Contents

Part I: Introducing SolidWorks Basics

Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks

Installing SolidWorks for the First Time

Starting SolidWorks for the First Time

Examining the SolidWorks license agreement

Viewing the Welcome to SolidWorks screen

Using Quick Tips

Creating a new document

Exploring SolidWorks documentation

Accessing tutorials

Keeping up with what's new

Moving from 2D to 3D

Exploring SolidWorks Help

Checking out the Tip of the Day

Switching from hardcopy documentation

Identifying SolidWorks Documents

Saving your setup

Using templates

Having multiple document templates available

Sharing templates

Understanding Feature-Based Modeling

Understanding History-Based Modeling

Sketching with Parametrics

Understanding Design Intent

Editing Design Intent

Choosing sketch relations

Selecting display/delete relations

Using suppressed sketch relations

Working with Associativity

Tutorial: Creating a Part Template

Tutorial: Using Parametrics in Sketches

Summary

Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface

Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface

Using the CommandManager and toolbars

Exploring the CommandManager

Using toolbars

Using Tool tips

Managing toolbars

Customizing your workflow

Controlling menus

Changing cursors

Working with models in the FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows

Using the FeatureManager.

Using the PropertyManager.

Introducing the DisplayManager

Getting around the Task pane.

Getting familiar with the Status bar

Assigning tags

Making use of Quick Tips

Using SolidWorks Search

Searching for files.

Searching for help

Using the 2D Command Line Emulator

Making the Interface Work for You.

Customizing colors.

Exploring default selection colors

Selecting background options wisely.

Customizing strategies.

Considering hotkey approaches

Organizing hotkeys.

Using mouse gestures

Using the keyboard.

Minimizing icons

Contemplating device approaches

Using touch and multi-touch support

Accessing macros

Saving custom interface settings

Working with multiple document windows

Managing windows

Changing windows

Getting to Know the Interface

Copying the existing settings.

Applying default settings to interface items.

Customizing the CommandManager

Customizing menus

Changing interface colors

Adding hotkeys.

Combining macros with hotkeys.

Summary

Chapter 3: Working with Sketches

Opening a Sketch

Identifying Sketch Entities

Using the Sketch toolbar

Using the Dimensions/Relations toolbar

Inferencing in Sketch

Exploring Sketch Settings

Using Sketch Blocks

Working with Reference Geometry.

Creating planes.

Working with axes

Using Coordinate Systems.

Using points as reference geometry

Tutorial: Learning to Use Sketch Relations

Tutorial: Using Blocks and Belts

Tutorial: Creating Reference Geometry.

Summary

Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts and Drawings

Discovering Design Intent

Using symmetry

Determining primary or functional features.

Predicting change

Determining the manufacturing method

Identifying secondary operations.

Creating multiple versions.

Creating a Simple Part.

Deciding where to start

Building in symmetry.

Making it solid

Using Instant 3D.

Making the first extrude feature

Controlling relative size or direct dimensions

Creating the offset.

Using sketch techniques

Using the Hole Wizard

Cutting a slot

Creating fillets and chamfers

Tutorial: Making a Simple Drawing.

Summary

Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques

Manipulating the View

Using arrow keys.

Using the middle mouse button

Using mouse gestures.

Using the View toolbar.

Adding scrollbars and splitters

Using the Magnifying Glass.

Clicking the Triad axes.

Using the View Tools

Zebra Stripes.

View Orientation.

The Standard Views toolbar

Annotation views

Using the DisplayManager

Applying appearances

Differentiating appearances and materials

Understanding appearances

Understanding overrides

Using appearances with Display States

Removing appearances

Using decals

Using scenes, lights, and cameras

Controlling scenes.

Turning on the lights.

Working with cameras

Using RealView

Exploring the Display Pane

Applying Color Automatically to Features

Using Edge Display Settings.

Tutorial: Applying Visualization Techniques

Summary

Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts

Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches

Editing Sketch Relations.

Using Display/Delete Relations

Using SketchXpert.

Working with Sketch Entities

Moving entities

Rotating entities

Copying entities

Scaling entities

Modifying sketch.

Copying and pasting sketch entities

Dragging entities.

Creating a derived sketch

Using Sketch Pictures

Using three views

Compensating for perspective.

Estimating sharp edges.

Using Auto Trace

Using Sketch Text.

Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches

Working in Color Display mode

Assigning line color

Using the Edit Sketch Or Curve Color tool

Assigning line thickness and line style

Using Other Sketch Tools

Working with RapidSketch.

Adding Sensors.

Using metadata for sketches

Creating construction geometry

Sketching in 3D

Navigating in space

Exploring sketch relations in 3D sketches

Using planes in space.

Using planar path segments.

Defining dimensions

Using 3D sketch summary

Tutorial: Editing and Copying

Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles.

Tutorial: Using Metadata.

Tutorial: Sketching Calculator

Summary

Chapter 7: Modeling with Primary Features

Identifying When to Use Which Tool

Using the Extrude feature

Creating a solid feature

Creating a thin feature.

Exploring sketch types

Understanding the workflow

Understanding Instant 3D.

Creating extrudes with Instant 3D

Editing geometry with Instant 3D

Working with the Revolve feature

Understanding end conditions.

Workflow

Using contour selection.

Introducing loft and boundary

Comparing the Loft and Boundary features

Using entities in a loft

Comparing lofts and splines

Understanding the need for surfaces

Exploring loft end constraints

Displaying isoparameter U-V lines

Using guide curves

Using centerline lofts.

Using the SelectionManager

Choosing loft options

Workflow

Controlling Sweep features

Using a simple sweep

Using a sweep with guide curves

Using a Pierce relation.

Using a cut sweep with a solid profile

Workflow

Understanding Fillet Types

Creating a constant radius fillet.

Selecting entities to fillet

Using tangent propagation.

Dealing with a large number of fillets

Making multiple fillet sizes

Rounding corners

Using the Keep edge/Keep surface toggle

Using the Keep Feature option

Creating variable radius fillets.

Applying the values.

Using straight versus smooth transitions

Recognizing other uses for the variable radius fillet.

Using face fillets

Using continuous curvature face fillets

Using face fillets with the Help Point

Applying a single hold line fillet

Using a double hold line fillet

Using a constant width fillet

Applying a full round fillet

Building a setback fillet

Using Chamfers

Tutorial: Bracket Casting.

Summary

Chapter 8: Selecting Secondary Features

Creating Curve Features

Working with Helix curve features

Using the Tapered Helix panel

Using the Variable Pitch helix

Workflow

Using the Spiral

Creating projected curves

Using Sketch On Faces

Using Sketch Onto Sketch.

Using the Curve Through XYZ Points feature

Using the Curve Through Reference Points feature

Putting together a composite curve

Using Split lines

Using the equation driven curve

Selecting a Specialty Feature

Using Scale

Using the Dome feature

Using the Wrap feature

Using Scribe

Using Emboss

Using Deboss

Using the Flex feature

Applying the Deform feature.

Looking at Point deform

Looking at Curve to curve deform

Looking at Surface push deform

Using the Indent feature

Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part

Summary

Chapter 9: Patterning and Mirroring

Patterning in a Sketch.

Debunking more sketch myths

Patterning a sketch

Using the Linear Sketch Pattern

Using the Circular Sketch Pattern

Mirroring in a Sketch

Using Mirror Entities

Using Dynamic Mirror.

Using Symmetry sketch relation

Using Mirroring in 3D sketches.

Exploring the Geometry Pattern Option

Patterning Bodies

Patterning Faces

Patterning Fillets.

Understanding Pattern Types.

Using the Linear Pattern

Using the Circular Pattern.

Using the Curve Driven Pattern.

Using the Sketch Driven Pattern

Using the Table Driven Pattern

Using the Fill Pattern.

Using Cosmetic Patterns to Create an Appearance

Mirroring 3D Solids

Mirroring bodies.

Mirroring features.

Mirroring entire parts.

Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern.

Tutorial: Mirroring Features.

Tutorial: Applying a Cosmetic Pattern.

Summary

Chapter 10: Using Equations

Understanding Equations

Creating equations

Naming dimensions.

Building the equation

Using comments.

Using driven dimensions.

Using equation tricks.

IIF.

SWITCH.

Using Link Values.

Using Global Variables

Using Expressions.

Controlling Suppression States of Features

Linking to External Equations

Tutorial: Using Equations

Summary

Chapter 11: Working with Part Configurations

Controlling Items with Configurations

Finding configurations.

Deleting configs

Sorting configs

Activating configurations.

Creating configurations

Creating a new config

Using Configuration properties and options

Using Advanced options

Using the Modify dialog box

Using Negative dimensions

Using the Modify Configurations dialog box

Using Table Views.

Adding custom properties with the Modify Configurations dialog box

Using custom property managers

Using derived configurations.

Understanding how file size affects speed

Controlling dimensions

Controlling suppression

Controlling custom properties.

Controlling sketch relations

Controlling sketch planes

Controlling configurations of inserted parts

Using Library features

Identifying unconfigurable items.

Using Design Tables

Identifying what can be driven by a design table

Creating a Simple Design Table.

Editing design table settings

Linked design table.

Edit control.

Options.

Editing the design table

Using the Configuration Publisher

Tutorial: Working with Configurations and Design Tables

Summary

Chapter 12: Editing, Evaluating, and Troubleshooting

Using Rollback

Using the Rollback bar.

Understanding consumed features

Examining the parent-child relationship

Rolling back features with multiple parents

Viewing consumed features in their original order

Using other Rollback techniques.

Reordering Features

Reordering Folders

Using the Flyout and Detachable FeatureManagers

Summarizing Part Modeling Best Practice

Using Evaluation Techniques.

Using Verification on rebuild

Using the Check tool

Evaluating geometry with reflective techniques

Using Zebra Stripes.

Using RealView

Using Curvature display

Using Deviation Analysis.

Using the Tangent Edges as Phantom setting

Using Geometry Analysis.

Using Feature Statistics

Using the Curvature Comb

Using DFMXpress to catch manufacturability problems

Analyzing with SimulationXpress

Welcome to SolidWorks SimulationXpress

Applying Fixtures

Applying Loads

Selecting a material

Running the analysis.

Visualizing the results

Optimizing the design.

Troubleshooting Errors.

Interpreting rebuild errors.

Using SolidWorks RX and Performance Benchmark

Using SolidWorks RX

Using Performance Benchmark

Tutorial: Making Use of Editing and Evaluation Techniques.

Summary

Chapter 13: Using Hole Wizard and Library Features

Using the Hole Wizard

Defining the anatomy of a Hole Wizard hole

Using the placement sketch

Using the hole sketch

Using 2D versus 3D placement sketches

Understanding the advantages and limitations of the 2D sketch

Understanding the advantages and limitations of the 3D sketch

Making and using favorites

Creating a Hole Wizard Favorite

Storing custom holes.

Administering Hole Wizard Favorites

Confronting favorites quirks

Using the Hole Series.

Using Library Features

Getting started with library features

Applying the library feature interface

Using the Task Pane

Using Design Library.

Exploring other Design Library functions

Storing annotations.

Location of the Design Library folder

Storing library parts.

Using sheet metal forming tools.

Using assemblies

Using routing

Using Smart Components

Creating Library Features

Creating a library feature.

Understanding library limitations

Creating a new library feature

Saving the library feature.

Changing the display of the library feature thumbnail

Creating a library feature from an existing part

Adding folders to the library.

Locating and Internal dimensions

Understanding Dissection

Tutorial: Working with Library Features

Summary

Part III: Creating Part Drawings

Chapter 14: Automating Drawings: The Basics

Comparing Templates and Formats

Changing existing templates

Maintaining different templates or formats

Creating custom drafting standards

Creating Drawing Formats

Customizing an existing format.

Using sample formats

Editing a format

Managing text

Using custom properties

Entering custom property data

Displaying property links

Displaying errors and link variables

Creating linked properties.

Using the Title Block function.

Creating a format from a blank screen

Creating a format from an imported DWG/DXF file

Saving the format

Using second sheet formats.

Adding new sheets

Reloading formats

Creating Drawing Templates

Using Pre-defined Views in drawing templates

Aligning Pre-defined Views

Populating a drawing with Pre-defined Views

Scaling Pre-defined Views

Understanding the limitations of Pre-defined Views

Using styles and blocks in templates

Using custom properties in templates

Saving a template

Creating Blocks.

Summary

Chapter 15: Working with Drawing Views

Creating Common View Types

Using the View palette

Using Model Views

Open documents

Thumbnail Preview.

Start Command When Creating New Drawing option

Reference Configuration

Select Bodies

Cosmetic Thread Display.

Number of Views and Orientation

Import Options Panel

Display State

Display Style

Scale

Dimension Type.

Cosmetic Thread Display.

Using the Projected View

Using Standard 3 View.

Using Detail View

Pre-drawing a detail circle.

Drawing a detail circle in-line

Editing a Detail View.

Working with Section Views.

Using a Default Section View

Using a Partial Section View

Using an Aligned Section View

Editing a Section View.

Creating Other View Types

Using a Crop View

Using a Broken-out Section View

Drawing the closed loop

Selecting the depth

Editing the view.

Using a Break View

Using an Auxiliary View

Using an Alternate Position View.

Using a Pre-defined View

Using an Empty View.

Using a Custom View.

Using a Relative View.

Using the 3D Drawing View Mode

Changing view orientation and alignment

Using Display Options in Views

Using Display States

Using Display styles

Selecting a Component Line Font

Using layers.

Working with tangent edge display options

Choosing view quality settings

Distinguishing Views from Sheets.

Tutorial: Working with View Types, Settings, and Options.

Summary

Chapter 16: Using Annotations and Symbols

Using Notes

Setting up a workflow for placing notes

Making use of fonts

Using text boxes and wrapping.

Using Fit Text in notes

Patterning notes

Placing notes and leaders

Adding a leader to a note.

Using multiple leaders.

Using jogged leaders

Adding styles.

Linking notes to custom properties

Hyperlinking text

Adding notes and symbols

Using Blocks in Drawings

Inserting blocks.

Creating blocks.

Editing blocks.

Using Symbols

Using symbols in notes and dimensions

Creating custom symbols

Using Center Marks and Centerlines.

Tutorial: Using Annotations.

Summary

Chapter 17: Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Putting Dimensions on Drawings

Using Insert Model Items

Using reference dimensions.

Rapid Dimension

Reference dimensions and the DimXpert

Using the DimXpert.

Annotation views

Driven dimension color.

Ordinate and baseline dimensions

Autodimensioning.

Reference sketches.

Understanding dimension options.

Dimension Text

Primary Value Override.

Display Options

Witness/Leader Display.

Break Lines

Formatting dimensions with the Dimension Palette

Adding Tolerances

Changing precision values.

Using Geometric Tolerancing symbols

Using Dimension Styles

Aligning Dimensions and Annotations

Using the alignment tools

Inferencing alignment and grid snapping

Using Dimension Palette alignment options

Arranging dimensions automatically

Tutorial: Working with Dimensions and Tolerances

Summary

Chapter 18: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors

Controlling Layers

Working with layers in imported 2D data

Working with layers on the sheet format

Adding dimensions and notes to layers

Working with components on layers

Using assembly colors on drawings.

Using assembly parts on layers

Controlling Line Format.

Using the Line Format settings

Setting the End Cap Style

Setting the line thickness.

Setting the line style

Changing the Color Display mode

Hiding and Showing Edges

Tutorial: Using Drawing Display Tools

Summary

Part IV: Using Advanced Techniques

Chapter 19: Modeling Multi-Bodies

Using Powerful Tools Effectively.

Comparing multi-body modeling with assembly modeling.

Using multi-body techniques appropriately

Understanding Multi-Body Techniques.

Creating complex shapes across bodies

Using tool bodies and Boolean operations

Using the Indent feature

Using the Move/Copy Bodies and Combine features

Using local operations

Using the Flex feature

Using the Shell feature.

Patterning

Simplifying very complex parts.

Bridging between solids.

Modeling for undetermined manufacturing methods

Creating Multi-Bodies.

Using disjoint sketches.

Turning off the Merge Result option

Applying the Feature Scope to bodies

Using the Rib feature.

Using the Delete Solid/Surface feature

Creating multi-bodies with the Cut feature

Managing bodies with the Split feature

Splitting with a sketch.

Splitting with a plane.

Splitting with a surface body

Adding bodies using the Insert Part feature.

Working with secondary operations

Starting point

Managing Bodies.

Using Body folders

Hiding or showing bodies.

Deleting bodies.

Renaming bodies.

Using Multiple Bodies with Sheet Metal, Weldments, and Molds

Introducing multi-body functionality in weldments

Introducing multi-body functionality in sheet metal

Introducing multi-body functionality in molds

Tutorials: Working with Multi-Bodies.

Merging and local operations

Splitting and patterning bodies

Summary

Chapter 20: Working with Surfaces

Introducing Surfaces.

Understanding Surfacing Terminology

Exploring the Knit function.

Using the Trim function

Using the Untrim function

Exploring hybrid modeling

Understanding Non Uniform Rational B Spline

Using developable surfaces

Using ruled surfaces

Defining Gaussian curvature.

Surfacing Tools.

Classifying the Extruded Surface.

Using Revolved Surface

Using Swept Surface

Identifying the Lofted Surface.

Using Boundary Surface

Characterizing the Offset Surface

Using Radiate Surface.

Knitting Surfaces

Using Thicken Surface.

Using Planar Surface

Using Extend Surface.

Using Trim Surface

Using Fill Surface

Using MidSurface

Using Replace Face

Using Untrim Surface.

Using Parting Surface.

Using Ruled Surface

Using Surfacing Techniques.

Using Up To Surface/Up To Body

Using Cut With Surface

Using Replace Face

Using Fill Surface

Using a memory surface

Tutorial: Working with Surfaces.

Using Cut With Surface

Using Offset Surface

Using Fill Surface blend

Summary

Part V: Working with Specialized Functionality

Chapter 21: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools

Using the Base Flange Features.

Using the Base Flange/Tab feature

Using the Sheet Metal feature

Gauge Table

Bend Radius

Thickness

Bend Allowance

Auto Relief.

Using the Flat Pattern feature

Using the Edge Flange feature.

Edit Flange Profile.

Use default radius

Gap distance

Angle.

Flange Length

Flange Position.

Trim side bends

Curved edges

Using the Miter Flange feature.

Using the Hem feature.

Using the Jog feature

Fixed Face.

Jog Offset

Fix projected length

Jog Position.

Jog Angle.

Using the Sketched Bend feature.

Using the Closed Corner feature

Faces to Extend

Faces to Match.

Gap.

Overlap/Underlap ratio

Open bend region.

Coplanar faces

Mirroring and patterning in sheet metal

Mirroring sheet metal features

Patterning sheet metal features

Forming tool feature

Creating forming tools.

Forming Tool Library

Placing a forming tool

Special techniques with forming tools

Using the Lofted Bends feature

Using the Unfold and Fold features

Making Sheet Metal Parts from Generic Models

Using the Normal cut feature

Using the Rip feature

Using the Sheet Metal feature

Using the Flatten Bends feature.

Using the Process Bends feature

Using the No Bends feature.

Using the Flat Pattern feature

Using the Convert to Sheet Metal feature

Using Other Methods

Working with imported geometry

Making rolled conical parts.

Mixing methods

Using Multi-Body Techniques with Sheet Metal

Using Insert Part.

Using multiple Base Flanges

Tutorial: Working with the Insert Bends Method for Sheet Metal Parts

Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet Metal Method.

Summary

Chapter 22: Creating Sheet Metal Drawings

Introducing Sheet Metal Drawings

Getting the Flat Pattern.

Understanding flat patterns and configurations

Showing bend lines and bend notes

Showing the bounding box for the flat pattern

Showing bend areas on the part

Making Drawings of Multi-Body Sheet Metal Parts

Displaying bodies on the sheet metal drawing

Using a cut list in a sheet metal part

Managing cut list properties

Placing the cut list on the drawing

Saving a cut list template.

Summary

Chapter 23: Using Imported Geometry and Direct Editing Techniques

Understanding the Basics of Imported Geometry

Gaining experience with imports.

Understanding the results of imports

Demonstrating some data import.

Using direct converters.

Handling import errors

Repairing import errors automatically

Repairing import errors manually

Tricking data into working

Ensuring that you get good data

Converting point cloud data

Understanding the IFC file format

Understanding the Traditional Role of Direct Edit Tools.

Defining the role of direct edit tools

Understanding the strengths and limitations of direct edit tools in SolidWorks

Using SolidWorks Direct Edit Tools

Combining direct edit with history

Combining direct editing with imported geometry

Handling imported data with FeatureWorks.

Tutorial: Importing and Repairing Solid Geometry

Tutorial: Editing with Flex and Freeform Features

Summary

Chapter 24: Using Plastic Features

Using Plastic Features.

Using the Mounting Boss.

Using the Snap Hook and Snap Hook Groove

Using Lip/Groove

Using the Rib feature

Using draft in the Rib feature

Understand the Rib feature and multi-bodies

Using Intersection Curves as reference

Terminating ribs.

Using thin features

Using Draft

Neutral Plane draft

Parting Line draft

Step draft.

Some draft limitations.

What to do when draft fails

DraftXpert.

Using Indent.

Working with Shell

Using Multithickness Shell

Using Shell Outward.

Understanding the Shell workflow

Using the Vent feature

Using Plastic Evaluation Tools

Using Draft Analysis

Basic

Gradual Transition

Face Classification.

Find steep faces

Understanding the Draft Analysis workflow

Using Thickness Analysis

Using the Show Thin Regions option

Using the Show Thick Regions option

Understanding the Thickness Analysis workflow

Undercut Detection

Understanding the Undercut Detection workflow

Summary

Part VI: Appendixes

Appendix A: Finding Help

SolidWorks Help

SolidWorks Web Help.

Contents.

Index.

Search.

SolidWorks Web Site

Graphics Cards Link

Customer Portal

SolidWorks Forums

Knowledge Base

Software downloads

Release Notes

What's New.

Installation and administration guides

PDMWorks Workgroup Vault Debug Guide

FLEXlm End Users Guide

User Groups

Online Forums

Blogs.

Forums.

Non-Commercial Web Sites.

Appendix B: What's on the DVD

System Requirements

Windows versions.

SolidWorks versions

Troubleshooting

Customer Care