SolidWorks Essentials teaches you how to use the SolidWorks mechanical design automation software to build parametric models of parts and assemblies, and how to make drawings of those parts and assemblies. The course is designed around a process or task based approach to training rather than focusing on individual features and functions. Case studies are used to illustrate processes, allowing you to learn the necessary commands to complete design tasks.

Course Outline

Lesson : Introduction

• About This Course
• Windows XP
• Use of Color
• What is the SolidWorks Software?
• Design Intent
• File References
• Opening Files
• The SolidWorks User Interface

Lesson : Introduction to Sketching

• 2D Sketching
• Stages in the Process
• What are We Going to Sketch?
• Sketching
• Sketch Entities
• Basic Sketching
• Rules That Govern Sketches
• Design Intent
• Sketch Relations
• Dimensions
• Sketch Fillets
• Extrude

Lesson : Basic Part Modeling

• Basic Modeling
• Terminology
• Choosing the Best Profile
• Choosing the Sketch Plane
• Details of the Part
• Boss Feature
• Sketching on a Planar Face
• Using the Hole Wizard
• Cut Feature
• View Options
• Filleting
• Detailing Basics
• Drawing Views
• Center Marks
• Model Dimensions
• Changing Parameters
• Design Intent
• Boss Feature with Draft
• Symmetry in the Sketch
• First Feature
• Sketching Inside the Model
• View Options
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Using Model Edges in a Sketch
• Creating Trimmed Sketch Geometry
• Using Copy and Paste
• Editing Features

Lesson : Patterning

• Why Use Patterns?
• Reference Geometry
• Linear Pattern
• Circular Patterns
• Mirror Patterns
• Using Pattern Seed Only
• Sketch Driven Patterns

Lesson : Revolved Features

• Case Study: Handwheel
• Design Intent
• Revolved Features
• Building the Rim
• Building the Spoke
• Edit Material
• Mass Properties
• SolidWorks SimulationXpress
• Using the Wizard

Lesson : Shelling and Ribs

• Shelling and Ribs
• Analyzing and Adding Draft
• Other Options for Draft
• Shelling
• Ribs
• Full Round Fillets
• Thin Features

Lesson : Editing

• Part Editing
• Editing Topics
• Check Sketch for Feature
• Information From a Model
• Rebuilding Tools
• Design Changes
• Sketch Contours

Lesson : Configurations of Parts

• Configurations
• Using Configurations
• Editing Parts that Have Configurations
• Design Library

Lesson : Design Tables and Equations

• Design Tables
• Link Values
• Equations
• Design Tables
• Existing Design Tables
• Modeling Strategies for Configurations
• More About Making Drawings
• In the Advanced Course...

Lesson : Bottom-Up Assembly Modeling

• Case Study: Universal Joint
• Bottom-Up Assembly
• Creating a New Assembly
• Position of the First Component
• FeatureManager Design Tree and Symbols
• Adding Components
• Using Part Configurations in Assemblies
• Creating Copies of Instances
• Component Hiding and Transparency
• Sub-assemblies
• Smart Mates
• Inserting Sub-assemblies
• Pack and Go

Lesson : Using Assemblies

• Using Assemblies
• Analyzing the Assembly
• Changing the Values of Dimensions
• Exploded Assemblies
• Explode Line Sketch
• Assembly Drawings
• In the Drawings Course...