Tuesday 13 February 2024

SOLIDWORKS - MBD

Model Based Definition (MBD) is an add-in tool that helps us to create 3D drafting with all PMI, this tool produces the output in eDrawings®, 3D-PDF & STEP 242 for clear 3D communication which bypasses time-consuming 2D processes and eliminates potential problems.  

MBD tool supports the establishment of document digitalization and control hardcopy utilization.

Creating MBD document for an assembly:

For creating the MBD with the necessary Product Manufacturing Information for the assembly mentioned in the image MBD tool must be activated.

Where to find,

Now the tool is available with plenty of options to work with the assembly.

Activating MBD also adds a 3D Views tab at the bottom with the Capture 3D view option. The capture 3D view option helps to capture the views of the assembly similar to the performance of sheets in the 2D drawing.

Creating Annotation view:

An Annotation view must be inserted with necessary view orientation for capturing each 3D view of the assembly in selected orientation. For this instance isometric is chosen as a view orientation for the newly created annotation view.

After creating the annotation view select activate and orient option from the right-click menu.

Note: It is advisable to create individual annotation view for each view captured via the Capture 3D view option

Creating BOM:

For creating notes & BOM separate notes area must be created for saving it. Now, for this instance a new notes area is inserted with the name of BOM Table and is activated from the right-click menu.

Now the BOM is generated for the assembly and it is positioned near to assembly view area without affecting the visibility of the assembly.

Now select *Isometric from the Annotations then click activate and orient option from the right-click menu.

Capturing 3D view:

After positioning the assembly orientation the current 3D view is captured with the help of the Capture 3D view option and it is saved with the name of Assembled.

Now the 3D view is created with BOM, similarly, we can add notes, balloons, dimensions, GD&T, etc. following the same procedure based on the needs.

Thank you for Reading!!

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Essential SOLIDWORKS Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Productivity

SolidWorks Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Auto-dimensions in Sketch Mode


In the above image, we can see that a rectangle is being sketched in a SOLIDWORKS sketch and as the rectangle is being created, dimensions are displaying on the screen. This is a function of “auto-dimensions” in sketch mode and it’s one of the most powerful time savers found in SOLIDWORKS.
To enable this functionality, start by launching Tools > Options.

Next, head into System Options > Sketch.
From the Sketch settings, the following two options must be checked:

Auto-dimensions in sketch mode are now enabled. To begin using this functionality, create a new sketch. Then begin creating sketch geometry.

Let’s use a circle as an example:
1.Single left-click the Circle command.
2.Single left-click the center point of the circle.
3.Begin moving your mouse away from the center point of the circle (without clicking anything).
4.Let go of your mouse (without clicking anything) and move your hand to the keyboard.
5.Enter the diameter (55mm) of the circle and press Enter.

You now have a circle with a parametric (driving) dimension.
Auto-dimensions can be used for a variety of sketch entity types including lines, arcs, circles and rectangles. Learning how to properly use auto-dimensions is one of the best ways to save time in SOLIDWORKS sketch mode.

Tip 2: Basic Arithmetic When Adding Dimensions to Sketches

When working on engineering related projects, we regularly need to perform basic arithmetic to calculate things such as offset distances and half distances. SOLIDWORKS allows us to do basic arithmetic directly in the dimension input boxes.
In this example, I’m using auto-dimensions to create the sketch for this part:
I begin sketching my first line at 135mm and then sketch a vertical line

at 12mm. Now I need to create a horizontal line but I don’t know what this dimension is supposed to be.

Since we can do basic arithmetic in SOLIDWORKS, I can simply type “135-25” and allow SOLIDWORKS to do the math for me.

After pressing Enter, I see that the line has been created to the correct distance and I can now move on to the vertical line for which I will use the same technique.

Although these are simple examples, this is a technique that I frequently use to save time and one which allows me to quickly define my sketches.

Tip 3: Reassign Dimensions using Dimension Grips

In the previous tip we saw that we can use basic arithmetic to quickly create driving dimensions at the correct locations. However, one could argue that although the geometry is correct, the design intent from the customer is not being maintained.

As we can see in the image above, the customer wanted the max height to be 65 and the customer wants this max height to be independent from the thickness of the plate. In our current sketch the total height is dependent on the 12mm plate thickness plus the 53mm vertical dimension. In a scenario like this, we can simply reassign the height dimension to the base of the model, using the dimension grip.

To do this, start by pressing escape, then single left-click on the 53mm dimension.

Next, move your mouse down to the lower arrow of the dimension, until you see this icon:

This is the dimension reassign grip icon. Once this icon appears, drag and drop from this point onto the desired location from the dimension.

The 53mm dimension has now been reassigned to the base of the model and has been recalculated to 65mm. We are now matching the design intent provided by our customer.

We can repeat this process with the 110mm dimension. Note that this time we will see the reassign dimension grip icon at the end of the dimension extension line rather than on the dimension arrow.

After reassigning this dimension grip, our sketch now matches the design intent of the customer.

Learning how to reassign dimensions in sketch mode is a powerful skill, and one which every SOLIDWORKS user should master. While it’s true that you could simply delete the dimension and recreate it, that dimension might be referenced somewhere else in the model and deleting it could cause negative effects downstream.  By learning how to reassign the dimension, you can prevent these types of model failures.

Tip 4: Create Angular Dimensions to an Imaginary Line

We have one final dimension to create in our sketch and that dimension is an angle dimension of 15 degrees. Unfortunately, we don’t have a vertical line to reference for this dimension.

SOLIDWORKS sketch mode offers a great solution for these types of scenarios: The “imaginary line” for angle dimensions. To access this functionality, begin the smart dimension command and single click the angled line in our sketch.

Next, single left-click an endpoint of this angled line. In this case I will click the bottom end point of this line:

After single clicking on the endpoint, the “imaginary line” crosshair for angle dimensions appears. We will then single click on the vertical arrow of this crosshair.

After clicking on this vertical arrow, SOLIDWORKS allows us to create the desired 15 degree angle dimension, relative to an imaginary vertical line.

Using the “imaginary line” for angled dimensions saves us the process of creating a vertical centerline and allows us to quickly create the desired driving angle dimension per the customer’s design intent. And, as a bonus, we can also use this functionality in SOLIDWORKS Drawings.

Tip 5: Add Mirror to the SOLIDWORKS Context Menu

Our fifth and final tip is one of my favorites and can be a HUGE time saver in SOLIDWORKS: add the “Mirror Entities” command to the context menu for sketch mode.

Whenever working in sketch mode, we can create geometry that represents one half of the desired sketch geometry and then mirror the sketch. Let’s say, for example, we wanted to create a handle shape, so we create a sketch that looks like this:

We have sketched half of the handle and we we’ve sketched a centerline. We are now ready to mirror the sketch. Since this is a function that I regularly use, I’d like to have a more intuitive workflow to access the sketch mirror command. This is a great spot to modify the context menu.
The context menu in SOLIDWORKS appears automatically after we select one or more entities.  If I select all the entities in this sketch, the default (out of the box) context menu looks like 

There are some excellent tools on the default context menu, but I’m not seeing the Mirror Entities command. So, I’ll right mouse button on this menu and choose Customize.

Next I’ll find the sketch command for mirror entities and drag and drop this icon onto the context toolbar.

After adding this icon, I can choose OK and then return to the sketch. Now when I window select all the entities in my sketch, the context toolbar displays and includes the Mirror Entities command.

And this allows me to quickly create the desired geometry.

Editing the SOLIDWORKS Context toolbar to include the mirror entities command can be a great way to save time in SOLIDWORKS sketch mode, especially for users who frequently create centered and symmetric parts.

Tip 6: Auto Arrange Dimensions

Creating Dimensions is a more important task for the designers so that communication takes place among the manufacturers. Placement of Dimensions must be neat, precise and eye-catching to ensure error less manufacturing.

In SOLIDWORKS Drawing, we have a fantastic tool called AUTO ARRANGE DIMENSIONS that enables the user to place the dimensions spaced, aligned, centered, adjusted and staggered if necessary.

This can be done by Window select the required dimensions-> Pause the mouse for a few seconds-> Icon will appear-> Select the first one “Auto Space”-> Dimensions selected will be equally spaced. Further needed, we can adjust and stagger.

 


Thank you for Reading!

Wednesday 6 December 2023

Navigating Seamless Change Management with SOLIDWORKS PDM

    In the realm of product design and development, change is a constant. Whether driven by evolving requirements, customer feedback, or compliance updates, managing changes efficiently is crucial for maintaining product integrity and meeting project timelines. SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) stands as a robust solution in the realm of change management, offering organizations a streamlined and organized approach to handle modifications throughout the product lifecycle.

Understanding Change Management:

    Change management involves the systematic approach to dealing with changes to a product's design, documentation, or associated data. Effective change management ensures that modifications are controlled, documented, and implemented without disrupting the overall product development process.

Challenges in Traditional Change Management:

    Traditional change management often involved manual processes, document revisions, and complex workflows that could be prone to errors and delays. As product designs became more intricate and the need for collaboration increased, these manual methods proved to be insufficient.


SOLIDWORKS PDM: A Catalyst for Efficient Change Management -

    SOLIDWORKS PDM provides a comprehensive set of tools specifically designed to address the challenges of change management. Let's explore some key features that make it an invaluable asset in navigating change seamlessly:

1. 


1. Centralized Data Management: SOLIDWORKS PDM serves as a centralized vault for storing and managing all design and project-related data. This ensures that all stakeholders access the latest and most accurate information, eliminating the risk of using outdated or incorrect data during the change process.



2. Version Control and Revision Management: The system automates version control and revision management, ensuring that every change is tracked and documented. This capability is crucial for maintaining a clear audit trail and understanding the evolution of a design over time.



1. 3. Automated Workflows: SOLIDWORKS PDM allows organizations to define and customize change workflows. This includes the ability to create, review, and approve change requests seamlessly. Automated workflows reduce the likelihood of errors and speed up the change management process.



 4. Integrated Collaboration: The integration of SOLIDWORKS PDM with SOLIDWORKS CAD software fosters seamless collaboration between design and data management. Engineers can initiate change requests directly from CAD environment, ensuring that changes are accurately reflected in the design data.



1. 5. Access Control and Security: SOLIDWORKS PDM provides robust access control and security features, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes or access specific data. This is crucial for maintaining data integrity and compliance with industry regulations.



6. Real-time Notifications and Alerts: Users can set up real-time notifications and alerts within SOLIDWORKS PDM to keep stakeholders informed about the status of change requests. This promotes transparency and ensures that everyone involved in the process is aware of critical milestones.



    In the fast-paced world of product development, an effective change management strategy is a cornerstone of success. SOLIDWORKS PDM offers a comprehensive and integrated solution, enabling organizations to navigate changes seamlessly while maintaining data integrity and collaboration efficiency. By centralizing data, automating workflows, and integrating with SOLIDWORKS CAD, SOLIDWORKS PDM empowers teams to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a hurdle to overcome. As businesses continue to innovate and evolve, SOLIDWORKS PDM remains a critical tool in achieving efficient and effective change management in the world of product design and development.





 




Friday 25 August 2023

Creating a Custom Forming Tool

Forming Tools act as Dies that bend, stretch, or otherwise deform sheet metal. The face to which you apply the forming tool corresponds to the stopping surface of the tool itself. By default, the tool travels inward towards the face.

When you create a forming tool:

The locating sketch is added to position the forming tool on the sheet metal part. The colors are applied to distinguish the Stopping Face from the Faces to Remove.

Consider how the minimum radius of curvature (MRC) correlates with the forming tool. The MRC in a forming tool is a good measure of the maximum thickness for a sheet metal part. Beyond this limit, the results are not guaranteed to work. You can verify the MRC in Tools > Evaluate > Check.

In the Check Entity dialog box, under Check for, select Minimum radius of curvature, and click Check.

Creating a Custom Forming Tool:

Forming Tool is saved to a “sldftp” file type. Selections are made to determine the Stopping face and optionally Face(s) to Remove.

Steps To Create a Forming Tool:

A. Geometry Creation:

1. Create a New part that represents the shape of the form you wish to make.; Here we have created a part with basic features: Extruded Boss/Base and Fillet features.

Note: Multi-body parts are not supported for sheet metal forming tools.

2. Here we need a hole; With the help of a split line, the sketch divides the selected face into separate faces.

Once you have finished creating a single-bodied part, select the Forming Tool option from the Sheet Metal toolbar. It can also be accessed from

Insert →Sheet Metal →Forming Tool



B. Forming Tool Feature:

3. The first selection is the Stopping Face (blue planar face). Any faces in front of the stopping face will create the "form" in the sheet metal part.

4. You can also choose Faces to Remove (pink planar face). The selected faces here will leave holes in the sheet metal part when the form tool is applied.

Note:

Stopping Face: Sets the face to define where the forming tool stops when it is applied to the target part. It defines how deep the tool is pushed into the part.


Faces to Remove: Sets the face or faces to remove from the target part. When you place the forming tool on the target part, the faces that you select for Faces to Remove are deleted from the part. If you do not want to remove any faces, do not select any faces for Faces to Remove.

At this point, the form tool has been successfully created. But how do we apply it to parts? Our next step is to add it to our Design Library for easy access while designing in sheet metal parts.

C. Adding Tool to Design Library

The design library is an area to store commonly used features, blocks, etc.

5. To add the forming tool, right-click on your part at the top level in the Feature Manager design tree and select Add to Library.



6. The Add to Library will appear on the Property Manager, and you can able to choose the folder you want to place it in. It is important to put it inside the Forming Tools folder for it to function correctly.



D. Using the Forming Tool from the Design Library

7. Drag and drop the created forming tool from the Design Library; Position the tool according to the requirement (In the Type Tab, you can able to align the tool, rotation angle, select configurations, etc.; In the Position Tab, you can able to constrain the position of the tool for your requirement. Once the forming tool is applied, the intended forming process will take place resulting in the desired output.

8. Results...



*** Thanks for reading *** 

Stay tuned for other tips and tricks or tutorial updates!!!