With each major release of SOLIDWORKS, there are new and improved capabilities within the software that can completely change the user experience. One of the most exciting enhancements in SOLIDWORKS 2024 was the introduction of SOLIDWORKS Sketch Dimension Previews. This new capability combines the power of Smart Dimensions with context-sensitive selections in the sketching environment. Sketch Dimension Previews aim to streamline the sketching process by providing users with real-time feedback and visual cues as they create and modify dimensions within sketches. Watch the video to learn why and ..read more

As a DraftSight expert with TriMech, I’m frequently asked which DraftSight licenses would best suit a particular client. Dassault Systèmes provides us with a wealth of choices rather than the exclusive one-size-fits-all approach other companies have moved to. However, with many options available it can be hard to understand them all. That’s where this handy guide fits in. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about DraftSight licensing. DraftSight Licensing – Flexible Options for Every User 2024 DraftSight Licenses The DraftSight lineup has changed over time and will doubtless be updat ..read more

The SOLIDWORKS Tool Cabinet   No one part of SOLIDWORKS is complicated. Think of it like one of those big cabinet-style toolboxes. Mastering any one tool just takes a little bit of instruction and practice. The problem is that SOLIDWORKS is chock full of tools, and you have to know how to use them together to get stuff done. That’s where it gets complicated. Some people learn SOLIDWORKS by following a carefully designed curriculum taught by one or more experienced instructors in school, or from Professional CAD training courses. Training courses like ours here at TriMech, and instructo ..read more

DraftSight, like SOLIDWORKS, is part of the Dassault Systèmes family of CAD applications. The SOLIDWORKS Certification Program has been around since 1998, longer than many SOLIDWORKS users have. If offers us the ability to prove our skills with verifiable certifications the industry takes seriously. With a certification you’re not the one telling employers you know your stuff, Dassault Systèmes is telling them you know your stuff. Now DraftSight users have the chance to earn certification too! The Certified DraftSight Associate (CDSA) has been added to the roster of available certifications ..read more

Control logic provides the ability to dynamically show, hide, or disable a data card control by specifying one or more conditions. In the example below, we’ll use two radio buttons on a file card to display whether a document is approved or rejected. If it’s approved, then we’ll also display the approver’s name. If it’s not approved, then there is no need to show a blank approver. In that case, we’ll hide the Approved By control using Control Logic. Data Card Example In the Card Editor, the controls appear as follows. Data Card Controls The Caption property of the radio buttons becomes the ..read more

People always say “Hindsight is 20:20” and “If I knew then what I know now” referring to something that could have been easily solved some time ago if they only had the SOLIDWORKS training they had today. I’m sure that everyone reading this has had a situation recently that could have been avoided if only they knew a certain piece of information or a certain “trick of the trade”. Our greatest weaknesses are the things we are not aware of! As Designers and Engineers, our greatest weaknesses are the things we are not aware of: those being things we might not know much about or even know they exi ..read more

The SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard installation consists of three components, SQL Express, PDM Server and the SOLIDWORKS PDM Clients. In this post we will cover a SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard Client Installation. The SQL Express and PDM Server installation were covered in a previous post. Running the SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard Client installation SOLIDWORKS PDM is installed using the same Installation Manager that is used by SOLIDWORKS. To install SOLIDWORKS PDM Client select “Individual (on this computer)” and click on Next. SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Installation Uncheck the Serial Number for SOLIDWORKS ..read more

In the dynamic world of design and engineering, staying at the forefront of technological advancements is key to success. With the release of SOLIDWORKS PDM 2024, you can look forward to a host of feature enhancements that promise to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and elevate overall performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of these improvements, focusing on the Assembly Visualization tool, Web2 capabilities, new file type icons, enhanced check-out options, and performance improvements. Assembly Visualization and SOLIDWORKS PDM Integration: SOLIDWORKS PDM 2024 ..read more

Prior to taking a Design/Engineering SOLIDWORKS Certification Exam you should optimize your SOLIDWORKS settings as that can play a pivotal role in determining your success. While the default configurations in SOLIDWORKS provide a solid foundation, fine-tuning additional settings can significantly enhance your efficiency and streamline your design workflow. In this blog, we will delve into these critical adjustments, ensuring you’re fully prepared to excel in your certification assessments. Accessing SOLIDWORKS Settings First, let’s navigate to where you can adjust your SOLIDWORKS settings. Loc ..read more

The SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard installation consists of three components, SQL Express, PDM Server and the SOLIDWORKS PDM Clients. In this post we will cover a SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard Client Installation. The SQL Express and PDM Server installation were covered in a previous post. Installing the PDM Client SOLIDWORKS PDM is installed using the same Installation Manager that is used by SOLIDWORKS. To install SOLIDWORKS PDM Client select “Individual (on this computer)” and click on Next. SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Installation Uncheck the Serial Number for SOLIDWORKS and press Next. Press OK to in ..read more