SWB105 - SolidWorks BasicsIntroduction to 3D Modeling with SolidWorks

VocademySWB105 SolidWorks Basics

What is a sketch?

Sketch: • All models start with a sketch

• A two dimensional version of a solid part

• Can vary in complexity depending on the part

• When making a sketch, you must choose a plane/face as a reference point

VocademySWB105 SolidWorks Basics

What is a Part?Solidworks has 3 different file formats

• Part – Individual object, all projects start with a part

• Assembly – A collection of parts pulled into one file to show how components come together

• Drawing – A 2-D version of a part or assembly with dimensions

In this class we are going to focus on “Part”

When you select new file, it will ask you which format. We are going to use “Part”

Dimension Sketch • Use smart dimension tool

• Best to start from a fixed point or origin

• Use overall dimensions

• Can be in stander or metric

Your First Sketch• Choose a sketch Plane (We will be working in the “Right Plane”)

• In the sketch menu, you want to use the “Rectangle” tool

• Use “Center Rectangle” (Defines the rectangle from a middle point of origin)

• Dimension two sides of the rectangle from edge to edge

VocademySWB105 SolidWorks Basics

Extruding Your Sketch• After dimensioning, exit sketch by using the green check mark

• Under the feature menu, select “Extrude”

• Select your sketch, then select direction of extrude (We are using “Mid Plane”)

• Dimension the extrude

Cut Extrude• A cut start with a sketch

• Select a face

• Use the “Rectangle” tool again, this time using “Corner Rectangle”

• We want to select the edge of our extrude

VocademySWB105 SolidWorks Basics

Dimensioning Cut• We want to use our edges as references in the dimension

• Dimension from the edge of our extrude to make our cut sketch

• When dimensioning from edges, dimensions will often be the same on opposite sides. Dimension tool has an option to reference repeating dimensional values

• After final dimension, exit sketch

Extrude CutCut has a number of options

• You can cut by dimension, by surface, or through all

• We are using through all which cuts through the entire model

Second Extrude• Sketch using “Relations”

• “Relations” uses edges and lines as references

• Use “Corner Rectangle” and select the corner of our cut

• Use the edges of the object and the corner of the cut for our sketch

Second Cut• Select the “Right Plane” and open a sketch

• We will be sketching with “Lines”

• Solidworks can snap to 90 degrees

• 4 “Lines” to make a rectangle at 60 degrees

Dimension Using Angles• Use “Smart Dimension” to define rectangle edge at a 60 degree angle

• Use “Relation” to fix the corner on horizontal edge

• Dimension from vertical edge to lower corner of rectangle

• Define height and width of rectangle using “Smart Dimension”

Mid Plane Cut• Same manner that we extruded on “Mid plane”, we can cut on “Mid

Plane”

• This cut is based on the “Right Plane”

• “Mid Plane” allows us to cut opposite directions equality

• Dimension cut, exit cut

Convert Entry• Select a face

• Open the sketch menu

• Use the “Convert Entry” tool to bring face edges into the sketch

Trim Sketch• Sketch “Line” through face reference lines

• Dimension “Line” from bottom edge

• Trim “Line” and reference lines

Cut Trim Sketch• Select “Converted Entries” sketch

• Select “Cut” from feature menu

• “Cut” use “Through All”

Cut Text• Open the “Sketch” tool

• Select the front “Face” of the model

• “Sketch” a construction line (use for construction option)

• Choose “Text” tool to add a personal name or logo

• Close “Sketch”

Finished Model

Optional Features• Change dimensions to fit your phone or tablet

• You can add a chamfer

• You can save as an “.STL” to 3D print• “Save As” from the “File” menu

• At the bottom is a list of formats

• Choose “.STL”

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