Grasping the Basics
3D CAD does require a new way of thinking and you start by getting the idea of planes, features and sketches clear in your mind. SOLIDWORKS makes these key concepts as clear and obvious as possible so, once grasped, learning builds on understanding rather than remembering which button to click. Help is always available to show you where tools are and what they do. Whilst working, you can pause at any point to run through one of the many on-screen interactive tutorials if needed. Each step of the modelling process is recorded in a history bar and, using this, you can go back to any point and edit the original work. Once the edit has been made all subsequent work will automatically update. Gone are the days of ‘bin it’ and start again!
Find Your Own Level
Alongside the main design area is a ‘Home’ tab with access to on-line support, further tutorials and your own customer portal where case studies can be downloaded. Example videos range from entire millionaire yachts to jewellery and brakes for F1 cars - all modelled and tested in SOLIDWORKS. The examples demonstrate what a powerful package SOLIDWORKS is but, if it seems daunting, don’t worry. Few users will be experts in every aspect of the software, and most will be using the main features and tools that apply to their particular sector. Education is no different. Most of the time students will be using SOLIDWORKS to create straightforward parts that they can assemble, test, render and animate onscreen. If this seems like you’re only scratching the surface then that’s OK. As confidence grows, more advanced tools can be added to the repertoire and all have the same intuitive feel and built-in support.
Direct Modelling - 'Instant 3D'
SOLIDWORKS models are usually created by building up features based on 2D geometry. This ‘feature-based-modelling’ is ideal for teaching and starting-out, but it’s not the only way of working. Once a basic model is created then ‘Instant 3D’ functionality becomes available.
Most features can then be adjusted, copied, moved or edited by simply clicking and dragging with the mouse.
‘Instant 3D’ gives SOLIDWORKS the best of both worlds - direct modelling when a ‘free-form’ experience is helpful, or feature-based when key dimensions and parameters are being set. There’s no ‘big decision’ needed about which way to work – simply choose what works best for you at any stage in the modelling process.
Home Use
Once the basics have been taught in school, students will want to develop expertise independently and, in our experience, this is where SOLIDWORKS really starts to take off. SOLIDWORKS has a huge web-presence so students will soon find masses of resources and like-minded colleagues keen to share ideas, tips and techniques. This way, students will develop personal expertise at a pace that would be hard to match in the classroom. To facilitate this important learning opportunity, schools and colleges will need to maintain their subscription to SOLIDWORKS and provide access to the Student Standard (formerly SDK) and Student Premium (formerly SEK) licences.
SolidWorks Analysis Tools
Behind the 3D image, a SOLIDWORKS model can be referenced to other data that describes, for example, material properties or manufacturing methods. The following packages operate within SOLIDWORKS to give students unparalleled access to sophisticated analysis tools. Operation is via a simple wizard in all cases, ie., the software does all the hard work!
Sustainability
Decide what your model is made from, the manufacturing method, where it will be made and where it will be used. A life cycle assessment is then calculated and a report shows the environmental impact of your design. Try it again but make some changes to see how it affects your ‘green’ credentials.
Simulation
Will your model bend or break when you use it? SOLIDWORKS Simulation is a simple Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tool that allows students to analyse stress, flow and motion in relation to their 3D model. Results are displayed graphically as colours on the model, or as an animation, making it easy to spot potentially weak areas of the design.
SOLIDWORKS Costing
The SOLIDWORKS Costing tool provides estimates of how much parts should cost to manufacture. SOLIDWORKS models are easy to edit so why not create different versions of your design and try to ‘economise’ in the choices you make. SOLIDWORKS costing can compare models so you can develop the most economical solution.
