Introduction to Solidworks Software

INTRODUCTION TO

SOLIDWORKS

SOFTWARE

MOHD AZWIR AZLAN

MOHD FAHRUL HASSAN

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL DAN PEMBUATAN UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

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MODULE: Introduction to SolidWorks

FACILITATOR / LECTURER: 1) Name: Mr. Mohd Azwir bin Azlan

e-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 07-4537727

Room: C16-101-02

2) Name: Mr. Mohd Fahrul bin Hassan

e-mail: [email protected]

Tel: 07-4537716

Room: C16-101-02

A. AIMS

The goal of this course is to provide participants with the basic of

Solidworks software as a tool in design activities.

B. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, participants should be able to use Solidworks

software to:

1. Create the three dimensional model of a product by using Solidworks

2. Create an assembly model of a product with many parts

C. LEARNING CONTENTS This module consists:

Unit 1: Introduction to SolidWorks Software.

Unit 2: Sketching

Unit 3: Basic Modeling Technique

Unit 4: Assembly Parts

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E. REFERENCES 1. SolidWorks Essentials - SolidWorks 2007 Training Manual,

Massachusetts, USA.

2. Advanced Part Modeling - SolidWorks 2007 Training Manual,

Massachusetts, USA.

3. Advanced Assembly Modeling - SolidWorks 2007 Training Manual,

Massachusetts, USA.

4. David Murray, 2006, Inside SolidWorks 4th Edition, Thomson

Delmar Learning, Canada.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

UNIT TITLE PAGE

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO MODELING & SOLIDWORKS SOFTWARWE

1.1 Introduction 1-1 1.2 Learning Outcomes 1-1 1.3 Learning Contents

1.3.1 What is SolidWorks 1.3.2 Terminology and SolidWorks Software

Characteristics 1.3.2.1 Featured-based 1.3.2.2 Parametric Solid Modeling 1.3.2.3 Fully Associative

1.3.3 Design Intent 1.3.3.1 Some Examples of Different Design

Intent in a Sketch 1.3.3.2 How Feature Affect Design Intent

1.3.4 Open & Exit Program 1.3.5 Open & Save File 1.3.6 Parts, Assemblies & Drawings 1.3.7 Software Interface

1.3.7.1 Left Side of SolidWorks Window 1.3.7.2 Right Side of SolidWorks Wndow

The Task Pane 1.3.7.3 Toolbar 1.3.7.4 System Feedback

1.3.8 Mouse Button 1.3.9 Customize Option

1-1 1-1

1-2 1-2 1-5 1-5 1-5

1-6 1-6 1-7 1-8 1-9 1-10 1-12

1-13 1-14 1-14 1-14 1-15

1.4 References 1-15

UNIT 2 SKETCHING 2.1 Introduction 2-1 2.2 Learning Outcomes 2-1 2.3 Learning Contents

2.3.1 Why Needs Sketches? 2.3.2 Planes 2.3.3 Sketch Entities and Geometry 2.3.4 Sketch Complexity 2.3.5 Mechanics of Sketching 2.3.6 Beginning a Sketch (Draw Rectangle) 2.3.7 Rules That Govern Sketches 2.3.8 The Status of a Sketch 2.3.9 Making a Fully Define Sketch

2.3.9.1 Sketch Relation 2.3.9.2 Add Relation 2.3.9.3 Dimension 2.3.9.4 Dimensioning a Sketch

2.3.10 Others Important 2D Sketch Command

2-1 2-1 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 2-6 2-7 2-8 2-9 2-9 2-12 2-12 2-12 2-14

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2.3.10.1 Fillet 2.3.10.2 Offset 2.3.10.3 Convert Entities 2.3.10.4 Trim Entities 2.3.10.5 Mirror Entities

2-14 2-14 2-16 2-16 2-19

2.4 Activities / Exercise 2.4.1 Exercise I 2.4.2 Exercise II 2.4.3 Exercise III

2-20 2-20 2-21 2-21

2.5 References 2-22

UNIT 3 BASIC MODELING TECHNIQUE 3.1 Introduction 3-1 3.2 Learning Outcomes 3-1 3.3 Learning Contents

3.3.1 3D Modeling Terminology 3.3.2 Choosing the Best Profile 3.3.3 Choosing the Sketch Plane 3.3.4 Features and Commands 3.3.5 Views 3.3.6 Extrude Feature End Conditions Option 3.3.7 Revolve Feature 3.3.8 Sweep Feature 3.3.9 Loft Feature 3.3.10 Fillet Feature 3.3.11 Chamfer Feature 3.3.12 Rib Feature 3.3.13 Draft Feature 3.3.14 Hole Wizard 3.3.15 Pattern 3.3.16 Reference Geometry

Creating Plane Creating Axis Creating Coordinate System Creating Point

3.3.17 Families of Parts

3-2 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-4 3-6 3-9 3-10 3-11 3-11 3-13 3-13 3-14 3-15 3-16 3-16 3-19 3-19 3-21 3-22 3-23 3-23

3.4 Activities / Exercise 3.4.1 Exercise 1 3.4.2 Exercise 2 3.4.3 Exercise 3 3.4.4 Exercise 4 3.4.5 Exercise 5 3.4.6 Exercise 6 3.4.7 Exercise 7

3-25 3-25 3-25 3-26 3-27 3-28 3-29 3-30

3.5 References 3-32

UNIT 4 PART ASSEMBLY 4.1 Introduction

Learning Outcomes 4-1 4-1

4.1 Introduction to Part Assembly 4-2

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4.2 FeatureManager Design Tree Conventions and Symbols

4.3 Adding Components to an Assembly 4.3.1 Moving and Rotating Components 4.3.2 Mating Relationships 4.3.3 Mate Pop-up Toolbar 4.3.4 Adding Mate Relationship 4.3.5 Types of mates 4.3.6 Alignment Conditions 4.3.7 Suppressing a Mating Relationship

4.4 Displaying Part Configurations in an Assembly 4.4.1 Using Part Configurations in Assemblies 4.4.2 Drag and Drop from an Open Document

4.5 Creating Copies of Instances 4.6 Component Hiding and Transparency

4.6.1 Hide Component and Show Component 4.6.2 Change Transparency

4.7 Component Properties 4.8 Sub-assemblies 4.9 Smart Mates

4.9.1 View Mates 4.9.2 View Mate Errors

4.10 Inserting Sub-assembly 4.10.1 Mating Sub-assemblies

4.11 Analyzing the Assembly 4.11.1 Mass Properties Calculations 4.11.2 Checking for Interference

4.12 Changing the Values of Dimensions 4.12.1 Activities / Exercise

4.13 Using Physical Dynamics 4.14 Physical Simulation

4.14.1 Activities/ Exercise 4.15 Exploded Assemblies

4.15.1 Creating and Editing Exploded Views 4.15.2 Introducing: Exploded View 4.15.3 Explode Line Sketch 4.15.4 Animating Exploded Views 4.15.5 Activities / Exercise

4-4 4-4 4-5 4-6 4-6 4-7 4-7 4-9 4-11 4-13 4-14 4-14 4-16 4-17 4-17 4-18 4-18 4-20 4-21 4-23 4-23 4-24 4-25 4-26 4-26 4-26 4-28 4-29 4-30 4-32 4-35 4-36 4-37 4-38 4-41 4-42 4-43

4.16 References 4-44

Unit 1 Introduction to Modeling & SolidWorks Software

INTRODUCTION TO CAD & CAE BY USING SOLIDWORKS 1 - 1

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDWORKS SOFTWARE

1.1 INTRODUCTION This Module discusses terminology and SolidWorks software

characteristics, design intent, open & exit program, Software interface,

toolbar, mouse button and customize option.

1.2 LEARNINGS OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

Describe the key characteristics of a feature-based, parametric solid modeler.

Distinguish between sketched and applied features. Identify the principal components of the SolidWorks user interface. Explain how different dimensioning methodologies convey diferent

design intents.

1.3 LEARNING CONTENTS 1.3.1 What is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks is design automation software. In SolidWorks, you sketch ideas and experiment with different designs

to create 3D models.

SolidWorks is used by students, designers, engineers, and other professionals to produce simple and complex parts, assemblies, and

drawings.



1.3.2 Terminology and SolidWorks Software Characteristics

1.3.2.1 Featured-based Made up of a number of individual piece part

Figure 1.1: Concept of featured based modeling



Applied



Can be classified as either sketched or applied 9 Sketched Feature:

Is based upon a 2D sketch. Generally that sketch is

transformed into a solid by extrusion, rotation, sweeping or

lofting.

9 Applied Feature:

Created directly on the solid model. Fillets and chamfers are

examples of this type of feature.

Applied

Figure 1.2: Different plane on featured based.

Figure 1.3: Multiple feature sketch on many plane.



1.3.2.2 Parametric solid modeling Enable you to quickly and easily make changes to the model

1.3.2.3 Fully associative

Model is fully associative to the drawings and assemblies that reference it.

Any model changes will reflect the associated drawings and assembly.

Figure 1.4: File references

1.3.3 Design Intent Is your plan as to how the model should behave when it is changed. For example: if you model a boss with a blind hole in it, the hole should

move when the boss is moved.

Several factors contribute to how you capture design intent: o Automatic relations o Equations o Added relations o Dimensioning



1.3.3.1 Some examples of different design intent in a sketch

1.3.3.2 How feature affect Design Intent

The choice of features and the modeling methodology are also

important. For example, consider the case of a simple stepped

shaft as shown below. There are several ways a part like this could

be built.

o The Layer Cake Approach o The Manufacturing Approach o The Potters Wheel Approach

Dimensioned like this will keep the holes

positioned relative to the left edge of the plate.

The positions of the holes are not affected by

changes in the overall width of the plate.

Dimensioning from the edge and center to

center will maintain the distance between the

hole centers and allow it to be changed that

way.

Dimensioned like this will keep the holes 20

mm from each end regardless of how the

overall plate width is changed.

((aa))

((bb))

((cc))



The Layer Cake Approach

Builds the part one pieces at a time, adding each layer, or feature,

onto the previous one.

The Manufacturing Approach Modeling mimics the way the part would be manufactured. For

example, if this stepped shaft was turned on a lathe, you would

start with a piece of bar stock and remove material using a series of

cuts.

The Potters Wheel Approach Builds the part as a single, revolved feature.

1.3.4 Open & Exit Program

Running Programs

The quickest way to start a program is to double-click on a desktop shortcut.

Some programs may not have desktop shortcuts. The Programs menu lists the entire application programs resident on

the computer.



Exit a Program

Select or click File, Exit to end a program. If the file has unsaved changes, you have the chance to save them

before exiting.

1.3.5 Open & Save File

Opening a File

The quickest way to open a file is to double-click on it. The File menu displays your most recently used files.



Saving and Copying Files

Saving a file preserves the changes that you have made to it. Use File, Save As to copy a file. File, Save As creates an exact duplicate of the file as it existed at the

moment that you copied it.

1.3.6 Parts, Assemblies & Drawings

The SolidWorks model is made up of: o Parts Assemblies Drawings

Parts are single three-dimensional (3D) objects. Parts are the basic building blocks of 3D modeling. Parts can be included as components

in assemblies and represented in drawings.

Assemblies are logical collections of components. These components can be parts or other assemblies. An assembly within an assembly is

called a subassembly.

Drawings are 2D representations of 3D parts or assemblies. Drawings are needed for manufacturing, quality assurance, supply chain

management, and other functions.

Parts, assemblies, and drawings are associative. This means that changes in one place are reflected in all of the places that they need to

be reflected. Changes that you make to an assembly are reflected in

the drawings of that assembly. Changes that you make to a part are

reflected in the assembly.

Display most recently used files



Typically, you design each part, combine the parts into assemblies, and generate drawings in order to manufacture the parts and

assemblies.

The following illustration shows the relationship among parts, assemblies, and drawings.

Figure 1.5: Relationship among parts, assemblies, and drawings

1.3.7 Software Interface

The first thing you may notice about the user interface is that it looks like

Windows. That is because it is Windows! The interface is how you interact

with the computer in the following ways:



Use windows to view files. Use the mouse to select buttons, menus, and model elements. Run programs like SolidWorks mechanical design software. Find, open, and work with files. Create, save, and copy files. Menu provides access to many of the commands hat the SolidWorks

software offers.

Figure 1.7: SolidWorks Interface



1.3.7.1 Left Side of SolidWorks Window

FeatureManager Design Tree

Displays all the features in a part or assembly As features are created they are added to the FeatureManager

design tree.

Represents the chronological sequence of modeling operations.

PropertyManager Menus

Most SolidWorks commands are executed through PropertyManager menus.

Feature Manager design tree

PropertyManager

Configuration Manager



Configuration Manager

To create, select, and view multiple configurations of parts and assemblies in a document.

1.3.7.2 Right Side of SolidWorks Window - The Task Pane The Task Pane appears when you open the SolidWorks software.

It contains the following tabs:

SolidWorks Resources

Groups of commands for Getting Started, Community, and Online Resources, plus Tip of the Day.

Design Library Reusable parts, assemblies, and other elements, including Library Features.

File Explorer Duplicate of Windows Explorer on your

computer, plus Recent Documents and Open in SolidWorks.

The Task Pane can be in the following states:



1.3.7.3 Toolbar

Buttons for frequently used commands.

You can select the toolbars to display. Toolbars are displayed at the top and sides of the window. You can also access the toolbars from the Command Manager.

1.3.7.4 System Feedback

Provided by a symbol attached to the cursor arrow indicating what are you

selecting or what the system is

expecting you to select.

The illustration at the right shows some of the symbols.

1.3.8 Mouse Button

Left Select object such as

geometry, menu buttons and

objects in the Feature Manager

design tree.

Right Activates a context sensitive

shortcut menu.

Middle Dynamically rotates pans or

zooms a part or assembly.

Press + move mouse rotate

a part or assembly.



1.3.9 Customize Option o Use to customize the SolidWorks software to reflect such things as

your company drafting standards as well as your individual preferences

and work environment.

o Control settings like: 9 Units: English (inches) or Metric (millimeters) 9 Colours, Material Properties and Image Quality

o Located on the Tools menu or click icon o Several levels of customization:- 9 System Option will affect every document and every times you

open your SolidWorks session.

9 Document properties applied to the individual document. 1.4 REFERENCES

1. SolidWorks Essentials - SolidWorks 2007 Training Manual,

Massachusetts, USA.

2. SolidWorks 2007 Online Users Guide SP0.0

3. SolidWorks 2005 Hand-on Quick Start

Unit 2 Sketching

INTRODUCTION TO CAD & CAE BY USING SOLIDWORKS

2 - 1

UNIT 2 SKETCHING

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This Module introduces 2D Sketching, the basic of modeling in

SolidWorks. It discusses the Planes, sketch entities and geometry (Line,

Box, Circle, Centerpoint Arc, Tangent Arc, Three point Arc, Ellipse, Spline,

Point, Fillet and Center lines), Sketch status, Sketch relations,

Dimensioning, Fillet, Offset, Trim, Convert and Mirror.



Insert a new sketch. Add sketch geometry. Establish sketch relation between pieces of geometry. Understand the state of the sketch. Use sketch tools to add fillets. Extrude the sketch into a solid.

2.3 LEARNING CONTENTS 2.3.1 Why needs sketches?

Solid models are built from features. Shape features have sketches. Sketched features are built from 2D profiles. Illustration below shows how a given sketch can form the basis of

several different types of features.

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Example 1

Example 2

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2.3.2 Planes Since sketches are flat, or planar, it needs a plane on which to sketch.

A SolidWorks part contains three default sketch planes. Default planes

- Front, Top, and Right

Figure 2.1: Three default references planes intersect at the origin

Correspond to the standard principle drawing views: o Front = Front or Back view o Top = Top or Bottom view o Right = Right or Left view

Figure 2.2: Selecting a plane according to the model

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2.3.3 Sketch Entities and Geometry SolidWorks offers a rich variety of sketch tool for creating profile geometry.

Table below shows some of the sketch entities that are available on the

sketch toolbar.

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2.3.4 Sketch Complexity In many cases, you can produce the same result by creating an extruded

feature with a complex profile, or an extruded feature with a simpler profile

and some additional features.

For example, if the edges of an extrusion need to be rounded, you can draw a complex sketch that contains sketch fillets (A), or draw a simple sketch and add the fillets as separate features later (B).

A) Complex sketch Extrude

B) Simple sketch Add fillet feature

Consider your design intent: o Complex sketches rebuild faster. Sketch fillets can be

recalculated much faster than fillet features, but complex sketches

can be harder to create and edit.

o Simple sketches are more flexible and easier to manage. Individual features can be reordered and suppressed, if necessary.

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2.3.5 Mechanics of Sketching

To sketch geometry, there are two techniques can be used: Click-Click

Select line. Position the cursor where you want the line to start. Click

(press and release) the left mouse button. Move the cursor to where

you want the line to end. A preview of the sketch entity will follow the

cursor like a rubber band. Click the left mouse button a second time.

Click and Drag

Select line. Position the cursor where you want the line to start. Press

and hold the left mouse button. Drag the cursor to where you want the

sketch entity to end. A preview of the sketch entity will follow the cursor

like a rubber band. Release the left mouse button.

2.3.6 Beginning a Sketch (Draw Rectangle)

i) Click Sketch on the Sketch toolbar.

ii) Select the Front plane as a sketch plane.

iii) Click Rectangle on the Sketch Tools toolbar.

iv) Move the pointer to the origin and click the left mouse button.

vi) Drag the pointer up and to the right Click the left mouse button.

Sketch tool

Rectangle tool

Sketch origin

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2.3.7 Rules That Govern Sketches

Different types of sketches will yield different results. Several different

types are summarized in the table below. It is important to note that some

of the techniques shown in the table below are advanced techniques that

are not covered here and need more experience user.

Sketch Type Description Special Considerations

A typical standard sketch that is a neatly closed contour.

None required.

Multiple nested contours create a boss with an internal cut.

None required.

Open contour creates a thin feature with constant thickness.

None required.

Corners are not neatly closed.

Rebuilt Error. Unable to create feature due to geometry condition.

Sketch contains a self intersecting contour.

Use the Contour Select Tool. If both contour are selected, this type of sketch will create a Multibody Solid.

Although this will work, multibodies are an advanced modeling technique that you should not use until you have more experience.

This sketch of the first feature contains disjoint contours.

This type of sketch will create a Multibody Solid.

Although this will work, multibodies are an advanced modeling technique that you should not use until you have more experience.

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2.3.8 The Status of a Sketch

Under defined o There is inadequate definition of the

sketch.

o You can drag endpoints, lines, or curves until the sketch entity changes

shape.

o Additional dimensions or relations are required. o Under defined sketch entities are blue (by default).

Fully defined o The sketch has complete

information.

o No additional dimensions or relationships are required.

o Fully defined sketch entities are black (by default).

Over defined o Contains duplicate

dimensions or conflicting

relations and it should not be

used until repaired.

o Over defined sketch entities are red (by default).

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2.3.9 Making a Fully Define Sketch

Design intent in a sketch is captured and controlled by a combination of two things:

o Sketch Relation Create geometric relationships such as parallel, collinear,

perpendicular, or coincident between sketch elements.

o Dimensions Dimension are used to define the size and location of the sketch

geometry. Linear, radial, diameter and angular dimensions can be

added.

To fully define a sketch and capture the desired design intent requires understanding and applying a combination of relations and dimension.

2.3.9.1 Sketch Relation

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Concentric between two or more arcs or circle.

Coradial between two or more arcs or circle.

Tangen between line with arc/circle or between arc/circle with arc/circle.

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2.3.9.2 Add Relations

Appears when you click Add Relation on the Dimensions/Relations toolbar.

Appears when you select multiple sketch entities in the graphics area.

Or, right-click the entity or entities, and select Add Relation from the short-cut menu.

Or, click Tools, Relations, Add

2.3.9.3 Dimension

It is used to define the size. In SolidWorks, dimensions are not just static numbers that tell

you the size of something. Instead, the dimensions are used to

change the size and shape of the model.

The type of dimension is determined by the items on which you click. For example, if you pick an arc the system creates a

radial dimension. If you pick a circle, you get a diameter

dimension, while selecting two parallel lines creates a linear

dimension between them.

2.3.9.4 Dimensioning a Sketch

i) You dimension 2D or 3D sketch entities with the Smart

Dimension tool. ii) You can drag or delete a dimension while the Smart

Dimension tool is active. iii) Click Smart Dimension on the Dimensions/Relations

toolbar, or click Tools, Dimensions, Smart. The default

dimension type is Parallel.

iv) Select the items to dimension, as shown in the table 1.

v) As you move the pointer, the dimension snaps to the

closest orientation.

vi) Click to place the dimension.

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Table 1: Item to be Dimensioning

To dimension the... Click... Note:

Length of a line or edge

The line.

Angle between two lines Two lines, or a line and a model edge.

Placement of the dimension affects the way the angle is measured.

Distance between two lines

Two parallel lines or a line and a parallel model edge.

Perpendicular distance from a point to a line

The point and the line or model edge.

Distance between two points

Two points. One of the points can be a model vertex.

Radius of an arc The arc.

True length of an arc The arc, then the two end points.

Diameter of a circle The circumference. Displayed as linear or diameter, depending on placement.

Distance when one or both entities is an arc or a circle

The centerpoint or the circumference of the arc or circle, and the other entity (line, edge, point, etc.).

By default, distance is measured to the centerpoint of the arc or circle, even when you select the circumference.

Midpoint of a linear edge

Right-click the edge whose midpoint you want to dimension and click Select Midpoint. Then select the second entity to dimension.

You can also dimension to midpoints when you add baseline or ordinate dimensions.

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2.3.10 Others Important 2D Sketch Command

2.3.10.1 Fillet

Rounds the corner at the intersection of two sketch entities, creating a tangent arc.

Figure 3.3: Before and after fillet command

The radius value stays in effect until you change it. Therefore, you can draw any number of fillets with the same radius.

i. In an open sketch, click Sketch Fillet on the Sketch toolbar, or Tools, Sketch Tools, Fillet.

ii. Set the properties in the Sketch Fillet PropertyManager. iii. Select the sketch entities to fillet.

To select the sketch entities, you can: i. Hold Ctrl and select two sketch entities. ii. Select a corner.

Click OK to accept the fillet, or click Undo to remove the fillet. You can undo a sequence of fillets in reverse order.

2.3.10.2 Offset

Adds sketch entities by offsetting faces, edges, curves, or sketch entities a specified distance.

To create a sketch offset: i. In an open sketch, select one or more sketch entities, a

model face, or a model edge.

ii. Click Offset Entities on the Sketch toolbar, or click Tools, Sketch Tools, Offset Entities.

iii. In the PropertyManager, under Parameters, set the following:

before after

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When you click in the graphics area, the Offset Entity is complete. Set the Parameters before you click in the graphics area.

Offset Distance . Set a value to offset the sketch entity by a specified distance. To see a dynamic preview, hold

down the mouse button and drag the pointer in the graphics

area. When you release the mouse button, the Offset Entity is complete.

Add dimensions. Include the Offset Distance in the sketch. This does not affect any dimensions included with

the original sketch entity. Reverse. Change the direction of a one-directional offset. Select chain. Create an offset of all adjacent sketch entities.

Bi-directional. Create offset entities in two directions.

o Make base construction. Convert the original sketch entity

to a construction line.

Cap ends. Extend the original non-intersecting sketch entities by selecting Bi-directional, and adding a cap. You can create Arcs or Lines as extension cap types.

iv. Click OK or click in the graphics area.

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To change the size of a sketch offset: Double-click the offsets dimension and change the value. In a bi-

directional offset, change the dimensions of the two offsets

individually.

2.3.10.3 Convert Entities

Converts selected model edges or sketch entities into sketch

segments by projecting selected edge, loop, face and curve onto

the sketch plane.

Rather than drawing the outlines by hand, they are copied from existing geometry.

This technique is: o Fast and easy select the face and click the tool. o Accurate sketch entities are cloned directly from existing

geometry.

o Intelligent if the solid body changes shape, the sketch updates. Automatically.

To convert an entity:

i. In an open sketch, click a model edge, loop, face, curve,

external sketch contour, set of edges, or set of curves.

ii. Click Convert Entities on the Sketch toolbar, or click Tools, Sketch Tools, Convert Entities.

2.3.10.4 Trim Entities Trim or extends a sketch entity to be coincident to another, or

deletes a sketch entity. There are five trim options:

o Power trim Trim away outside o Corner Trim to closest o Trim away inside

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Power Trim Use Power trim to: o Trim multiple, adjacent sketch entities by dragging the pointer

across each sketch entity.

o Extend sketch entities along their natural paths.

To trim with the Power trim option:

i. Right-click the sketch and select Edit Sketch.

ii. Click Trim Entities Sketch toolbar) or Tools, Sketch Tools, Trim.

iii. Select Options, Power trim . iv. Click in the graphics area next to the first entity, and drag

across the sketch entity to trim.

vi. Continue to hold down the pointer and drag across each

sketch entity you want to trim.

vii. Release the pointer when finished trimming the sketch, then

click OK.

To extend with the Power trim option:

i. Follow steps 1 - 3 from the preceding procedure.

ii. Select anywhere along the sketch entity to extend.

iii. Click and drag the pointer as far as you want to extend the

sketch entity.

iv. Release the pointer when finished extending the sketch

entity, then click OK.

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Corner Extends or trims two sketch entities until they intersect at a virtual

corner. To trim with the Corner option:


ii. Click Trim Entities on the Sketch toolbar, or click Tools, Sketch Tools, Trim.

iii. Select Options, Corner .

iv. Select the two sketch entities you want to joined.

v. Click OK.

Trim Away Inside

Trims open sketch entities that lie inside two bounding entities. To

trim with the Trim away inside option:



iii. Select Options, Trim away inside . iv. Select two bounding sketch entities.

v. Select the sketch entities to trim.

vi. Click OK.

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Trim Away Outside Trims open sketch entities outside of two bounding entities. The

same rules that govern the Trim away inside option govern the Trim away outside option.

Trim to Closest i. Right-click the sketch and select Edit Sketch.


iii. Select Options, Trim to closest . The pointer changes to .

iv. Select each sketch entity you want trimmed or extended to

the closest intersection:

v. Click OK.

2.3.10.5 Mirror Entities

Create a symmetric entities corresponding to the mirrored lines. If you change a mirrored entity, its mirror image also changes.

To mirror existing sketch entities:

i. In an open sketch, click Mirror Entities on the Sketch toolbar, or click Tools, Sketch Tools, Mirror.

ii. In the PropertyManager:

a. Select sketch entities for Entities to Mirror . b. Clear Copy to remove the original sketch entities or

Select Copy to include the original sketch entities.

c. Select an edge or a line to Mirror about . iii. Click OK.

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2.4 ACTIVITIES Exercise 1 Create this sketch on the front plane using, lines, automatic relation and

dimension. Fully define the sketch. All dimensions are in inches.

Next select sketch fillet and set the Radius to 0.1875. Select all of the endpoints

in the sketch.

Mirror entities

Mirror line

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Ellipse Major axis 149 Minor axis 75

Exercise 2 Create this sketch on the front plane using, lines, automatic relation and

dimension. Fully define the sketch. All dimensions are in mm.

Exercise 3 Create this sketch on the front plane using, lines, automatic relation and

dimension. Fully define the sketch. All dimensions are in mm.

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2.5 REFERENCES


Massachusetts, USA.



Unit 3 Basic Modeling Technique


3 - 1

UNIT 3 BASIC MODELING TECHNIQUE

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This Module discusses 3D Modeling Terminology, Profile selection, Views,

Extruded boss/base, Extruded cut, Revolved boss/base, Revolved cut,

Swept boss/base, Lofted boss/base, Fillet, Chamfer, Rib, Mirror, Shell,

Draft, Hole wizard, linear pattern, circular pattern, Reference, Helix/Spiral,

Sectioning, editing and repairing problem, Configuration.



Choose the best profile for sketching. Choose the proper sketch plane. Create a new part. Extrude a sketch as a boss. Extrude a sketch as a cut. Create hole wizard holes. Create revolved features. Create a sweep features. Create a loft features. Perform shelling operations to hollow out a part. Use rib tool. Use geometry pattern (linear, circular and mirror) properly. Insert fillets on a solid. Diagnose various problems in a part. Repair sketch geometry problems. Repair dangling relations and dimensions. Create reference planes. Use configurations to represent different versions of a part within a

single SolidWorks file.

Suppress and unsuppress features. Change dimension values by configuration.



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3.3 LEARNING CONTENTS 3.3.1 3D Modeling Terminology



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3.3.2 Choosing the Best Profile Choose the best profile. This profile, when extrude, will generate more of

the model than any other. Look at these models as examples.



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3.3.3 Choosing the Sketch Plane Profile will contact or be parallel to one of the three planes. Things to consider when choosing the sketch planes.

o The part appearance in standard views o The part orientation in an assembly o The part appearance in detail drawing

Figure 3.1: View of finalize model if selecting different Plane orientation

3.3.4 Features and Commands

Base Feature o The first feature that is created. o The foundation of the part. o The base feature geometry for the box is an extrusion. o The extrusion is named Extrude1. o Tip: Keep the base feature simple.

profile



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Features Used to Build

Extruded Boss Feature o Adds material to the part. o Requires a sketch.

Extruded Cut Feature o Removes material from the part. o Requires a sketch.

Fillet Feature o Rounds the edges or faces of a part to a specified radius.

Shell Feature o Removes material from the selected face. o Creates a hollow block from a solid block. o Very useful for thin-walled, plastic parts. o You are required to specify a wall thickness when using the shell

feature.



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3.3.5 Views



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3.3.6 Extrude Feature - End Conditions Option

An extrusion will extend a profile along a path normal to the profile plane

for some distance. The movement along that path becomes the solid

model.

End Condition Name Results of Using the End Condition

Blind Extrusion distance is specified by the user.

Through All Extrusion continues through the entire part.

Up to Vertex Selected vertex or point dictates extrusion distance.

Up to Surface Selected surface, face or plane dictates extrusion distance.

Offset from Surface Extrusion terminates the specified distance either before or after the selected surface, face or plane.

Up to Next Extrusion terminates at the next face encountered.

Up to Body Selected body dictates the extrusion distance.

Midplane Extrudes equal amounts in opposite directions. Distance specified is the total distance of the extrusion.

Original sketch plane

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

*

Blin

d

Thro

ugh

All

Up

to V

erte

x

Up

to S

urfa

ce

Off

set f

rom

Sur

face

Mid

plan

e

Up

to N

ext

Up

to B

ody

Vertex point

Next body



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3.3.7 Revolve Feature

A Revolve feature is created by rotating a 2D profile sketch around an axis of revolution.

The profile sketch can use a sketch line or a centerline as the axis of revolution.

The profile sketch cannot cross the axis of revolution.

To Create a Revolve Feature: 1. Select a sketch plane.

2. Sketch a 2D profile.

3. (Optional) Sketch a centerline.

9 The axis of revolution must be in the sketch with the profile. It cannot be in a separate sketch.

9 The profile must not cross the centerline. 4. Click Revolved Boss/Base .

5. Specify the angle of rotation and click OK. The default angle is 360.

6. The sketch is revolved around the axis of revolution, creating the feature.

centerline



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3.3.8 Sweep Feature

The Sweep feature is created by moving a 2D profile along a path. A Sweep feature is used to create the handle on the candlestick. The Sweep feature requires two sketches:

o Sweep Path o Sweep Profile

Sweep Overview Rules The sweep path is a set of sketched curves contained in a sketch, a

curve, or a set of model edges.

The sweep profile must be a closed contour. The start point of the path must lie on the plane of the sweep section. The section, path or the resulting solid cannot be self-intersecting.

3.3.9 Loft Feature

Blends multiple profiles together. A Loft feature can be a base, boss, or cut.



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To Create a Simple Loft Feature: 1. Create the planes required for the profile sketches. Each sketch should

be on a different plane.

2. Sketch a profile on the first plane.

3. Sketch the remaining profiles on their corresponding planes.

4. Click Loft on the Features toolbar.

5. Select each profile.

6. Examine the preview curve and the connectors.

7. Click OK .



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3.3.10 Fillet Feature

Fillet/Round creates a rounded internal or external face on the part. You

can fillet all edges of a face, selected sets of faces, selected edges, or

edge loops.

To create fillets:

1. Click Fillet on the Features toolbar, or click Insert, Features, Fillet/Round.

2. Set the PropertyManager options. For constant radius fillets only,

you can use the FilletXpert to add or modify fillets.

3. Click OK

3.3.11 Chamfer Feature

Creates a beveled feature on selected edges, faces, or a vertex.

To create a chamfer: 1. Click Chamfer on the Features toolbar, or click Insert,

Features, Chamfer. 2. Under Chamfer Parameters:

Select an entity in the graphics area for Edges and Faces or Vertex.

Select one of the following: Angle distance Distance distance Vertex



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Choose Select through faces to enable selection of edges through faces that hide the edges.

Select Equal Distance to specify a single value for distance or vertex.

Select Keep features to retain features such as cuts or extrudes that would otherwise be removed when you apply the

chamfer.

Select Tangent propagation to extend the chamfer to faces or edges that are tangent to the selected entity.

Select a preview mode: Full preview, Partial preview, or No preview.

3. Click OK 3.3.12 Rib Feature

Rib is a special type of extruded feature created from open or closed sketched contours.

It adds material of a specified thickness in a specified direction between the contour and an existing part.

Original part

Keep features cleared

Keep features checked



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To create a rib: 1. Sketch the contour to use as the rib feature on a plane that:

Intersects the part, or Is parallel or at an angle to an existing plane

2. Click Rib on the Features toolbar, or click Insert, Features, Rib. 3. Set the PropertyManager options.

4. Click OK

3.3.13 Draft Feature

Tapers model faces by a specified angle, using a neutral pane or a parting line..

Use to make a molded part easier to remove from the mold.

To draft a model face:

1. Click Draft (Features toolbar) or Insert, Features, Draft. 2. Set the options in the PropertyManager.

3. Click OK



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3.3.14 Hole Wizard

Insert a hole using a pre-defined cross-section. Two tabs appear at the Hole Wizard propertymanager: Type (default). Sets the hole type parameters. Positions. Locates the Hole Wizard holes on planar or non-planar

faces. Use the dimension and other sketch tools to position the

hole centers.

Hole type

Counterbore

Countersink

Hole

Tap Pipe tap Legacy Hole

To create Hole Wizard holes: 1. Create a part and select a planar surface.

2. Click Hole Wizard on the Features toolbar or Insert, Features, Hole, Wizard.

3. Set the options in the PropertyManager.

4. Click OK

3.3.15 Pattern Repeats the selected features in an array based on a seed feature. You can create a linear pattern, a circular pattern, a curve driven pattern, a

fill pattern, or use sketch points or table coordinates to create the pattern.

Mirror copies the selected features or all features, mirroring them about the selected plane or face



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3.3.16 Reference Geometry

The Reference Geometry toolbar provides tools for creating and

using reference geometry.

Plane

Axis

Coordinate System Point

Creating Plane

1. Click Plane on the Reference Geometry toolbar, or click Insert, Reference Geometry, Plane. The Plane PropertyManager appears.

2. Under Selections, select the type of plane you want to create and the items to create the plane:

Through Lines/Points . Create a plane through an edge, axis, or sketch line, and a point, or through three points.

Parallel Plane at Point . Create a plane through a point parallel to a plane or face.

Select a face or planar face. Then select a midpoint. The new plane is parallel to the selected face through the chosen midpoint.



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At Angle . Create a plane through an edge, axis, or sketch line at an angle to a face or plane.

Offset Distance . Create a plane parallel to a plane or face, offset by a specified distance. This is the default plane created.

Normal to Curve . Create a plane through a point and perpendicular to an edge or curve.

If the selected line is in the same plane as the selected plane, the new plane rotates around the selected line.

If the selected line is parallel to the selected plane, the new plane moves to the parallel line and rotates around the line.

In this example, you select just the helix to create the new plane. Plane 4 is perpendicular to the end of the tapered helix.

A circle is swept along the helix to create a spring.



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On Surface . Create a plane on a non-planar face or angular surface.

Drag and Drop. You can also drag and drop to create a plane.

The selected items appear in the Reference Entities box. A preview of the new plane appears in the graphics area.

3. Click OK to create the plane. Creating Axis

1. Click Axis on the Reference Geometry toolbar, or click Insert,

Reference Geometry, Axis. 2. Select the axis type in the Axis PropertyManager, then select the

required entities for that type.

One Line/Edge/Axis . Select a sketch line, an edge, or select View, Temporary Axes and then select the axis that is displayed.

Two Planes . Select two planar faces, or select View, Planes, and then select two planes.

Two Points/Vertices . Select two vertices, points, or midpoints.

Cylindrical/Conical Face . Select a cylindrical or conical face. Point and Face/Plane . Select a surface or plane and a vertex

point, or midpoint. The resultant axis is normal to the selected

surface or plane through the selected vertex, point, or midpoint. If

the surface is non-planar, the point must be on the surface.

a. Select a surface. b. Select a sketch point on the surface



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3. Verify that the items listed in Reference Entities correspond to your selections.

4. Click OK. 5. Click View, Axes to see the new axis.

Display Temporary Axis

You can use an axis in creating sketch geometry or in a circular pattern.

Every cylindrical and conical face has an axis.

Temporary axes are those created implicitly by cones and cylinders

in the model.

To display temporary axes: Click View, Temporary Axes.

Creating Coordinate System

You can define a coordinate system for a part or assembly. Use this

coordinate system with the Measure and Mass Properties tools, and for exporting SolidWorks documents to IGES, STL, ACIS, STEP, Parasolid,

VRML, and VDA.

To create a coordinate system:

1. Click Coordinate System on the Reference Geometry toolbar, or click Insert, Reference Geometry, Coordinate System.

2. Use the Coordinate System PropertyManager to create the coordinate system.

3. Click OK



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Creating Point

Use as construction objects. Can also create multiple reference points that are a specified distance

apart on curves.

Click View, Points to toggle the display of reference points.

To create a single reference point:

1. Click Point on the Reference Geometry toolbar, or click Insert, Reference Geometry, Point.

2. In the PropertyManager, select the type of reference point to create.

3. In the graphics area, select the entities to use to create the

reference point.

4. Click OK

3.3.17 Families of Parts

Many times parts come in a variety of sizes. This is called a family of parts. It is not efficient to build each version individually. Design Tables simplify making families of parts.



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What is a Configuration? A configuration is a way to create a family of similar parts within one

file.

Each configuration represents one version of the part.

Suppress / Unsuppress (also known as revolved) Feature Suppress is used to temporarily remove a feature. When a feature is

suppressed, the system treats it as if it doesnt exist. That means other

features that are dependent on it will be suppressed also. In addition,

suppressed features are removed from memory, freeing up system

resources. Suppressed features can be unsuppressed at any time.

To create a configuration manually:

1. In either a part or assembly document, click the

ConfigurationManager tab at the top of the FeatureManager

design tree to change to the ConfigurationManager.

2. In the ConfigurationManager, right-click the part or assembly name

and select Add Configuration. 3. In the Add Configuration PropertyManager, type a Configuration

Name and specify properties for the new configuration. You can specify a configuration specific color.

4. Click .

5. Click the FeatureManager design tree tab to return to the

FeatureManager design tree.

6. Modify the model as needed to create the design variation.

7. Save the model.

To activate a different configuration:

1. Click the ConfigurationManager tab to change to the

ConfigurationManager.

2. Right-click the name of the configuration you want to view and select

Show Configuration or Double-click the configuration name. The named configuration becomes the active configuration, and the

view of the model updates to reflect the newly selected configuration.



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3.4 ACTIVITIES Exercise 1

Create this part using the information and dimensions provided. Sketch and

extrude profiles to create the part.

Exercise 2

Use the following graphics to create the part.



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Exercise 3 Use the following graphics to create the part. Holes are concentric to circular

edges created by fillets and rounds.



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Exercise 4

Dimension in mm:

Create this part using the dimension provided. Use

relations and equations where applicable to maintain the

design intent. Give careful thought to the best location for

the origin.

Design intent The design intent for this part is as follow:

1. The part is symmetrical.

2. Front holes on centerline.

3. All fillets and round are R 3mm unless noted.

4. Center holes in Front and Right share a common

centerpoint.

SECTION A-A



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Exercise 5 Build this part in SolidWorks.

Material: 6061 Alloy. Density = 0.0027g/mm^3 Unit system: MMGS (millimeter, gram, second) Decimal places: 2. A = 100. All holes through all, unless otherwise specified. What is the overall mass of the

part in grams? (2040.57 gram)



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Exercise 6 Build this part in SolidWorks.

Unit system: MMGS (millimeter, gram, second)

Decimal places: 2. Part origin: Arbitrary

A = 63mm, B = 50mm, C = 100mm. All holes through all.

Part material: Copper Density = 0.0089 g/mm^3

What is the overall mass of the part in grams? (1280 gram)



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Exercise 7 These questions are the Parametric Part Modeling. Use configuration to create

these parts.

ADVICE You should be able to answer all four questions correctly within 20 to 30 minutes.

Read through every question first. This will help you save time and make correct

decisions when choosing which sketch plane to use and which sketch profile is

best. Avoid sketch fillets in this particular design.

Design this part in SolidWorks. Unit system: MMGS (millimeter, gram, second)

Decimal places: 2

Part origin: Arbitrary

Part material: Brass

Material Density: 0.0085 g/mm^3

Design note: the part is shelled throughout (single open face as shown)

Question 7a: A = 60 B = 64 C = 140 D = 19

What is the overall mass of the part (in grams)?

Question 7b: A = 50 B = 70 C = 160 D = 23




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Update part with new features/dimensions. Unit system: MMGS (millimeter, gram, second)

Decimal places: 2

Part material: Brass

Material Density: 0.0085 g/mm^3

Design note: no shell remaining

Question 7c: A = 60 B = 64 C = 140 D = 19 E = 25


Question 7d: A = 70 B = 80 C = 130 D = 15 E = 40


ANSWERS 7a) 1006.91 grams

7b) 1230.82 grams

7c) 2859.51 grams

7d) 3218.14 grams



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3.5 REFERENCES


Massachusetts, USA.



Unit 4 - Part Assembly


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PART ASSEMBLY Prepared by: MOHD FAHRUL BIN HASSAN Certified SolidWorks Professional Solid Modeling Specialist (Certificate ID: C-3HMLTLZVQN) 4.0 INTRODUCTION Part files, as you have learned, typically contain one contiguous solid modeling.

Assembly files can contain more than one part. Assembly files give you the

capability of assembling the parts you have created, putting the parts together as

if you were actually building the

assembly in real life. The following

figure shows an example of an

assembly. It is the example you

will use to learn about assemblies

in this lesson.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this module, you would be able to:

create a new assembly insert components into an assembly using all available techniques. add mating relationships between components. utilize the assembly-specific aspects of the FeatureManager design tree to

manipulate and manage the assembly.

insert sub-assemblies. use part configurations in an assembly.



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4.1 Introduction to Part Assembly You can build complex assemblies consisting of many components, which can be

parts or other assemblies, called sub-assemblies. For most operations, the

behavior of components is the same for both types. Adding a component to an

assembly creates a link between the assembly and the component. When

SolidWorks opens the assembly, it finds the component file to show it in the

assembly. Changes in the component are automatically reflected in the assembly.

The document name extension for assemblies is .sldasm

1] Open an existing part

Open the part Main body. A new assembly will be created by

using this part.

The first component added to an assembly should be a part that

will not move (fix). By fixing the first component, others can be

mated to it without any danger of it moving.

Handle Sub-assembly

Adjustable rod (2 copies)

Coupling

Main body

Pressing part

Bolt 1 (6 copies)



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2] Starting a New Assembly

1) To create an assembly from a beginning or new file:

Click New (Standard toolbar) New SolidWorks Document will appear and then click Assembly box to

begin the Part Assembly.

2) To create an assembly from a part:

Click Make Assembly from Part/Assembly (Standard toolbar) or File, Make Assembly from Part.

Click in the graphics area to add the part to the assembly.

An assembly opens with the Insert Component PropertyManager active.

SolidWorks will make automatically the first component fix and the second

component onwards will float.

3] Locate component. Place the component at the origin by simply

clicking OK. The part will appear in the assembly FeatureManager design tree

as Fixed (f).

4] Save Save the assembly under the name

Flywheel Press. Assembly files have the file

extension *.sldasm. Close the Main body part file.



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4.2 FeatureManager Design Tree Conventions and Symbols The FeatureManager design tree displays these items for assemblies:

Top-level assembly (the first item)

Various folders, for example, Annotations and Mates Assembly planes and origin Components (sub-assemblies and individual parts) Assembly features (cuts or holes) and component patterns

You can expand or collapse each component to view its details by clicking

beside the component name. To collapse all the items in the tree, right-click

anywhere in the tree and select Collapse Items.

4.3 Adding Components to an Assembly When you place a component (either an individual part or a sub-assembly) in an

assembly, the component file is linked to the assembly file. The component

appears in the assembly; the component data remains in the source component

file. Any changes you make to the component file update the assembly.

There are many ways to add components to a new or existing assembly:

Use the Insert Component PropertyManager. Drag from the File Explorer tab in the Task Pane. Drag from an open document window. Drag from Windows Explorer. Drag a hyperlink from Internet Explorer. Drag within the assembly for additional instances of existing components. Drag from the Design Library in the Task Pane. Use Insert, Smart Fasteners to add bolts, screws, nuts, pins, and

washers.



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5] Insert component

Click Insert component and select the Pressing part using Browse button. Position the component on the screen to the left of the Main body and click to place it.

The new component is listed as:

(-) Pressing part

This means that the component is the first instance of

Pressing part and it is under defined. It still has all six

degrees of freedom.

6] Highlighting Clicking on a component in the FeatureManager design tree will cause that

component to highlight (light green). Also, moving the cursor to a component in

the graphics window will display the feature name.

4.3.1 Moving and Rotating Components One or more selected components can be moved or rotated to reposition them for

mating using the mouse or the Move and Rotate Components commands. Also, moving under defined components simulates movement of a mechanism through

dynamic assembly motion.

1) Using the mouse:

Drag and drop a component. Right click a component, and select Move with Triad.

The triad provides visible axes, webs (plane between

axes) and rings. Use the triad to move or rotate

components along axes/webs or around rings. Float

over arrorhead: left-drag to move along the axis. Float

over ring: left-drag to rotate around the ring.



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2) Using the menus:

From the pull-down menu choose: Tools, Component, Rotate or Move. Right-click the component, and select Move Or, on the Assembly toolbar pick one of these tools:

Move a component. This can also be used to rotate components that

have rotational degrees of freedom.

Rotate the component in one of several ways: about its centerpoint;

about an entity such as an edge or axis; or by some angular value

about the assembly X, Y, or Z axes.

7] Move Click on the component and drag it to move it closer to where it will be mated.

4.3.2 Mating Relationships Mates create geometric relationships between assembly components. As you add

mates, you define the allowable directions of linear or rotational motion of the

components. You can move a component within its degrees of freedom,

visualizing the assembly's behavior. Mate relationships can be added between

many things, including the following: Faces, Planes, Axes, Model edges, Sketch geometry and Origin or vertex points.

Mates are solved together as a system. The order in which you add mates does

not matter; all mates are solved at the same time. You can suppress mates just as you can suppress features.

4.3.3 Mate Pop-up Toolbar The Mate Pop-up Toolbar is used to make selections easier by displaying the available mate types on the screen. The mate types that are available vary by

geometry selection and mirror those that appear in the PropertyManager. The

dialog appears on the graphics but can be dragged anywhere.



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4.3.4 Adding Mate Relationship To add mate relationships, perform the following steps;

1) Select Insert > Mate, or click on the Mate icon

found on the Assembly toolbar.

2) Select the objects between which to add a mate

relationship. For instance, select a face on each of

the two components being mated.

3) From the Mate PropertyManager, select the mate type to be added.

4) If adding a distance or angle mate, type in a

distance or angle value for the mate.

5) Click on OK to add the mate.

6) Repeat step 2 through 5 as needed, or click on OK a second time to close the Mate PropertyManager.

4.3.5 Types of mates There are many mate conditions that can be applied between components. The

following will clarify the basic mate types that will be used in this lesson.

1) Coincident mate Planar faces become coplanar (flush against each other). Edges or points can

also be used in coincident mates.

You can add coincident mates between two planar faces as shown the example

below:

2) Concentric mate Cylindrical faces become aligned along their axes. Conical and spherical faces, as

well as axes, can be mated concentric.

Face 1 Face 2

Coincident mate



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You can add concentric mates between two cylindrical faces as shown the

example below:

3) Parallel and Perpendicular mate You can add parallel or perpendicular mates between two faces as shown the

example below:

4) Distance mate Similar to parallel, but the distance between faces can be specified. Use this mate

for specifying clearances.

You can add distance mates between the two faces as shown below. You must

type a distance value in the Distance box in the Mate PropertyManager. The default value is the current distance between the selected entities.

Face 1

Face 2

Concentric mate

Face 1

Face 2 Distance mate

Face 1

Face 2

Parallel mate

Perpendicular mate



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5) Angle mate You can add an angle mate between two faces as shown the example below: You

must type an angle value in the Angle box in the Mate PropertyManager. The default value is the current angle between the selected entities.

6) Tangent mate All types of faces can be made tangent to each other, with the exception of two

planar faces, which would be considered a coincident mate.

You can add tangent mates between planar and cylindrical faces as shown the

example below:

4.3.6 Alignment Conditions When two components are mated, such as with a coincident mating relationship,

the components could be either aligned or anti-aligned. This alignment refers to

the side of the selected faces the part geometry is on. If the geometry is not on the

same side, the components are anti-aligned. This is depicted by the following

figure.

Face 1

Face 2

Tangent mate

Angle mate

Face 1

Face 2

Aligned Anti-aligned



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Regarding other mates, such as tangent, alignment conditions are not as

straightforward. The best advice regarding alignment conditions is to not worry

about them. If the alignment is wrong, reverse the alignment. This is done by

using the alignment options available in PropertyManager and on the Pop-up

toolbar.

8] Selections and preview Select the faces of the Main Body and the Pressing part as indicated below. As

the second face is selected, the Mate Pop-up Toolbar is displayed. Coincident is selected as the default and the mate is previewed.

9] Add a mate The faces are listed in the Mate Settings list. Exactly two items should appear in the list. Accept the

Coincident mate and click Add/Finish Mate (check mark).

10] Planar face Select the side planar face of the Main Body

component.

Select this face

Alignment



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11] Select Other Click on the indicated face, right click and click Select Other to select the hidden face of the Pressing part as shown below. Add a Coincident mate to bring the selected faces into contact.

12] State of constraint The Pressing part is listed under constrained. It is still able to move by dragging up and down along the

axis of its surface. Fix the Pressing part by using

Concentric mate. Select the cylindrical face at one of the hole on the both components.

13] Mates listed The mates, coincident and concentric, remain listed in the Mates group box. They will be added to the Mates folder when the OK button on the PropertyManager dialog is clicked. They can also be removed from this group box so that they are

not added. Click OK.

4.3.7 Suppressing a Mating Relationship You can suppress mates to prevent them from being solved. This allows you to

experiment with different types of mates without over defining the assembly.

To suppress a mate in the active configuration: Right-click the mate in the FeatureManager design tree, and select

Properties.

Select Suppressed, and click OK.

Cylindrical faces inside of the holes



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To unsuppress the mate, repeat the process, and clear the Suppressed check box.

You can also select one or more mates and click Suppress (or Unsuppress

) on the Features toolbar, or click Edit, Suppress (or Unsuppress), This Configuration.

To suppress a mate for one or more configurations: Select one or more mates and click Edit, Suppress (or Unsuppress),

Specified Configurations (or All Configurations). If you select Specified Configurations, a dialog box appears.

Select the configurations you want to change from the list, and click OK. 14] Add the Coupling Use Insert Component to add the Coupling component.

15] Concentric mate for Coupling Add a mate between the Coupling and the Main Body. Add

a Concentric mate between the two cylindrical faces.

16] Repeating the step [15] Add a mate between the Coupling and the Main Body. Add a

Concentric mate between the two cylindrical faces inside of one of the small hole for both components.

17] Using Distance mate Add a mate between the top face of Main Body and the bottom

face of Coupling as indicated. Use a Distance mate and key-in

100.00mm as the distance.



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18] Mates by component Expand the Coupling component in the

FeatureManager. A folder named Mates in *Assem2 is added to each component that is mated. The folder

contains the mates which use geometry of that

component.The folder is a subset of the Mates folder which contains all mates.

* name of the saved Assembly 4.4 Displaying Part Configurations in an Assembly When you add a part to an assembly you can choose which of its configurations

will be displayed.

Or, once the part is inserted and mated, you can switch its configuration.

The part named Adjustable rod have two configurations: SHORT and LONG.

Any configuration can be used in the assembly. In this case, two instances will

use SHORT and one will use LONG.

4.4.1 Using Part Configurations in Assemblies Multiple instances of the same part can be used in an assembly, with each

instance referencing a different configuration. We will use multiple instances of a

part with different configurations in this assembly.

Long Short



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4.4.2 Drag and Drop from an Open Document The Adjustable rod will be inserted by dragging it in from an open document

window into the assembly.

19] Drag and drop Open the part Adjustable rod and tile the windows of the assembly and part.

Drag and drop the Adjustable rod (Long) into the

assembly window by dragging the top-level component from the FeatureManger.

An instance of the Adjustable rod (Long) is added to the assembly.

20] Concentric mate Add a Concentric mate between the cylindrical face in the Coupling and Adjustable rod. The Adjustable rod

can be dragged while using the mate dialog. Drag it

through as shown.

21] Distance mate Add a Distance mate between the top planar face of the Adjustable rod and the top face of the Coupling with 20mm.



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22] Cascade the windows Click Window, Cascade to see both of the part and assembly windows. Switch to the ConfigurationManager of the Adjustable rod. Drag and drop the Adjustable

rod (Short) into the graphics window of the assembly. You

can drag and drop any configuration from the ConfigurationManager, not just the

active one.

23] Second instance The second instance of the Adjustable rod component is added, this time using

the SHORT configuration. The component is added and it displays the proper

configuration name in the FeatureManager design tree.

24] Mate the component Repeat the step [20] to [21] to mate the Adjustable rod (Short).



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4.5 Creating Copies of Instances Many times parts and sub-assemblies are used more than once in an assembly.

To create multiple instances, or copies of the components, copy and paste

existing ones into the assembly.

25] Close the Pin document and maximize the assembly window

26] Open Explorer Size the Explorer window so the SolidWorks is a native Windows application, it

supports standard Windows techniques like drag and drop. The part files can be

dragged from the Explorer window into the assembly to add them. Drag and drop

the Bolt 1 into the graphic area.

27] Drag a copy Create another copy of the Bolt 1 component by holding the Ctrl key while dragging the instance from the FeatureManager design tree of the assembly. You

can also drag a copy by selecting the component in the graphics window.



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28] Complete the mating Complete the mating by using Concentric and Coincident mate. Add a mate between the Bolt 1 and Pressing part

using Insert Mate.

4.6 Component Hiding and Transparency Hiding a component temporarily removes the components graphics but leaves the

component active within the assembly. A hidden component still resides in

memory, still has its mates solved, and is still considered in operations like mass

property calculations.

Another option is to change the transparency of the component. Selections can be

made through the component to others behind it.

4.6.1 Hide Component and Show Component Hide Component turns off the display of a component, making it easier to see other parts of the assembly.

When a component is hidden, its icon in the

FeatureManager design tree appears in outline form like this :

Show Component turns the display back on.

Click Hide/Show Component on the Assembly toolbar. This acts as a toggle. If the component if visible, it will hide it. If the component is

hidden, it will show it.

Right-click the component and select Hide or Show. Right-click the component and select Component Propertiesfrom the

Component list. Select the Hide Component check box.

From the pull-down menu, choose Edit, Hide or Edit, Show. 4.6.2 Change Transparency Change Transparency makes the component transparency 75% and switches it back to 0%. Selections pass through the transparent component unless the Shift key is pressed during selection. The FeatureManager icon does not change when

a component is transparent.

Click Change Transparency on the Assembly



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toolbar. This acts as a toggle.

Right-click the component and select Change Transparency.

29] Return to previous view Previous view states can be recalled using the Previous View button on the View toolbar. Each time you press the button, the view display backs up through the display

list, whether the view state was saved or not. Click once

to return to the previous Isometric view.

4.7 Component Properties There are a few functional parameters, as well as general information, that can be

obtained from a components properties. Accessing a components properties is

done via the right mouse button menu. Right click on a component and select

Component Properties.

30] Component Properties of Adjustable rod As for the example, the Adjustable rod will be used for showing the Component Properties. Right-click on the Adjustable rod (Short) in the FeatureManager design tree and select Component Properties.



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The following table outlines the properties section of the Component Properties

window. Note that the term component refers to individual part components and

sub-assemblies as well.

PROPERTY NAME DEFINITION

Model Document Path Displays the part file that the instance uses. To replace

the file the instance references with a different file, use

File, Replace.

Component visibility Hides or shows the component. Also allows you to

change the color of the component as it appears in the

assembly.

Suppressing state Suppress, resolve or set the component to lightweight

status.

Solve as

Only available for sub-assemblies and contains the

following two options:

Rigid: Solves the sub-assembly as a single rigid component (default setting)

Flexible: Allows for movement of components within a sub-assembly. Components can only move dependent

on mate conditions placed on them within the sub-

assembly.

Reference configuration

Determines which configuration of the component is

being used.

Exclude from bill of materials

Component will not appear in a BOM.

4.8 Sub-assemblies Existing assemblies can also be inserted into the current assembly by dragging.

When an assembly file is added to an existing assembly, we refer to it as a sub-

assembly. However, to the SolidWorks software, it is still an assembly (*.sldasm)

file.



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The sub-assembly and all its component parts are added to the FeatureManager

design tree. The sub-assembly must be mated to the assembly by one of its

component parts or its reference planes. The sub-assembly is treated as a single

piece component, regardless of how many components are within it.

A new assembly will be created for the components of the Handle. It will be used

as a sub-assembly.

31] New assembly Create a new assembly. Click Keep Visible on the Insert Component PropertyManager and add the Rod handle component. Locate it at the origin of

the assembly. It is Fixed. Name the assembly Handle Sub-assembly.

32] Add components Using the same dialog, add the Round handle, Connector rod and Screw 1

component. Close the dialog.

4.9 Smart Mates Mates can be added between components while dragging and dropping them.

This method, called Smart Mates, uses the Alt key in conjunction with standard drag and drop techniques.

These mates use the same Mate Pop-up Toolbar as the Mate tool uses to set the type and other attributes. All mate types can be created with this method.

Certain techniques generate multiple mates and do not use the toolbar. These

require the use of the Tab key to switch mate alignment.

33] Smart Mate Concentric Follow these steps to add a Concentric mate through the Smart Mate technique:

Screw 1

Connec

Introduction to Solidworks Software

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