SolidWorks Advanced Course Overview A guide to supplement Advanced Class training So a few months ago (or maybe years) you took the CAPINC Essentials class. Recently (or not so recently) you have started to notice that what you learned in class is not enough to get the complex job done. It happens to the best of us! Now what? It is time to look into CAPINC’s Advanced Training classes. But while you wait for your class to start here is a list of some useful topics that can help fill in the gap. The SelectionManager The SelectionManager will combine and/or replace sketch geometry while offering greater selection ability. You will find the SelectionManager in the loft, sweep, and boundary surface features, and for path mates. With the SelectionManager you will be able to: 1. Select sketch entities and edges that was not available otherwise. 2. Combine the selection of multiple sketches and/or model edges. 3. Limit the use of extraneous sketch geometry To access the SelectionManager: Right-click while in the loft, sweep, boundary surface features, or when creating path mates.

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This tool is covered in the Advanced Parts Class. Top-Down Assembly Modeling Top-Down Assembly modeling is where you have the ability to create and/or edit components while in the context of the Assembly model. This is great when you need to get components to line up correctly or mimic shapes from other components. You can use some or all of these top-down methods:

1. Individual features -Can be created to reference other components in the assembly. An example of this is in the graphic of the clamp above. The “Mounting Plate”, which is in Purple, was modeled as a Part file using Bottom-Up design. However, we need the holes to align with the holes in the “Base”, which is the yellow component. Top-down modeling will allow us to do this while working in the Assembly window. This technique is useful for those components that are mostly static but have features that reference with other components in the assembly.

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2. Whole parts can be built with Top-Down methods as well. The component you create is actually mated to an existing component in the assembly. The geometry you create will reference the other components in the assembly as seen in Option 1. An example of this is found in “sliding Jaw”.

The component uses geometry found in the yellow “Base” component to create its geometry. Below you can see that in “Ref A” the blue surface was used to create the blue Extrude. And, in “Ref B” the red faces were used to create the red Extrude.

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3. You can also build an entire assembly Top-Down. You will use the “Layout” option to create sketch that dictate locations, dimensions, and shapes. Then create 3D parts using one of the options above.

These theories are covered in the Advanced Assembly Class.

Large Assembly & Light Weight Modes on Drawings If you work with Large Assemblies there are a few ways to improve performance of your system and still let you accomplish task of creating a Drawing. The fastest ways to accomplish this is: 1. Large Assembly Mode – This option is enabled by default if you have more than 500 components in your Assembly. Your Assembly will open faster due to the fact that Auto Recovery will be off, your Reference Geometry (Planes, Axes, Sketches, Curves, ect) will be hidden, Edges in Shaded Mode will not be shown and lastly your assembly will not “auto-rebuild” when you switch back and forth to the Assembly window.

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2. Light Weight – This option is enabled by default when using Large Assembly Mode but you can use Light Weight Mode by its self to improve performance but not has as many restrictions as in Large Assembly Mode. For Example, it will still hide the Reference Geometry but it will not limit the Auto Recovery or rebuilds. These options (and others) are covered in the Advanced Drawings Class. “Rip and Stitch” Method Have you ever imported a file from an IGES, STEP, or Parasolid and then not know how to make a change to it? If so, the “Rip and Stitch” method is for you. This method employs surface modeling techniques to rip apart the existing geometry, add in Surface features, and then stitch it all back together again. The features commonly used to do this are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Delete Face Extrude Surface Ruled Surface Offset Surface Knit Surface

This technique is covered in the Advanced Surfacing Class.

So hopefully this has wet your appetite in preparation for your upcoming CAPINC Advanced Class! If you haven’t already registered don’t waste another second.

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