SolidWorks Project: Learning the Ropes - Entry #4 - Lesson 1 - Parts

Lesson 1 - Parts - V. 2

This entry is a continuation of the basic theory conveyed in Entry #1, where a 3D model of a pressure plate was created. As stated in Entry #1, the theory being tested in this blog series is based upon the internal tutorial program embedded within SolidWorks, which is rumored to be all that is needed to reach intermediate to advanced level understanding of the software, with additional sources only needed for specialized uses or integration with other programs such as Blender for 3D printing. This series will document the progress of a first year engineering student with no prior experience with computer aided engineering design to weigh the theory based on outcomes.

The process demonstrated followed the tutorials presented through the software itself, with no external assistance from other instructional sources.

Entry #4 picks up where Entry #3 left off, continuing to work through the tutorial within SolidWorks entitled “Lesson 1 - Parts.” This tutorial opens with an overview that signposts what should be expected from this lesson once each section is complete:

Setting up a new part document
Creating the base feature
Adding a boss feature
Creating a cut feature
Adding fillets
Adding a shell feature
Editing features
Completed Part

Entry #4 begins the step of Adding a boss feature. In Fig. 1, it shows that we are building directly from the last step of Lesson 1 where the new part document was setup and the base figure was created. Entry #4 will cover adding a boss feature, creating a cut feature, and adding fillets. Once again, SolidWorks is providing a file for those who may not have saved their file from the previous steps.

Sketching and Dimensioning the Boss is very straightforward, consisting of selecting the front face of our previously designed base and using the circular sketching tool to click and drag a circle onto the base. The Smart Dimension tool is used to assign a diameter to the circle of 70 units as seen in Fig. 2. It should be noted that the tutorial does not specify which units to use, but regardless of whether it is millimeters, inches, feet, or meters, there doesn’t seem to be any lag in the software when using the larger units. Users must ensure they are consistent in which units they use, but which unit is chosen does not seem to have an affect on the results of the tutorial.

Fig. 3. Shows a boss which is now centered upon the base. The Smart Dimension tool continues to work magic by making it exceedingly easy to define dimensions. In this case, the outer edge of the base on both the vertical and horizontal sides are used to center the circle simply by defining the distance from the center of the circle. After exiting sketch mode, it is now time to extrude the boss, just like the base was extruded in Entry #3. Now using the Trimetric view, the Boss-Extrude property manager to the left of the workspace is utilized to set the depth of the boss, extruding it away from the base at a depth of 25 as seen in Figs. 4 and 5.

Completion of this last step indicates another save point and potential stopping point.

Fig. 6 shows the starting point for the Making a Hole section of Lesson 1. Once again, SolidWorks provides a generic file for users who may not have saved the file from the previous sections of Lesson 1. After sketching a circle and using the Smart Dimension tool to assign a diameter of 50 as seen in Fig. 7, it is time to extrude the hole. In this case, no specific depth needs to be input, but simply using the PropertyManager, setting Direction 1’s End Condition to “Through All” punches out a hole that transcends both the Boss and the Base. Fig. 8. Is the trimetric view of this.

This marks another save point, and the starting point for the next section, Adding the Fillets. SolidWorks provides a file once again for those who may not have saved their work from the last section. Fig. 9 shows the starting point for this section.

Steps 1-5 of Creating the Base Fillets are self explanatory and easy to follow. Step 6 may present challenges if users do not pay attention to the image in Step 6. It should be noted that the cursor in this image is selecting a hidden line that represents a corner of the base. Each of the remaining 3 corners should be selected as well, being careful to ensure that the correct line is highlighted orange upon hovering the cursor upon it. This is seen in Fig. 10 and 11, with Fig. 12 displaying the end result- filleted edges that are rounded and add significant dimension to the part that is now taking form nicely. The last task in this section is to add a fillet to the face of the boss, which is seen in Figs. 13 and 14. At this point, the part has fillets on all surfaces, which is what gives the 3D model a highly finished effect.

Notes:
1) New users should be aware that the terminology “end direction” is used in the tutorial text to describe an area within propertymanager where information is to be input. In the version used for this project, propertymanager no longer actually says “end direction,” though it’s not difficult to figure out- an icon with arrows pointing in opposite direction gives adequate representation of “end direction.” This has not impacted the ability to complete the tutorial without outside assistance.

2) Care should be taken when selecting surfaces in order to ensure the correct surface has been selected. If the incorrect surface is selected, the model may end up rotating into an unexpected position and could result in some confusion. The tutorial, thus far, has not instructed on how to correct missteps. Using the “undo” function may or may not remedy the issue, and may or may not create issues in the future of the tutorial such as discrepancies in naming conventions within the featuremanager tree. Again, care should be taken when selecting surfaces.

3) This entry specifically notes save points and the option to open a pre-generated file provided by SolidWorks for those who may have neglected to save their work after completing the last step, and stopped following the tutorial. There have been occasions when continuing to use the user-created file, rather than saving and using the file provided by SolidWorks, have required deselecting tools or switching modes. It seems the tutorials have not accounted for this and new users should take note of as it can cause some confusion initially. Each instance has been rather easy to figure out what tool to deselect or mode to switch. However, if a user finds themselves unable to proceed with the tutorial due to this issue, it can be resolved by closing the user created file and opening the pre-generated file provided by SolidWorks instead. The files should be identical if the tutorial was followed properly.

In conclusion, this entry continues to support the theory of this series that the tutorials may be all that is required to reach intermediate to advanced proficiency of the SolidWorks software. The instances where the tutorial instructructions do not match the version (such as note #1 above regarding “end direction”) remain easy enough to figure out, but are adding up, nonetheless.