidWorks, ensure your system meets the minimum and
recommended requirements.
Minimum System Requirements
Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
Processor: Intel or AMD processor, 3.3 GHz or higher
RAM: 8GB (16GB recommended)
Graphics Card: Certified OpenGL workstation card (NVIDIA Quadro or AMD
Radeon Pro)
Storage: At least 20GB of free space
Display: 1920x1080 resolution or higher
Internet: Required for activation and updates
How to Download and Install SolidWorks
Step 1: Download SolidWorks
1. Visit the official SolidWorks website [www.solidworks.com]
(https://www.solidworks.com)
2. Click on “Download” under the "Products" section.
3. Choose the correct version (Standard, Professional, or Premium).
4. Sign in with your SolidWorks ID or create a new account.
5. Select your “license type” (Student, Trial, or Commercial).
6. Click "Download SolidWorks Setup" and save the file.
Step 2: Install SolidWorks
1. Run the installer (`setup.exe`).
2. Accept the “license agreement”.
3. Enter your serial number (provided in your SolidWorks account or email).
4. Choose the installation type: Complete installation (Recommended for all features)
Custom installation (Select specific components)
5. Select the installation location (default is `C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS`).
6. Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete.
Step 3: Activate SolidWorks
1. Open SolidWorks after installation.
2. Click “Activate License” when prompted.
3. Enter your serial number and connect to the internet.
4. Click “Finish” once activation is complete.
Step 4: Set Up Your Workspace
1. Adjust interface settings (toolbar positions, themes, etc.).
2. Configure file locations and default templates.
3. Update graphics settings for best performance.
4. Restart SolidWorks to apply changes.
Tool Bars of Solid Works .
Introduction to SolidWorks Toolbars
SolidWorks provides a user-friendly interface with multiple toolbars containing essential
commands for sketching, modeling, assembly, and drawing. Understanding these toolbars
is crucial for efficient design and workflow optimization.
Standard Toolbar
Location: Top of the interface
Purpose: Provides quick access to file management and basic functions
Common Tools:
New (Ctrl + N) – Create a new file
Open (Ctrl + O) – Open an existing file
Save(Ctrl + S) – Save the current file
Print (Ctrl + P) – Print the drawing
Undo/Redo – Reverse or restore last actions
Zoom/Pan/Rotate – Adjust the view of the model
Sketch Toolbar
Location: Appears when creating or editing a sketch
Purpose: Provides tools to create 2D sketches for 3D modeling
Common Tools:
Line – Draw straight lines
Circle – Create circles and arcs
Rectangle – Draw rectangular shapes
Polygon – Create polygons with customizable sides
Spline – Draw smooth curves
Trim/Extend– Modify sketch geometry
Smart Dimension– Add dimensions to sketches
3. Features Toolbar
Location: Available in the Part modeling environment
Purpose: Converts sketches into 3D models
Common Tools:
Extruded Boss/Base – Create 3D shapes from 2D sketches
Revolved Boss/Bas – Generate revolved 3D features
Sweep – Create a shape along a predefined path
Loft – Blend multiple profiles into a smooth shape
File– Round the edges of a model
Chamfer – Bevel edges of a model
Shell – Hollow out a solid body
4. Assembly Toolbar
Location: Available in the Assembly environment
Purpose: Helps in creating and managing assemblies of multiple parts
Common Tools:
Insert Components – Add parts into an assembly
Mate – Define relationships between components
Move/Rotate – Adjust component positions
Exploded View – Create an exploded assembly view
Interference Detection – Check for overlapping parts
5. Evaluate Toolbar
Location: Used for analysis and measurements
Purpose: Provides tools for inspecting models
6. Sheet Metal Toolbar
Location: Available in the Sheet Metal design environment
Purpose: Helps in designing sheet metal parts
7. Drawing Toolbar
Location: Available in the Drawing environment
Purpose: Used for creating 2D technical drawings
EXPERIMENT#02
3: Sketch toolbar commands
1: Line command :
1: Create new file (Ctrl + N) and select parts drawing click “ok”.
2: Select the unit system used for dimensioning.
3: Select your plane e.g.: front plane, top plane, right plane.
4: Select the “front plane” and set the plane to normal.
5: Select “line command” from sketch toolbar.
6: Join 4 lines in a way to make parallelogram.
7: Select tick or right click to select the command.
8: Use smart dimensions to dimension the sides of parallelogram.
2: Circle command : Select “circle command” from sketch toolbar and choose the
type of circle, centre circle or three point circle.
i: Choose centre circle and select any point as a centre of circle and extend it to
increase the radius or diameter of circle
ii: Choose three point circle then first made triangle then select three sides of triangle a
circle is made in the triangle touches three sides of triangle.
2: Select the tick or right click to select the part.
3: Use smart dimensions to dimension the radius of circle.
3: Spline command
1: Select “curved command” from sketch toolbar.
2: Select the points and curve will be drawn.
4: Rectangle command
1.Select the “rectangle command” from sketch toolbar choose that what type of
rectangle you want to draw.
5: Arc command
Draw a square first using line command then select “Arc command”. choose the
centre of arc on the square’s side line mid point and extend the arc to meet the end
points of side line of square.
6: Ellipse command
Select “ellipse command” draw ellipse.
7: Slot command
1: Select slot command and made two different slots.
8: Polygon command
1: Select “polygon command” and choose the sides of polygon e.g: (6,8 or upto
50).
9: Trim entities
1: First draw a star or random lines to make any shape.
2: Then select trim entities to trim any external or internal line or to trim corners.
10: Offset entities
1: first draw a circle and then select offset entities.
11: Mirror entities:
1: Draw a polygon of 6 sides
2: Draw a centerline in front of polygon.
3: Select mirror entities and select polygon as entity to mirror and centre line as
entity about to mirror.
12: Linear and circular sketch pattern
1: draw a circle.
2: then draw a centre line from centre of circle.
3: select a point and make a circle on the surface of circle.
4: select circular sketch pattern and select the entity of circle to pattern.
