SolidWorks is a Logiciel of Conception computer-assisted 3D functioning under Microsoft Windows.

Presentation

History

Created in 1993 by the American editor éponyme, SolidWorks was bought the June 24th 1997 by the company Dassault Systèmes.

This software is in particular competitor of

Users

Among more the large companies using SolidWorks, one can quote Michelin, Patek Philippe, Mega Bloks Axiome, ME2C, SACMO

Operation

SolidWorks is a modeller 3D using the parametric Conception. It generates 3 types of files relative to three basic concepts: the part, assembly and the setting in plan. These files are in relation. Any modification on some level that it either is reflected towards all the files concerned.

Complete records containing the whole of relative to the same system constitute a numerical Maquette. A many software comes to supplement the SolidWorks editor. Directed utilities trades (sheet-iron works, wood, BTP…), but also of the applications of mechanical simulation or synthesized image work starting from the elements of the virtual model.

Parts

The part is the object cast solid 3D. The modeling of such an entity will depend on the culture of the user. Like many convivial software, SolidWorks makes it possible to lead to the same apparent result by often different ways. It is at the time of the final improvement of these files or their exploitation that the good method will be appreciated.

A part is the meeting of a whole of voluminal functions with relations of anteriority, the geometrical ones, Boolean relations (addition withdrawal)… This organization is recalled on the tree of construction . Each line is associated with a function which one can re-elect with his own way.

Among the generating functions one finds:

  • the Extrusion: displacement of a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the section. The section is defined in a draft (which appears then in the tree of creation like generating element of the function). This draft contains the whole of the geometrical specifications (quotation) necessary to the complete definition of the section. This whole of dimensions for which it is necessary to add to it (or them) length of extrusion constitutes the whole of the parameters of the function; it is possible to modify them once the validated function.
  • the revolution: displacement of a cross-section around an axis, or extrusion according to a circle
  • sweeping: displacement of a cross-section along an unspecified line. When the generator of sweeping is left, the draft is in 3 dimensions.

Other functions, rather directed trade integrate concepts that it would be tiresome to model.

  • vacation and chamfers,
  • veins,
  • skins,
  • hull (allowing to hollow out an object by conferring a constant thickness to him),
  • standardized holes (drillings, mortises…),
  • folds of sheet…

Functions of a software nature like the linear, circular, curvilinear repetition or by symmetry…

The last versions authorize the realization of parts temporarily disjoined, which makes it possible to design an object functionally, i.e. by defining the functional elements initially, then by uniting the various parts by matter (veins, casing…).

The edition of families of parts is possible while associating with SolidWorks, the spreadsheet Microsoft Excel: A table becomes thus editor of the references (lines) giving the value of the variable parameters of the functions (columns):

  • value of certain dimensions.
  • value of certain properties.
  • state of suppression of a function.

Thus, it is possible to obtain starting from one only file of the type part, the whole of the models of screw fastener (all shape of head or dimensions).

With all these tools, design method of a part very close to the trade to the originator who concern of more knowing or to place the features of the drawing but the shapes of the part.

The possibilities of editions are supplemented by a whole of geometrical measuring instruments . Thus it is possible to know the Volume part, its Poids, the position of Center of mass, its Matrice of inertia, surface…

Assemblies

The assemblies are obtained by the juxtaposition of parts. The setting in position of parts is defined by a whole of forced associating assembly , two respective entities by a geometrical relation (coincidence, tangency, coaxiality…). To a certain extent, these associations of constraints are connected with the mechanical connections between the parts. The assembled mechanism, if it still has mobilities, can be handled virtually. One can then easily carry out adjustments using the various tools available (components displacement, collision detection, measure plays, etc)

As for the parts, the management of the unit is carried by a tree of creation which gives access to the tree of creation of each part. It is possible besides to assemble assemblies , therefore to form sub-groups of parts. This operation being preliminary or in the course of edition.

The advantage of this tool, it is that it makes possible the creation of a part in the assembly , it is that it proposes the same method with the originator as that which it applied to the drawing table: all to conceive at the same time. Indeed, with share on the small units simple (or already definite), it is not reasonable to design each part in its corner to then correct, during the assembly, the possible problems of interference, or coincidence. The integrated design automatically binds the geometries of the parts between them, so that a modification on one, is automatically reflected on the others. Then the edition of part is the consequence of the edition of the unit.

Settings in plan

The settings in plan relate to at the same time the parts (Dessin of definition) or the assemblies (overall Dessin). To lead to a finished plan of a part one can estimate to put 2 times less time than with a tool CAD (time of design and execution of the drawing). Indeed, in CAD, each feature is independent, and it is to the draftsman of knowing which graphic entities are concerned with a modification. The software 3D makes only one projection of the object. The possible modifications are operated on the object represented, and do not relate to the plan directly.

  • Seen

Projection on plan of the model does not pose any problem. Today it is very easy to obtain a plan, inevitably just (with a software of CAD it is possible to publish a false plan!). The cross-sections, the sights partial, perspective, are carried out of a simple click. The only still encountered problems relate to the representation of the Filetage S and Taraudage S in the assemblies.

  • Quotation

The quotation gathers the whole of the geometrical specifications defining the part. Of course, the declared parameters of the drafts form part of it. They can be automatically integrated, in a balanced way, with the setting in plan. On this level it is still possible to modify the part by changing the value of the dimensions. The independence of these parameters, approaches the principle known as of independence (quotation GPS). However, final working of quotation still requires a little work (with an editor CAD or on the copy too!).

  • Fund of plan

SolidWorks by defect proposes its clean melts of plan. But it is possible to do them is-even; There exist two basic of standard plan:
* static bottom of plan, where it is necessary to fill with the hand each field.
* dynamic bottom of plan, where it fills automatically according to the parameters put in the assembly or the part.
* Of the models is proposed (equivalent .dot of Word).
  • Nomenclature

The file assembly contains each part which composes the assembly, one can thus leave in an automatic way the nomenclature belonging to the model 3D.

Extensions of the files

The simple opening of a file in a later version makes it former unusable for all versions.

Considering their very weak interworking and the fact that their contents are saved without the ordering of safeguard being used, these Solidworlks files should not be regarded long-term safeguard of contents but as a simple extension of the physical memory having the property of rémanance.

Each type of file has an extension which is clean one finds for him:

  • .sldprt, for the files part
  • .sldasm, for the files assembly
  • .slddrw, for the files plan
  • .slddrt, for the basic files of plan

Certain formats suggested by the software make it possible to consider a long-term safeguard.

Associated products

A certain number of complementary modules which are interfaced with Solidworks:

published by Solidworks

  • CosmosWorks : Software of simulation, finite element analysis.
  • CosmosFloWorks : Software of simulation, analyzes fluids.
  • CosmosMotion : Kinematic software of simulation.
  • CamWorks : Software of CFAO, simulation of machining of parts.
  • MotionWorks : Software of kinematic simulation.
  • PhotoWorks : Driving of returned 3D.
  • SolidWorks Animator : Software of animation in 3D (export in a standard video format of the simulation of movement of an assembly)
  • PDMWorks: Software of SGDT, centralized management of data (assemblies, parts, documents text, etc).
  • Optisworks : Software of simulation of lighting.

published by others

  • Meca3D : software of general mechanics (Static, Kinematic, Dynamic)
  • Vdoc: Collaborative continuation to create extranet of publications of plans and documents
  • Decade: dynamic free software of simulation (also interfaced with Catia V5): http://www.decade-dynamics.org

References

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