Mastering SolidWorks

Mastering SolidWorks

by Matt Lombard
Released November 2018
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9781119300571

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Book description

The complete SolidWorks reference-tutorial for beginner to advanced techniques

Mastering SolidWorks is the reference-tutorial for all users. Packed with step-by-step instructions, video tutorials for over 40 chapters, and coverage of little-known techniques, this book takes you from novice to power user with clear instruction that goes beyond the basics. Fundamental techniques are detailed with real-world examples for hands-on learning, and the companion website provides tutorial files for all exercises. Even veteran users will find value in new techniques that make familiar tasks faster, easier, and more organized, including advanced file management tools that simplify and streamline pre-flight checks.   

SolidWorks is the leading 3D CAD program, and is an essential tool for engineers, mechanical designers, industrial designers, and drafters around the world. User friendly features such as drag-and-drop, point-and-click, and cut-and-paste tools belie the software’s powerful capabilities that can help you create cleaner, more precise, more polished designs in a fraction of the time. This book is the comprehensive reference every SolidWorks user needs, with tutorials, background, and more for beginner to advanced techniques. 

  • Get a grasp on fundamental SolidWorks 2D and 3D tasks using realistic examples with text-based tutorials
  • Delve into advanced functionality and capabilities not commonly covered by how-to guides
  • Incorporate improved search, Pack-and-Go and other file management tools into your workflow
  • Adopt best practices and exclusive techniques you won’t find anywhere else

Work through this book beginning-to-end as a complete SolidWorks course, or dip in as needed to learn new techniques and time-saving tricks on-demand. Organized for efficiency and designed for practicality, these tips will remain useful at any stage of expertise. With exclusive coverage and informative detail, Mastering SolidWorks is the tutorial-reference for users at every level of expertise. 

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Acknowledgments
  3. About the Author
  4. Introduction
    1. Who Should Read This Book
    2. The Mastering Series
    3. What Is Covered in This Book
    4. How to Contact the Author
  5. Part I: Introducing SolidWorks Basics
    1. Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks
      1. Installing SolidWorks for the First Time
      2. Starting SolidWorks for the First Time
      3. Identifying SolidWorks Documents
      4. Understanding Feature-Based Modeling
      5. Understanding History-Based Modeling
      6. Sketching with Parametrics
      7. Understanding Design Intent
      8. Editing Design Intent
      9. Working with Associativity
      10. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface
      1. Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface
      2. Making the Interface Work for You
      3. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 3: Working with Sketches and Reference Geometry
      1. Creating a New Part
      2. Creating a Sketch
      3. Identifying Sketch Entities
      4. Driving Sketches with Smart Dimensions
      5. Inferencing in Sketch
      6. Exploring Sketch Settings
      7. Using Sketch Blocks
      8. Working with Reference Geometry
      9. Tutorial: Learning to Use Sketch Relations
      10. Tutorial: Using Blocks and Belts
      11. Tutorial: Creating Reference Geometry
      12. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts and Drawings
      1. Discovering Design Intent
      2. Creating a Simple Part
      3. Creating a Simple Assembly
      4. Creating a Simple Drawing
      5. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques
      1. Manipulating the View
      2. Using the View Tools
      3. Using the DisplayManager
      4. The Display Pane
      5. Applying Color Automatically to Features
      6. Using Edge Display Settings
      7. Tutorial: Applying Visualization Techniques
      8. The Bottom Line
  6. Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts
    1. Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches
      1. Editing Sketch Relations
      2. Getting More from Dimensions
      3. Working with Sketch Entities
      4. Using Sketch Pictures
      5. Using Sketch Text
      6. Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches
      7. Using Other Sketch Tools
      8. Sketching in 3D
      9. Tutorial: Editing and Copying
      10. Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles
      11. Tutorial: Using Metadata
      12. Tutorial: Sketching Calculator
      13. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 7: Modeling with Primary Features
      1. Identifying When to Use Which Tool
      2. Understanding Fillet Types
      3. Using Chamfers
      4. Tutorial: Bracket Casting
      5. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 8: Selecting Secondary Features
      1. Creating Curve Features
      2. Selecting a Specialty Feature
      3. Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part
      4. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 9: Patterning and Mirroring
      1. Patterning in a Sketch
      2. Mirroring in a Sketch
      3. Working with 3D Patterns
      4. Understanding Pattern Types
      5. Cosmetic Patterns
      6. Mirroring 3D Solids
      7. Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern
      8. Tutorial: Mirroring Features
      9. Tutorial: Applying a Cosmetic Pattern
      10. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 10: Using Equations
      1. Understanding Equations
      2. Using Global Variables
      3. Using the Modify Box
      4. Using Expressions
      5. Controlling Suppression States of Features
      6. Linking to External Equations
      7. Tutorial: Using Equations
      8. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 11: Working with Part Configurations
      1. Controlling Items with Configurations
      2. Using Design Tables
      3. Creating a Simple Design Table
      4. Using the Configuration Publisher
      5. Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables
      6. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 12: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting
      1. Using Rollback
      2. Reordering Features
      3. Reordering Folders
      4. Using the Flyout and Detachable FeatureManagers
      5. Summarizing Part Modeling Best Practices
      6. Using Design for Change
      7. Using Evaluation Techniques
      8. Troubleshooting Errors
      9. Tutorial: Utilizing Editing and Evaluation Techniques
      10. The Bottom Line
  7. Part III: Working with Assemblies
    1. Chapter 13: Building Efficient Assemblies
      1. Understanding the Purpose of Assemblies
      2. Identifying the Elements of an Assembly
      3. Using SpeedPaks
      4. Using Subassemblies
      5. Using Folders
      6. Working with Tree Display Options
      7. Tutorial: Arranging Assemblies
      8. Tutorial: Managing the FeatureManager
      9. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 14: Getting More from Mates
      1. Applying Mates
      2. Mating for Motion
      3. Working with Advanced and Mechanical Mate Types
      4. Editing and Troubleshooting
      5. Examining Mate Options
      6. Reviewing Mate Best Practices
      7. Tutorial: Mating for Success
      8. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 15: Patterning and Mirroring Components
      1. Component Patterns
      2. Using Local Component Patterns
      3. Using Feature-Driven Component Patterns
      4. Creating a Chain Pattern
      5. Understanding Other Pattern Options
      6. Tutorial: Creating Component Patterns
      7. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 16: Working with Assembly Sketches and Layouts
      1. Looking at the Techniques
      2. Using the Layout Feature
      3. Tutorial: Working with a Layout
      4. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 17: Using Assembly Tools
      1. Placing Parts without Mates
      2. Using Proximity Tools
      3. Selecting Components
      4. Reading Assembly Performance Evaluation Results
      5. Using Defeature
      6. Using the Hole Alignment Tool
      7. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 18: Using Libraries, Assembly Features, and Hole Wizard
      1. Using Library Features
      2. Creating Library Features
      3. Creating Assembly Cuts
      4. Making Fillets and Chamfers in Assemblies
      5. Using the Hole Wizard
      6. Creating Weld Beads
      7. Working with Envelopes
      8. Understanding Smart Components
      9. Using Smart Components
      10. Making Smart Components
      11. Tutorial: Working with Smart Components
      12. Tutorial: Working with Library Features
      13. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 19: Controlling Assembly Configurations and Display States
      1. Using Display States
      2. Understanding Assembly Configurations
      3. Tutorial: Working with Assembly Configurations
      4. The Bottom Line
    8. Chapter 20: Modeling in Context
      1. Understanding In-Context Modeling
      2. Dealing with the Practical Details of In-Context Modeling
      3. Using Other Types of External References
      4. Tutorial: Working In-Context
      5. The Bottom Line
    9. Chapter 21: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting Assemblies
      1. Working with Mates
      2. Editing File Management Issues
      3. Evaluating Assemblies
      4. The Bottom Line
    10. Chapter 22: Working with Large Scale Design
      1. Using Large Design Review
      2. Creating a Walk-Through
      3. Creating a GridSystem
      4. Transferring Data with the IFC File Type
      5. The Bottom Line
    11. Chapter 23: Animating with the MotionManager
      1. Familiarizing Yourself with the MotionManager
      2. Using the Animation Wizard
      3. Animating the View
      4. Animating with Key Points
      5. Animating with Basic Motion
      6. Using the Mate Controller
      7. The Bottom Line
  8. Part IV: Creating Drawings
    1. Chapter 24: Automating Drawings: The Basics
      1. Comparing Templates and Formats
      2. Creating Drawing Formats
      3. Creating Drawing Templates
      4. Creating Blocks
      5. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 25: Working with Drawing Views
      1. Creating Common View Types
      2. Creating Other View Types
      3. Using Display Options in Views
      4. Distinguishing Views from Sheets
      5. Tutorial: Working with View Types, Settings, and Options
      6. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 26: Using Annotations and Symbols
      1. Using Notes
      2. Using Blocks in Drawings
      3. Using Symbols
      4. Using Center Marks and Centerlines
      5. Tutorial: Using Annotations
      6. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 27: Dimensioning and Tolerancing
      1. Putting Dimensions on Drawings
      2. Adding Tolerances
      3. Using Dimension Styles
      4. Aligning Dimensions and Annotations
      5. Tutorial: Working with Dimensions and Tolerances
      6. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 28: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors
      1. Controlling Layers
      2. Controlling Line Format
      3. Hiding and Showing Edges
      4. Tutorial: Using Drawing Display Tools
      5. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 29: Working with Tables and Drawings
      1. Driving the Bill of Materials
      2. Using Design Tables
      3. Placing Hole Tables on Drawings
      4. Using Revision Tables
      5. Using General Tables
      6. Working with Tables in Models
      7. Tutorial: Using BOMs
      8. Tutorial: Using Hole Tables
      9. Tutorial: Using Revision Tables
      10. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 30: Creating Assembly Drawings
      1. Combining Parts and Assemblies on the Same Drawing
      2. Using Multi-Page Templates
      3. Using Views with Special Assembly Functions
      4. Using Color in Assembly Drawing Views
      5. Setting Up Drawings of Large Assemblies
      6. Tutorial: Creating a Simple Assembly Drawing
      7. The Bottom Line
  9. Part V: Using Advanced and Specialized Techniques
    1. Chapter 31: Modeling Multibodies
      1. Using Powerful Tools Effectively
      2. Understanding Multibody Techniques
      3. Managing Bodies
      4. Tutorials: Working with Multibodies
      5. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 32: Working with Surfaces
      1. Introducing Surfaces
      2. Understanding Surfacing Terminology
      3. Surfacing Tools
      4. Tutorial: Working with Surfaces
      5. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 33: Employing Master Model Techniques
      1. Master Model Tools and Techniques
      2. Using Pull Functions
      3. Using Push Functions
      4. Tutorial: Working with Master Model Techniques
      5. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 34: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools
      1. Using the Base Flange Features
      2. Making Sheet Metal Parts from Generic Models
      3. Using Other Methods
      4. Using Multibody Techniques with Sheet Metal
      5. Tutorial: Working with the Insert Bends Method for Sheet Metal Parts
      6. Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet Metal Method
      7. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 35: Creating Sheet Metal Drawings
      1. Making Sheet Metal Drawings
      2. Getting the Flat Pattern
      3. Making Drawings of Multibody Sheet Metal Parts
      4. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 36: Creating Weldments and Weldment Drawings
      1. Sketching in 3D
      2. Using the Weldment Tools
      3. Using Nonstructural Components
      4. Using Sub-Weldments
      5. Working with Cut Lists
      6. Creating Weldment Drawings
      7. Tutorial: Working with Weldments
      8. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 37: Using Imported Geometry and Direct-Editing Techniques
      1. Understanding the Basics of Imported Geometry
      2. Understanding the Traditional Role of Direct Editing Tools
      3. Understanding the Strengths and Limitations of Direct Editing Tools in SolidWorks
      4. Using SolidWorks Direct Editing Tools
      5. Tutorial: Importing and Repairing Solid Geometry
      6. Tutorial: Flex and Freeform
      7. The Bottom Line
    8. Chapter 38: Using Plastic Features
      1. Using Plastic Features
      2. Using Plastic Evaluation Tools
      3. The Bottom Line
    9. Chapter 39: Using Mold Tools
      1. Working with the Mold Tools Process
      2. Working Manually with Mold Tools
      3. The Bottom Line
  10. Appendix A: The Bottom Line
    1. Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks
    2. Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface
    3. Chapter 3: Working with Sketches and Reference Geometry
    4. Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts and Drawings
    5. Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques
    6. Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches
    7. Chapter 7: Modeling with Primary Features
    8. Chapter 8: Selecting Secondary Features
    9. Chapter 9: Patterning and Mirroring
    10. Chapter 10: Using Equations
    11. Chapter 11: Working with Part Configurations
    12. Chapter 12: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting
    13. Chapter 13: Building Efficient Assemblies
    14. Chapter 14: Getting More from Mates
    15. Chapter 15: Patterning and Mirroring Components
    16. Chapter 16: Working with Assembly Sketches and Layouts
    17. Chapter 17: Using Assembly Tools
    18. Chapter 18: Using Libraries, Assembly Features, and Hole Wizard
    19. Chapter 19: Controlling Assembly Configurations and Display States
    20. Chapter 20: Modeling in Context
    21. Chapter 21: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting Assemblies
    22. Chapter 22: Working with Large Scale Design
    23. Chapter 23: Animating with the MotionManager
    24. Chapter 24: Automating Drawings: The Basics
    25. Chapter 25: Working with Drawing Views
    26. Chapter 26: Using Annotations and Symbols
    27. Chapter 27: Dimensioning and Tolerancing
    28. Chapter 28: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors
    29. Chapter 29: Working with Tables and Drawings
    30. Chapter 30: Creating Assembly Drawings
    31. Chapter 31: Modeling Multibodies
    32. Chapter 32: Working with Surfaces
    33. Chapter 33: Employing Master Model Techniques
    34. Chapter 34: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools
    35. Chapter 35: Creating Sheet Metal Drawings
    36. Chapter 36: Creating Weldments and Weldment Drawings
    37. Chapter 37: Using Imported Geometry and Direct-Editing Techniques
    38. Chapter 38: Using Plastic Features
    39. Chapter 39: Using Mold Tools
  11. Appendix B: Finding Help
    1. SolidWorks Help
    2. SolidWorks Website
    3. Customer Portal
  12. Appendix C: What's on the Website
    1. System Requirements
    2. Customer Care
  13. Index
  14. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: Mastering SolidWorks
  • Author(s): Matt Lombard
  • Release date: November 2018
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9781119300571