SolidWorks The book you need to succeed! CD-ROM Included! Master all features, functions, and tools. Explore best practices and cautionary data

Transcription

1 CD-ROM Included! Tutorials, example files, and sample templates Matt Lombard SolidWorks 2010 Master all features, functions, and tools Explore best practices and cautionary data Learn specialized and advanced techniques The book you need to succeed!

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3 SolidWorks 2010 Bible

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5 SolidWorks 2010 Bible Matt Lombard

6 SolidWorks 2010 Bible Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc Crosspoint Boulevard Indianapolis, IN Copyright 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana Published simultaneously in Canada ISBN: Manufactured in the United States of America No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) , fax (978) Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, , fax , or online at LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS. THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY SITUATION. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. IF PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, THE SERVICES OF A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE IS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE INFORMATION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT MAY MAKE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ. For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at (877) , outside the U.S. at (317) or fax (317) Library of Congress Control Number: Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not be available in electronic books.

7 About the Author Matt Lombard is an independent mechanical design consultant. He spent time as the Engineering Services Manager at a high tech manufacturer where his job included the work of a Documentation Manager as well as a mixed environment CAD Manager with both direct and indirect staff. Matt also has worked as a consultant and has performed dozens of implementations covering the setup and optimization of SolidWorks, Toolbox, and PDMWorks. Because of the popularity of his SolidWorks blog Dezignstuff ( blog), and sessions at SolidWorks World, he has built a reputation as the go-to resource for everything SolidWorks.

8 This work is dedicated to my grandparents, Earl Boot Woods and Mildred Mid Woods, who taught me that the value of hard work goes beyond the numbers on a paycheck. Credits Senior Acquisitions Editor Stephanie McComb Project Editor Jade L. Williams Technical Editor Ricky Jordan Copy Editor Lauren Kennedy Editorial Director Robyn Siesky Editorial Manager Cricket Krengel Business Manager Amy Knies Senior Marketing Manager Sandy Smith Vice President and Executive Group Publisher Richard Swadley Project Coordinator Kristie Rees Graphics and Production Specialists Yovonne Grego Kelly Kijovsky Quality Control Technician John Greenough Proofreader Linda Seifert Indexer BIM Indexing & Proofreading Services Media Development Project Manager Laura Moss Media Development Assistant Project Manager Jenny Swisher Media Development Associate Producer Marilyn Hummel Vice President and Executive Publisher Barry Pruett

9 The ideas that go into a book of this size do not all originate with a single individual. Research for many of the topics was done at user group meetings, SolidWorks Corporation s discussion forums, and SolidWorks Customer Portal, as well as the blogs and Web sites of many individuals. I would like to thank all of the individuals who have posted to the public forums or blogs. Many of these people have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to my SolidWorks education, as well as that of many other SolidWorks users around the world. vii

10 Acknowledgments...vii Part I: SolidWorks Basics Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks...3 Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface...39 Chapter 3: Working with Sketches...87 Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings Chapter 5: Using Visualization Techniques Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches Chapter 7: Selecting Features Chapter 8: Patterning and Mirroring Chapter 9: Using Equations Chapter 10: Working with Part Configurations Chapter 11: Editing and Evaluation Part III: Working with Assemblies Chapter 12: Building Efficient Assemblies Chapter 13: Getting More from Mates Chapter 14: Controlling Assembly Configurations and Display States Chapter 15: Using Component Patterns and Mirrors Chapter 16: Modeling in Context Part IV: Creating and Using Libraries Chapter 17: Using Hole Wizard and Toolbox Chapter 18: Working with Library Features Chapter 19: Using Smart Components Part V: Creating Drawings Chapter 20: Automating Drawings: The Basics Chapter 21: Working with Drawing Views Chapter 22: Using Annotations and Symbols Chapter 23: Dimensioning and Tolerancing Chapter 24: Working with Tables and Drawings Chapter 25: Using Layers, Line Fonts, and Colors viii

11 Part VI: Using Advanced Techniques Chapter 26: Modeling Multi-bodies Chapter 27: Working with Surfaces Chapter 28: Employing Master Model Techniques Part VII: Working with Specialized Functionality Chapter 29: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools Chapter 30: Using Imported Geometry and Direct Editing Techniques Chapter 31: Using Weldments Chapter 32: Using Plastic Features and Mold Tools Chapter 33: Animating with MotionManager Part VIII: Appendixes Appendix A: Finding Help Appendix B: What s on the CD-ROM Index ix

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13 Acknowledgments vii Part I: SolidWorks Basics 1 Chapter 1: Introducing SolidWorks Installing SolidWorks for the First Time...3 Starting SolidWorks for the First Time...5 SolidWorks License Agreement...5 Welcome to SolidWorks...5 Quick Tips...6 SolidWorks documentation...8 Tutorials...9 What s New...9 Moving from AutoCAD...9 SolidWorks Help...10 Tip of the Day...10 Hardcopy documentation...10 Identifying SolidWorks Documents...10 Saving your setup...12 Using templates...12 Having multiple document templates available...12 Sharing templates...16 Understanding Feature-Based Modeling...17 Understanding History-Based Modeling...18 Sketching with Parametrics...21 Understanding Design Intent...26 Editing Design Intent...26 Choosing Sketch Relations...26 Selecting Display/Delete Relations...27 Using Suppressed sketch relations...28 Working with Associativity...28 Tutorial: Creating a Part Template...29 Tutorial: Using Parametrics in Sketches...31 Summary...37 xi

14 Chapter 2: Navigating the SolidWorks Interface Identifying Elements of the SolidWorks Interface...40 Using the CommandManager and toolbars...40 CommandManager...41 Using toolbars...45 Tool tips...50 Managing toolbars...50 Workflow customization...54 Controlling menus...55 Changing cursors...57 Working with models in the FeatureManager and PropertyManager windows...58 Using the FeatureManager...58 Using the PropertyManager...60 Getting around the Task pane...61 Getting familiar with the Status bar...63 Assigning tags...63 Making use of Quick Tips...63 Using the 2D Command Line Emulator...64 Making the Interface Work for You...65 Customizing colors...66 Exploring default selection colors...66 Selecting Background options wisely...67 Customizing strategies...67 Considering hotkey approaches...68 Organizing hotkeys...68 Using mouse gestures...69 Using the keyboard...70 Minimizing icons...71 Contemplating device approaches...71 Using touch and multi-touch support...71 Accessing macros...72 Saving custom interface settings...73 Working with multiple document windows...74 Managing windows...74 Changing windows...76 Getting to Know the Interface...77 Copying the existing settings...77 Setting interface items to their default settings...78 Customizing the CommandManager...79 Customizing menus...82 Changing interface colors...83 Adding hotkeys...85 Combining macros with hotkeys...85 Summary...86 xii

15 Chapter 3: Working with Sketches Opening a Sketch...88 Identifying Sketch Entities...88 The Sketch toolbar...89 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: Reference Geometry Summary Chapter 4: Creating Simple Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings Discovering Design Intent Is the part symmetrical? What are the primary or functional features? In what ways is the part likely to change? What is the manufacturing method? Will there be secondary operations? Will there be other versions? Creating a Simple Part Deciding where to start Building in symmetry Making it solid Using Instant 3D Making the first extrude feature Relative size or direct dimensions Creating the offset Sketch techniques Hole Wizard Cutting a slot Fillets and chamfers Tutorial: Creating a Simple Assembly Tutorial: Making a Simple Drawing Summary xiii

16 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 Camera views Zebra Stripes View Orientation The Standard Views toolbar Annotation views Getting the Most from RealView Using RealView basic components Applying appearances Appearance overrides Other entity colors The Display pane Automatic color features Remove appearances Using Display States Using Edge Settings Using Assembly Visualization Tutorial: Applying Visualization Techniques Tutorial: Using Assembly Visualization Summary Part II: Building Intelligence into Your Parts 203 Chapter 6: Getting More from Your Sketches Editing Sketch Relations Display/Delete Relations SketchXpert Copying and Moving Sketch Entities Move entities Rotate entities Copy entities Scale entities Modify Sketch xiv

17 Copy and paste Simple drag Derived sketch Using Sketch Pictures Three views Compensate for perspective Estimate sharp edges Auto Trace Using Sketch Text Using Colors and Line Styles with Sketches Color Display mode Line color Edit sketch or curve color Line thickness and line style Using Other Sketch Tools RapidSketch Sensors Metadata for sketches Construction geometry Tutorial: Editing and Copying Tutorial: Controlling Pictures, Text, Colors, and Styles Tutorial: Using Metadata Tutorial: Sketching Calculator Summary Chapter 7: Selecting Features Identifying When to Use Which Tool Using the Extrude feature Solid feature Thin feature Sketch types Understanding Instant 3D Creating extrudes with Instant 3D Editing geometry with Instant 3D Working with the Revolve feature End conditions Contour selection Introducing loft Entities that you can use in a loft The similarities between lofts and splines The need for surfaces Loft end constraints Isoparameter U-V lines Guide curves xv

18 Centerline lofts SelectionManager Loft options Controlling Sweep features Simple sweep Sweep with guide curves Pierce relation Cut Sweep with a solid profile Creating Curve Features Working with helix features Tapered helix Variable pitch helix Spiral Creating projected curves Sketch On Faces Sketch On Sketch Making Curve Through XYZ Points Building Curve Through Reference Points Putting together a Composite curve Using Split lines Equation Driven Curve Understanding Fillet Types Creating a constant radius fillet Selecting entities to fillet Tangent propagation Dealing with a large number of fillets Multiple Radius Fillet Round corners Keep edge/keep surface Keep features Creating variable radius fillets Applying the values Straight versus smooth transitions Other reasons to use the variable radius fillet Using face Fillets Continuous curvature Face Fillets Face Fillets with Help Point Single hold line fillet Double hold line fillet Constant width fillet Applying a full round fillet Building a setback fillet xvi

19 Selecting a Specialty Feature Using the Dome feature Using the Wrap feature Scribe Emboss Deboss Flex feature Applying the Deform feature Point deform Curve to curve deform Surface push deform Indent feature Tutorial: Bracket Casting Tutorial: Creating a Wire-Formed Part Summary Chapter 8: Patterning and Mirroring Patterning in a Sketch Debunking more sketch myths Patterning a sketch Linear Sketch Pattern Circular Sketch Pattern Mirroring in a Sketch Mirror Entities Dynamic Mirror Symmetry sketch relation Mirroring in 3D sketches Exploring the Geometry Pattern Option Patterning Bodies Patterning Faces Patterning Fillets Understanding Pattern Types Linear Pattern Circular Pattern Curve Driven Pattern Sketch Driven Pattern Table Driven Pattern Fill Pattern Cosmetic Patterns Mirroring in 3D Mirroring bodies Mirroring features Mirroring entire parts xvii

20 Tutorial: Creating a Circular Pattern Tutorial: Mirroring Features Tutorial: Applying a Cosmetic Pattern Summary Chapter 9: 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 Tutorial: Using Equations Summary Chapter 10: Working with Part Configurations Controlling Items with Configurations Finding configurations Deleting configs Sorting configs Activating configurations Creating configurations A new config Configuration properties and options Advanced options The Modify dialog box Negative dimensions Using the Modify Configurations dialog box Using Table Views Adding custom properties with the Modify Configurations dialog box Using Custom Property Managers Derived configurations File size considerations Controlling dimensions Controlling suppression Controlling custom properties Controlling sketch relations Controlling sketch planes xviii

21 Controlling configurations of inserted parts Library features Unconfigurable items Using Design Tables What Can Be Driven by a Design Table? Creating a simple design table 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 11: Editing and Evaluation Using Rollback Using the Rollback bar 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 Check Evaluating reflective techniques Zebra Stripes RealView Curvature display Deviation analysis Tangent Edges as Phantom Geometry Analysis Feature Statistics Curvature Comb Analyzing with SimulationXpress Welcome to SolidWorks SimulationXpress Applying Fixtures Applying Loads Selecting a Material xix

22 Running the analysis Visualizing the results Optimizing the design Tutorial: Making Use of Editing and Evaluation Techniques Summary Part III: Working with Assemblies 435 Chapter 12: Building Efficient Assemblies Identifying the Elements of an Assembly Standard reference geometry items Assembly equations External references Link values and global variables Renaming Recommendations Assembly layout sketch Virtual components Assembly reference geometry History-based and non-history-based portions of the assembly tree Parts and subassemblies Folders Mates Assembly features Component patterns and mirror components In-context reference update holders Smart Fasteners Hole Series Using SpeedPaks Using ghosts Sharing self-contained data Using SpeedPak with drawings Using Subassemblies Creating subassemblies from existing parts Insert a new subassembly Dissolving subassemblies Organizing for performance Solving mates Flexible subassemblies Legacy data Organizing for the BOM Grouping subassemblies by relative motion xx

23 Organizing groups of purchased components Depicting an assembly process Item numbering Individual steps Patterning considerations Using Folders Creating folders in the FeatureManager Add To New Folder tool Create new folder Adding items to existing folders Reordering items in the tree Working with Tree Display Options Showing feature names and descriptions Showing component and config names and descriptions Using names other than the part filename in the assembly FeatureManager Using Component Reference per Instance Viewing features, mates, and dependencies Using Assembly Tools Using Sensors Using the AssemblyXpert Tutorial: Arranging Assemblies Tutorial: Managing the FeatureManager Summary Chapter 13: Getting More from Mates Applying Mates Mating through the Mate PropertyManager Mate workflow View and model positioning Select Other Multiple Mate mode Taking advantage of SmartMates Alt+dragging a SmartMate Drag between windows Mate references Mating with macros Mating for Motion Analyzing degree-of-freedom Setting up successful motion Working with Advanced and Mechanical Mate Types Symmetric mate Cam mate Width mate xxi

24 Gear mate Rack and Pinion mate Limit mates Screw mate Path mate Linear Coupler mate Hinge mate Belt/Chain Editing and Troubleshooting Editing existing mates Troubleshooting assembly mates Distinguishing between warnings and errors Examining Mate Options Reviewing Mate Best Practices Tutorial: Mating for Success Summary Chapter 14: Controlling Assembly Configurations and Display States Using Display States Controlling Display States and configurations Using Display States with drawings Using part Display States in assemblies Understanding Assembly Configurations Configurations for performance Suppressing components and features Configuring SpeedPaks Using part configurations for speed Advanced Component Selection Isolate SolidWorks Utilities Simplify Assembly Controlling display performance Configurations for positions Positioning with mates Positioning with sketches Configurations for product variations Design tables for assembly configurations Modify Configurations and Configuration Publisher Assembly configuration dos and don ts Creating Exploded Views Tutorial: Working with Assembly Configurations Summary xxii

25 Chapter 15: Using Component Patterns and Mirrors Using Local Component Patterns Local pattern references Pattern seed only Instances to Skip Mirror Components Using Feature-Driven Component Patterns Understanding Other Pattern Options Tutorial: Creating Component Patterns Summary Chapter 16: Modeling in Context Understanding In-Context Modeling Advantages of in-context modeling Potential problems with in-context modeling Identifying alternatives to in-context modeling Assembly layout modeling Multi-body modeling Dealing with the Practical Details of In-Context Modeling The in-context process Starting out in-context Working in-context In-context best practice suggestions Multiple contexts In-context with configurations In-context with motion In-context with multiple instances In-context and file management In-context and mates Circular references Skeletons and layouts In-context and libraries Removing relations Should you use mating or in-context? Communicating design intent Using Other Types of External References Understanding inserted parts Understanding split parts Understanding mirror parts Using the Layout feature Using the Layout workflow Virtual components Balancing advantages and limitations xxiii

26 Tutorial: Working In-Context Tutorial: Working with a Layout Summary Part IV: Creating and Using Libraries 579 Chapter 17: Using Hole Wizard and Toolbox Using the Hole Wizard Anatomy of a Hole Wizard hole Placement sketch Hole sketch D versus 3D placement sketches Advantages and limitations of the 2D sketch Advantages and limitations of the 3D sketch Making and using Favorites Creating a Hole Wizard Favorite Storing custom holes Administering Hole Wizard Favorites Favorites quirks Using the Hole Series Hole Series interface Basic Hole Series steps Hole Series quirks Understanding Toolbox How Toolbox works The database The Configurator application Toolbox organization Configurations or parts? Which is better? Using Toolbox Turning on Toolbox and the Toolbox Browser Populating holes Smart Fasteners Organizing Toolbox parts in an assembly Recommendations The simplest setup that works A complete setup that works Tutorial: Gaining Experience with the Hole Wizard and Toolbox Summary xxiv

27 Chapter 18: Working with Library Features Using Library Features Getting started with library features Applying the Library Feature interface Task Pane Design Library Exploring other Design Library functions Annotations Location of the Design Library folder Library parts Sheet metal forming tools Assemblies Routing Smart Components Creating Library Features Creating a library feature A few limitations Creating a new library feature Saving the library feature Display of the Library Feature icon 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 Chapter 19: Using Smart Components Understanding Smart Components Using Smart Components Getting started with a simple Smart Component Auto-sizing Smart Components Making Smart Components Getting started with a simple Smart Component Creating an auto-sizing Smart Component Managing file with Smart Components Editing Smart Components Tutorial: Working with Smart Components Summary xxv

28 Part V: Creating Drawings 661 Chapter 20: 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 Sample formats Editing a format Managing text Using custom properties Custom property data entry Property link display 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 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 Pre-defined Views and sheet scale Pre-defined View limitations Using styles and blocks in templates Custom properties in templates Saving a template Creating Blocks Summary Chapter 21: Working with Drawing Views Creating Common View Types View palette Model View Open documents Thumbnail Preview Start Command When Creating New Drawing Option Reference Configuration xxvi

29 Select Bodies Cosmetic thread display Number of Views and Orientation Import Options Display State Display Style Scale Dimension Type Cosmetic Thread Display Projected View Standard 3 View Detail View Pre-drawn detail circle Detail circle drawn in-line Editing a Detail View Section View Default Section View Partial Section View Aligned Section View Editing a Section View Creating Other View Types Crop View Broken-out Section View Drawing the closed loop Selecting the depth Editing the view Break View Auxiliary View Alternate Position View Pre-defined View Empty View Custom View Relative View D Drawing View Mode View orientation and alignment Using Display Options in Views Display States Display styles Component Line Font Layers Tangent edge display options View quality settings Distinguishing Views from Sheets Tutorial: Working with View Types, Settings, and Options Summary xxvii

30 Chapter 22: Using Annotations and Symbols Using Notes Setting up a workflow for placing notes Making use of fonts Using text boxes and wrapping Placing notes and leaders Add a leader to a note Multiple leaders 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 Tutorial: Using Balloons on Assembly Drawings Summary Chapter 23: 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 xxviii