Creating revolves in SolidWorks can be achieved in a few simple steps. This article discusses what geometry is required to create a revolve as well as how to visualise the required sketch profile. In order to create a revolve in SolidWorks, you need a sketch from which the revolve can be created as well as an axis for this sketch to be revolved around. The first thing to understand is what the sketch profile should look like in order to create a revolve. Take a look at the example below. [image] If you were to take a quarter section of your completed part, the resultant cross section outline i ..read more

Creating a sphere in SolidWorks can be achieved using a single sketch and a single feature. This post runs through the options for creating a sphere, the rules to follow and the steps required. Spheres can be created in SolidWorks as solid or surface geometry. Both results require a sketch and either a Revolve Boss/Base feature or a Revolved Surface feature. Creating a sphere using the Revolve Boss/Base feature will result in solid geometry that has a mass. Creating a sphere using the Revolved Surface feature will result in surface geometry which is infinitely thin and has no mass. More inform ..read more

This article explains how units in SolidWorks can be changed. We will look at the unit systems available and how these can be modified for a single document or for a document template. Each SolidWorks template file has its own unit system. If a user designs in millimetres, their part, assembly and drawing templates should be set to use millimetres. It is sometimes required to change the unit system of a particular file. This can be done by changing the Units settings from Tools > Options > Document Properties > Units. The same menu can be accessed in the bottom right hand corner ..read more

Tips and Tricks – Dirty Decals Decals in SOLIDWORKS Visualize are often used for applying logos, labels and signage onto products.  This blog explores how decals can be used to give realistic defects, dirt and damage onto appearances that would otherwise look too clean and perfect. When exporting a render in Visualize, you have the option to save as “.png” (portable network graphic) format. This file type supports alpha channels, which means portions of the image can be set as transparent, therefore making it easy to superimpose onto any background. The same goes for when you import ..read more

This year, DEVELOP3D Live is being held on 20th March at the Warwick Arts Centre, Warwick University, Coventry, CV4 7AL. With over 30 exciting speakers, the event is a great way to get hands-on with the latest technology, advance your workflow and network with Industry Professionals. Described as the “UK’s leading conference and exhibition celebrating design, engineering and manufacturing technology”, it is certainly not to be missed! Gian Paolo Bassi, CEO at Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Bringing more than 25 years of experience to the stage, Gian Paolo will share his “thoughts ..read more

Register Now Watch our “Introduction to 3D CAD” Webinar where we will be demonstrating SOLIDWORKS 2018. This short demonstration will showcase how the latest designs and innovations are created. No previous CAD experience needed; we start from the basics, creating simple 3D geometry from scratch and using it to automatically generate drawings for manufacture and client communication. From there we will then look how you can check for interferences & misalignments, followed by some virtual testing to ensure the product is fit for purpose. Product Manager Jamie Thain will be gui ..read more

SOLIDWORKS Webinar Join us next Tuesday for an open session as we look at the importance of variant management and collaboration. You will see how SOLIDWORKS MCAD and ECAD solutions will help you in designing product variants to achieve maximum efficiency during electronic product design process. SOLIDWORKS PCB is one of the easiest ways to connect your electrical and mechanical designs without any trade-offs. Focus on just the electrical side of your design while simultaneously working on the mechanical design with SOLIDWORKS CAD. Your workflows will always remain separate but in sync, usi ..read more

Working with Large Assemblies, Part One SOLIDWORKS has various tools and techniques to aid working with larger assemblies, this webcast focuses on diagnosing problems and some fundamental strategies for working with large assemblies. You can expect to see the following: Key Contributors to assembly performance Best practice for constraining components (mates) Diagnosing problems Hardware & Data Management Considerations This 20 minute webcast is suitable for those who has a good grounding in SOLIDWORKS basics looking to develop their large assembly knowledge. Register Now Working wi ..read more

SOLIDWORKS Basics – Assemblies SOLIDWORKS Assemblies allow you to build complete working products component by component. They are the building blocks used to take your design, step-by-step, to the final product. They allow you to add constraints between components, test motion, check interferences and check for collisions. This Wednesday’s webcast will explain from the ground up everything you need to know to get to grips with the fundamentals of creating assemblies inside SOLIDWORKS. We will explain exactly what the purpose of an assembly is, look at how to restrain components, and also e ..read more

It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly been a month since we were lucky enough to attend SOLIDWORKS World 2018, out in sunny Los Angeles! A particular highlight for us was seeing an SSG customer, Gilo Industries, make waves on the main stage. Founder Gilo Cardoza introduced the Mako Slingshot: a lightweight, motorized surfboard. With its 12-horsepower engine, the Mako is able to reach 35 mph in an impressive 2.8 seconds! Cardoza explained that, thanks to SOLIDWORKS, the company was able to move from their initial design stage through to the completed product in just 12 months. Spea ..read more