SOLIDWORKS 2017 Essential Training

Get up to speed with SOLIDWORKS 2017, and learn how to design efficiently in the latest version of this popular software.

Get up to speed with SOLIDWORKS 2017 and unlock the benefits of the latest version of the software. In this course, Gabriel Corbett dives into essential tools and modeling concepts necessary to create manufacturing-ready parts and assemblies, detailed drawings, and a bill of materials. To begin, learn about the new features, and see how to how to use the basic sketch tools to create two-dimensional sketches that become the foundation for 3D objects. Next, look at modeling 3D features, creating complex objects using the Sweep, Loft, and Surface tools, and modifying parts. Explore more advanced modeling techniques using equations, mirroring, and patterning tools, and learn best practices for putting parts together in assemblies and building robust structures. The course wraps up with how to create drawings that relate the final parts and assemblies to a manufacturer, complete with an itemized bill of materials and drawing notes.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Introduction to SOLIDWORKS

• Launching SOLIDWORKS for the first time
• Navigating in the 3D workspace
• SOLIDWORKS templates
• Saving, renaming, and managing files
• New features in SOLIDWORKS 2017

2. SOLIDWORKS Quick Start

• Creating your first 3D part
• Building your first assembly
• Making your first CAD drawing
• Basic steps for 3D modeling

3. Basic Part Modeling

• Creating sketches
• Understanding relationships
• Using the Extrude feature
• Using the Extruded Cut feature
• Creating revolved features
• Making revolved cuts
• Applying materials, colors, and backgrounds
• Finding mass properties
• System options, units, and templates

4. Sketch Tools

• Line and Centerline tools
• Using the Rectangle tool
• Circles and arcs
• Slots and ellipses
• Sketching polygons
• Creating text
• Using equations and linked variables
• Using the Spline tool
• Advanced Sketch tools

5. Modifying Sketches

• Trimming and extending portions of a sketch
• Creating offset geometry
• Moving, copying, and rotating elements
• Erasing, undoing, and redoing actions
• Using the Mirror tools
• Creating repeating patterns in a sketch
• Using construction lines to build robust sketches
• Using the Convert Entities tool
• Adding fillets and chamfers to sketches

6. Reference Geometry

• Working with planes
• Making an axis
• Creating a coordinate system

7. Part Modifications

• Adding fillets to a part
• Chamfering edges
• Applying draft
• Using the Shell command
• Using the Mirror command
• Creating linear patterns
• Creating circular patterns

8. Advanced Part Modeling

• Loft tool
• Refining a lofted shape with guide curves
• Making lofted cuts
• Creating swept shapes
• Making swept cuts
• Using the Wrap command
• Boundary boss and base
• Intersect tool
• Working with configurations
• Surface tools
• Using surfaces to build solid models
• Direct editing: Move/copy bodies
• Direct editing: Move face
• Direct editing: Combine
• Direct editing: Split

9. Hole Wizard

• Getting started with the Hole Wizard
• Understanding hole types and standards
• Positioning holes in 3D

10. Blocks

• Working with reusable sketches and blocks
• Creating blocks
• Designing with blocks

11. Building Assemblies

• Starting an assembly
• Arranging, copying, moving, and rotating parts in assemblies
• Mating parts together in an assembly
• Working with subassemblies
• Making linear patterns
• Creating circular patterns
• Using the Toolbox
• Downloading premade parts from the Internet

12. Advanced Mates

• Working with mate types
• Mating parts with advanced mates
• Mating parts with Path Mate
• Mechanical mates
• Mating parts by aligning planes

13. In-Context Modeling

• Linking sketches to other parts
• Linking to layout sketches
• Using the Hole Wizard in context

14. Using Design Tables

• Using design tables
• Working with complex calculations
• Selecting component configurations in an assembly
• Building assemblies with design tables
• Adding to design tables
• The power of Excel in design tables

15. Part Drawings

• Working with drawing templates
• Setting up drawing options and sheet properties
• Choosing the correct projection angle
• Adding model views to a drawing

16. Dimensioning

• Creating general dimension notations
• Creating ordinate dimensions
• Dimensioning holes and curved features
• Using the auto-dimension tools

17. Adding General Annotations

• Adding annotations
• Adding additional views to your drawing
• Adding custom properties
• Linking drawing notes to custom properties

18. Assembly Drawings

• Adding assemblies to drawings
• Including a bill of materials
• Adding balloons to specify parts on an assembly drawing
• Building an exploded view for an assembly drawing
• Adding in custom properties and revision

Conclusion

• Next steps