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.
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.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a powerful way to set up a company-specific dashboard with analytics tools that will bring your engineering, design, and business data together in one place. This blog will walk you through creating a dashboard in 3DEXPERIENCE and integrating analytics, so you can start making data-backed decisions without leaving your collaborative workspace.