INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDWORKS 2010 Solidworks, developed by solidworks corporation, USA, is one of the worlds fastest growing solid modeling

software. It is the parametric feature based modeling tool that not only unites the three dimensional (3D) parametric features with two dimensional (2D) tools, but also addresses every design through manufacturing process. It is one of the most user- friendly software packages. Solid works, which is a part of Dassault systems. IMPORTANT TERMS AND DEFINITONS It is very important to understand the following terms as they have been widely used in all 3D modeling design software. They are 1. Feature based modeling 2. Parametric modeling 3. Bidirectional associativity 1. Feature based modeling: A feature is defined as the smallest building block that can be modified invidually. A model created in solidworks is a combination of a number of individual features with each feature related to other, directly or indirectly. These features understand their fits and functions properly and therefore can be modified at any time during the design process. If proper design intent is maintained while creating model, this features automatically adjust their values to any change in their surroundings. This provides greater flexibility to the design. 2. Parametric base modeling: It is ability to use the standard properties or parameters in defining the shape and size of a geometry. The main function of this property is to derive the selected geometry to a new size or shape without considering its original dimensions. You can change or modify the shape and size of any feature at any stage of the design process. This property makes the designing process very easy. 3. Bidirectional associativity: Solid works has different modes such as part mode, assembly mode and drawing mode. There exists bidirectional associativity between all these modes, which ensures that any modification made in the model in any one of the modes of solid works is automatically reflected in the other mode. For example if you modify the dimension of the part in the part mode, the change will be reflected in the assembly in the drawing modes.

BASIC MODULES OF SOLID WORKS Part modeling Assembly modeling drafting Part modeling

In part module, which you can create Solid models, first you need to select a sketching plane to create sketch for the base feature. After creating this we can create a solid model. In this module we can create solid, surface and sheet metal components. Assembly modeling 1. Bottom up assembly 2. Top down assembly 1.Bottom up assembly In bottom up assembly method, the assembly is created by assembling the previously created components and maintaining their design intent. 2.Top down assembly The components are created in the assembly mode. Drafting The drawing mode is used for the documentation of the parts or the assemblies created earlier in the form of drawing view and the details in the drawing views. There are two types of drafting done in solidworks. 1. Generative drafting 2. Interactive drafting Generative drafting is a process of generating drawing view of a part or an assembly created earlier: the parametric dimensions and the annotations added to the compenent in the part mode can be generated in the drawing views. Generative drafting is bidirectional associative in nature. In interactive drafting, you have to create the drawing views by sketching them using the normal sketching tools, after which you have to add dimensions to them. SPECIAL FEATURES OF SOLIDWORKS 2010 As we mentioned earlier, solidworks is a parametric, feature based, and easy to use mechanical design automation software. It enables you to convert the basic 2D sketch into solid model using simple, but highly effective modeling tools.

Solid works do not restrict you to 3D solid output, but it extends to the bidirectional associative generative drafting. It can create virtual sheet metal component and its flat pattern which helps you to complete process planning for designing and creating press tool. It can create complex parametric shapes in the form of surfaces.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS The system requirements to ensure the smooth functioning of solid works on your system are as follows Microsoft Windows XP Professional Intel Pentium 512 MB RAM minimum (1 GB or higher recommended) Graphic card open GL(recommended) Internet explorer version 5.5 or higher recommended.

GETTING STARTED WITH SOLIDWORKS STARTPROGRAMSOLIDWORKS 2010 SPO.O (OR) SOLIDWORKS - 2010 icon.