Modules in SolidWorks
SolidWorks extends design applications through
full integrations with best-in-class solutions. The following modules will be
discussed in this book.
- Part Modeling
- Assembly Modeling
- Sheet Metal Design
- Surface Modeling
- Drawing
- PhotoWorks
- PDM
Part Modeling
This module produces parts easily and rapidly
by creating features such as extrudes, revolve, lofts, sweeps, advanced
shelling, feature patterns and holes.
The 3D part is the basic building block of the
SolidWorks mechanical design software. In SolidWorks, you can design a part by
sketching its component shapes and defining their size, shape and
inter-relationships. By successfully creating these shapes, called features you
can construct the part.
The basic modeling process for each part is as follows:
·
Plan
the part
·
Create
the basic feature
·
Create
the remaining features
·
Analyze
the part
·
Modifying
the features as necessary
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Assembly Modeling
Assembly design gives a user the ability to
design with user controlled associability. SolidWorks builds these individual
parts and sub assemblies into an assembly in a hierarchical manner. This is based on the relationships defined by
the constraints.
SolidWorks Assembly designs reference part
directly and maintains relationships when creating new parts. In these assembly
modules, you can perform physical simulation and mechanical interaction between
the parts and avoid any potential design flaws.
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Surface Modeling
For Designing dies, casting or injection molds,
surface modeling capability is important. SolidWorks Surface module can create
complex models can create complex models from free form shapes. You can create
complex surfaces using lofts and sweeps with guide curves, drag-handles for
easy control and innovative surface features. The basic process to create the
surface model is as follows:
·
Acquire
the wireframe model
·
Study
the wireframe model
·
Create
and verify the required surface
·
Output
the surface model
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Sheet Metal Design
Sheet metal parts are generally used as enclosures
for components to provide support to other components. We can design a sheet
metal part on its own without any references to the parts it will enclose, or
you can design the part in the context of an assembly that contains the
enclosed components.
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Drawing
2D drawing module develops complete production
ready engineering drawings without drawing the sketches, make revisions quickly
and accurately, and generates Bill of Materials (BOM) and balloons automatically,
easily controlling and alignment of balloons.
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PhotoWorks
PhotoView 360 is a SolidWorks add-in that
produces photo-realistic rendering of SolidWorks models. The rendered image
incorporates the appearance, lighting scene and decals include with the model.
PhotoView 360 is available with SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium.
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