SolidWorker.com

In this video, Jake demonstrates SolidWorks Animator. A key-frame based animation is used to rotate an assembly, then more complex motions including drag-motion and motors are explored. Appearances of components are also modified. JM

In this video Jake shows you how to create a paper pattern of a fish mouthed tube to use as a template for all of your tubular planning needs. A full scale drawing is then created to ensure that your printed version is perfect. JM

 This video is a demonstration of the SW design process.  We explore the basics of the sketcher, parametric features, and design intent.  We make a manufacturing print of our part, then expand our part into a product family using configurations and a design table.  This demonstration simply scratches the surface of what is possible in SolidWorks.  My hope is that it will help you understand what you may be able to achieve beyond what is possible with your current CAD application.  Please do not view SolidWorks as just a CAD tool; it is geometric programming language that is used to solve problems, and enhance your quality of life.

Let’s quickly review a few settings in parts and drawings related to the display of Tangent Edges.

I am trying something new and different.  I am wondering what would happen if people actually visited my site?  Would they really click the revenue generating ads?  Would they buy things from the product links?  Can I ever get ahead of the cost of hosting?  Let’s try something together, Digg SolidWorker! What will come of it?  If it turns out that you really like me, I will return the favor by making more and better videos!  Thanks people.

Take a quick tour of boolean subtraction methods, both distructive and non. See how the Indent feature can change your life. Perhaps you could try something exciting and new in your next design.

Everyone wants to put threads on a shaft. Of course, there is almost no reason to actually model threads, unless you are CNC machining from the model geometry. There is a middle ground; Cosmetic Threads. In this Video we will re-explore sweeping threads and apply a cosmetic thread as well. Will this put an end to the tread emails? I somehow doubt it. Ah, just keep emailing me; I can ignore a few more.

This video was recorded with no preparation or forethought, and it shows…

SolidWorks 2009 introduces a new sheet metal command that accelerates the development of flatenable sheet metal parts from solid bodies. This new tool makes quick work of an old project.

Selected Contours allow you to selectively use regions of your sketch when creating Extrudes and Cut Extrudes.  Sketches can be reused by sharing them between features.  Learn why your mouse cursor has a dead fish head next to it when you try to create a new extrude from a faulty sketch.

In this exploration of linear patterning we will use the geometry pattern and vary sketch options of the Linear Pattern Feature. We will also see how instances can be uniformly spaced across a part with either equations or a curve driven pattern. Plus a $1 challenge! …

(more…)

In this video we take a look at the DezignWorks add-in for SolidWorks. DezignWorks is a Reverse Engineering tool for collecting data with a digitizing arm directly into SolidWorks Sketches. DezignWorks is compatible with Microscribe, Faro, and Romer portable coordinate measurement machines. CADDWorks Corp. is a DezignWorks reseller and trainer in Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions.

In this video we will create an equation driven sketch to explore how Sheet Metal K-Factors work.

(more…)

In this video SolidWorkers will learn a simple method of making multi-body parts with compound miter joints. Then we will make drawing views of the individual bodies using “Relative Views” and project views off of the compound angles using “Auxiliary Views”.

(more…)

As a follow-up to the bottle modeling post we will calculate the volume of the bottle and model a cap.

(more…)

In today’s video we draw a blow-molded style plastic bottle. We use a revolve to create the body of the bottle and shell it hollow. A thread is then swept along a helical path and finished with attractive filleting. A few other tricks and tips are explored along the way.

(more…)

In today’s video we discuss the basics of buying a seat of SolidWorks from your local reseller.  We review the editions of SolidWorks, Subscription Service, and Add-Ins.

(more…)

Using the Indent command and other SolidWorks features we create a snap in handle insert for a blow molded bottle.  This video uses several multi-body modeling methods to create two bodies with matching curvature and matching snap in retention geometry.

(more…)

Have you ever wondered how to model a Dodecahedron D12? How about generating a flat pattern of this 3D geometric wonder?  Recently at a technical education conference my employer CADDWorks Corp. received a request by a high-school teacher for information on this very topic. In this video you will see some basics of surface modeling, linked dimensions, and flattening sheet-metal boxes. Enjoy, and continue to send your suggestions to tim(at)solidworker.com.

(edit) After making the first revision of this video I started thinking about other ways to create the D12 shape. I have now added a second method for creationg a D12 that is not based on surface features but rather solid features.

(more…)

There has been a very positive response to my Part Template video, and with that response has been many requests for a video on Drawing Templates and how they relate to Sheet Formats.  SolidWorker.com is primarily user request driven.  You have spoken and I have heard.  Please enjoy this video and continue to send in your requests to tim(at)solidworker.com. 

(more…)

In this video we will use Pack & Go to duplicate a project and its drawings.  We will also explore methods of changing component names while preserving their references in assemblies and drawings.