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Showing Articles written by Maurice Cherian

Routing is an application included in SOLIDWORKS Premium that helps automate different types of routes, including electrical. Included in SOLIDWORKS is an extensive library of intelligent components you can drag and drop into your route. This default library is called the Design Library.

 

SOLIDWORKS Routing helps automate four different types of routes, including piping, electrical, Tubing, and HVAC. Routing is included in SOLIDWORKS Premium and can be purchased as a separate add-in for Professional or Standard licenses. Piping helps create the pipes between components without having to manually create sweeps or extrudes. 

 

The SOLIDWORKS Convert to Sheet Metal command is an efficient way to create Sheet Metal geometry without having to be proficient in using Sheet Metal features. Converting a regular solid or surface body to a sheet metal model that can be flattened (unfolded), can help facilitate the manufacturing of the part. Flattened parts can be saved in either DXF or DWG formats, which can be directly read into laser/plasma cutting software. 

 

SOLIDWORKS CAD Apr 02, 2021

The Delete Hole feature is an effective but slightly elusive command in SOLIDWORKS that restores closed interior profile(s) from surface bodies. It is very similar to the Untrim Surface feature because it can quickly patch or fill trimmed surface geometry. Delete Hole is like Delete Face but for surface bodies. This command is usually easier and more efficient than trying to use a Filled Surface feature. 

SOLIDWORKS Inspection Mar 05, 2021

In Excel, Conditional Formatting can be used to customize a SOLIDWORKS Inspection report template to highlight values that are within the determined specifications with a certain color (typically green). This formatting can also show values that fall out of the specified range in red or another color. 

 

The SOLIDWORKS 'Move/Copy Body' command is an efficient way to get a model reoriented properly for a variety of downstream uses. When working with imported STEP, IGES, or Parasolid imported geometry, there might be a need to reorient the model. Unlike a native SOLIDWORKS model, your choices for modifying the orientation of the imported model are limited.
SOLIDWORKS CAD Dec 06, 2019
SOLIDWORKS added the “3D Interconnect” import option to the program in 2017. This allows for proprietary CAD data being opened in its native format, keeping a link to the original part or assembly. Below are a few examples of issues you might come up against.
SOLIDWORKS CAD Nov 15, 2019

When using a single-extrusion 3D printer, it can be helpful to better define edges for post-print painting. Before I 3D print a CAD model, I look for dividing edges or boundaries for painting different colored surfaces. In SOLIDWORKSOffset Surface can quickly be used with the Thicken command to raise a surface. You do not have to be a Surfacing expert to use this technique.

SOLIDWORKS CAD Nov 13, 2019
New in SOLIDWORKS 2020 you can create Alternate Position Drawing Views of Parts. Before you could only create Alternate Positions Views of Assembly Components, usually to show range of motion. Now you can use different part configurations and overlay views, that will show in phantom lines, in a single drawing view.