SOLIDWORKS

EFFIXION ENGINEERING
TRAINING MATERIAL
0
Major Reference
• www.solidworks.com/sw/support
• www.ccri.edu
• www.solidworksadvisor.com
• personal.stevens.edu
• Industrial GD&T Drawings
1
SOLIDWORKS
• SOLIDWORKS® is a mechanical design automation software package used to build parts,

assemblies and drawings that takes advantage of the familiar Microsoft® Windows graphical user
interface.
• SOLIDWORKS is an easy to learn design and analysis tool (SOLIDWORKS Simulation,

SOLIDWORKS Motion, SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, Sustainability, etc.), which makes it
possible for designers to quickly sketch 2D and 3D concepts, create 3D parts and assemblies and
detail 2D drawings.
• Model dimensions in SOLIDWORKS are associative between parts, assemblies and drawings.
Reference dimensions are one-way associative from the part to the drawing or from the part to the
assembly.
2
SOLIDWORKS Session
This is to Start a SOLIDWORKS session and familiarize yourself with the

SOLIDWORKS User Interface. As you read and perform the tasks in this chapter, you
will obtain a sense of how to use the book and the structure. Actual input commands or
required actions in the chapter are displayed in bold.
Activity: Start a SOLIDWORKS Session

Start a SOLIDWORKS session.
1) Click Start on the Windows Taskbar.

2) Click All Programs.
3) Click the SOLIDWORKS folder.
4) Click SOLIDWORKS application. The
SOLIDWORKS program window opens. Note: Do not
open a document at
this time.
If available, double-
click the SOLIDWORKS
icon on your desktop to
start a SOLIDWORKS
session.
Read the Tip of the Day
dialog box.
If you do not see this
screen, click the
SOLIDWORKS
Resources icon on the
right side of the Graphics
window located in the
Task Pane.
5) Hover the mouse pointer over
the SOLIDWORKS icon as illustrated.
6) Pin the Menu Bar toolbar. View your options.
3
Menu Bar toolbar
The SOLIDWORKS (UI) is

designed to make maximum use of the
Graphics window. The Menu Bar toolbar contains a set of
the most frequently used tool buttons from the Standard
toolbar.
These are the available default tools:
• New - Creates a new document; Open - Opens an existing document;
Save - Saves an activedocument; Print - Prints an active document; Undo
- Reverses the last action; Select - Selects Sketch entities, components and more;
Rebuild - Rebuilds the active part, assembly or drawing; File Properties -
Shows the summary information on the active document; and Options - Changes
system options and Add-Ins for SOLIDWORKS.
Menu Bar menu
Click SOLIDWORKS in the Menu

Bar toolbar to display the Menu
Bar menu. SOLIDWORKS
provides a context-sensitive menu structure. The menu titles remain the same for all three
types of documents, but the menu items change depending on which type of document is
active.
Example: The Insert menu includes features in part documents, mates in assembly
documents, and drawing views in drawing documents. The display of the menu is also
dependent on the workflow customization that you have selected. The default menu items
for an active document are File, Edit, View, Insert, Tools, Window, Help and Pin.
The Pin option displays the Menu bar toolbar and the Menu bar menu as illustrated.
Throughout the book, the Menu bar menu and the Menu bar toolbar are referred to as the
Menu bar.
4
Drop-down menu
SOLIDWORKS takes advantage of the familiar Microsoft®

Windows user interface. Communicate with SOLIDWORKS
through drop-down menus, Context sensitive toolbars,
Consolidated toolbars or the CommandManager tabs.
A command is an instruction that informs

SOLIDWORKS to perform a task.
To close a SOLIDWORKS drop-down menu, press the Esc

key. You can also click any other part of the SOLIDWORKS
Graphics window or click another drop-down menu.
Create a New Part Document

In the next section create a new part document.
Activity: Create a new Part Document

A part is a 3D model, which consists of features. What are
features?
• Features are geometry building blocks.

• Most features either add or remove material.
• Some features do not affect material (Cosmetic Thread).
• Features are created either from 2D or 3D sketched profiles or
from edges and faces of existing geometry.
• Features are individual shapes that, combined with other
features, makes up a part or assembly. Some features, such as
bosses and cuts, originate as sketches. Other features, such as
shells and fillets, modify a feature's geometry.
• Features are displayed in the FeatureManager as illustrated
(Boss-Extrude1, Cut-Extrude1, Cut-Extrude2, Mirror1,
Cut-Extrude3 and CirPattern1).
The first sketch of a part is called the Base Sketch. The Base
sketch is the foundation for the 3D model. In this book, we focus
on 2D sketches and 3D features.
5
There are two modes in the New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog box: Novice and
Advanced. The Novice option is the
default option with three templates. The
Advanced mode contains access to
additional templates and tabs that you
create in system options. Use the
Advanced mode in this book.
Create a new part.
7) Click New from the Menu bar. The

New SOLIDWORKS Document dialog
box is displayed.
Novice display
Select the Advanced mode.
8) Click the Advanced button as

illustrated. The Advanced mode is set.
9) Click the Templates tab.
10) Click the Part icon. Part is the default
template from the New SOLIDWORKS
Document dialog box.
11) Click OK from the New SOLIDWORKS
Document dialog box.
Advanced display
Illustrations may vary depending on
your SOLIDWORKS version and
operating system.
Redeem your code on the inside face

of the book. View the provided videos and
models to enhance the user experience.
The Advanced mode remains selected for all new documents in the current
SOLIDWORKS session. When you exit SOLIDWORKS, the Advanced mode setting is
saved.
The default SOLIDWORKS installation contains two tabs in the New SOLIDWORKS
Document dialog box: Templates and Tutorial. The Templates tab corresponds to the
default SOLIDWORKS templates. The Tutorial tab corresponds to the templates utilized
in the SOLIDWORKS Tutorials.
6
Part1 is displayed in the FeatureManager and is the name of the document. Part1 is the
default part window name.
The Part Origin is displayed in blue in the center of the Graphics window. The Origin
represents the intersection of the three default reference planes: Front Plane, Top Plane
and Right Plane. The positive X-axis is horizontal and points to the right of the Origin in
the Front view. The positive Y-axis is vertical and points upward in the Front view. The
FeatureManager contains a list of features, reference geometry, and settings utilized in
the part.
Edit the document units directly from the Graphics

window as illustrated.
Dynamic Annotation Views : Only available with

SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model Based Definition). Provides
the ability to control how annotations are displayed when you rotate models.
7
Default CommandManager
Heads-up View Toolbar
Default Part FeatureManager Task Pane
Origin
Hide/Show FeatureManager
Triad
Main Menu Toolbar
Model mode 3D Views Motion mode Units Tags
8
View the Default Sketch Planes.
12) Click the Front Plane from the FeatureManager.

13) Click the Top Plane from the FeatureManager.
14) Click the Right Plane from the FeatureManager.
15) Click the Origin from the FeatureManager. The Origin is the intersection of the Front, Top
and Right Planes.
Activity: Open a Part.

Download the provided SW-TUTORIAL 2017 folder. Open an existing SOLIDWORKS part.
16) Download the SW-TUTORIAL 2017 folder to a local

hard drive.
17) Click Open from the Menu bar menu.

18) Browse to the SW-TUTORIAL-2017\Bracket folder.
19) Double-click the Bracket part. The Bracket part is
displayed in the Graphics window.
9
Part FeatureManager
The FeatureManager design tree is located on the left side of the SOLIDWORKS
Graphics window. The FeatureManager provides a summarized view of the active part,
assembly, or drawing document. The tree displays the details on how the part, assembly
or drawing document was created.
Use the FeatureManager rollback bar to temporarily roll back to an earlier state, to
absorbed features, roll forward, roll to previous, or roll to the end of the FeatureManager
design tree. You can add new features or edit existing features while the model is in the
rolled-back state. You can save models with the rollback bar placed anywhere.
In the next section, review the features in the Bracket FeatureManager using the Rollback
bar.
Activity: Use the FeatureManager Rollback Bar option
Apply the FeatureManager Rollback Bar. Revert to an earlier state in the model.
20) Place the mouse pointer over the rollback bar in the FeatureManager design tree as
illustrated. The pointer changes to a hand . Note the
provided information on the feature. This is called Dynamic
Reference Visualization.
21) Drag the rollback bar up the

FeatureManager design tree until it
is above the features you want
rolled back, in this case Diameter
Hole1.
22) Release the mouse button.
10
View the first feature in the Bracket Part.
23) Drag the rollback bar up the FeatureManager above Fillet1. View the results in the
Graphics window.
Return to the original Bracket Part FeatureManager.
24) Right-click Extrude-Thin1 in the

FeatureManager. The Pop-up
Context toolbar is displayed.
25) Click Roll to End. View the results
in the Graphics window.
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Heads-up View toolbar
SOLIDWORKS provides the user with

numerous view options. One of the most
useful tools is the Heads-up View toolbar
displayed in the Graphics window when a
document is active.
Dynamic Annotation Views : Only available with SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model

Based Definition). Provides the ability to control how annotations are displayed when
you rotate models.
In the next section, apply the following tools: Zoom to Fit, Zoom to Area, Zoom out,
Rotate and select various view orientations from the Heads-up View toolbar.
Activity: Utilize the Heads-up View toolbar
Zoom to Fit the model in the Graphics window.
26) Click the Zoom to Fit icon. The tool fits the model to the
Graphics window.
Zoom to Area on the model in the Graphics window.
27) Click the Zoom to Area icon. The Zoom to Area

icon is displayed.
Zoom in on the top left hole.
28) Window-select the top left corner as illustrated. View the

results.
De-select the Zoom to Area tool.
29) Click the Zoom to Area icon.
Fit the model to the Graphics window.
30) Press the f key.
Rotate the model.
31) Hold the middle mouse button

down. Drag upward , downward
, to the left and to the right
to rotate the model in the

Graphics window.
12
Display a few Standard Views.
32) Click inside the Graphics window.

33) Click Front from the drop-down Heads-up
view toolbar. The model is displayed in the
Front view.
34) Click Right from the drop-down Heads-up

Right view.
35) Click Top from the drop-down Heads-up

Top view.
Display a Trimetric view of the Bracket model.
36) Click Trimetric from the drop-down

Heads-up view toolbar as illustrated. Note
your options. View the results in the Graphics
window.
SOLIDWORKS Help
Help in SOLIDWORKS is
context-sensitive and in
HTML format. Help is
accessed in many ways,
including Help buttons in
all dialog boxes and
PropertyManager (or press
F1) and Help tool on the
Standard toolbar for
SOLIDWORKS Help.
13
37) Click Help from the Menu bar.

38) Click SOLIDWORKS Help. The SOLIDWORKS Help
Home Page is displayed by default. View your options.
SOLIDWORKS Web Help is active by default

under Help in the Main menu.
Close Help. Return to the SOLIDWORKS Graphics window.
39) Close SOLIDWORKS Home.
SOLIDWORKS Tutorials
Display and explore the SOLIDWORKS tutorials.
40) Click Help from the Menu bar.

41) Click SOLIDWORKS Tutorials. The SOLIDWORKS
Tutorials are displayed. The SOLIDWORKS Tutorials are
presented by category.
42) Click the Getting Started category. The Getting Started
category provides three 30 minute lessons on parts,
assemblies, and drawings.
In the next section view the additional User Interface tools.
Activity: Close all Tutorials and Models

Close SOLIDWORKS Tutorials and open models.
43) Close SOLIDWORKS Tutorials.

44) Click Window, Close All from the Menu bar menu.
SOLIDWORKS Icon Style
SOLIDWORKS provides a new icon style. It allows vector-based

scaling for superior support of high resolution, high pixel density
displays. The new icon style standardized the perspective of
icons; it also removes non-essential details and emphasizes
primary elements. Consistent visual styling applies to all icons.
Additional User Interface Tools
This book utilizes additional areas of the SOLIDWORKS User

Interface. Explore an overview of these tools in the next section.
14
Right-click
Right-click in the Graphics window on a model,

or in the FeatureManager on a feature or sketch to
display the Context-sensitive toolbar. If you are in
the middle of a command, this toolbar displays a
list of options specifically related to that
command.
Right-click an empty space in the Graphics
window of a part or assembly, and a selection
context toolbar above the shortcut menu is
displayed. This provides easy access to the most
commonly used selection tools.
Consolidated toolbar
Similar commands are grouped together in the

CommandManager. Example: Variations of the Rectangle sketch
tool are grouped in a single fly-out button as illustrated.
If you select the Consolidated toolbar button without expanding:
For some commands such as Sketch, the most commonly used
command is performed. This command is the first listed and the
command shown on the button.
For commands such as rectangle, where you may want to
repeatedly create the same variant of the rectangle, the last used
command is performed. This is the highlighted command when
the Consolidated toolbar is expanded.
System feedback icon

SOLIDWORKS provides system feedback by
attaching a symbol to the mouse pointer cursor.
The system feedback symbol indicates what you are Face Edge Dimension Vertex
selecting or what the system is expecting you to
select.
As you move the mouse pointer across
your model, system feedback is
displayed in the form of a symbol,
riding next to the cursor as illustrated.
This is a valuable feature in
SOLIDWORKS.
15
Confirmation Corner
When numerous SOLIDWORKS commands are active, a symbol or a
set of symbols are displayed in the upper right hand corner of the
Graphics window. This area is called the Confirmation Corner.
When a sketch is active, the confirmation corner box displays two
symbols. The first symbol is the sketch tool icon. The second symbol
is a large red X. These two symbols supply a visual reminder that you
are in an active sketch. Click the sketch symbol icon to exit the sketch and
to save any changes that you made.
When other commands are active, the confirmation corner box provides a
green check mark and a large red X. Use the green check mark to execute
the current command. Use the large red X to cancel the command.
Confirm changes you make in sketches and tools by using the D

keyboard shortcut to move the OK and Cancel buttons to the pointer
location in the Graphics window.
Heads-up View toolbar
SOLIDWORKS provides the user

with numerous view options from
the Standard Views, View and
Heads-up View toolbar.
The Heads-up View toolbar is a
transparent toolbar that is
displayed in the Graphics window
when a document is active.
You can hide, move or modify the
Heads-up View toolbar. To modify
the Heads-up View toolbar, right- For a drawing document
click on a tool and select or
deselect the tools that you want to
display.
The following views are available: Note: The available views are document dependent.
• Zoom to Fit : Zooms the model to fit the Graphics window.
• Zoom to Area : Zooms to the areas you select with a bounding box.
• Previous View : Displays the previousview.
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Section View : Displays a cutaway of a part or

assembly, using one or more cross section planes.
Dynamic Annotation Views : Only available with
SOLIDWORKS MBD. Provides the ability to control how
annotations are displayed when you rotate models.
The Orientation dialog has an option to display a

view cube (in-context View Selector) with a live model
preview. This helps the user to understand how each
standard view orientates the model. With the view cube,
you can access additional standard views. The views are
easy to understand and they can be accessed simply by
selecting a face on the cube.
To activate the Orientation dialog box, press (Ctrl + spacebar)
or click the View Orientation icon from the Heads up
View toolbar. The active model is displayed in the View
Selector in an Isometric orientation (default view).
As you hover over the buttons in the Orientation dialog box,
the corresponding faces dynamically highlight in the View
Selector. Select a view in the View Selector or click the view
from the Orientation dialog box. The Orientation dialog box
closes and the model rotates to the selected view.
Click the View Selector icon in the Orientation dialog

box to show or hide the in-context View Selector.
Press Ctrl + spacebar to activate the View Selector.
Press the spacebar to activate the Orientation

dialog box.
View Orientation box : Provides the ability to
select a view orientation or the number of
viewports. The available options are Top, Left,
Front, Right, Back, Bottom, Single view, Two view
- Horizontal, Two view - Vertical, Four view. Click
the drop-down arrow to access Axonometric
views: Isometric, Dimetric and Trimetric.
Display Style : Provides the ability to display

the style for the active view. The available options
are Wireframe, Hidden Lines Visible, Hidden Lines
Removed, Shaded, Shaded With Edges.
17
• Hide/Show Items : Provides the ability to select items to hide

or show in the Graphics window. The available items are
document dependent. Note the View Center of Mass icon.
• Edit Appearance : Provides the ability to edit the appearance of
entities of the model.
• Apply Scene : Provides the ability to apply a scene to an

active part or assembly document. View the
available options.
• View Setting : Provides the ability to
select the following settings: RealView
Graphics, Shadows In Shaded Mode,
Ambient Occlusion, Perspective and Cartoon.
• Rotate view : Provides the ability to rotate
a drawing view. Input Drawing view angle
and select the ability to update and rotate
center marks with view.
• 3D Drawing View : Provides the ability to
dynamically manipulate the drawing view in
3D to make a selection.
To display a grid for a part, click Options

, Document Properties tab. Click Grid/Snaps,
check the Display grid box.
Add a custom view to the Heads-up View

toolbar. Press the space key. The Orientation
dialog box is displayed. Click the New View
tool. The Name View dialog box is displayed.
Enter a new named view. Click OK.
SOLIDWORKS provides the ability to click

directly on the triad in the Graphic window to
modify the part orientation. Hold the Ctrl key Triad
down, click an axis of the triad; it rotates about
that axis 90 degrees.
18
SOLIDWORKS CommandManager
The SOLIDWORKS CommandManager is a Context-sensitive

toolbar that automatically updates based on the toolbar you want
to access. By default, it has toolbars embedded in it based on
your active document type. When you click a tab below the
CommandManager, it updates to display that toolbar. For
example, if you click the Sketch tab, the Sketch toolbar is
displayed.
For commercial users, SOLIDWORKS Model Based

Definition (MBD) is a separate application. For education users,
SOLIDWORKS MBD is included in the SOLIDWORKS
Education Edition as an Add In.
Below is an illustrated CommandManager for a default Part

document.
Button sizes. You can set sizes for buttons from the Toolbars tab
of the Customize dialog box. To facilitate element selection on touch
interfaces such as tablets, you can set up the larger Size buttons and
text from the Options menu (Standard toolbar).
19

your active document type.

Below is an illustrated CommandManager for a default Drawing document.
To add a custom tab to your CommandManager, right-click on a

tab and click Customize CommandManager from the drop-down
menu. The Customize dialog box is displayed. You can also select to
add a blank tab as illustrated and populate it with custom tools from
the Customize dialog box.
20

your active document type.

Below is an illustrated CommandManager for a default

Assembly document.
By default, the illustrated options are selected in the

Customize box for the CommandManager. Right-click on an
existing tab and click Customize CommandManager to view
your options.
21
Float the CommandManager. Drag the Features, Sketch or any

CommandManager tab. Drag the CommandManager anywhere on
or outside the SOLIDWORKS window.
To dock the CommandManager, perform one of the following:
While dragging the CommandManager in the SOLIDWORKS
window, move the pointer over a docking icon -
, , and click the needed

command.
Double-click the floating CommandManager to revert the
CommandManager to the last docking position.
Screen shots in the book were made using SOLIDWORKS 2017
SP0 running Windows® 10 Professional.
An updated color scheme for certain icons makes the

SOLIDWORKS application more accessible to people with color
blindness. Icons in the active PropertyManager use blue to indicate
what you must select on the screen: faces, edges, and so on.
Selection Enhancements
Right-click an empty space in the Graphics window of a part or

assembly; a selection context toolbar above the shortcut menu
provides easy access to the most commonly used selection tools.
• Box Selection . Provides the ability to select entities in
parts, assemblies, and drawings by dragging a selection box
with the pointer.
• Lasso Selection . Provides the ability to select entities by
drawing a lasso around the entities.
• Selection Filters . Displays a list of selection filter

commands.
• Select Other . Displays the Select Other dialog box.

• Select . Displays a list of selection commands.
• Magnified Selection . Displays the magnifying glass,
which gives you a magnified view of a section of a model.
22
Save space in the CommandManager, right-click in the

CommandManager and un-check the Use Large Buttons with Text
box. This eliminates the text associated with the tool.
DimXpert provides the ability to graphically check if the model

is fully dimensioned and toleranced. DimXpert automatically
recognizes manufacturing features. Manufacturing features are not
SOLIDWORKS features. Manufacturing features are defined in
1.1.12 of the ASME Y14.5M-1994 Dimensioning and Tolerancing
standard. See SOLIDWORKS Help for additional information.
FeatureManager Design Tree
The FeatureManager consists of five defaul t

tabs:
FeatureManager design tree tab.

PropertyManager tab.
ConfigurationManager tab.
DimXpertManager tab.
DisplayManager tab.
Select the Hide FeatureManager Tree
Area arrows as illustrated to enlarge the
Graphics window for modeling.
The Sensors tool located in the

FeatureManager monitors selected
properties in a part or assembly and alerts
you when values deviate from the
specified limits. There are five sensor
types: Simulation Data, Mass properties,
Dimensions, Measurement and Costing
Data.
23
Various commands provide the

ability to control what is displayed in
the FeatureManager design tree:
1. Show or Hide FeatureManager
items.
Click Options from the

Menu bar. Click FeatureManager
from the System Options tab.
Customize your FeatureManager

from the Hide/Show Tree Items
dialog box.
2. Filter the FeatureManager design
tree. Enter information in the filter
field. You can filter by Type of
features, Feature names, Sketches, Folders,
Mates, User-defined tags and Custom properties.
Tags are keywords you can add to a

SOLIDWORKS document to make them easier to
filter and to search. The Tags icon is located in
the bottom right corner of the Graphics window.
Collapse all items in the FeatureManager,

right-click and select Collapse items, or press the
Shift + C keys.
The FeatureManager design tree and the Graphics

window are dynamically linked. Select sketches,
features, drawing views, and construction geometry
in either pane.
Split the FeatureManager design tree and either
display two FeatureManager instances, or combine
the FeatureManager design tree with the Split line
ConfigurationManager or PropertyManager.
Move between the FeatureManager design tree,
PropertyManager, ConfigurationManager and
DimXpertManager by selecting the tabs at the top
of the menu.
24
The ConfigurationManager is located to the right of the

FeatureManager. Use the ConfigurationManager to create,
select and view multiple configurations of parts and
assemblies.
The icons in the ConfigurationManager denote whether the
configuration was created manually or with a design table.
The DimXpertManager tab provides the ability to insert
dimensions and tolerances manually or automatically. The
DimXpertManager provides the following selections: Auto
Dimension Scheme , Basic Location Dimension ,
Basic Size Dimension Show Tolerance Status , Copy
Scheme and TolAnalyst Study .
Fly-out FeatureManager
The fly-out FeatureManager design tree provides the

ability to view and select items in the
PropertyManager and the FeatureManager design
tree at the same time.
Throughout the book, you will select commands and
command options from the drop-down menu, fly-out
FeatureManager, Context toolbar or from a
SOLIDWORKS toolbar.
Another method for accessing a command is to

use the accelerator key. Accelerator keys are special
key strokes which activate the drop-down menu
options. Some commands in the menu bar and items
in the drop-down menus have an underlined
character.
Press the Alt or Ctrl key followed by the
corresponding key to the underlined character
activates that command or option.
Illustrations may vary depending on your

SOLIDWORKS version and operating system.
25
Task Pane
The Task Pane is displayed when a SOLIDWORKS session starts. The Task Pane
can be displayed in the following states: visible or hidden, expanded or collapsed,
pinned or unpinned, docked or floating.
The Task Pane contains the following default tabs:

• SOLIDWORKS Resources .
• Design Library .
• File Explorer .
• View Palette .
• Appearances, Scenes and Decals .
• Custom Properties .
• SOLIDWORKS Forum .
Additional tabs are displayed with Add-Ins.

Use the Back and Forward buttons in the Design
Library tab and the Appearances, Scenes, and Decals tab
of the Task Pane to navigate in folders.
SOLIDWORKS Resources
The basic SOLIDWORKS Resources menu displays
the following default selections:
• Getting Started.
• SOLIDWORKS Tools.
• Community.
• Online Resources.
• Subscription Services.
• Tip of the Day.
Other user interfaces are available during the initial

software installation selection: Machine Design,
Mold Design or Consumer Products Design.
26
Design Library
The Design Library contains reusable parts, assemblies, and

other elements including library features.
The Design Library tab contains four default selections. Each
default selection contains additional sub categories.
These are the default selections:
Design Library.
Toolbox.
3D ContentCentral (Internet access
required).
SOLIDWORKS Content (Internet access
required).
Activate the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox.

Click Tools, Add-Ins.., from the Main menu.
Check the SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Library
from the Add-ins dialog box or click
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox from the
SOLIDWORKS Add-Ins tab.
To access the Design Library folders in a non-
network environment, click Add File Location
and browse to the needed path. Paths may
vary depending on your SOLIDWORKS
version and window setup. In a network
environment, contact your IT department for
system details.
File Explorer
File Explorer duplicates Windows

Explorer from your local computer and
displays the following:
Resent Documents.
Directories.
Open in SOLIDWORKS and Desktop folders.
27
Search
The SOLIDWORKS Search box is displayed in the

upper right corner of the SOLIDWORKS Graphics
window (Menu Bar toolbar). Enter the text or key
words to search.
New search modes have been added to

SOLIDWORKS Search as illustrated.
View Palette
The View Palette tool located in the Task Pane

provides the ability to insert drawing views of an
active document, or click the Browse button to locate
the desired document.
Click and drag the view from the View Palette into an
active drawing sheet to create a drawing view.
The selected model is FLATBAR in the

illustration.
28
Appearances, Scenes and Decals
Appearances, Scenes and Decals provide a simplified

way to display models in a photo-realistic setting using a
library of Appearances, Scenes, and Decals.
An appearance defines the visual properties of a model,
including color and texture. Appearances do not affect
physical properties, which are defined by materials.
Scenes provide a visual backdrop behind a model. In
SOLIDWORKS they provide reflections on the model.
PhotoView 360 is an Add-in. Drag and drop a selected
appearance, scene or decal on a feature, surface, part or
assembly.
Custom Properties
The Custom Properties tool provides the ability to enter

custom and configuration specific properties directly into
SOLIDWORKS files.
SOLIDWORKS Forum
Click the SOLIDWORKS Forum icon to search directly

within the Task Pane. An internet connection is required. You
are required to register and to log in for postings and
discussions.
User Interface for Scaling High Resolution

Screens
The SOLIDWORKS software supports high-resolution, high-

pixel density displays. All aspects of the user interface respond to the Microsoft
Windows® display scaling setting. In dialog boxes,
PropertyManagers, and the FeatureManager design tree, the
SOLIDWORKS software uses your display scaling setting to
display buttons and icons at an appropriate size. Icons that are
associated with text are scaled to a size appropriate for the
text. In addition, for toolbars, you can display Small, Medium,
or Large buttons. Click the Options drop-down arrow from
the Standard Menu bar, and click Button size to size the icons.
29
Motion Study tab
Motion Studies are graphical simulations of motion for an assembly. Access the
MotionManager from the Motion Study tab. The Motion Study tab is located in the
bottom left corner of the Graphics window.
Incorporate visual properties such as lighting and camera perspective. Click the Motion
Study tab to view the MotionManager. Click the Model tab to return to the
FeatureManager design tree.
The MotionManager displays a timeline-based interface and provides the following

selections from the drop-down menu as illustrated:
• Animation: Apply Animation to animate the motion of an assembly. Add a motor and
insert positions of assembly components at various times using set key points. Use the
Animation option to create animations for motion that do not require accounting for
mass or gravity.
• Basic Motion: Apply Basic Motion for approximating the
effects of motors, springs, collisions and gravity on
assemblies. Basic Motion takes mass into account in
calculating motion. Basic Motion computation is relatively
fast, so you can use this for creating presentation
animations using physics-based simulations. Use the Basic
Motion option to create simulations of motion that account
for mass, collisions or gravity.
If the Motion Study tab is not displayed in the Graphics

window, click View, MotionManager from the Menu bar.
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3D Views tab
SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model

Based Definition) lets you create models without the need
for drawings giving you an integrated manufacturing. MBD
helps companies define, organize, and publish 3D product
and manufacturing information (PMI), including 3D model
data in industry standard file formats.
Create 3D drawing views of your parts and assemblies that

contain the model settings needed for review and
manufacturing. This lets users navigate back to those
settings as they evaluate the design.
Use the tools in the SOLIDWORKS MBD

CommandManager to set up your model with selected
configurations, including explodes and abbreviated views,
annotations, display states, zoom level, view orientation and
section views. Capture those settings so that you and other
users can return to them at any time using the 3D view
palette.
To access the 3D View palette, click the 3DViews tab at the

bottom of the SOLIDWORKS window or the
SOLIDWORKS MBD tab in the CommandManager. The
Capture 3D View button opens the Capture 3D View
PropertyManager, where you specify the 3D view name, and
the configuration, display state and annotation view to
capture. See SOLIDWORKS help for additional information.
Dynamic Reference Visualization
Dynamic Reference Visualization provides the ability to

view the parent relationships between items in the
FeatureManager design tree. When you hover over a feature
with references in the FeatureManager design tree, arrows
display showing the relationships. If a reference cannot be
shown because a feature is not expanded, the arrow points to
the feature that contains the reference and the actual
reference appears in a text box to the right of the arrow. Use
Dynamic reference visualization for a part, assembly and
ever mates.
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To display the Dynamic Reference Visualization,
click View ➢ User Interface ➢ Dynamic Reference
Visualization from the Main menu bar.
Mouse Movements
A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button

(usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually
the right button). Most mice also include
a scroll wheel between the
buttons to help you scroll through
documents and to Zoom in, Zoom
out and rotate models in
SOLIDWORKS. It is highly
recommended that you use a
mouse with at least a Primary,
Scroll and Secondary button.
Single-click
To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the
primary button (usually the left button). Clicking is most often used to select (mark)
an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called single-clicking or left-clicking.
Double-click
To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly.
If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they might be interpreted as two individual
clicks rather than as one double-click. Double-clicking is most often used to open
items on your desktop. For example, you can start a program or open a folder by
double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
Right-click
To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the
secondary button (usually the right button). Right-clicking an item usually displays a
list of things you can do with the item. Right-click in the open Graphics window or
on a command in SOLIDWORKS, and additional pop-up context is displayed.
Scroll wheel
Use the scroll wheel to zoom-in or to zoom-out of the Graphics window in

SOLIDWORKS. To zoom-in, roll the wheel backward (toward you). To zoom-out,
roll the wheel forward (away from you).
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2D SKETCHING & DETAILING
Sketching Concepts Overview

Sketching in SOLIDWORKS is the basis for creating features. Features are the basis for creating parts,
which can be put together into assemblies. Sketch entities can also be added to drawings.
SOLIDWORKS features contain intelligence so they can be edited. Design intent is an important
consideration when creating SOLIDWORKS models, so planning when sketching is important. The
general procedure for sketching is to:
1. In a part document, select a sketch plane or a planar face (You can do this either before or after
step 2.)
2. Enter the Sketch mode by doing one of the following:
• Click Sketch on the Sketch toolbar.
• Click a sketch tool (Rectangle , for example) on the Sketch toolbar.
• Click Extruded Boss/Base or Revolved Boss/Base on the Features toolbar.

• Right-click an existing sketch in the FeatureManager design tree and select Edit Sketch.
3. Create the sketch (sketch entities such as lines, rectangles, circles, splines, and so on).
4. Add dimensions and relations (you can sketch approximately, then dimension exactly).
5. Create the feature (which closes the sketch).
In general, it is better to use less complicated sketch geometry and more features. Simpler sketches are
easier to create, dimension, maintain, modify, and understand. Models rebuild faster with simpler
sketches.
Sketch Dimensions
You can create features without adding dimensions to sketches. However, it is good practice to
dimension sketches.
Dimension in accordance with the model's design intent; for example, you might want to dimension holes
a certain distance from an edge, or else a certain distance from each other.
To place a hole a specified distance from the edges of a block, dimension the diameter of the circle and
dimension the distance between its center and each edge of the block. Circles are measured from the
center by default.
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To place a hole a specified distance from another hole, dimension the distance between the centers of
the holes. You can also specify dimensions to the minimum or maximum point on the circle.
Most dimensions (linear, circular, or angular) can be inserted using a single tool, Smart Dimension on
the Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
Additional dimension tools (Baseline, Ordinate, Chamfer) are available on the Dimensions/Relations
toolbar.
You can dimension all entities in a sketch in one operation with Fully Define Sketch.
To change dimensions, double-click the dimension and edit the value in the Modify dialog box, or drag a
sketch entity.
Snap
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SOLIDWORKS sketch entities can snap to points (endpoint, midpoints, intersections, and so on) of other
sketch entities. With Quick Snaps, you can filter the types of sketch snaps that are available.
Additional snap functionality includes:
• Grid (displayed and snapped to)
• Inferencing (relations displayed as you sketch)
• Relations (added between sketch entities automatically through inferencing or manually)
Sketch Relations
In SOLIDWORKS, relations between sketch entities and model geometry are an important means of
building in design intent.
For example, you can draw two concentric circles. If you specify a concentric relation and then move one
circle, the other circle moves with it, maintaining the relation.
You can add relations in the following ways:
• Automatically by SOLIDWORKS during sketching. The cursor changes to inform you of the relation
it is inferencing.
• Manually after creating the sketch entities when you open entity PropertyManagers or the Add
Relations PropertyManager. You can also display and delete relations.
Equations create mathematical relations between model dimensions, but outside of sketches.
To place a hole in the center of the block, sketch a centerline

from corner to corner, then specify a Midpoint relation
between the center of the circle and the centerline.
• The inferencing line shows a vertical relation between the

endpoints of the two lines.
• The in the pointer display indicates that the line being
sketched is horizontal. The horizontal relation is added to the
entity properties automatically.
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The two circles are specified to be concentric. When you
move one, the other moves with it.
Inferencing
Inferencing displays relations by means of dotted inferencing lines, pointer display, and highlighted cues
such as endpoints and midpoints.
Inferencing lines work together with pointers, Sketch Snaps, and relations to graphically display how
sketch entities affect each other.
Inferencing Lines
Inferencing lines are dotted lines that appear as you sketch, displaying relations between the pointer and
existing sketch entities (or model geometry). When your pointer approaches highlighted cues such as
midpoints, the inferencing lines guide you relative to existing sketch entities.
Video: Inferencing
Pointers
The pointer display indicates when the pointer is over a geometric relation (an intersection, for example),
what tool is active (line or circle), and dimensions (angle and radius of an arc). If the pointer displays a
relation (such as for a horizontal relation), and you click to accept the sketch entity while the
relation is displayed, the relation is added automatically to the entity.
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A midpoint highlights and the pointer shows that a The midpoint has changed color and the
coincident relation is possible at its current pointer shows that it recognizes the
position. midpoint .
Video: Pointers Inferencing
You can turn off automatic relations. Click Tools > Sketch Settings > Automatic Relations.
Relations are not displayed if Enable snapping is cleared. When you clear Enable snapping, it also clears
Automatic Relations.
Sketch Snaps
Sketch Snaps are on by default. As you sketch, Sketch Snaps icons are displayed. To clear Sketch
Snaps, click Tools > Options > System Options > Relations/Snaps and clear Enable snapping.
You can use Quick Snaps to display individual Sketch Snaps even if Enable snapping is cleared. Quick
Snaps focus on one particular operation while the current sketch tool is active. To use Quick Snaps, right-
click in an active sketch, select Quick Snaps, and choose the appropriate Sketch Snap.
Video: Sketch Snaps
Relations
In addition to Sketch Snaps, you can display icons that represent relations between sketch entities. As
you sketch, the entities display icons that represent Sketch Snaps; once you click to indicate a sketch
entity is done, relations are displayed. To display relations, select View > Hide/Show > Sketch Relations .
Video: Relations
CONTENTS
• Video: Inferencing
• Video: Relations
• Video: Pointers Inferencing
• Video: Sketch Snaps
Trim
You can trim sketch entities, including infinite lines, and extend sketch entities (lines, centerlines, and
arcs) to meet other entities.
Trim Entities includes options:
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Power trim Trim multiple adjacent sketch entities by dragging the pointer across the entities, or
extend entities by selecting them and dragging the pointer.
Corner Trim or extend two sketch entities until they intersect at a virtual corner.
Trim away Trim open sketch entities inside two bounding entities.
inside
Trim away Trim open sketch entities outside two bounding entities.
outside
Trim to Trim or extend sketch entities to the closest intersection.

closest
Sketch States
The sketch status appears in the window status bar. Colors indicate the state of individual sketch entities.
Sketches are generally in one of the following states:
Under defined
As you begin a sketch, you can drag the entities to change their shape
or position. In this rectangle, the black left and bottom lines are fixed to
the origin, but you can drag the top and right lines. Blue indicates that
the entity is not fixed, and light blue indicates that the entity is
selected.
To add relations to a sketch, click Add Relations on the

Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
Fully defined
Adding dimensions to the top and right fixes the sizes of all the sides
of the rectangle because of the implied equal relations between top
and bottom and the two sides. The rectangle itself is fixed to the origin.
All the entities turn black, indicating that the rectangle is fully defined.
You can add relations (parallel, perpendicular, equal length, and so

on) to a fully defined sketch. The sketch tolerates these logically
redundant relations.
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Over defined
Redundant dimensions over define a sketch. The red rectangle is over

defined. When you insert dimensions, they are assumed to
be driving dimensions. To have two dimensions driving the same
geometry is invalid. A dialog box appears allowing you to designate
the redundant dimension as driven.
You can view and delete relations. Click Display/Delete Relations on the Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
It is possible to create geometry that is unsolvable or invalid. The items that prevent the solution are
displayed in pink (unsolvable) or yellow (invalid). Sketches with these types of geometry are labeled No
Solution Found or Invalid Solution Found.
Dimensions and relations are two types of constraints. You define sketches with either type, or both.
Although you can create features using sketches that are not fully defined, it is a good idea to fully define
sketches for production models. Sketches are parametric, and if they are fully defined, changes are
predictable. However, sketches in drawings, although they follow the same conventions as sketches in
parts, do not need to be fully defined since they are not the basis of features.
Automatic Sketch Operations

Automatic operations increase productivity in sketching. Automatic relations and inferencing also improve
efficiency in sketching.
You can dimension all entities or

selected entities in a sketch, including
model edges, with the Fully Define
Sketch tool on the
Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
You can solve over defined sketches

using SketchXpert, which cycles
through potential solutions.
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You can transition automatically from
line to tangent arc and back, so you
can create sketches like this without
changing tools.
You can convert raster data to vector

data using auto trace tools.
You can highlight and activate planar

faces or planes to quickly create
sketches using RapidSketch.
Construction Entities
In SOLIDWORKS, any sketch entity can be specified for construction. Points and centerlines are always
construction entities only.
Use a centerline as the axis about which a sketch revolves to create a base feature, or to mirror sketch
entities.
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SOLIDWORKS also has Reference Geometry (planes, axes, and coordinate systems) as a basis for
creating features outside of sketches.
Use planes to construct a series of sketches as the basis for a loft feature.
Drawings
CONTENTS
• Drawings Overview
You can generate drawings in SOLIDWORKS the same way you would generate them in 2D CAD
systems.
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• Creating Drawings
• Drafting
You can draft in 2D in SOLIDWORKS drawing documents using Sketch tools, Dimension tools, and
Annotations.
• Standards
You can set up styles in SOLIDWORKS to format dimensions, but it is not necessary to do so for
dimensions and other annotations to follow a drawing standard.
• Scaling
In SOLIDWORKS, drawing views can be at any scale (2:1, 1:2, for example) in relation to the model.
• Multiple Drawings
In SOLIDWORKS, you can have multiple drawing sheets in a drawing document, which is like having
a set of drawings all in the same file. The sheets can contain drawing views of any parts or
assemblies.
• Title Blocks
When you start a new drawing in SOLIDWORKS, you select a template with a specified paper size
and drawing sheet format.
• Drawing Views
Drawing views are containers. Generally the contents are views of models. When you sketch in a
drawing, or insert annotations or blocks, the entities belong to the active drawing view or drawing
sheet.
• Aligning Views
Alignment between views in SOLIDWORKS is automatic and adjustable. For example, standard 3
views are automatically aligned vertically and horizontally, while section, projected, and auxiliary
views are aligned in the appropriate direction.
• Automatic Drawing Operations
In addition to the autodimensioning and autotransitioning in sketching, automated operations in

drawings increase productivity.
Drawings Overview
You can generate drawings in SOLIDWORKS the same way you would generate them in 2D CAD
systems.
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However, creating 3D models and generating drawings from the model has many advantages; for
example:
• Designing models is faster than drawing lines.
• SOLIDWORKS creates drawings from models, so the process is efficient.
• You can review models in 3D and check for correct geometry and design issues before generating
drawings, so the drawings are more likely to be free of design errors.
• You can insert dimensions and annotations from model sketches and features into drawings
automatically, so you do not have to create them manually in drawings.
• Parameters and relations of models are retained in drawings, so drawings reflect the design intent of
the model.
• Changes in models or in drawings are reflected in their related documents, so making changes is
easier and drawings are more accurate.
Comparison of drawings between 2D CAD systems and SOLIDWORKS include:
2D CAD Systems SOLIDWORKS

Creating drawing lines generated automatically from models (parts or
Drawings assemblies) or drafted with sketch tools
Standards default ANSI (inches) ANSI, ISO, DIN, GOST, JIS, BSI, and GB standards
and ISO (mm), with are available in document property options, and the
templates for DIN and settings can also be saved in templates
JIS
Scaling scale "viewports" scale sheets and views as properties
Multiple multiple "layouts" multiple drawing sheets
Drawings
Title Blocks prompts for title block edit sheet format, adding lines, text, and links to
information document properties and custom properties
Drawing views created manually standard 3 views, model views (such as isometric and
Views with "viewports," exploded), and relative views created automatically
geometry, and layers from models; derived views (projected, auxiliary,
section, detail, break, broken-out section, and alternate
position) are created with one or two steps from the
standard views
Aligning manual command aligned automatically, but can be dragged; alignment
Views can be broken; views can be rotated and hidden
Dimensions inserted manually and model dimensions specified in sketches and features
do not change geometry and inserted from models into drawings; model
dimensions can be modified in drawings and are
linked to the model; reference dimensions in drawings
cannot be modified but do update automatically if the
model changes; sketches and drawings can be
dimensioned in one step
Dimension dimension styles dimension favorites
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2D CAD Systems SOLIDWORKS
Formats
Symbols available with control available from an internal library for dimensions and
codes, Microsoft the annotations that use symbols, and in the Design
Character Map, or third Library
party software
Annotations text, center marks, and notes, cosmetic threads, surface finish symbols, datum
geometric tolerance feature symbols, datum target symbols, dowel pin
symbols available, symbols, multi-jog leaders, balloons, stacked balloons,
others created manually area hatch, weld symbols, geometric tolerance, center
(often in blocks) marks, centerlines, weld beads, revision symbols, and
hole callouts are available as tools
Automatic automatic regeneration, automatically insert center marks, centerlines,
Operations saving, stacking of balloons, and dimensions into new drawing views;
multiline text also insert these items into a drawing or drawing view
in one operation
Leaders separate entities, available with annotations and attached automatically
attached manually to the annotation and (if desired) to the model; the
leader moves with the annotation and model
Crosshatching separate entities added to section views automatically, can be modified
individually; area hatch available for faces and closed
areas bounded by model edges or sketch entities
Tables blocks often used to Bill of Materials, Hole Tables, Revision Tables,
create tables; links to Weldment Cut Lists, Design Tables, and General
database tables Tables
Bill of parts lists are created by generated automatically with item number, quantity,
Materials extracting attribute part number, description, custom properties; numbers
information manually in balloons correlated; anchor point
Layers primary organizational specify color, style, and thickness of lines in named
tool, group information layers, turn layers on and off, but other means
by function, equivalent available for hiding views, lines, components
of overlays
Blocks often used to create can be created, inserted by instance, exploded, edited,
annotations and symbols and so on; most annotations and symbols available as
tools or in libraries; legacy 2D CAD blocks, including
title blocks, can be imported and used in
SOLIDWORKS
Creating Drawings
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Drafting in SOLIDWORKS
You can draft a drawing in SOLIDWORKS without creating a model.
To draft a drawing in SOLIDWORKS without creating a model:
1. Open a New drawing document. Choose a template.
2. Draw lines, rectangles, circles, and other entities with the tools on the Sketch toolbar.
3. Dimension the entities with the Smart Dimension tool on the Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
4. Add annotations (Notes, Geometric Tolerance Symbols, Balloons, and so on) with tools on the
Annotation toolbar.
Creating Drawings from Models

You can create drawings from part and assembly documents.
To generate drawings from part and assembly documents:
1. In a part or assembly document, click Make Drawing from Part/Assembly on the Standard
toolbar and select a template in the Sheet Format/Size dialog box.
The View Palette opens on the right side of the window.
2. Click to pin the View Palette.
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3. Drag a view from the View Palette onto the drawing sheet.
4. In the Drawing View or Projected View PropertyManager, set options such as orientation, display
style, scale, etc. then click .
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to add views.
You can have any drawing views of any models in a given drawing document.
Model Part
Drawing with several views and dimensions inserted
Drafting
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You can draft in 2D in SOLIDWORKS drawing documents using Sketch tools, Dimension tools, and
Annotations.
Concepts to consider include:
In SOLIDWORKS drawing documents, as in 2D CAD documents, you can add sketch entities
Sketch
(lines, circles, rectangles, and so on) at any time. You can create your own line styles using
entities
layers, the Line Format tools, or Line Style options.
You can add sketch entities and annotations to the drawing sheet or to drawing views.
Drawing
Drawing views allow you to move and scale all the items in the view in one operation. You
views
can insert empty views onto drawing sheets to contain drafted entities.
The drafted elements follow the standard specified in Tools > Options > Document
Properties > Drafting Standard . Such items as dimension arrows, tolerances, annotation
Standards
display, and so on are generated based on the standard, but you can also edit the items
manually (choose a different arrowhead style, for example).
SOLIDWORKS drawing templates contain drawing sheet formats. You can edit the formats
Sheet
and save them. You can also use a template without the format and create your own
formats
format, or import a 2D CAD block (a title block, for example).
To display a grid, right-click and select Display Grid. Specify the grid spacing and snap
Grid
control in Tools > Options > Document Properties > Grid/Snap.
Dimensions in SOLIDWORKS control the geometry. The sketch entity or model element
must agree with its dimension. You cannot sketch an entity at a certain size and display a
Dimensions
dimension of a different size. However, you can scale entities in a drawing sheet or
drawing view.
Relations (such as Horizontal, Concentric, Tangent) also control geometry. Some relations
are inferenced as you sketch. You can add, display, and delete relations. To prevent
Relations
automatic relations, press Ctrl as you sketch, or clear Automatic
relations in Tools > Options> System Options > Sketch > Relations/Snaps .
Most annotations work with sketch entities the same as they do with drawings derived
from 3D models. Some exceptions are hole callout and auto balloon. Single balloons and
Annotations stacked balloons appear with question marks, which you can replace with custom text. You
can import into drawings the dimensions and tolerances you create with DimXpert for
parts.
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Standards
You can set up styles in SOLIDWORKS to format dimensions, but it is not necessary to do so for
dimensions and other annotations to follow a drawing standard.
In SOLIDWORKS, you set the standard for the current document in Tools > Options > Document
Properties > Drafting Standard. The standard can be ANSI, ISO, DIN, JIS, BSI, GOST, or GB.
You can also set the standard in a drawing document template.
ANSI
ISO
DIN
JIS
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BSI
GOST
GB
Scaling
In SOLIDWORKS, drawing views can be at any scale (2:1, 1:2, for example) in relation to the model.
Drawing Sheets
You can set separate scales for each drawing sheet in the Sheet Properties dialog box. Right-click the
drawing sheet outside any drawing views and select Properties. The scale of a drawing sheet appears in
the status line at the bottom of the SOLIDWORKS window.
Drawing Views
The scale of a drawing view is set in the PropertyManager when you select the view in the graphics area.
A drawing view uses the scale of the drawing sheet unless one of the following occurs:
• You specify another scale, either when creating the view or any time afterwards.
• The software needs to fit the view on the sheet with a certain scale.
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When you create a child view (Section View, Detail View, and so on), the scale of the child view can be
the same as the parent view, the same as the drawing sheet, or a custom scale. This section view has
the same scale as its parent view.
Multiple Drawings
In SOLIDWORKS, you can have multiple drawing sheets in a drawing document, which is like having a
set of drawings all in the same file. The sheets can contain drawing views of any parts or assemblies.
You can switch between sheets by selecting a named tab at the bottom of the SOLIDWORKS window.
You can also add and delete sheets using Add Sheet .
Title Blocks
When you start a new drawing in SOLIDWORKS, you select a template with a specified paper size and
drawing sheet format.
The format can be standard, customized, or no format (specifying size only). When you define a title
block, you can specify which template fields are editable and hotspot areas you can click to enter title
block data. You can also generate a title block in parts and assemblies.
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You can use legacy 2D CAD title blocks. When starting a new drawing or adding a drawing sheet,
clear Display sheet format in the Sheet Format/Size dialog box, then import a 2D CAD block.
Standard formats contain title blocks. SOLIDWORKS allows you to edit the sheet format. (You can also
save sheet formats for use in future drawings.) You can add, move, format, and delete lines and text.
You can link note data to document properties such as file name, date, sheet number, and so on, or to
custom properties that you define.
The title block in a default landscape sheet format contains the following lines and text:
In this example of editing the sheet format, a note with the company name is added, the note with the
drawing name is edited, the lines are thickened, and a graphic is added.
Drawing Views
Drawing views are containers. Generally the contents are views of models. When you sketch in a
drawing, or insert annotations or blocks, the entities belong to the active drawing view or drawing sheet.
In SOLIDWORKS you create drawing views as follows:
• Standard views, such as standard 3 views, various named model views (such as isometric), and
relative views created automatically from the model.
• Derived views (projected, auxiliary, section, detail, break, broken-out section, alternate position
views) created in one or two steps from another view (such as drawing a profile for a detail view).
• Empty views (for sketch entities, notes, and so on) inserted with the menu item Insert > Drawing
View > Empty.
Any changes in the model are automatically reflected in the drawing views.
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Aligning Views
Alignment between views in SOLIDWORKS is automatic and adjustable. For example, standard 3 views
are automatically aligned vertically and horizontally, while section, projected, and auxiliary views are
aligned in the appropriate direction.
You can drag the views within the correct alignment. You can also break the alignment and drag views
anywhere on the drawing sheet. You can rotate views and hide or show views.
Standard 3 views are aligned automatically. The top view is constrained horizontally and the right view is
constrained vertically by default.
Section views are aligned automatically in the direction of the cut. Detail views are not aligned.
Automatic Drawing Operations
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In addition to the autodimensioning and autotransitioning in sketching, automated operations in drawings
increase productivity.
3D annotations (Annotations toolbar) Insert annotations into a part or assembly

document. The 3D annotations are
organized into annotation views that
correspond to the model's orthographic
views, such as front, bottom, etc. You
can then use the annotation views in a
drawing. The annotation views are
converted into 2D drawing views; the
annotations you inserted in the model are
retained in the drawing.
Model Items(Annotations toolbar) Insert dimensions, annotations, and
reference geometry from a part or
assembly document into a drawing in one
operation. You can specify all
dimensions or only those marked for
drawings.
Add balloons to all components in a
drawing view in one operation, choosing
a layout and balloon style, size, and text.
Auto Balloon(Annotations toolbar)
Smart Insert horizontal and vertical reference

Dimension, Autodimension(Dimensions/Relations dimensions into drawing views as
toolbar) baseline, chain, or ordinate dimensions.
Add center marks to all appropriate
entities in a drawing view in one
Center Marks(Annotations toolbar) operation, choosing single, linear, or
circular style, mark size, extended lines,
font, angle, and named layer.
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Add centerlines to all appropriate entities
in a drawing view in one operation.
Centerlines(Annotations toolbar)
You can specify in Tools > Options > Document Properties > Detailing that the following items be inserted
automatically into new drawing views:
• Center Marks
• Centerlines
• Balloons
• Dimensions marked for drawings
Dimensions in Drawings
Usually you specify dimensions when you design a part, then insert the dimensions from the model into
the drawing. Changing a dimension in one document changes it in any associated documents.
The Auto Arrange Dimensions tool positions dimensions quickly and easily.
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Before After
You can set an option during installation of SOLIDWORKS that prevents changes in dimensions in
drawings from affecting part or assembly models.
You can use magnetic lines to align balloons. You can automatically insert center marks for all holes,
fillets, and slots in drawing views.
In SOLIDWORKS, dimension formatting follows the standard that is set for the document
in Tools > Options > Document Properties > Drafting Standard by default. You can change the document
or template defaults for each type of dimension listed under Tools > Options > Document
Properties > Dimensions . Both 2D CAD software and SOLIDWORKS software use styles to save
particular formatting.
2D CAD systems have a type of dimension which is comparable to reference dimensions in

SOLIDWORKS. Reference dimensions cannot be modified and do not change model geometry.
However, when a model changes, reference dimensions update automatically. Model dimensions are
linked to the model parametrically, using dimension names, and, when changed (in drawings or in model
documents), modify the model.
When you insert dimensions in part and assembly documents, they are marked for drawings unless you
specify otherwise. When you insert model dimensions with Model Items, automatically for a new drawing
view, or with Autodimension, only the dimensions marked for drawings are inserted. When you insert an
annotation view into a drawing, all annotations in the part or assembly are inserted in the drawing.
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Dimensions define the geometry in the model sketches.
The model dimensions are transferred into the drawing

using Insert > Model Items.
Baseline dimensions, ordinate dimensions, chamfer dimensions, and hole callouts are available in
drawings. Ordinate dimensions are also available in sketches.
Baseline dimensions
Ordinate dimensions
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Chamfer dimensions
Hole callout
Dimension Formats
You can format dimensions individually or as a group in sketches and drawings. If you select a group of
dimensions, only those properties the dimensions have in common are available for editing.
Editing in the Graphics Area

To position dimensions, select and drag them. You can use the rapid dimension selector to place
dimensions so they are evenly spaced and easier to read, and the dimension palette to easily change
dimension properties and formatting. To change the direction of the arrows, click the circular handles.
Several display options, such as Show Parentheses and Inspection Dimension , are available in
the Dimension Value PropertyManager. In the following example, the arrows are flipped, the parentheses
removed, and the dimension value centered.
Before After
Property Managers
Select the dimension (or dimensions) and edit properties in these PropertyManagers:
• Dimension Value PropertyManager
• Dimension Leaders PropertyManager
• Dimension Other PropertyManager
The PropertyManager properties include:
• Dimension Assist Tools
• Dimension Style
• Tolerance/Precision
• Witness/Leader Display
57
• Leader Style
• Dimension Text (including alignment and symbols)
• Primary Value
• Display Options
• Break Lines
• Layer
In this example, the arrow style has been changed (from the default open arrows to solid arrows) and
tolerance and text have been added in the Dimension PropertyManager.
Before After
Other properties you can modify using the PropertyManagers include:
• Value
• Name
• Units
• Precision
• Font
• Various check boxes and buttons
In this example, you modified the font size and style, then added an inspection display.
Before After
Dimension Styles
You can save any dimension property as part of a Dimension Style. You can also name favorites, apply
them to multiple dimensions, update, and save them.
Symbols
SOLIDWORKS has a library of symbols (such as degrees, depth, and so on). In the Dimension
Value PropertyManager, click More Symbols under Dimension Text to access the library. Symbol libraries
for various annotations, such as Notes, Geometric Tolerance Symbols, Surface Finish Symbols, Weld
Symbols, and so on, are also available in PropertyManagers.
Symbol buttons in the Dimension Value PropertyManager
58
Some symbols from the Modifying Symbols library
Complete Hole Symbols library
Representative Flag symbols
Annotations
SOLIDWORKS has many tools for specific annotations, as shown below. You can control many
properties of the annotations in PropertyManagers and dialog boxes.
Some annotations, such as dowel pin symbols and area hatch, are available only in drawings. Many
others, such as notes and weld symbols, can be added in model documents during the design phase and
then inserted automatically from the model documents into the drawings.
Area Hatch/Fill
Auto Balloon
59
Balloon
Caterpillar
Center Mark
Centerline
or Circular or Linear Note Pattern
Cosmetic Thread
60
Datum Feature Symbol
Datum Target Symbol
Dowel Pin Symbol
End Treatment
Geometric Tolerance Symbol
Hole Callout
Multi-jog Leader
Note
Revision Symbol
61
Stacked Balloon
Surface Finish Symbol
Weld Symbol
Leaders
In SOLIDWORKS, leaders are available with all annotations that use leaders. You can choose straight,
bent, or multi-jog leaders. You can also create multi-jog leaders separately, and you can add multiple
leaders.
When an annotation moves, the leader attached to the annotation moves with it. The leader also moves
with any model to which it is attached.
62
Crosshatching
SOLIDWORKS adds crosshatching to section views automatically. You can modify the crosshatch pattern
manually. You can also add area hatching to faces or to closed sketch entities in drawings.
Automatic crosshatching in a drawing Properties (material, scale, and angle) of individual crosshatched
section view sections specified manually
Area hatch added to a face and a Area hatch region bounded by a combination of model edges
sketched ellipse and sketch entities
63
Tables
The following types of tables are available on the Table toolbar in drawings:
General Table
Bill of Materials
Hole Table
Revision Table
Weldment Cut List
Design Table (Excel-based tables for managing configurations)
Title Block
Weld Table
Punch Table
Table functionality includes:
• Standard or custom templates
• Anchor points
• Drag to move and resize
• Snap to elements in the sheet format
• Use context toolbars to edit cells and table format
• Add columns and rows
• Split or merge tables and cells
• Sort column contents
• Control color with layers
Each table has PropertyManagers for:
• Table Properties
• Table Format
• Column Properties
• Cell Properties
• Row Properties
Bill of Materials
SOLIDWORKS automatically populates a Bill of Materials (BOM) with item numbers, quantities, part
numbers, and custom properties in assembly drawings. You can anchor, move, edit, and split a BOM.
When you insert balloons into a drawing, the item numbers and quantities in the balloons correspond to
the numbers in the Bill of Materials. If an assembly has more than one configuration, you can list
quantities of components for all configurations or selected configurations.
64
You can create BOMs in assembly files and multibody part files. You can insert a BOM saved with an
assembly into a referenced drawing. You do not need to create a drawing first.
65
Layers
In SOLIDWORKS, you can specify the color, style, and thickness of lines in named layers. You can move
objects into layers, and you can turn layers on and off. The layer list is built into many annotation and
dimension dialog boxes.
You can also format lines individually using the Line Format tools. You can specify document-level line
thickness and style. Click Tools > Options > Document Properties and set Line Font, Line Style, and Line
Thickness.
66
Layers are used less often in SOLIDWORKS than in 2D CAD systems. SOLIDWORKS has multiple
drawing sheets, and you can hide and show drawing views, assembly components, lines, and various
other items without using layers.
In addition to creating layers in SOLIDWORKS, you can import 2D CAD drawings with layers into
SOLIDWORKS. All 2D CAD layers are preserved in SOLIDWORKS. When exporting from
SOLIDWORKS, you can map entity types to specific layers.
The Layer toolbar contains a list of layers in the drawing and the Layer Properties tool .
Click the Layer Properties tool to bring up the Layers dialog box. Create new layers and specify
the Color, Style, and Thickness of lines in each layer.
Blocks
You can make, save, edit, and insert blocks for drawing items and sketch entities that you use often, such
as standard notes, title blocks, label positions, and so on. You can attach blocks to geometry or to
drawing views, and you can insert them into sheet formats.
You can import legacy 2D CAD software blocks, including title blocks, to use directly in the
SOLIDWORKS application. You can also copy and paste 2D CAD software entities into SOLIDWORKS
documents.
Blocks can include the following items:
• Text (Notes)
• Dimensions
• Sketch entities
• Balloons
• Imported entities and text
• Area hatch
To create blocks, select items (from the list above) in the graphics area and click Tools > Block > Make .
You can save a sketch directly to a block file. Click Save Sketch as Block (Blocks toolbar) or
Tools > Blocks > Save .
When you insert blocks into drawings, you insert instances of the block definition, which you can modify
as follows:
• Scale
67
• Rotate
• Add leaders
• Edit values of attributes
Additional functionality for blocks includes:
• Dynamically edit block definitions, including file definitions
▪ Editing is in-place (no separate block editor window)
▪ You can add or remove entities while editing
• Explode blocks in the graphics area
• Move, copy, and paste block instances
• Save blocks to file, or create and use in a drawing without saving to file
• Use part or drawing blocks interchangeably
• Change block base points
• Change leader attachment points and leader anchor points
• Reference external definitions, including existing DXF/DWG file blocks
• Snap to and infer from sketches to block points on a drawing sheet
• Add dimensions and constraints between sketch entities of two block instances
• Move block instances to and from layers
▪ Once a block (instance) is moved to a layer, all entities inside the block take the layer
properties.
Complete the Exercise problems
68
40
40
R10
40
45°
10 30
80
SolidWorks Education
Lesson 1
R10
20
40
50
30
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70 20
Lesson 2
40
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Lesson 3
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R10
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Lesson 4
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3xR10
30 10
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60 SolidWorks Education
Lesson 5
30
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Lesson 6
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Lesson 7
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Lesson 8
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Lesson 9
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45°
20
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Lesson 10
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60 10 SolidWorks Education
Lesson 11
60
50 10
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30 45°
30 10
10 10
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Lesson 12
40
45°
20
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Lesson 13
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Lesson 14
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Lesson 15
40 20
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Lesson 16
30 10
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Lesson 17
2xR10
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Lesson 18
30
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Lesson 19
10 10 10
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45°
10
10 10
10 10
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Lesson 20
R20
70
20 40
2xR10
30
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10 20
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10 30 30 40
Lesson 21
R20
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Lesson 22
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Lesson 23
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Lesson 24
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Lesson 25
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Lesson 26
30
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Lesson 27
45° 10
40
70
40 20
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Lesson 28
20
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Lesson 29
20
50
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50
10
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40 15
10 20 20
R20
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70
Lesson 31
50
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10 20
20
70
Lesson 32
4xR10
40
20 30
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10
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Lesson 33
20 10
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Lesson 34
10
R20
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Lesson 35
50
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Lesson 36
20
60
20 10
0
R20
Lesson 37
10
10
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60 20
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Lesson 38
20
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Lesson 39
50
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30 10
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Lesson 42
30
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Lesson 43
10 10
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Lesson 44
20
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2xR10
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Lesson 45
40 20
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30
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Lesson 46
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45°
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Lesson 47
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Lesson 48
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Lesson 49
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Lesson 50
INDUSTRIAL GD&T
DRAWINGS
69
70
71
Part and Assembly
Modeling
72
Sketching
73
Section 1.1 Arm 3
Section 1.1
Arm
1.1-1 About the Arm
[1] The arm is a part

of aclamping
assembly. In this
geometric model for

the arm.
[2] Details of the

arm.
model,we must havea global

2.25
coordinate system in mind. In
the back surface of the part. #

Unit: in.
3
Section 1.1 Arm 4
1.1-2 Create a New Part [1] Double-click to

Launch
SOLIDWORKS.
[2] User Interface.
[4] Select File>New... [3] If you don't see Pull-Down Menus,

move the mouse over the SOLIDWORKS
logo (at the upper-left corner) to reveal the
Pull-Down Menus and click to pin it
down (fix it).
[5] Part is selected by default.
[6] Click OK to
create a Part
document. #
About the Textboxes

1. Within each subsection (e.g., 1.1-2), textboxes are ordered with numbers, each of which is enclosed by a pair of
square brackets (e.g., [1]). When you read the contents of a subsection, please follow the order of the textboxes.
2. The textbox numbers are also used as reference numbers. Inside a subsection, we simply refer to a textbox by its
number (e.g., [1]). From other subsections, we refer to a textbox by its subsection identifier and the textbox number
(e.g., 1.1-2[1]).
3. A textbox is either round-cornered (e.g., [1, 3, 4, 6]) or sharp-cornered (e.g., [2, 5]). A round-cornered textbox
indicates that mouse or keyboard actions are needed in that step. A sharp-cornered textbox is used for
commentary only; i.e., mouse or keyboard actions are not needed in that step.
4. A symbol # is used to indicate the last textbox of a subsection [6], so that you don't leave out any textboxes.
SOLIDWORKS Terms
In this book, terms used in SOLIDWORKS are boldfaced (e.g., Part in [5, 6]) to facilitates the readability.
4
Section 1.1 Arm 5
1.1-3 Set UpUnits

[1] Select
Tools>Options... [7] The Options command is
which is near the also availablehere.
bottom of the menu.
[2] Click Document

[3] Select Properties tab.
Units.
[4] Select IPS.
[8] The units also

[5] Select .123 (three can be set up
decimal places). from here. #
[6] Click OK.
5
Section 1.1 Arm 6
1.1-4 Draw a Circle
[1] In the Features Tree [2] The Front plane

(on the left side of the user (XY-plane) is ready
interface), right-click Front for sketching.
and select Sketch.
[6] Right-click anywh ere

in the Graphics A rea
and select Smart
Dimension.
[3] Right-click
anywhere in the
Graphics Area to
display a Context
[4] Click at the origin and drag outward Menu, and select
to create a circle. Press ESC to dismiss Sketch
the Circle command. Press ESC again Entities>Circle
(or click anywhere in the Graphics command.
Area other than the circle) to de-
select the circle. The circle is blue-
colored (see [5]).
[5] Color Codes of Sketch Entities

Asketch entity is blue-colored (either light-blue or dark-blue) when it is not yet well-defined [4]. A well-defined entity
(i.e., fixed in the space) becomes black (e.g., [7], next page). When over-defined, an entity becomes red.
6
Section 1.1 Arm 7
[7] Click the circle and move lower- [9] Dragging the mouse
rightward to create a diameter; type with Control-Middle-
0.25 (in) for the diameter. The circle [8] Scrolling the Button allows you to
now turns black (fixed). Use mouse Mouse Wheel allows pan the sketch.
functions to zoom in/out [8] or pan the you to zoom in/out the
sketch [9]. Drag the dimension to a sketch.
location like this. Finally, press ESC to
dismiss the Smart Dimension.
[11] The font size of the

dimension text can be
changed (see [12]). [10] If you made a
mistake, you always can
Undo the mistake.
[13] Click Font... and then

select a font size. In this
[12] Tochange the book, I use a 12-point font.
font size of
dimension texts,
select Dimension
in the Document
Properties
(1.1-3[1, 2], page 5).
[14] Image Quality can be

used to improve the
smoothness of the model. #
7
Section 1.1 Arm 8
There are literally hundreds of SOLIDWORKS commands (tools). All commands can be found in the Pull-Down
Menus [15]. Nevertheless, the most intuitive wayto issue a command is through a context-sensitive menu, or simply
called Context Menu [1, 3, 6] (page 6). To issue a command with a Context Menu, you right-click an object on
either the Part Tree [16] or the Graphics Area [17]. The commands available in a Context Menu depend on
the kind of object you're working on (that's why it is called a context-sensitive menu). In step [1] (page 6), the object
you were working on is the Front plane; in steps [3, 6] (page 6). the object you were working on is the Graphics
Area.
After you accumulate some experiences, you mayfind that a more convenient wayto issue a command is simply
clicking a command on a Toolbar (e.g., [10], last page). In this book, we roughly follow these rules to issue a
command:
As novices, we issue a command through a Context Menu, because it is the most intuitive way.
If a command is not available with a Context Menu, we select it from the Pull-Down Menus, because
it is the most comprehensive way (i.e., all commands can be found there).
it is the most convenient way.
[16] In SOLIDWORKS, this is called the

FeatureManager Design Tree. In this
book, we'll call it Features Tree or simply
Part Tree. As you create entities, they're
added to this tree structure.
8
Section 1.1 Arm 9
1.1-5 Draw AnotherCircle
[5] Click Smart

Dimension from the
Sketch Toolbar. [2] Select Circle from the
Sketch Toolbar.
[1] If Sketch Toolbar is

not active, click Sketch to
bring it up.
[3] Move the cursor around the X-
[4] Inference axis until an Inference Line [4]
Line. appears. Click to define the center,
move away,and click again to define
an arbitrary diameter.
[6] Click the two center points

o ne after another and then move
the mouse upward and click again
to create this horizontal
dimension; type 1.375 (in).
[7] In the Head-Up Toolbar [8],

click Zoom to Fit to fit the
sketch within Graphics Area. [8] Head-Up Toolbar is at the
top of the Graphics Area.
9
Section 1.1 Arm 10
[9] Press ESC to dismiss
Select Add Relation from

[16] Select Add the Context Menu (you re-appears.
Relation from may need to expand the
the Context Context Menu).
Menu again.
[20] Click OK to [11] In the Graphics

dismiss the Area, click the two
circles one after the
other. Note that their
names appear here.
[17] In the Graphics

Area, click the two
circles' centers.
[13] A relation
addition to the
existing Distance
relation.
[18] Click
Horizontal to make [12] Click Equal to
the two points align
horizontally.
[15] De-select the
ESC or click
anywhere on the
Graphics Area).
Now, the two
circles have the
sameradius. The
blue-colored,
meaning that it is
not well-defined
yet. We now
impose another
relation.
[21] Press ESC to de-select

the two points. Now, the
(fixed) too. #
10
Section 1.1 Arm 11
1.1-6 Draw the Third Circle
[1] Follow a similar procedure in

1.1-5 to draw this circle. All three
circles havethe same radius; the
vertical distance between the
centers is 2.25 (in); and it ali
[2] Add a Vertical
the first circle vertically [2].
relation between the
centers ofthe first and
the thirdcircles. #
1.1-7 Complete the Sketch
[1] Use Circle command to draw

three circles which are concentric
with the first three circles
respectively.
11
Section 1.1 Arm 12
[2] (Remember to press ESC twice.) Use

Add Relation command to make the
radii of the two upper circles equal. Note
that we've moved the dimensions for a
better arrangement.
command from the Context Menu.
Before right-clicking to pop-up the
Context Menu, make sure no command
is active (if so, press ESC to dismiss it) and
no sketch entity is selected (if so,press ESC
to de-select it).
[5] And click the upper

quarter-point of this circle.
[4] Click the upper Double-click to end the line
drawing [6].
circle...
[6] The Line command can be used to

draw multiple line segments. To end a
12
Section 1.1 Arm 13
[7] Follow steps [4, 5] to add

this line.
[8] And also draw these two tangent lines.

Note that, to draw the tangent lines, you click
a circle NEAR quarter-points (rather than AT
the mistakes (1.1-4[10], page 7).
[9] Press ESC to dismiss the

Line command. Select
Trim Entities from the
[11] Click these
them away[12].
13
Section 1.1 Arm 14
[14] The radius of this arc
agree with the relation [2]

(page 12).
[13] Use Smart

[16] All sketch Dimension (1.1-5[5],
entities are fixed page 9) to specify this
radius (0.313 in).
[18] Select thisvertex.
[15] And specify
[20] Click OK to
[21] A dimension is
sketch.
[19] Type 0.25 (in) for
the Fillet Radius.
14
Section 1.1 Arm 15
command. command.
[25] Sketch
[22]The commands used in this
[1] Click to highlight Sketch1 (which is
for the extruding
15
Section 1.1 Arm 16
3D model.
[7] From Pull-Down Menus, select

File>Save or, on the Toolbar, click Save
button. The Toolbar is on the top of the
the file name Arm. The full name of the

document is Arm.SLDPRT. #
1.1-9 WrapUp
[1] Select File>Close from

the Pull-Down Menus to
close the part document. Or,
you may select Window menu
16
Section 1.2
Section 1.2 RatchetWheel 17
RatchetWheel
1.2-1 About the RatchetWheel [2] The ratchet stop is used to

control the rotational direction of
[1] A ratchet wheel rotates in a certain will be created in the next section.
direction controlled by a ratchet stop [2].
In this section, we'll create a 3D model for
this ratchet wheel.
.00
X [3] Details of the
Unit: in.
1.2-2 Start Up
[1] Launch and create a new part (1.1-2[1, 4-6], page 4). Set up unit system with 2
decimal places for the length unit (1.1-3, page 5). Start a sketch on Front plane (1.1-4[1, 2], page 6). #
17
1.2-3 Draw a Construction Circle
[3] Select Smart [1] Select Circle from

Dimension. the Sketch Toolbar.
[2] Draw a circle

centered at the
origin.

Smart Dimension.
Right-click the circle and
select Construction
Geometry to convert the
circle into a construction
circle.
[4] Specify the
diameter of the circle
(1.00 in).
[6] The circle become

centerlined. In
SOLIDWORKS,
Construction Geometry is
represented by centerlines.
[7] Construction Geometry

Frequently used Construction Geometries include construction lines and construction circles. A construction
line can be finite length or infinite length. A Construction Geometry is used for reference only, it is not a
geometric entity. #
18
1.2-4 Draw Construction Lines

[2] Draw a vertical line from
the origin to the upper quarter
point of the circle. Double-
click anywhere to end the
Centerline command.
[1] Right-click anywhere in the [3] Draw another

Graphics Area and select centerline from the
Sketch Entities>Centerline origin to the edge of
to create construction lines. the circle.
[5] Click the two

centerlines one after
the other to create an
15 (degrees). #
19
1.2-5 Draw aTooth
[1] Select Line.
here...
[6] Click the two newly
[4] Finally click here.
drawing.
20
1.2-6 Duplicate theTooth
[4] Click OK.

Tools>Sketch Tools>Circular
Pattern. And select the centerlined
circle (to define the pattern direction).
[2] Type 24 for Number of

Instances.
[3] Right-click this box and select

Clear Selections from the
Context Menu and then select the
two line segments created in 1.2-5 [5]
(last page) for Entities to The Circular Sketch
Pattern. Pattern command is also available
by clicking the arrow next to
Linear Sketch Pattern. #
21
1.2-7 Finished the Sketch and Generate 3D Model
[3] Select Smart [1] Select Circle.

Dimension.
[4] Specify a
[2] Draw a circle diameter of
[9] Click OK. centered at the 0.
25 in.
origin.
[8] Click here to

[6] Type 0.25 (in). define the region.
[5] Click Extruded Boss/Base

(1.1-8[2], page 15).
[7] Click the region

(see [8]).
[10] Save the part with the

name Ratchet. Close the
file and exit
SOLIDWORKS. #
22
Section 1.3 Ratchet Stop 23
Section 1.3
Ratchet Stop
1.3-1 About the RatchetStop

[1] The ratchet stop is used to
control the rotational direction of
[2] The ratchet the ratchet wheel [2]. In this
wheel has been
model for the ratchet stop
section.
R0.56 Y
[3] Details of
0.125
the ratchet
stop. #
X
R0.34
Unit: in.
R0.188
Thickness: 0.125 in.
0.57
23
1.3-2 Start Up
[1] Launch and create a new part (1.1-2, page 4). Set up unit system with 3
1.3-3 Draw the Sketch
[1] Right-click the Graphics Area and select
[5] Press ESC to dismiss Smart Dimension. [2] Create an arc like this.
Click the origin first, then
starting point, and finally
the ending point.
0.188 in.
24
[7]Then define another end

point. Double-click to end the
drawing without dismiss
[6] Clic k this end point
of the existing arc...
Press ESC to dismiss the
[8] Click another end

point of the first arc...
he Head-Up
elect Hide/
ems>View
elations to
elations.
each tangent point.
[12] Select View Sketch

Relations again to hide
the relations.
25
[13] Select Line

command.
[15] Click the small triangle

next to Line command and
select Centerline.
[14] Draw this line. [17] Click the origin and
point to create a
infinite length.
26
[19]Finishup thesketchby
specify the rest of the
dimensions. All entities
must be black-colored.#
1.3-4 Generate 3D Model
[1] Extrude the sketch
inches to create this 3D

model.

name Stop. Close the file and
27
Section 1.4Cover Plate 28
Section 1.4
Cover Plate
1.4-1 About the Cover Plate
2 R0.188 2 D0.201
0.25
X
we'll create a 3D
solid model for this
2.00
cover plate. #
.25
0.75
0.25
Unit: in.
1.4-2 Start Up
[1] Launch and create a new part (1.1-2, page 4). Set up unit system with 3 decimal
places for the length unit (1.1-3, page 5). Create a sketch on Front plane (1.1-4[1, 2], page 6). #
28
1.4-3 Draw the Sketch
[1] Draw two [2] Draw two

circles; add an concentric circles;
Equal relation add an Equal
for them; specify relation for them.
dimensions (0.201,
2.0, 0.376).
[3] Specify a diameter
of 0.376 in.
[4] While Dimension is

still active, select
Leaders tab.
[5] Click Radius.
[6] The dimension

changes from
diameter to radius
(0.188 in).
29
[7] Select Sketch Entities>Corner

Rectangle from the Context Menu. [8] The Corner
Rectangle is also available
in the Sketch Toolbar.
[9] Draw a rectangle and

specify dimensions (1.5,
0.25, 0.25, 0.562).
30
[10] Use Line command

to draw these 5 line
segments; specify
dimensions (0.75, 1.25,
0.312, 0.312).
[12] After trimming.
[11] Use Trim Entities

command to trim away
these three line segments.
31
[13] Use Sketch Fillet

(1.1-7[25], page 15)
command to create these 6
fillets of radius 0.06 in.
[14] Use Sketch

Filletcommand again
to create these 4 fillets
of radius 0.15 in.
32
[15] Select Sketch Entities>3 Point A rc

from the Context Menu and draw an arc
like this. Add two Tangent relations.
[16] The 3 Point Arc

command is also available in
the Sketch Toolbar.
[17] Repeat step [15] three

more times.
33
[18] Add Equal relation

among these four arcs.
Specify a radius dimension of
0.15 inches.
[19] Trim awaythese

four segments.
34
sketch. #
1.4-4 Generate3DModel
this 3D model.
[2] Save the part with the file

name Cover. Close the file
and exit SOLIDWORKS. #
35
Chapter 2 Part Modeling 36
Chapter 2
Part Modeling
36
Section 2.1
Section 2.1 Crank 37
Crank
2.1-1 About theCrank
[1] In this exercise, we'll create a 3D solid model for a crank [2]. The model can be viewed as a series of three two-
step operations; each involves drawing a sketch on a plane and then extruding the sketch. The material of the body is
either added to or cut from the existing body.
Y
[2] Details of
2  D10
the crank. #
2  R10
Unit: mm.
75
X Z
R22
8
20
37
2.1-2 Start Up
Launch and create a new part.
[3] Select None fo

(i.e.,zero decimal places for the
length unit). Clic
[2] In the Options,

select as unit
2.1-3 Draw a Sketch for the Base Body
[1] Create a [2] Draw 5 circles and four

sketch on tangent lines. Add an Equal
Front plane. relation for the two smallest
circles; add an Equal
relation for the two medium
38
[5] Use Sketc h Fillet

command and select these
two lines to create a fillet of
radius of 10 mm. Click Yes
[3] Add Vertical for a warningmessage.
relation betweenthis
point and the origin.
[4] Add Horizontal

relation between this point
and the origin. All entities
turn black (fixed) now.
[6] Trim awaythes e

three segments.
[7] Finished sketch. #
39
2.1-4 Extrude the Sketch to Create the BaseBody
[1] Extrude
8 mm to create this
3D body. #
2.1-5 Add Features to the Base Body

[2] From the Head-Up
Toolbar, select View
[1] Right-click the frontal face of

the base body and select Sketch
from the Conte xt Menu.
[3] The model rotates

so that it is normal to
your line of view.
40
[4] Draw a cicr le on

the plane likethis and
specify adiameter of
30 mm.
[5] Extrude the

sketch 12 mm.
[10] The Normal To is also

available in the Standard
Views Toolbar.
[7] The Isometric

is also available in
[6] From the Head-Up
the Standard
Toolbar, select View Views Toolbar.
Orientation>Isometric.
[9] Click Normal To [10]

and Draw a circle on the
plane and specify a diameter
of 20 mm.
[8] Right-click this face

and select Sketch from
the Context Menu
(see [1], last page)
41
[11] From the Pull-Down Menus, select

[13] Click OK. Insert>Cut>Extrude... or, from Features
Toolbar, select Extruded Cut.
[12] Select Through All

for End Condition.
[15] The Part Tree

(Features Tree).
[17]The base body.

[16] The reference
geometries.
[18] The boss.
[19] The hole .
[14] The finished

3D model.
[20] A part consists of reference geometries, base body,
and features on the base body. In this example, the
features added to the base body are the boss and the
hole. Note that it is equally good to treat the two small
holes as features on the base body.
[21] Save the part with the file name Crank.

Exit SOLIDWORKS. #
42
Section 2.2
Section 2.2 Geneva Gear Index 43
Geneva Gear Index
2.2-1 About the Geneva Gear Index
[1] In this exercise, we'll create a 3D solid model for a Geneva gear index [2].
[2] Details of the
5  R0.63
Unit: in.
D0.25
D0.5
D2.47
D1.25
0.25
43
2.2-2 Start Up
Launch and create a new part. Set up system decimal

places the length unit.
2.2-3 Draw a Sketch for 1/5 of the Gear Index
[1] Create a sketch on Front plane.
[3] Draw two lines,

each connects the [2] Use Centerpoint
origin to an end Arc command to draw
point of the arc. an arc centered at the
origin and of a radius of
1.235 in like this.
[6] Draw two circles

centered at the end
points of the centerlined
arc and of the same
radius of 0.1 in.
[4] Specify an angle [5] Use Centerpoint Arc

dimension of72○ for command to draw another arc
the sector. centered at the origin and of a radius
of 0.625 in. Convert the arc to a
Construction Geometry
(1.2-3[5], page 18).
44
[8] Draw a line connecting

the upper circle to the outer
arc. Add a Parallel relation
between the line and the line
next to it. Add a Tangent
relation between the line and
the connecting circle.
[9] Use Centerline command to [7] Draw a line connecting the

draw a centerline starting from the lower circle to the outer arc.
origin. Specify the length (1.529 in). Add a Horizontal relation on
Make the sector symmetric about the the line and add a Tangent
centerline. To do this, select Add relation between the line and the
Relation, click the centerline and the connecting circle.
two edge lines of the sector, and select
Symmetric in the Property Box.
45
[10] Use Centerpoint

Arc co mmand to draw an
arc centered at one end of
the cen terline. Specify a
radius of 0.63 in.
[11] Trim awayunwanted

segments. Some entities
turn back to blue color;
add relations to fix them
(see [12-14]).
[12] Some entities turn back

to blue, try to fix them by
adding aCoincident
relation for this point...
[13] And this line. Add

another Coincident for
the other side of the sector.
[14] If steps [12, 13] don't fix all

the entities. Tryto drag an unfixed
entity to figure out what relations
should be added. #
46
2.2-4 Extrude the Sketch

0.25 in. This is a 1/5 of
the gear index. #
2.2-5 Complete the Full Model
[1] Highlig ht the newly created body in [2] The Circular Pattern
the Part
Menus , select Insert>Pattern/ the Features Toolbar.
Mirr or>Circular Pattern.
for Features to Pattern.
[5] This edge isused

as Patter n Axis.
47
[7] Right-click this face and select

Sketch from the Context Menu.
Draw a circle centered at the origin
with a diameter of 0.5 in. Extrude
the sketch 0.19 in.
[8] Click to highlight this face

and, from Pull-Down
Menus, select
Insert>Features>Hole>
Wizard...
[9] Select Hole for

Hole Type and set
up other settings as
shown.
.
[11] Select the
center of the face.
[10] Select
[12] Click OK.
48
3D model.
[15] Save the part with the file name Geneva. Close
the file and exit SOLIDWORKS. #
49
Section 2.3 Yoke 50
Section 2.3
Yoke
2.3-1 AbouttheYoke
[1] The yoke is a part
of a universal joint. In
create a 3D solid
[2] Details of the model for the yoke.
yoke. #
Z D1.20
Y Y
Unit: in.
3.55
X Z
.50
2  0.75
50
Section 2.3 Yoke 51
2.3-2 Start Up
Launch and create a new part. Set up system decimal places the length
unit.
2.3-3 Create a BaseBody
[2] Draw a sketch like this. If
well-defined), see [3, 4].
[4] Another way is to drag an

unfixed entity to figure out
Sketch Relations (1.3-3[10], page
to fix the entities.
51
Section 2.3 Yoke 52
[6] Select Mid Plane so that
(2 inches is the total depth). #
[5] Extrude the

sketch 2in.

Insert>Features>Fillet/Round...
Select Full Round Fillet and set up the
properties like this (also see [2-5]).
[5] This is a Full

Round Fillet.
52
Section 2.3 Yoke 53
[6] The Fillet command is also

[9] Click Hole available on the Features
Wizard. Toolbar. Click it.
[7] Create another Full

Round Fillet [1].
[10] Set up the

properties like this.
.
[8] Click this face. [11] Select Positions tab and click
the arc-center of the selected face
[8]. To locate the arc-center, move
your mouse over the arc, the center
will show up.
[12] Click OK. #
53
Section 2.3 Yoke 54
2.3-5 Create a Plane

[1] Click to highlight Top
a
G
[3] Click
[2]Type 3. 55 (in) for

Offset d
[4]A new plane is created by

offsetting Top plane 3.55 in
upward.
[5] The Reference

Geometry tools are also
available on the Features
Sketch from the
[2] Click Normal To
circle centered at the origin

and with a diameter of 1.2 in.
54
Section 2.3 Yoke 55
[6] Click OK.
[3] From the Features Toolbar,

select Extruded Boss/Base and
select Up To Surface for End
Condition.
[4] Select the top face

[5] Face<1>.
of the existing body
(see [5]).
[8] The finished 3D

model.
[7] Turn off View

Planes.
[9] Save the part with the file name Yoke. Close the
file and exit SOLIDWORKS. #
55
Section 2.4 Support 56
Section 2.4
Support
2.4-1 Aboutthe Support
[2] Details of the

support. #
[1] The support is a
in Section 1.1. In
0.250
create a 3D solid
model for the
support.
Unit: in.
0.750
.250
6 D0.25
X
0.875
0.625
56
2.4-2 Start Up
Launch and create a new part. Set up system and 3 decimal places the
length unit.
2.4-3 CreateVertical Plate

[2] Draw a sketch like this.
Make sure all entities are
fixed (black-colored). If
[1] Create a sketch on Front plane. not,see [3].
[3] If there are any blue-colored

entities, add missing Relations.
Remember, one way to detect
missing Relations is to drag an
unfixed (blue-colored) entity.
57
[4] Draw two circles

likethis. Makesureall
entities are fixed.
[5] Trim away command to draw two

unwanted segm
may need to create
58
[7]
0.125 inches. #
[1] Highlight Top.
[3] Type 0.875 (in) for

Offset distance.
[5] The new plane.

[4] Click Flip.
59
[7] Make sure the

new plane is [8] Click Sketch in the
highlighted. Sketch Toolbar.
[10] Remember, one way to detect

missing Relations is to drag an
unfixed entity. You may need to add
a Coincident relation here.
[9] Click NormalTo

and draw a sketch
(including three circles of
the same diameter) ike l
this. Make sureall
entities are fixed.
[11] Extrude
12] Turn off View (upward) 0.125
Planes. # inches.
60
2.4-5 CreateFillet
[6] Click OK.
[1] In the
[3]Select the edge

shown in [4].
[2] Select
Constant size.
[5] Type 0.1 (in).
[4] Edge<1>.
[7] Save the part with the file name Support.

Close the file and exit SOLIDWORKS. #
61
Section 2.5
Section 2.5 Wheel 62
Wheel
2.5-1 About the Wheel
[1] So far, we exclusively used Extrude command to create 3D solids. In this section, we introduce another
command to create 3D solids: Revolve, which takes a sketch as the profile and revolves about an axis to create a 3D
solid body. We'llcreate a 3D solid model for a wheel [2]. The wheel is axisymmetric. An axisymmetric body always
can be created by drawing a profile then revolving about its axis of revolution.
[2] Details of the

wheel. #
Unit: in.
X Z
D3.50
D4.00
62
2.5-2 Start Up
unit.
2.5-3 Create a Sketch for the Profile
[3] Click Infinite

length in the
properties box.
[5] Draw a sketch like

this. Make sure all
entities arefixed.
[4] Draw a vertical

centerline of infinite
the origin. This
[2] Draw a horizontal

centerline of infinite
through the origin. This

centerline will be used
63
[8] Click OK.
[6] Select Tools>Sketch

Tools>Mirror from Pull-Down
Menus and select all entities (you may
use Box-Select or Control-A) for
Entities to mirror.
[9] The finished sketch.
[7] Select the vertical

centerline for Mirror
about.
[10] The Mirror

command is also available
in the Sketch
Toolbar. #
64
2.5-4 Revolve the Sketch
[1]
Insert>Boss/
Base>Revolve...
[2] The Revolve command
is also available in the
Features Toolbar.
[
centerline.
model.
[6] Save the part with the file name Wheel. Close
the file and exit SOLIDWORKS. #
65
Section 2.6 Transition Pipe 66
Section 2.6
Transition Pipe
2.6-1 About the Transition Pipe
[1] In this section, we introduce another command to create 3D solids: Sweep, which takes a sketch as the path
and another sketch as the profile; the profile then "sweeps" along the path to create a 3D solid body. In this
exercise, we'll create a 3D solid model for a transition pipe, which is used to connect two pipe segments.
Y
[2] Details of the
2  D3.50
Unit: in.
2 0.25
X Z
66
2.6-2 Start Up
unit.
[2] Draw a sketch like this. This

2.6-3 Create a Sketch for the Path path. Note that, each end point
or horizontally.
2.6-4 Create a Sketch for the Profile
[1] Right-click Top plane

and select Sketch to create
a second sketch.
[3] Draw two concentric circles like this.

This sketch will be used as a sweeping
profile. Note that the dimension 3.00
(in) can be replaced by a Pierce relation
path created in 2.6-3[2].
67
[4] Click Exit Sketch in the
[2] The Sweep command

is also available in the
Features Toolbar.
2.6-5 Create the Curved Pipe
[1] While the Profile

sketch is highlighted,
select Insert>Boss/
Base>Sweep...
[5] In the Graphics Area, click "+"
sign to expand the Part Tree; the
"+" sign becomes "-" sign.
[7] Click
OK.
[6] Select the Path sketch

(Sketch1).
[3] The profile

sketch (Sketch2)
is pre-selected.
[8]The curved pipe. Note

that the curved pipe also can
be created by Revolving
the Profile 90 degrees with
[4] Click to activate an axis coincident with the
Path box. Z-axis. #
68
2.6-6 Create the Lower EndPlate
[2] And select Sketch to

create a sketch (for the
lower end plate).
[1] Right-click the bottom

face of the curved pipe.
[4] Draw a sketch like this. The

sketch consists of 7 circles,
diameter 0.25 in.
69
[5] In the Features

Toolbar, click
[6] Type 0.25 (in) for
[9] The lower end

plate. #
2.6-7 Create a MirroringPlane
[1] Next, we want to create the upper end plate by using

Mirror command. The mirroring plane will be created
by rotating the Top plane 45 degrees about an axis
coincident with the Z-axis. First, we create the axis.
70
[4] The Top and Right

planes appear here.
[6] Click OK.
[3] From Features

[5] Two Planes is Tree, select Top
automatically selected. An axis and Right planes.
is created by intersecting the
two selected planes.
[7] The created

axis.
[13] Click
OK.
[9] From the Part

Tree,select the newly
created axis for First
Reference.
[11] Click At
Angle.
[10] From the Part Tree,
select Top plane for
Second Reference.
[8] From the Features

Toolbar, select Reference
[12] Type 45 (deg) Geometry>Plane.
for Angle.
71
[14]The mirroring
plane. #
2.6-8 Create the Upper End Plate
[1] Make sure the newly
72
Items>View Planes to turn

off the planes display.
[6]The upper end plate. #
[2]Type 0.125 (in) for

Radius and select the two
edges shown in [3, 4].
73
[10] Click
[7] Type 0.0625 (in) for

Radius and select the
two edges shown in [8,9].
[11]The fini
model.
ead-Up
lect Display
ed to remove
the edgedisplay.
[14] Save the part with the file name Pipe.

74
Section 2.7
Section 2.7 Threaded Shaft 75
Threaded Shaft
will create a 3D solid model for the threaded shaft.
[3] Major
[4] Pitch
Unit: in d = .375 in. p = 1/16 in.
D0.625
Coarse.
[6] Details of the p8

threads. #
8
Sl ○
d = 0.375 in
o
p = 0.0625 in pe
: :
pe
H
H = ( 3 2)p = 0.0541266 in o
60
5H ○ lS
Major diameter d
d =d−  2 = 0.307342 in
p4
p
Minor diameter d1
= 0.015625 in
p
= 0.0078125 in
75
2.7-2 Start Up
unit.
2.7-3 Create a Shaft Base
[1] On Front
plane, draw a [3] Use this line as the Axis of
[2] Revolve (2.5-4[2], page 65)
the shaft base. Use the bottom

line of the sketch as the Axis of
Revolution [3].
[4] The shaft base. #
76
2.7-4 CreateThreads
[1] On the Front plane, draw a single line

of length 3.75 inches like this. Remember
to click Exit Sketch. This sketch will be
used as the sweeping Path.
[5] From the Part Tree, select the

[2] On the Front plane, Sketch2 (created in [1]) for Path and
draw a sketch of trapezoid set up other parameters like this. Note
like this. Remember to that the number of turns (60) is calculated
click Exit Sketch. This
by 3.75/0.0625, where 0.0625 (in) is the
sketch will be used as the
thread pitch. Click OK.
sweeping Profile.
[4] Sketch3 is used

as Profile.
[3]With Sketch3 (created

in[2]) highlighted, from
Features Toolbar, click
Swept Cut.
77
[8] And click

[6] The threads. Sketch.
[7] Select this
face ...
[9] In the Sketch Toolbar, click

Convert Entities. This command
[10] Click Exit converts the selected entities (here, the
Sketch. boundaries) into line entities. This
completes the sketch.
[11] In the Features

Toolbar, click [13] Click OK. #
Extruded Cut.
[12] Select
Through All.
78
2.7-5 Create a Hole
[1] On the Front plane, draw a circle like

this. Remember to click Exit Sketch.
[2] With the sketch

highlighted, from the
Features Toolbar,
select Extruded Cut
and set up the
parameters like this.
[3] The finished

model.
[3] Save the part with the file name Shaft.

79
Section 2.8Lifting Fork 80
Section 2.8
Lifting Fork
2.8-1 About the Lifting Fork
[1] The lifting fork is used in an LCD (liquid crystal display) manufacturing factory to handle glass panels. In this
section, we will create a 3D solid model for the lifting fork.
The cross sections of the prongs (fingers) are not uniform along the length [2,3, 4]. The Extrude command or
Sweep command can not be used to created the prongs. This exercise introduces a new command to create 3D
solids: Loft, which takes a series of profiles and creates a 3D solid that fits through these profiles.
[2] At the root, the

cross section is
160x60 (mm).
[4] At the midway,
130x20 (mm). #
[3] At the tip, the
100x10 (mm).
Unit: mm
80
2.8-2 Start Up
Launch and create a new part. Set up system zero decimal places
the length unit.
2.8-3 Create a Transversal Beam
[1] On Front plane,
[2] Extrude the

sketch 200 mm to
beam.
beam. #
81
2.8-4 Create Two Planes
[1] Click this

face...
[2] And, from Features

Toolbar, select
Reference
Geometry>Plane.
[5] Click OK.
[6]Two planes [7, 8 ]

are created.
[3] Type 1200 (mm).
[7] Plane1.
[4] Type 2 for Num ber of

planes to cre ate.
[8] Plane2. #
82
2.8-5 Sketch Three Profiles
[3] Right-click Plane1

and select Sketch.
[1] Right-click this face
and select Sketch.
[5] Right-click Plane2

and select Sketch.
[2] Create a rectangle of 160 mm x 60 mm

like this. Click Exit Sketch.

like this. Click Exit Sketch.

like this. Click Exit Sketch. #
83
2.8-6 Create a Finger
[2] From Part Tree, select the

three sketches (in the order
shown) as Profiles. The order is
important.
finger. #
2.8-7 Create the Other Fingers
[1] In the Part Tree,

highlight the finger.
84
[6] Click OK.

[3] Select an edge for Pattern
Direction (see [4], click
Reverse Direction if the
direction is not rightward) and set
up other parameters like this.
[4] Edge<1>.
[5] Make sure

Geometry
pattern is de-
[7] Finished model.
selected.
[8] Save the part with the file name Fork.

85
Chapter 3 Assembly Modeling 86
Chapter 3
Assembly Modeling
86
Section 3.1 Shaft Assembly 87
Section 3.1
Shaft Assembly
3.1-1 Introduction
sub-assembly of the
[1] In this exercise, we'll create a shaft assembly [2, 3].
The assembly consists of three parts: the Shaft [4]
created in Section 2.7, a Handle [5], and a Hinge
[6]. We use a coordinate system for the assembly
which is coincident with that of the part Shaft.
[4] Shaft.
Unit: in
25
D0.
3.000
5.063
266
dle. D0. [3] Details of the
assembly.
87
3.1-2 Open Shaft
[1] Launch SOLIDWORKS.

Click Open and select the
document Shaft, which was
3.1-3 Create Handle
[2] On Front plane, draw a
like this.
[1] Click New and create a

new part. Set up IPS unit
the length unit.
[3] Extrude the sketch 3

in, using Mid Plane
option.

file name Handle. #
88
3.1-4 Create Hinge
[1] Click New and create a new part.

Set up IPS unit system with 3 decimal
places for the length unit.
[3] Extrude the sketch 0.375 [2] On Front plane, draw a

inches, using Mid Plane
option. like this.
[5] Extrude the sketch 0.75 [4] On Front plane, draw a

inches, using Mid Plane circle centered at the origin
option. like this.
89
[6] On R ight plane,

draw a cir
at the ori gin like this.
(for Direction 1 only).
part.

file name Hinge. #
90
3.1-5 Create a New Assembly

[1] If you pull down the Window
menu, you can see that three Part
documents are opened in the
computer memory. We now
[2] Click New.
create an assembly consisting of
these three Parts.
[3] Select
Assembly.
[4] Click OK.
[7] In the
Property Box,
select Shaft.
[5] In the Head-Up

Toolbar, turn on
View Origins.
[6] This is the origin of the
new assembly. We now
insert the Shaft so that the
part's coordinate system
aligns with the assembly's
coordinate system.
91
[8] Click the assembly's

origin. The Shaft is inserted
coordinate system.#
3.1-6 Insert the OtherComponents
the Graphics Area to
[2] Select Handle.
92
[4] Repeat steps [1-3]

(last page) to inse
Hinge. #
3.1-7 Assemble Handle
[4]The selected two

face of the Handle.
[6] Click OK to accept the

Concentric mate without
dismissing the Property Box.
[5] A Concentric
face of the Shaft's hole.
selected.
93
[7] The Handle is assembled into the

hole of the Shaft. However, the
Handle is not well positioned yet (you
may move it using your mouse); an
additional Mate is needed. One way is
to align the Front plane of the Handle
with the Front plane of the assembly.
[8] In the Part Tree (which is in

the Gr aphics Area; expand the
tree if necessary), select Front
plane of the assembly.
[11] Click to
accept the
[9] Select Front plane Coincident mate
of the Handle. Expand
the tree if necessary. Property Box.
selected.
the Handle. The handle still can

rotate about its axis, however,we
neglect this deficiency. #
94
3.1-8 Assemble Hinge
[2] Click this

cylindrical face
of the Hinge's
hole.
[1] While the Mate

Pr operty Box is still
acti ve (if not, simply click
Mat
3.1-7
cylindrical face of the
[3] Click to
accept the
Concentric mate.
[4] The Hinge is not fixed

yet. Use your mouse to slide
the Hinge along the
Shaft's axial direction.
[5] Select the

circulafrace at the
end o f the hole.
[6]And select this

circular face of the
Shaft.
[8] The Hinge is not fixed yet; it
can rotate about the Shaft's axial
direction. We need one more
[7] Click OK to accept
the Coincident mate.
95
[9] Sele
plane of
[10] Select the Front plane

of the Hinge. Expand the
tree if necessary. [11] Click OK to accept
OK again to dismiss the

Mate command.
[12] The finished
we've turned off the
file name ShaftAssembly. The

full name of the document is
96
Section 3.2 Universal Joint 97
Section 3.2
Universal Joint
3.2-1 Introduction
[1] In this exercise, we'll create a universal joint [2]. The assembly consists of four kinds of parts [3-6], of which the
Yoke [3] was created in Section 2.3.
[5] 4 x Bushing. [3] 2 x Yoke

(created in
[6] 4 x Pin.
[2] The
joint.
Unit: in.
[4] Swivel.
97
3.2-2 Open Yoke

Open the part document Yoke,
3.2-3 Create Swivel

the length unit.
[2] Create a 3D model like this. Use

any coordinate system as your
file name Swivel. #
1.0
98
3.2-4 Create Bushing

the length unit.
[2] Create a 3D model like this. Use

any coordinate system as your
file name Bushing. #
3.2-5 Create Pin

system with 3 decimal places for [2] Create a 3D model like this.
the length unit.
Use any coordinate system as
with the file name Pin. #
99
3.2-6 Create a New Assembly

[1] If you pull down the Window
menu, you can see that four Part
documents are opened in the
computer memory. We now create
an assembly which consists of these [2] Click New.
four kinds of Parts.
[3] Select
Assembly.
[4] Click OK.
[7] In the
Property Box,
select Swivel.
[5] In the Head-Up

Toolbar, turn on
V iew Origins.
[6] This is the origin of the
new assembly. We now
insert the Swivel so that
the part's coordinate system
aligns with the assembly's
coordinate system.
100
[8] Click the origin. Now the

Swivel is inserted and fixed
in the space. It's okay if your
[9] Select IPS unit origin is not at the center of
system. # the Swivel.
3.2-7 Insert Bushings and Pins

[1, 3] In the Assembly
Toolbar, click Insert
Components.
[2] Select Bushing
the Graphics Area

to park the part.
three more times.
[4] Select Pin and click anywhere in the

Graphics Area to park the part.
101
3.2-8 Assemble Bushings and Pins
bar, click Mate.
[2] Create 8 Concentric

Mates, so that each Bushing
and each Pin aligns with its
Swivel. Use your mouse to

drag the parts to appropriate
positions.
[3] While the Mate command is

still active, click an outer face of
the Swivel.
[4] and click the

inner face of the
corresponding
mate. Repeat [3, 4] for other 3 Swivel/

Bushing pairs. Finally, click OK to
dismiss Mate command.
102
[6] Four
Bushings are at
their positions
now. #
3.2-9 Assemble Yokes
[2] Select Yoke and click

anywhere in the Graphics
Area to park the part. Repeat
steps [1, 2] one more times.
[5] And select the cylindrical

face of a hole of a Yoke. Click
face of a pin.
OK to accept the Concentric
mate.
103
[6] Drag the Yoke to a

position roughly like this.
[8]And select the

cylindrical face of a
hole of another
Yoke. Click OK.
to accept the
Concentric mate.
[7] While the Mate command is [16] Click OK to

still active,click the cylindrical accept the mate.
face of another pin.
[15] The
[13] The selected two
selected two
faces appear hear. faces appear
hear.
[12] Click this face

and the symmetric
face on the other side.
[14] Click this face

and the symmetric
face on the other side.
[10] Click
[11] Select Advanced Mates.
Width.
[9] Drag the lower Yoke to

a position roughly like this.
104
[17] Now,the middle plane of

Yoke's two selected faces is
coincident with the middle
plane of Bushings' two
selected faces.
[18] Repeat foregoing

procedure (steps
[11-16], last page) for the
lower Yoke.
[21] And click
this face.
[20] Click this

face.
[22] Click OK.
[25] Note that the

Swivel is fixed (3.2-6[8],
page 101). The Yokes
can be move relative to
the Swivel. Now, we
want to release the
Swivel and fix the upper
Yoke instead. #
[19] Click Standard
Mates.
[24] Repeat the

foregoing procedure
(steps [20-22]) for 3
other pins. Finally,
click OK to dismiss
Mate command.
[23] Now, a
Pin's outer
face aligns with
a Yoke's outer
face.
105
3.2-10 Fix Upper Yoke

[1] An (f) before the Swivel indicates that the Swivel is
fixed. Right-click the Swivel and select Float from the
Context Menu. The (f) sign turns to (-) sign, indicating
that it is not fixed any more. Using your mouse, you can
move every part of the assembly. Let's fix the upper Yoke.
To do that, you could simply right-click Yoke<1> and
select Fix from the Context Menu. Another way is to
create three Coincident Mates [2-4].
[3] Click Front plane

of the assembly. [5] Now, the upper Yoke
is fixed in the space.
[4] Click Front plane of the

upper Yoke (Yok e<1>).
And click OK. Repeat [3, 4]
for Top plane and Rig ht
plane. Click OK to dismi ss
Mate command.
with the file name

Joint. Exit
[6] Use your

mouse to move
the lower
Yoke.
106
Section 3.3 Clamp 107
Section 3.3
Clamp
3.3-1 Introduction
[1] In this section, we'll create a clamping mechanism mentioned in Sections 1.1, 2.4, 2.7, and 3.1. The assembly
consists of 8 kinds of components [2-9], of which the Arm [2] was created in Section 1.1, the Support [3] was
created in Section 2.4, and the ShaftAssembly [4] was created in Sections 2.7 and 3.1. Details of other
components are shown in [10-15].
and 87). [5] Grip (see details in

[10], next page).
[9] HingeB (see details

in [14, 15], next page).
[6] PinA (see details

in [11], next page).
[2] Arm (see
[3] Support (see
[7] PinB (see details in [8] PinC (see details in [13],

[12], next page). next page).
107
[10] Details of Grip. [11] Details of PinA.
D0.25 D0.312
0.375
0.75
0.75
Thickness: 0.25
Unit: in.
[12] Details of PinB. [13] Details of PinC.
D0.312 D0.312
D0.25 D0.25
0.75
[15] Details of HingeB. #

[14] HingeB. The
neglected here.
D0.75
D0.375 Through All
0.75
108
3.3-2 Create Grip

Click New to create a new part.
Set up IPS unit system with 3
decimal places for the length unit. [2] Create a 3D model likethis. The
convenience. Save the part withthe file

name Grip. #
3.3-3 Create PinA
[1] Click New to create a new

part. Set up IPS unit system with 3 [2] Create a 3D model like this. The
decimal places for the length unit.
Use any coordinate system as your
name PinA. #
3.3-4 Create PinB

part. Set up IPS unit system with 3
[2] Create a 3D model like this. The
Use any coordinate system as your
name PinB. #
109
3.3-5 Create PinC

part. Set up IPS unit system with3
[2] Create a 3D model like this. The
details are shown in 3.3-1[13] (page
108). Use any coordinate system as
your convenience. Save the part
with the file name PinC. #
3.3-6 Create HingeB

part. Set up IPS unit system with 3
[2] Create a 3D model like this.
the part with the file name
110
3.3-7 Create a NewAssembly and Insert a Support
[2] Select
Assembly.
[1] Click New.
[4] In the
Head-Up
Toolbar, turn [3] Click OK.
on View
Origins.
[5]The assembly's origin.
[7] Click the origin. The

Support is inserted and fixed
in the space.
[6] Click Browse and open

the part Support, which was
saved in Section 2.4.
[8] Select IPS

unit system.#
111
3.3-8 Mirror the Support

[2] For Mirror
plane, select the
Front plane of the
assembly (see [3])
[6] Click
Next.
[1] In Assembly Toolbar, pull-down

[3] The Front Linear Component Pattern and
plane of the select Mirror Components.
assembly. [4] For Components
to Mirror, select
[5] The Support from the
Support. Part Tree (see [5]).
[10] Click OK. [9] It says that the geometry

Click Yes for of the mirrored Support is
any warning different from the original one.
messages. By default, a new file with the
name MirrorSupport (in
the same folder as Support)
will be created.
[8] Click
Next. [11] Save the assembly
with the name Clamp. #
[7] Click Create

opposite hand
version.
112
3.3-9 Unfix the Supports
[2] Right-click Suppo rt and

select Float from the
Context Menu. The (f) sign
turns to (-), indicating that
Support is not fixed now.
[1] In the Features Tree,

an (f) sign before Support
indicates that it is fixed.
[3] Using your mouse, drag the original

Support so that the original and the
3.3-10 AssembleTwoPinBs mirrored Supports separate from
each other like this. Note that we've
turned off View Origins,.#
[3] Hold the Control key and click-

and-drag PinB. Another PinB is
duplicated.
[4] Click Mate.
[1] In the Assembly

Components.
[2] Select PinB and park

Area.
113
[5] Apply a Concentric

Mate and two Coincident
Mates to assemble this
PinB (see [6]).
[7] Apply a Concentric Mate

and a Coincident Mate to
assemble this PinB (see [8]).
[6] After the assembling,

the spacing between two
Supports is 0.75 in.
[8] Both PinBs

are assembled. Click
OK to dismiss
Mate command.
Save the file.
[9] Right-click Support<1> and

select Fix from the Context [10] An error messages window may appear when executing
Menu. The (-) sign turns to (f), step[9], saying that the assembly is over defined. The
indicating that the Support is fixed assembly is actually not over defined. To fix this problem,
in the space. If an error messages close the messages window, right-click Support<1> and
window appears, see [10]. select Float, and execute step [9] again. #
114
3.3-11 Assemble PinC

[2] Apply a
Concentric Mate
and a Widht Mate
(Advance d Mates)
to assembel PinC.
DismissMate
command. Save the
file.#
[1] In th
click In
select PinC and park anywhere
3.3-12 Assemble Arms

Mate and a Coincident
[1] In the Assembly Mate to assemble the Arm.
Toolbar,click Insert Dismiss Mate command.
Components, browse
and open Armw , hich
[3] Hold the Control
was saved in Sectoin 1.1,
key and click-and-drag
and park anywhere in the
Arm. Another Arm
Graphics Area.
is duplicated.
[4] Repeat step [2] for the

new Arm. Note that the
spacing between two Arms is
0.375 inches.
[6] Create a
Concentric Mate
so that the two
Arms align with
each other. Dismiss
Mate command.
Save the file. #
[5] Note that each

Arm can rotate
about the PinC
independently.
115
3.3-13 AssemblePinA
[2] Apply a
Concentric Mate and a
Width Mate
(Advanced Mates) to
assemble PinA. Dismiss
Mate command. Save the
File.#
[1] In the Assembly Toolbar,

click Insert Components,
select PinA and park anywhere
in the Graphics Area.
[3] Click to switch to

Standard Mates.
3.3-14 Assemble Grip
[6] Click Parallel.

[1] In the Assembly Toolbar, Click OK to
click Insert Components, accept the
select Grip and park anywhere Parallel Mate.
in the Graphics Area. Click OK again to
dismiss theMate
command. Save
the file.
[4] Select the top face (or

bottom face) of the Grip
and the assembly's Top
plane (or any horizontal
face, such as [5]).
[2] Apply a Concentric Mate and a

Width Mate (Advanced Mates)
[5] You may select to assemble Grip. Note that the
this horizontal face. Grip can rotate about PinA.
116
[7] Drag the Grip to

makesurethat itkeeps in
a horizontal position. #
3.3-15 AssembleHingeB
select HingeB and park

Area.
Mate and a Width Mate
(Advanced Mates) to
assemble HingeB. Dismiss
117
3.3-16 Assemble ShaftAssembly [3] And apply a Concentric

Mate between the hole of
HingeB and a cylindrical surface
of Shaft. Dismiss Mate
command. Save the file.
[2] Apply a
Concentric Mate
between this
cylindricaslurface and
a hole in Arm.
[1] In the Assembly

Components, browse and
open ShaftAssembly, which
was saved in Section 3.1, and
park anywhere in the
Graphics Area.
3.3-17 Test the Clamping Mechanism
how the mechanism works.

Note that the Grip keeps
horizontal.
118
ASSEMBLY DRAWING
A] STEP S TO DRAW ASSEMBLY DRAWING FROM DETAILS DRAWING:-
1. Understand the purpose, principle of operation and field of application of the given machine.
This will help in understanding the functional requirements of individual parts and their location.
2. Examine thoroughly, the external and internal features of the individual parts.
3. Choose a proper scale for the assembly drawing.
4. Estimate the overall dimensions of the views of the assembly drawing and make the outline
blocks for each of the required view, leaving enough space between them, for indicating
dimensions and adding required notes.
5. Draw the axes of symmetry for all the views of the assembly drawing.
6. Begin with the view from the front, by drawing first, the main parts of the machine and then
adding the rest of the parts, in the sequence of assembly.
7. Project the other required views from the view from the front complete views.
8. Mark the location and overall dimensions and add the part numbers on the drawing.
9. Prepare the parts list.
B] STEP S TO DRAW PART OR DETAILS DRAWING FROM ASSEMBLY

DRAWING:-
1. Understand the assembly drawing thoroughly, by referring to the parts list and the different
orthographic views of the unit.
2. Study the functional aspect of the unit as a whole. This will enable to understand the
arrangement of the parts.
3. Visualize the size and shape of the individual components.
4. As far as possible, choose full scale for the drawing. Small parts and complicated shapes may
require the use of enlarged scales so that their presentation will have a balanced appearance.
5. Select the minimum number of views required for describing each part completely. The view
from the front selected must provide maximum information of the part.
6. The under mentioned sequence may be followed for preparing different views of each part :
(i) Draw the main centre lines and make outline blocks, using the overall dimensions of the
views.
(ii) Draw the main circles and arcs of the circles.
(iii) Draw the main outlines and add all the internal features.
(iv) Cross-hatch the sectional views.
(v) Draw the dimension lines and add dimensions and notes.
7. Check the dimensions of the mating parts.
8. Prepare the parts list.
119
1] PLUMMER B LOCK ( PEDASTAL BEARING)
120
1] DETAILS OF PLUMMER BLOCK
121
2] ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTING ROD
122
2] DETAILS OF CONNECTING ROD
123
3] ASSEMBLY OF LATHE TAIL-STOCK
124
3] DETAILS OF LATHE TAIL-STOCK
125
4] ASSEMBLY OF GLAND &STUFFING BOX
126
4] DETAILS OF GLAND & STUFFING BOX
127
5]ASSEMBLY OF SCREW JACK
128
5] DETAILS OF SCREW JACK
129
6] CROSS HEAD ASSEMBLY
130
6] DETAILS OF CROSS HEAD
131
7] ASSEMBLY OF REVOLVING CENTRE
132
7] DETAILS OF REVOLVING CENTRE
133
8] ASSEMBLY OF MILLING MACHINE TAIL-STOCK
134
8] DETAILS OF MILLING MACHINE TAIL-STOCK
135
9] ASSEMBLY OF CRANE HOOK
136
9] DETAILS OF CRANE HOOK
137
10] ASSEMBLY OF NON-RETURN VALVE
138
10] DETAILS OF NON-RETURN VALVE
139
11] ASSEMBLY OF FEED CHECK VALVE
140
11] DETAILS OF FEED CHECK VALVE
141
12] ASSEMBLY OF PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
142
12] DETAILS OF PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
143
13] ASSEMBLY OF C-CLAMP
144
13] DETAILS OF C-CLAMP
145
14] ASSEMBLY OF SQUARE TOOL POST
146
14] DETAILS OF SQUARE TOOL POST
147
15]ASSEMBLY OF DRILL JIG
148
15] DETAILS OF DRILL JIG
149
16] ASSEMBLY OF INDEXING DRILL JIG
150
16] DETAILS OF INDEXING DRILL JIG
151
17] ASSEMBLY OF LEVER SAFETY VALVE
152
17] DETAILS OF LEVER SAFETY VALVE
153
18] ASSEMBLY OF S PRING LOADED RELIEF VALVE
154
18] DETAILS OF S PRING LOADED RELIEF VALVE
155
19] ASSEMBLY OF AIR VALVE
156
19] DETAILS OF AIR VALVE
157
20] ASSEMBLY OF BLOW OFF COCK
158
20] DETAILS OF BLOW OFF COCK
159
21] ASSEMBLY OF SELF CENTRING CHUCK
160
21] DETAILS OF SELF CENTRING CHUCK
161
22] ASSEMBLY OF FOUR JAW CHUCK
162
22] DETAILS OF FOUR JAW CHUCK
163
23] ASSEMBLY OF GATE VALVE
164
23] DETAILS OF GATE VALVE
165
24] DETAILS OF STEAM ENGINE CROSSHEAD
166
24] ASSEMBLY OF STEAM ENGINE CROSSHEAD
167
25] DETAILS OF CRANE HOOK
Note: - Dimensions of assembly and details drawing are different.
168
25] ASSEMBLY OF CRANE HOOK
169
26] DETAILS OF CLAPPER BLOCK
170
26] ASSEMBLY OF CLAPPER BLOCK
171
27] DETAILS OF MACHINE VICE
172
27] ASSEMBLY OF MACHINE VICE
173
28] DETAILS OF PIPE VICE
174
28] ASSEMBLY OF PIPE VICE
175
29] DETAILS OF S PEED REDUCER
176
29] ASSEMBLY OF S PEED REDUCER
177
30] DETAILS OF V-BELT DRIVE
178
30] ASSEMBLY OF V-BELT DRIVE
179
SIMULATION
180
Here we just want to show the performance of this solidworks tool so we keep it simple. We will design
a wrench and we will analyze it by putting some load. So let’s begin with the designing of the wrench.
Create a new part document in solidworks and save it by the name of wrench. Select the top plane and
create the below sketch on it:
First draw this polygon on the origin point with a circle around it
Now add below lines
181
Now add the opposite head of the wrench. First draw another polygon
Now add two arcs like below. No need to be exact in this step we just want to finish the wrench and start
simulation
Trim the unwanted lines
182
Now extrude the drawing
Now we have our wrench and we can start our simulation analysis.
Solidworks simulationXpress performs in six below steps which we are going to do step by step:
1. Fixtures
2. Loads
3. Material
4. Run
5. Results
6. Optimize
183
Ok let’s simulate. While the wrench part is open navigate to the “evaluate” tab, if the tab is not
visible right click on any tab and check the evaluate tab to make it visible.
in evaluate tab, click the “simulationXpress analysis wizard” button and the simulation column
will open on the right
184
Feel free to read the note provided by solidworks which will help you to understand the process.
Click the next button below the notes.
In this step we need to define the fix sections in our simulation so click add fixture button.
The fixture window appears and now we need to select below faces as fixtures and click ok
Click next to define loads in next step. Now the fixtures are checked.
185
Click “add a force” button and force window appears on the left. Click the below shown face to define the
force direction. Set 400 N as the amount of force Then click ok.
Now the loads are checked and we can click next to define the material
186
Click choose material button
Material window appears. Select 1023 carbon steel from steel category then click apply and finally click
close
187
Now material is checked now. Click next in simulation window. Then click run simulation
It will take some seconds for solidworks to calculate then our wrench will start to move like an animation. If you are
satisfied with part deformation you can click the “yes continue” button to see the results
188
Now you can check the results on the feature manager design tree. For example double click the stress to
see the analysis results on the screen
189
Or click displacement to see the movement analysis of the part
Take your time and examine the results for a while to see how this tool works. When you done with the
results you can click “done viewing results” to go to the next tab.
190
At the final step you can generate a HTML report or edrawing file from your simulation analysis
Click next. Here you can optimize your process which for now we don’t want to.
191
That’s it. Congratulations you just finish the simulation now you can analysis more complicated parts by
this tool in your future works.
192
Analysis of a 4 Bar Crank-‐Rocker Mechanism
Using Solidworks Motion
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Creation of Linking Bars
3. Creation of SolidWorks Assembly
4. Simulation
5. Verifying the results
19
Analysis of a 4 Bar Crank--‐ Rocker Mechanism Using Solidworks Motion
Objective: To create a simple mechanism in Solidworks Motion.
Elements touse: SolidWorks (this lesson wasmadeusing SW 2012)

Solidworks Motion
Four Bar Program
Dynamics/Machine Design Books
Description: This tutorial introduces Students to Solidworks Motion Software, which is an

embedded add--‐ in within Solid Works. A simple four bar crank rocker mechanism will be
used as an example.
Students will create the solid models by using Solidworks and later they will use
Solidworks motion to animate and calculate the absolute velocities on different points of
these.
Solidworks Motion: This software is useful to study the behavior of Solid Works
assemblies in motion so that the designer can detect any design problems before building
hardware prototypes. This software simulates the mechanical operations of motorized
assemblies and the physical forces they generate.
This software can perform the following calculations:
--‐ Detect interferences between parts

--‐ Show forces and effects of collisions between parts
--‐ Output force data to Solidworks FEA Package for structural analysis
--‐ Use XY plots to graph quantities
- ‐ Animate motion on screen in wireframe, hidden--‐ lines removed or rendered
display, and store as AVI or VRML files
19
1. Introduction
In this tutorial, the motion of a crank--‐ rocker 4 bar mechanism will be investigated using
Solidworks Motion.
A four bar mechanism consists of 4 rigid links connected end to end creating a closed loop.
Further, one of the links, called the ground link, is in a fixed stationary position. Four bar
mechanisms can produce a large variety of paths of motion depending on the lengths and
orientation of its links. It is for this reason that four bar mechanisms are used for a large
number of applications, particularly in manufacturing. You may remember from ME--‐ 358
(Machine Dynamics and Mechanisms) that the type of motion produced from a 4 bar
mechanism is determined by the Grashof conditions. Grashof conditions will determine the
type of motion based on the position and length of links in the mechanism. Determining the
Grashof condition begins with the calculation of link lengths:
Where:
S = length of shortest link
L = length of longest link
P = length of one remaining link
Q = length of other remaining link
For a crank--‐ rocker mechanism, the above equation can be simplified to:
Further, the final constraint to be met is that the shortest link MUST be adjacent to the
ground link.
Keep in mind that link lengths are measured from joint to joint.
19
Some common terms used in a crank--‐ rocker mechanism:
Ground link – Described as the distance between the two ground supports. This link is
always stationary. This link will be created through the use of distance mates in this
tutorial.
Crank – The shortest link adjacent to ground link, freedom of motion allows for full 360
degree rotation. The crank is referred to as link 1 for this tutorial.
Coupler – Connects the crank and rocker links. The coupler is referred to as link 2 in this
tutorial.
Rocker – Link adjacent to second ground link support. As the name indicates, this link is
constrained to a back and forth motion. The rocker is referred to as link 3 in this tutorial.
A common application of the crank rocker mechanism is the windshield wiper:
Note:
This tutorial also utilizes the 4 bar program used in ME--‐ 358 to verify the simulation results.
If you do not have the 4 bar program installed on your computer, you may want to do so at
this point (this section is optional).
19
2. Creation of Linking Bars:
**Note**
Use the Inch, pound, second unit system
To begin, create the individual parts to be used in the assembly. The parts will be
constructed using your own dimensions while keeping in mind the Grashof conditions for
the crank rocker laid out in the introduction.
First, create the support:
When completed, create a new folder to save the new parts. Save this part as support.
When creating the links, be sure to make a note of the distance from the center of the two
holes for all links. You will need this information when verifying your results later!
Next create the crank, Record this dimension on each link.

- ‐Your values don’t have to match this
Remember This is the shortest link in the mechanism.
When completed, save this part as part 1.
19
Create the coupler:
Finally, create the rocker:
19
3. Creation of Solid Works Assembly
Create a new assembly in SolidWorks, click on Insert Component, browse for the part
called support. Insert the support part twice since there will be two supports in the
mechanism:
19
Select the front faces of the supports and click on the coincident button:
Now, click on the lowest faces (bottom) and select coincident again:
20
Click any single point or vertex on the support. Then, hold shift and click the same point on
the other support. Create a distance mate that satisfies the dimensional constraints of the
crank rocker mechanism. This defines the length of the ground link. For example, you could
click these two vertices.
20
On this page, take note of the location of the distance mate button (Mate →→Advanced
mates). Your distance is allowed to be different than as shown in the figure. A distance of
“6” may not work with the lengths you chose for your links.
20
Then, parts 1, 2 and 3 should be assembled in their respective position, as depicted in the
next figure. The necessary constraints to create the mechanism are:
--‐ Coincident
--‐ Concentric
The concentric mate is useful here because it aligns the joints while allowing for full
rotational movement. If you can do this step on your own, feel free to do so right now.
Otherwise, continue on for the step by step procedure.
For reference, the placement of the links in the final assembly should resemble the
following:
20
Open part 1, located in your part folder, and place it close to the support on the left:
Select the opposite face of the support part (keeping the above graphic as reference), and
the front face of the bar, and click on the coincident button:
20
Now, select the internal faces of the holes (the bar and support), and select the concentric
button, click the move component button and select the bar and move it to the best position
to assemble the next one:
The procedure will be repeated with parts two and three.
For part 2, select the front face and for the part 1 select the back face:
20
For part 3, select the back face, and the front face of part 2:
Select the internal faces of coincident holes and click concentric, repeat the procedure for
the constraints between the third bar and the second support.
The mechanism should resemble the following picture:
20
4. Simulation
Before you can use the SolidWorks Motion add--‐ in, you must “add it in.” Go to the top where
it says SOLIDWORKS, then go to “Tools,” then at the bottom of the drop--‐ down menu click
“Add--‐ Ins…”
20
The Add--‐ Ins dialogue box looks like this. Make sure SolidWorks Motion is checked in the
Active Add--‐ ins column. If you are using a personal laptop, it is useful to also check the add--‐
in under the start--‐ up column – this way the add--‐ in will be included every time you use
SolidWorks. Also, for the upcoming labs, you will have to do this same process for the
SolidWorks Simulation add--‐ in.
Necessary for this lab
Necessary for the next lab
20
If the “Motion Study” tab is not available at the bottom of your screen, click
View>Toolbars>Motion Manager.
If the supports are already fixed, a lowercase ‘f’ will appear next to the part name in the
parts tree and no further action is necessary.
If the supports are not yet fixed, right click on Support 1 (located in the parts tree of the
feature manager), and click fix. Repeat the procedure with Support 2.
20
Automatically the software will assume some motion constraints according to the assembly
mate constraints that have been created. These motion constraints have to be checked.
Rotate the crank using your mouse, if the mechanism works, it indicates that the
motion constraints are correct.
Click on the motor button and add a rotary motor to the crank link (part1).
Select an angular velocity of 360 deg/sec constant speed (60RPM), click apply.
21
Click on the results button -‐ the results menu opens on the left. In the three drop down
menus, select Displacement/Velocity/Acceleration, Linear Velocity and X-Component.
Select the coupler (part2), and click the check mark.
Repeat the same steps above for Y-Component and Magnitude.
21
Click on the calculate button and the graphs below should be generated.
Remember, you may have used different link lengths than those in this tutorial, thus
your graphs may be dissimilar.
21
5. Verifying the Results (optional):
One can verify that the results obtained above by using a different program; for example,
the Four Bar program that is used in ME 358: Machine Dynamics and Mechanisms. The
crank rocker mechanism will be constructed according to the dimensions used in the
SolidWorks assembly.
Open the program, accept the user agreements etc. and start a new project. Enter the
dimensional values for the crank, coupler, rocker and ground links. In the fourbar program,
the ground link is labeled as “Pivot O4 Coords”.
Remember the link length is the distance from joint to joint.
Also, in the box labeled “Dist to Coupler Pt”, enter the length of the coupler link divided by
2. In the box labeled “Angle to Coupler Pt” enter zero. This will insure that the points
where the velocities are measured will match you SolidWorks model.
In the box labeled “Omega2” enter 6.283 rad/s. This is your crank velocity. In the box
labeled Min Theta, enter the approximate starting position of your SOLIDWORKSMotion
simulation. Add 360 tothe Min Theta and enter this valueinto Max Theta. Thiswill help
to align you graphs.
Enter link Enter crank

dimensions here velocity and
starting/ending
positions here
21
Click Calculate, then click Next twice.
Select Plot in the top center of the main window.
Click Next when this screen appears:
Select Velocity of Coupler Point – X,Y,Mag,Ang Coordinates. Then Click Next.
21
A series of graphs will pop up. The Max and Min velocity values should match.
--‐ What is the maximum velocity in the Y direction?

--‐ In what period of time is the max velocity repeated? (Periodic time)
- ‐ What is the maximum Velocity (Magnitude) in the Coupler (Part 2)?
Next, return to SolidWorks and delete the plots for velocity. This time create plots of the
acceleration for the X, Y, and Magnitude and repeat the procedure. Choose the
Acceleration of Coupler Point X,Y,Mag,Ang Coordinates to plot the acceleration in the
Four Bar program.
Finally, it is possible to export the SolidWorks data for use in Excel. To do this, right click:
Motion Model > Export to Spreadsheet or alternatively:
Motion>Export>Excel(Spreadsheet) Then, fill out the dialog box as follows:
• Elements with Results: Select the element whose results you want to view.
Hold down Ctrl or Shift to select multiple elements.
• Result Characteristic: Select the type of result to export. Hold down Ctrl or
Shift to select multiple elements.
• Components: Select the result component. Hold down Ctrl or Shift to select
multiple elements.
Select Add 1 Curve to add the plot to the queue of curves to be plotted. You can repeat this
process for all the result types you want to export.
• All curves added are plotted on the same plot in Excel.
21
• Selecting New Plot creates a new xy plot sheet in Excel. Any new curves are
added to the new plot.
If you want to add more curves to an existing queued plot, select the plot name in the last
text box in the dialog box. After you have specified all the curves and plots, select OK to
create the plots in Excel.
21
SolidWorks Motion Tutorial
1) Your mechanism
Create a SolidWorks (SW) assembly SLDASM for your mechanism. Open your mechanism
file and ensure that it has mobility by manually moving links. The following tutorial assumes
that your mechanism has mobility M=1, that your driver is a rotary motor and your output
link is in rotation. Other drivers and mechanisms with higher mobility may also be
simulated.
2) Activate SolidWorks Motion

Left-click Tools and scroll down to Add-Ins.
Alternately, left-click and pull-down

Options to selects Add-Ins.
Select SolidWorks Motion and SolidWorks Simulation and then left-click OK.
3) Name for Motion Study
Right-click on the “Motion Study 1” tab in the lower left corner of the screen and select
Rename. After you rename your study,
left-click on your Motion Study tab. The MotionManager window will appear below your SW
model.
You may right-click on the Motion Study tab to add new studies.
4) Type of Motion Study

Select Motion Analysis from the Type of Study
list at the left edge of the MotionManager toolbar.
5) Drivers
Left-click on the Motor icon in the MotionManager
toolbar just below your SW model. A Motor
PropertyManager pane will appear to the left of your
SW model.
Choose a Rotary Motor. For the Face entry in the

Component/Direction window, left-click on the front face of
the crank in your SW model. You may reverse motor
direction by clicking on the arrow icon in the Motor
definition pane.
217
Scroll down to the Motion area in the Motor
PropertyManager pane. Select Constant speed and then adjust
the speed to 30 rpm. Be certain to left-click the green arrow in
the Motor PropertyManager pane to save it. A RotaryMotor1
element will appear in the MotionManager tree.
You may add other driver elements using the

Motor, Spring, Damper, Force, Contact and
Gravity icons.
6) Animation and Analysis Speed

Left-click on the Motion Studies Properties icon in
the MotionManager toolbar just below your SW
model. A
Motion Studies Properties PropertyManager pane will appear to the left of the
model. Change the Animation speed to 20 frames per second.
Change the Motion Analysis speed to 20 frames per second.

You may need to adjust these values for faster mechanisms.
Be certain to left-click the green arrow in the Motion

Studies Properties PropertyManager pane to save it.
7) REMEMBER TO SAVE
YOUR WORK OFTEN! Use
File Save …
218
8) Simulation time control
Left-click and drag the diamond icon in the
MotionManager time line to define the length of the
motion study for 10 seconds.
You may need to Expand MotionManager using the up in the lower right
arrow corner of the screen.
9) Analyze
Left-click on the Calculate icon in the MotionManager
toolbar to begin the motion study. Left-click on the
Stop
icon (black square) in the MotionManager toolbar to stop the motion study or replay if
needed. Use the Play from Start icon (blue bar-arrow) and Play icon (green arrow) to control
replay after calculations are complete.
10) View simulation

Playback Mode and Playback Speed in the
MotionManager toolbar allow Normal, Loop or
Recriprocate replay at faster or slower speeds.
You may also left-click on the timeline to see results at any time.
11) Output results

Left-click on the Results and Plots icon in the
MotionManager toolbar just below your SW
model. A
Results PropertyManager pane will appear to the left of your SW model.
Select Displacement/Velocity/Acceleration category and sub-

category of Angular Displacement. For the Face entry, left-
click on the front face of the crank in your SW model similar
to step 5) above to plot of crank angle as a function of time.
Be certain to left-click the green arrow in the Results and

Plots PropertyManager pane to save it. A new graph
window will appear. You may need to resize it to see
results.
Right-click on the graph to export the data to a CSV file.
219
Repeat this process to plot and save Angular Position of your output link. When you save
Angular Velocity and Angular Acceleration outputs, you will need to specify result
component direction.
You may also use Results to see point paths, motor driver torque, motor power and
joint reactions.
Left-click the Save Animation icon to save an AVI movie.
220

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EFFIXION ENGINEERING

• Industrial GD&T Drawings

• SOLIDWORKS® is a mechanical design automation software package used to build parts,

• SOLIDWORKS is an easy to learn design and analysis tool (SOLIDWORKS Simulation,

This is to Start a SOLIDWORKS session and familiarize yourself with the

Activity: Start a SOLIDWORKS Session

1) Click Start on the Windows Taskbar.

6) Pin the Menu Bar toolbar. View your options.

Menu Bar toolbar

The SOLIDWORKS (UI) is

Menu Bar menu

Click SOLIDWORKS in the Menu

SOLIDWORKS takes advantage of the familiar Microsoft®

A command is an instruction that informs

To close a SOLIDWORKS drop-down menu, press the Esc

Create a New Part Document

Activity: Create a new Part Document

• Features are geometry building blocks.

Create a new part.

7) Click New from the Menu bar. The

Select the Advanced mode.

8) Click the Advanced button as

Redeem your code on the inside face

Edit the document units directly from the Graphics

Dynamic Annotation Views : Only available with

Default Part FeatureManager Task Pane

Main Menu Toolbar

Model mode 3D Views Motion mode Units Tags

View the Default Sketch Planes.

12) Click the Front Plane from the FeatureManager.

Activity: Open a Part.

16) Download the SW-TUTORIAL 2017 folder to a local

17) Click Open from the Menu bar menu.

21) Drag the rollback bar up the

View the first feature in the Bracket Part.

Return to the original Bracket Part FeatureManager.

24) Right-click Extrude-Thin1 in the

Heads-up View toolbar

SOLIDWORKS provides the user with

Dynamic Annotation Views : Only available with SOLIDWORKS MBD (Model

Zoom to Area on the model in the Graphics window.

27) Click the Zoom to Area icon. The Zoom to Area

Zoom in on the top left hole.

28) Window-select the top left corner as illustrated. View the

De-select the Zoom to Area tool.

29) Click the Zoom to Area icon.

Fit the model to the Graphics window.

30) Press the f key.

Rotate the model.

31) Hold the middle mouse button

, to the left and to the right

to rotate the model in the

Display a few Standard Views.

32) Click inside the Graphics window.

34) Click Right from the drop-down Heads-up

35) Click Top from the drop-down Heads-up

Display a Trimetric view of the Bracket model.

36) Click Trimetric from the drop-down

37) Click Help from the Menu bar.

SOLIDWORKS Web Help is active by default

Close Help. Return to the SOLIDWORKS Graphics window.

39) Close SOLIDWORKS Home.