1CAD Overview

(Computer Aided Draughting/Design)

Creation of 3D virtual models

Creation of 2D drawings

Creation of 2D drawings from 3D models

Simulation of behaviour

Simulation of real life appearance

Assist in manufacture

2CAD Advantages

Easier creation and correction of drawings

Better visualisation of drawings

Quick and convenient design analysis

Simulation and testing of designs (stress)

Increased accuracy

Improved filing system of the drawing (Harddisk)

3CAD Overview

3D- Wire frame

3D- Surface

4CAD Overview

3D- Solid modelling

5CAD Overview

3D- Solid modelling Behaviour in real life

6 SolidWorks is design automation software.

In SolidWorks, you sketch ideas and experiment with different

designs to create 3D models.

SolidWorks is used by students, designers, engineers, and other

professionals to produce simple and complex parts, assemblies,

and drawings.

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What is SolidWorks?

7CAD SolidWorks

Benefits of solid modelling:

Solid modelling enjoys many benefits not offered by 2D design methods

The solid model has a volume and surfaces.

The solid model can easily be analysed for its physical properties, such as

volume, mass, surface area, cross sectional areas, location of center of mass,

moments of inertia, etc.

The 3D environment offers excellent visualisation of the design as a shaded

solid, with texture and colour, or as a wire framed representation.

8 SolidWorks is a fully parametric CAD program.

CAD SolidWorks

Introduction:

This means that when a part is designed and modeled dimensions are

assigned which define the part. If, at a later time, these dimensions are found

to be unsuitable they can be easily changed and the modification will filter

through the system wherever the part appears.

This is particularly helpful when dealing with an assembly since, if a

modification is made to a single part, the modification is carried throughout

the assembly.

A designer can also define relationships between parts. For example, in an

engine, if the diameter of the piston is increased or decreased, the

corresponding engine block can be defined such that it is automatically

modified to match the specifications of the modified piston.

9In engineering terms an assembly is made up of a number of parts.

Similarly, in SolidWorks speak, a part is made up of a number of

features.

A feature is a discrete element such as a hole, a chamfer, or a fillet.

Features are either Sketched (as a 2D outline which is then moved

through space to produce the desired 3D result) or Applied (directly

on to the model via a specific software function).

Sketched features tend to be major items of geometry such as holes,

bosses and cuts. Applied features are (typically) secondary items

such as chamfers and fillets.

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Feature-based models:

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The SolidWorks Model:

The SolidWorks model is made up of:

Parts

Assemblies

Drawings

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Inside edge (concave fillet) adds material.

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Principles of Operation:

Everything starts from a 2D sketch, the initial base feature is created by

moving this sketch through space to create a 3D form. This is done in

one of four ways:

Extruding;

Revolving;

Sweeping or

Lofting.

Over the next few pages these terms are examined in greater detail.

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Revolve

By defining an axis of rotation within

the initial sketch the outline can be

revolved to create a feature as shown

opposite. Revolved base features are

ideal for cylindrical components that

have a specific profile.

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Sweep

Sweeping involves the production of two

sketches at an angle to one another. One

acts as the profile and is swept along the

other, which is defined as the path.

Sweeps are particularly good for piping

type features such as the tubular chair

frame.

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Lofting

Lofting involves the production of a

number of sketches on separate

planes. These sketches are then

lofted together to form a solid body.

Lofting is a powerful and potentially

complex modelling technique and

tends to be reserved for highly

sculptural forms such as in aircraft

body.

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Get Modelling!

Reading about software (or even listening to a lecture on its finer points!)

is definitely not the way to get to grips with it; get modelling! During the

lab sessions we will cover a number of exercises, starting with

SolidWorks own excellent built-in tutorials. If you want to become a

really good SolidWorks user, look around for an item and have a go at

modelling it. Start with something simple and build up to more complex

things. You might struggle a bit at first, but the effort is well worth it.

Go to website http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/sme/dsgn131/

And follow the instructions for tutorial.

Happpy SolidWorking!