GoEngineer Blog

This article is not an endorsement to use non-CAD-aware cloud file management systems (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive/SharePoint, Google Drive, etc.), but seeks to outline known issues, limitations, and best practices for using such setups. Accessing files stored in non-CAD-aware cloud storage systems is not only “not recommended,” but also considered a “bad practice.” Additionally, there are logistical concerns in controlling who may edit, move, and at times delete files. That all being said, this article outlines some best practices when working in these environments, along with some of the issues that may arise.

A SOLIDWORKS serial number is important because it determines the exact set of products a user is entitled to install and use. It only requires a serial number and installation media to have everything you would require to install a functioning copy of SOLIDWORKS. It is important to keep track of where it is and who is using it as machines may malfunction and the serial number can not be retrieved from the machine itself.

 

Temporary files can be obtained to run the server-side SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Administrator for the purposes of testing new server hardware while not interrupting a running production server.

 

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is capable of simulating a nonuniform pressure gradient. This allows for a simulation setup on a model that would approximate the pressure of water on the inside of a tank or against a dike.

Template files for parts, assemblies, and drawings are the storage location for default environmental settings used when creating new files. These control the items such as unit systems, drafting standards, first/third projection angles of drawings, dimension formatting, annotation formatting, image quality of parts, and many more options.

When designing components for use in larger assemblies it becomes important to optimize the part’s feature design to minimize its impact on the rebuild time of the assembly at large. In this case a great deal of processor/rebuild time can be spent on pattern features if they are not optimized.

A “Parallel Installation” of SOLIDWORKS is any time more than one version (i.e. 2011, 2012, 2013, 201X, etc.) of SOLIDWORKS is installed and operating on a single system. This setup does not require additional licenses as both versions operate under the same serial number and the same license runs both installations.

My significant other is really into whitewater rafting, and she has lots of friends who are river boat guides. So weekend camping trips usually involve large inflatable boats, among other things. I’ve been on a few river trips but I am not an official river person (yet), so I’m kind of the “plus one” on a camping trip.

SOLIDWORKS Simulation is commonly used on a model with a combination of fixtures and known force loads to find displacement and stress data from such loading conditions. At times though, it is not known what applied force to place on a model whereas the displacement of the model is known and the applied force is the desired quantity to be measured.