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How to Turn Images into Sketches in SOLIDWORKS Using AutoTrace?

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 AUTOTRACE: The Autotrace feature allows you to automatically trace around a sketch picture that has been imported into SOLIDWORKS. Converting logos for embossing or engraving Creating product outlines from reference images Simplifying the transition from concept art to CAD Note: AutoTrace only works with 2D bitmap images, Clean and highcontrast images work best. To activate the Autotrace functionality, navigate to Settings > Addins and check the box that activates Autotrace as shown above. If the option is not checked the Sketch toolbar won’t appear. Autotrace is then accessible when the Sketch tab is activated. Let’s create a horse logo using the Autotrace. STEP 1: Insert a new sketch on a front plane. STEP 2:   Insert a new sketch picture from Tools > Sketch Tools > Sketch Picture. STEP 3: Select your bitmap file, Here the horse logo PNG file Shown below. STEP 4: On properties the X and Y directions and angels can be changed. Select next on the top right corner ...

How to Identify and Understand Design Differences Using Compare Documents in SOLIDWORKS?

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In 3D modeling, design data can be revised throughout the entire process from the  initial concept to the final product or to improve model efficiency through design  changes made by R&D. To analyze how a model’s structure or behavior has been  evolved through its revisions, SOLIDWORKS has an effective tool called Compare  Documents for these functionalities. Let’s have a look on how it can be used. Compare Documents Compares the properties of two SOLIDWORKS documents (or) two configurations of  same document and identifies the following properties.  1)Document Properties  2)Features  3)Geometry  4)Bill of Materials Here, we took a two-part file as an example for the comparison. To access the tool, go to Evaluate tab > Compare Documents Open the two models which you need to do comparison. Here, we took the part files  Phase1 and Phase2. Click Compare Documents and the Compare Interface appears on Task Pane. Add the two files in r...

HOW TO MIGRATING THE PDM SERVER COMPONENTS (DATABASE & ARCHIVE)

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Regardless of which portion of the vault you are planning to relocate, complete all of the following steps:   Backup your data are the 1. Migrating the Database Server. All Database Backups ConisioMasterDB Backup Restore Backups 2. Migrating the Archive Server Archive Folder Backups Archive settings Backups Restore the Archive folders Restore the Archive settings Before you start upgrade get backup as mentioned below things. i. Archive Folder Backups This is the storage of the PDM system. It consists of all your files in a structure  that is easy for the database to read. It consists of a set of 16 folders (0-9 and a-f) which each contain subfolders for each unique file in the vault, and those subfolders  contain each version of that file. Backing up the archive folders is simply making a copy of the entire set of 16  folders just like you would back up any other Windows files/folders. To find the archive locations, please refer the below image ii. Archive ...

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF CAD CUSTOMIZATION AND DESIGN AUTOMATION

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In today's fast-paced product development and manufacturing landscape, productivity, efficiency and quality are paramount. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software has revolutionized the design process, but to truly maximize its potential, customization and automation are essential. Also, as we move in to Industry 4.0 era, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for the business success and sustainability. What is CAD customization? CAD Customization refers to modifying CAD software to meet specific user needs, improving workflows and efficiency. This can involve creating custom features, combining sequential and repetitive operations, shortcuts, and user interfaces, allowing engineers to streamline repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. For instance, developers can create macros to automate a series of commands, significantly reducing the time spent on mundane activities. What is Design Automation? Design Automation is a knowledge-based engineering (KBE) method, which involves embed...

How Does Interactive Vector Visualization in Composer Unlock Deeper Data Understanding?

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 Interactive Vector Visualization in Composer: Unlocking Deeper Data Understanding SOLIDWORKS Composer ’s output flexibility ensures that complex engineering data can be translated into accessible and engaging content—ready for use across departments, from manufacturing to marketing. In this blog, we describe how to link and navigate Vector Visualization in Composer within a single output. Step 1: Capture the Base View First, capture the base or initial view of the actor from the viewport. This serves as a fundamental step before beginning the creation of any technical views. VIEW CAPT U RE Step 2: Export as Scalable Vector Image SOLIDWORKS Composer allows you to efficiently export all captured views as vector-based images (such as SVG files), ideal for high-quality technical documentation, web content, or scalable graphics that retain clarity at any zoom level. → Workshops > Technical Illustration > Save As > .SVG EXPORT OPTION Step 3: Insert View into Viewport Act...