GoEngineer Blog

This blog shows two sheet metal hoppers that were created in SOLIDWORKS using a similar process/technique, but completely different features. Now, although there was one very slight difference, which you will see a little later, the two sheet metal hoppers are basically identical. What are these different features that produce these similar results, and how do the two techniques differ? Which one comes out on top? Read on to find out.

While the SOLIDWORKS Tab and Slot feature is primarily intended to be used when creating multibody sheet metal parts, design requirements sometimes involve adding Tab and Slot features within an assembly. This is simple enough when a part is only used once, or the feature is added after all instances of the part are inserted, but sometimes a part needs to be reused. 

This guide covers the process for both a yearly SWOOD license reactivation and the reactivation after an upgrade to a newer version.

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.

This blog walks through the steps for how to check out a CATIA license from a Managed DSLS setup, allowing access to the license for up to 30 days. 

SOLIDWORKS Composer users may have issues accessing the Composer Help Topics or Getting Started content. If you’re noticing this, it likely means that you’re trying to access those links, but you’re seeing a blank window instead of a helpful document.