How to Create an Exploded View in SolidWorks: A Stepby-Step Guide?

 How to Create an Exploded View in SolidWorks: A Stepby-Step Guide

Exploded views are an essential feature in SolidWorks that allow you to visually separate the components of an assembly, making it easier to understand how parts fit together. 

This blog gives you a simple overview of what exploded views are in SOLIDWORKS, how to create them step-by-step, and how to animate them effectively. 

What is an Exploded View in SolidWorks? 

An exploded view in SolidWorks is a configuration of an assembly where parts are spaced apart to show how they fit together without disassembling the model. 

Typical Use Cases: 

➢ Assembly instructions or manuals 

➢ Presentations and design reviews 

➢ Technical drawings with BOM 

➢ Marketing visuals 

Step-by-Step: Creating an Exploded View 

Step 1: Open Your Assembly File 

➢ Launch SolidWorks and open your assembly. Make sure all components are properly mated and positioned.

Figure 1

Step 2: Go to the ConfigurationManager 

➢ Click on the ConfigurationManager tab.

➢ Right-click the default configuration. 

➢ Select New Exploded View. 

Figure 2

Step 3: Select Components to Explode 

➢ In the PropertyManager, click on a component to move. 

➢ Use the triad arrows to drag the part in the desired direction (X, Y, or Z). 

Figure 3

Step 4: Add More Explode Steps 

➢ Click Done or press Enter after the first step. 

➢ Click Add Step to continue moving other parts. 

➢ Repeat the process for all necessary components. 

Figure 4

Step 5: Adjust or Reorder Steps Once all parts are exploded: 

➢ You can edit any step by rightclicking it and selecting “Edit Step”. 

➢ Drag to reorder steps if needed for better visual flow.

Figure 5 

Step 6: Exploded Line Sketch 

Create lines that represent the explode paths of components using Explode Lines. A special type of 3D sketch, called an Explode Line Sketch, is used to create and display these lines. 

Figure 6

Step 7: Animate the Exploded View 

➢ In the ConfigurationManager, right-click on the Exploded View. 

➢ Select Animate Explode from the context menu. 

➢ The animation will play automatically, showing the explode sequence. 

➢ You can also choose Animate Collapse to reverse the animation. 

➢ Use the Save As option in the animation window to export it as a video.

    

Figure 7

Figure 8

Conclusion 

Exploded views in SOLIDWORKS clearly show how parts fit together, making your designs easier to understand for documentation, presentations, or manufacturing. It's a quick and effective way to improve communication.

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