Every now and then, I need to find a centerline between two complex curves or splines in SOLIDWORKS. This could be used for several reasons, but so far, the most common is for Sweep and Loft features. Let me guide you with step-by-step instructions on how to accomplish this task.
In a previous blog post, Using Sensors to Monitor Surface Area, I had the idea of using SOLIDWORKS Sensors to track the surface area of certain exposed faces of a guide rail assembly. I would then use this surface area information to determine how much stain I would need to apply two coats to my guide rail. Furthermore, if my design dimensions changed, my surface area sensor would immediately update, and I could quickly (and more accurately) figure out the new amount of stain required. The process was as simple as using the Measure tool, selecting all exposed faces, and then using the Create Sensor option within the Measure tool window. This would then track my surface area.
Mirroring inside SOLIDWORKS assembly files includes capabilities that save time positioning parts and even create opposite-hand versions as new parts or driven configurations. This blog explores the mechanics of the assembly Mirror Components command and how part creation can affect the command.
To get the best graphics performance out of your computer when running SOLIDWORKS, it’s important to configure your system’s graphics settings. By default, Windows often assigns SOLIDWORKS to use the power-saving Intel integrated graphics rather than the high-performance GPU (such as NVIDIA or AMD). This can cause slower performance, lag, or display glitches.
With the SOLIDWORKS Flex feature, you can create some very complex designs - without much effort. It can be used for various applications, including concept development, mechanical design, industrial design, stamping dies, molds, and more. The Flex feature can change either a single body or a multibody part, and includes 4 different flex types: Bending, Twisting, Tapering, and Stretching. Consider the baluster component of the spiral staircase below. We can take a simple square design and, with the aid of the Flex feature, create a more aesthetic look.
When it comes to home projects, I never really know how much paint, stain, or primer to get. I usually end up buying a gallon, using what I need, and then just storing the rest. After a few years in storage, it becomes too old and ends up at the recycling center. This is how I came up with the idea of using sensors in SOLIDWORKS to calculate the amount of paint/stain I would need for any new home project. For this blog, I’m going to use a section of railing, but I imagine this would also work great on an entire deck, a room in my house, the entire house itself, or even a part that I am manufacturing.
Centerlines are dashed lines that can be inserted into a drawing by holding CTRL and clicking the edges/sides of the cylinder. You will see a dashed line has been inserted into the view. Similarly, you can insert a center mark by selecting the edge of a hole and then selecting the Center Mark command. These lines are quite useful for dimensioning and annotating drawings, and, as a result, they have become standardized as a fundamental part of GD&T. But if you have SOLIDWORKS 2025 SP3 installed, you may have noticed some changes in the behavior of centerlines and have asked yourself, "Why are centerlines coming in as a solid line? What has changed, and how can I stop this?"
Nowadays, AI is everywhere. It feels like artificial intelligence is transforming every industry. But what does this mean for SOLIDWORKS users? The truth is, AI in SOLIDWORKS doesn’t include a “magic design button” that does all your work for you. Instead, it’s about helping you work smarter by automating repetitive low-value tasks, speeding up tedious processes, and providing useful suggestions to ultimately free you up to focus on the high-impact portions of design.
In Tech Support, we're often asked, “How do you change the orientation of a slot using the SOLIDWORKS Hole Wizard feature?”. While there are a few ways to do this, this blog will demonstrate one of the easiest methods. It will also show you how to link this orientation value to an equation for easily changing the angle.