Features of SolidWorks
SolidWorks is software developed for mechanical
design engineers and contains many features that facilitate the
engineers to easily create and manage designs. Some of the important features
of SolidWorks are as follows:
- Feature based modeling
- Parametric
- Fully Associative
- Constraints
- SWIFT
- User friendly Software
Feature-based
Like assembly is composed of a
number of individual piece parts, a SolidWorks model also consist of individual
constituent and these elements are called as features.
When you create a model using the
SolidWorks software, you work with intelligent, easy to understand geometric
features such as bosses, cuts, holes, shells, ribs, fillets, chamfer and draft.
The features are applied directly to the work piece as soon as they are
created.
Features can be classified as
either sketched or applied.
Sketched features: These
are based upon a 2D sketch. Generally the sketch is transformed into a solid by
extrusion, rotation, sweeping or lofting.
Applied Features: These are
created directly on the solid model fillets, shell and Chamfers are examples of
this type of feature.
The idea behind the feature-based
modeling is that the designer constructs on object composed of individual
features that describe the manner in which the geometry supports the object, if
its dimension changes. The first feature is called the base feature.
Image
Parametric
The dimensions and relations used
to create a feature are captured and stored in the model. This enables not only
to capture your design intent, but also to quickly and easily make changes to
the model.
In the Bucket part, length is
extended parametrically since all the entities, features are driven by relation
and dimension. A change in length will not affect the design intent.
Image
Fully Associative
A SolidWorks model is fully
associative with the drawing and the assemblies that reference it. Changes to
the model are automatically reflected in the associated drawing and assemblies.
Similarly, you can make changes in the drawing or assembly and those changes
will be reflected in the model.
In the below bucket assembly, you
can notice the changes in length of base feature that is reflected in Part and
Assembly.
Image
Constraints
Geometric relationship such as
parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, vertical, coincident and concentric are
some of the constraints supported in SolidWorks.
In addition, equations can be
used to establish mathematical relationships among parameters. By using
constraints and equations, you can guarantee the design concept, such as holes,
fillet that are captured and maintained.
SWIFT
SolidWorks Intelligent Feature Technology provides all
users, even those who are novices transitioning from 2D to 3D, with the ability
to design like an expert without having to master all of the capabilities of
the entire system.
SWIFT allows any SolidWorks user
realize the benefits of 3D CAD without having to learn complicated techniques.
In other words, SWIFT lets you to focus less on the CAD tool and more on your
design.
Example – SketchXpert,
AssemblyXpert, DraftXpert, DimXpert, MateXpert, FilletXpert.
