SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

INTRODUCTION
SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide with video instruction is a comprehensive
text written to assist beginner to intermediate users of SOLIDWORKS. SOLIDWORKS
is an immense software package, and no one book can cover all topics for all users. The
book provides a centralized reference location to address many of the System and
Document properties, FeatureManager, PropertyManager, ConfigurationManager, and
RenderManager along with 2D and 3D sketch tools, sketch entities, 3D feature tools,
Sheet Metal, Motion Study, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, PhotoView 360, Pack and Go,
3D PDFs, Intelligent Modeling techniques, 3D printing and more.
Chapter 1 provides a basic overview of the concepts and terminology used throughout
this book using SOLIDWORKS® 2018 software. If you are completely new to
SOLIDWORKS, you should read Chapter 1 in detail and complete Lesson 1, Lesson 2
and Lesson 3 in the SOLIDWORKS Tutorials.
If you are familiar with an earlier release of SOLIDWORKS, you still might want to skim
Chapter 1 to be acquainted with some of the commands, menus and features that you
have not used, or you can simply jump to any section in any chapter.
Each chapter provides detailed PropertyManager information on key topics with
individual stand-alone short tutorials to reinforce and demonstrate the functionality and
ease of the SOLIDWORKS tool or feature. The book provides access to over 260 models,
their solutions and additional support materials. Learn by doing, not just by reading.
Formulate the skills to create, modify and edit sketches and solid features. Learn the
techniques to reuse features, parts and assemblies through symmetry, patterns, copied
components, design tables and configurations.
The book is designed to complement the Online Tutorials and Online Help contained in
SOLIDWORKS 2018. The goal is to illustrate how multiple design situations and
systematic steps combine to produce successful designs.
Redeem the code on the inside cover of the book. View the provided videos and models
to enhance the user experience.

 Start a SOLIDWORKS session.

 Understand the SOLIDWORKS Interface.
 Create 2D Sketches, Sketch Planes and use various Sketch tools.
 Create 3D Features and apply Design Intent.
 Create an Assembly.
 Create fundamental Drawings Part 1 & Part 2.

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

The author developed the tutorials by combining his own industry experience with the
knowledge of engineers, department managers, professors, vendors and manufacturers.
These professionals are directly involved with SOLIDWORKS every day. Their
responsibilities go far beyond the creation of just a 3D model.

About the Book

You will find a wealth of information in this book. Short stand-
alone step-by step tutorials are written for each topic with the
new and intermediate user in mind.
The following conventions are used throughout this book:
1. The term document is used to refer to a SOLIDWORKS
part, drawing or assembly file.
2. The list of items across the top of the SOLIDWORKS
interface is the Main menu. Each item in the Main menu
has a pull-down menu. When you need to select a series of
commands from these menus, the following format is used:
Click Insert  Reference Geometry  Plane from the
Main menu bar. The Plane PropertyManager is displayed.
3. Screen shots in the book were made using SOLIDWORKS
2018 SP0 running Windows® 10.
4. The book is organized into chapters. You can read any
chapter without reading the entire book. Each chapter has
short stand-alone step-by-step tutorials to practice and
reinforce the subject matter and objectives. Learn by doing,
not just by reading.
5. The ANSI overall drafting standard and Third Angle projection is used as the default
setting in this text. IPS (inch, pound, second) and MMGS (millimeter, gram, second)
unit systems are used.
6. Redeem the code on the inside cover of the book. View the provided videos and
models to enhance the user experience. Download and copy the SOLIDWORKS files
and folders to your hard drive. The book provides access to over 250 models, their
solutions and additional support materials.
7. Compare your results with the tutorial documents in the Summary folders. All models
for the stand-alone tutorials are included.
Instructor’s information contains over 45 classroom presentations, along with helpful
hints, what’s new, sample quizzes, avi files of assemblies, projects and all initial and final
SOLIDWORKS models.

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

About the Author

David Planchard is the founder of D&M Education LLC. Before starting D&M
Education, he spent over 27 years in industry and academia holding various engineering,
marketing, and teaching positions. He holds five U.S. patents. He has published and
authored numerous papers on Machine Design, Product Design, Mechanics of Materials,
and Solid Modeling. He is an active member of the SOLIDWORKS Users Group and the
American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). David holds a BSME, MSM with
the following professional certifications: CCAI, CCNP, CSDA, CSWSA-FEA, CSWP,
CSWP-DRWT and SOLIDWORKS Accredited Educator. David is a SOLIDWORKS
Solution Partner, an Adjunct Faculty member and the SAE advisor at Worcester
Polytechnic Institute in the Mechanical Engineering department. In 2012, David’s senior
Major Qualifying Project team (senior capstone) won first place in the Mechanical
Engineering department at WPI. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, David’s senior Major
Qualifying Project teams won the Provost award in Mechanical Engineering for design
excellence.

David Planchard is the author of the following books:

 SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide with video instruction, 2017, 2016, 2015,
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009

 Engineering Design with SOLIDWORKS® 2018 with video instruction, 2017,

2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and
2003

 Engineering Graphics with SOLIDWORKS ® 2018 with video instruction, 2017,

2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011
 SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Quick Start with video instruction

 SOLIDWORKS® 2017 in 5 Hours with video instruction, 2016, 2015, and 2014

 SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Tutorial with video instruction, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014,
2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003

 Drawing and Detailing with SOLIDWORKS ® 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008,
2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002

 Official Certified SOLIDWORKS® Professional (CSWP) Certification Guide

with video instruction, Version 4: 2015 - 2017, Version 3: 2012 - 2014, Version 2:
2012 - 2013, Version 1: 2010 - 2010

 Official Guide to Certified SOLIDWORKS® Associate Exams: CSWA, CSDA,

CSWSA-FEA Version 3: 2015 - 2017, Version 2: 2012 - 2015, Version 1: 2012 -
2013

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

 Assembly Modeling with SOLIDWORKS® 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2005-2004,

2003, and 2001Plus

 Applications in Sheet Metal Using Pro/SHEETMETAL & Pro/ENGINEER

Acknowledgements

Writing this book was a substantial effort that would not have been possible without the
help and support of my loving family and of my professional colleagues. I would like to
thank Professor John M. Sullivan Jr., Professor Jack Hall and the community of scholars
at Worcester Polytechnic Institute who have enhanced my life, my knowledge and helped
to shape the approach and content to this text.

The author is greatly indebted to my colleagues from Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS

Corporation for their help and continuous support: Avelino Rochino and Mike Puckett.

Thanks also to Professor Richard L. Roberts of Wentworth Institute of Technology,

Professor Dennis Hance of Wright State University, Professor Jason Durfess of Eastern
Washington University and Professor Aaron Schellenberg of Brigham Young
University - Idaho who provided vision and invaluable suggestions.

SOLIDWORKS certification has enhanced my skills and knowledge and that of my

students. Thank you to Ian Matthew Jutras (CSWE) who is a technical contributor and
the creator of the videos and Stephanie Planchard, technical procedure consultant.
Contact the Author

We realize that keeping software application books current is imperative to our

customers. We value the hundreds of professors, students, designers, and engineers that
have provided us input to enhance the book. Please contact me directly with any
comments, questions or suggestions on this book or any of our other SOLIDWORKS
books at [email protected] or [email protected].

Note to Instructors

Please contact the publisher www.schroff.com for classroom support materials (.ppt
presentations, labs and more) and the Instructor’s Guide with model solutions and tips
that support the usage of this text in a classroom environment.

Trademarks, Disclaimer and Copyrighted Material

SOLIDWORKS® , eDrawings® , SOLIDWORKS Simulation®, SOLIDWORKS Flow

Simulation, and SOLIDWORKS Sustainability are a registered trademark of Dassault
Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corporation in the United States and other countries; certain
images of the models in this publication courtesy of Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS
Corporation.

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

Microsoft Windows® , Microsoft Office® and its family of products are registered
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. Other software applications and parts described
in this book are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the
accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all
warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. No
warranty may be created or extended by sales or promotional materials. Dimensions of
parts are modified for illustration purposes. Every effort is made to provide an accurate
text. The author and the manufacturers shall not be held liable for any parts, components,
assemblies or drawings developed or designed with this book or any responsibility for
inaccuracies that appear in the book. Web and company information was valid at the time
of this printing.

The Y14 ASME Engineering Drawing and Related Documentation Publications utilized
in this text are as follows: ASME Y14.1 1995, ASME Y14.2M-1992 (R1998), ASME
Y14.3M-1994 (R1999), ASME Y14.41-2003, ASME Y14.5-1982, ASME Y14.5-1999,
and ASME B4.2. Note: By permission of The American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, Codes and Standards, New York, NY, USA. All rights reserved.

Additional information references the American Welding Society, AWS 2.4:1997

Standard Symbols for Welding, Braising, and Non-Destructive Examinations, Miami,
Florida, USA.

References

 SOLIDWORKS Help Topics and What’s New, SOLIDWORKS Corporation, 2018.

 Beers & Johnson, Vector Mechanics for Engineers, 6th ed. McGraw Hill, Boston,
MA.

 Gradin, Hartley, Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method, Macmillan, NY 1986.

 Hibbler, R.C, Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics, 8th ed, Prentice Hall.

 Jensen & Helsel, Engineering Drawing and Design, Glencoe, 1990.

 Lockhart & Johnson, Engineering Design Communications, Addison Wesley, 1999.

 Olivo C., Payne, Olivo, T, Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching, Delmar 1988.

 Walker, James, Machining Fundamentals, Goodheart Wilcox, 1999.

 80/20 Product Manual, 80/20, Inc., Columbia City, IN, 2012.

 Ticona Designing with Plastics - The Fundamentals, Summit, NJ, 2009.

 SMC Corporation of America, Product Manuals, Indiana, USA, 2012.

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

 Emerson-EPT Bearing Product Manuals and Gear Product Manuals, Emerson Power
Transmission Corporation, Ithaca, NY, 2009.

 Emhart - A Black and Decker Company, On-line catalog, Hartford, CT, 2012.

During the initial SOLIDWORKS installation, you are requested to select either the ISO
or ANSI drafting standard. ISO is typically a European drafting standard and uses First
Angle Projection. The book is written using the ANSI (US) overall drafting standard and
Third Angle Projection for drawings.

Screen shots in the book were made using SOLIDWORKS 2018 SP0 running
Windows® 10.

Redeem the code on the inside cover of the book. View the provided videos and
models to enhance the user experience. All templates, logos and model documents along
with additional support materials are available.

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction I-1
About the Book I-1
About the Author I-3
Acknowledgment I-4
Contact the Author I-4
Trademarks, Disclaimer and Copyrighted Material I-4
Note to Instructors I-4
References I-5
Table of Contents I-7
Command Syntax I-26
Windows Terms in SOLIDWORKS I-27

Chapter 1 - Quick Start 1-1

Chapter Objective 1-1
What is SOLIDWORKS? 1-2
Basic concepts in SOLIDWORKS 1-3
Start a SOLIDWORKS Session 1-4
Tutorial: Start a SOLIDWORKS Session 1-4
Welcome dialog box 1-4
Home Tab 1-5
Recent Tab 1-5
Learn Tab 1-5
Alerts Tab 1-6
SOLIDWORKS User Interface (UI) and CommandManager 1-7
Menu Bar toolbar 1-7
Menu Bar menu 1-7
Drop-down menu 1-8
Create a New Part Document 1-8
Novice Mode 1-9
Advanced Mode 1-9
Graphic Window (Default) 1-10
View Default Sketch Planes 1-11
Open a Part 1-11
Part FeatureManager 1-11
FeatureManager Rollback Bar 1-12
Heads-up View toolbar 1-14
Dynamic Annotation Views 1-14
Zoom to Fit 1-14
Zoom to Area 1-14
Window-Select 1-14
Rotate 1-14
Front View 1-15
Right View 1-15
Top View 1-15
Trimetric view 1-15
SOLIDWORKS Help 1-15
SOLIDWORKS Tutorials 1-16
SOLIDWORKS Icon Style 1-16
Additional User Interface Tools 1-16
Right-click 1-17
Consolidated toolbar 1-17
System feedback icons 1-17
Confirmation Corner 1-18
Heads-up View toolbar 1-18

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

CommandManager (Default Part tab) 1-21

CommandManager (Default Drawing tab) 1-22
CommandManager (Default Assembly tab) 1-23
CommandManager (Float/Fit) 1-24
Selection Enhancements 1-24
FeatureManager Design Tree 1-25
FeatureManager design tree tab 1-25
PropertyManager tab 1-25
Configuration Manager tab 1-25
DimXpertManager tab 1-25
DisplayManager tab 1-25
Fly-out FeatureManager 1-27
Task Pane 1-28
SOLIDWORKS Resources 1-28
Design Library 1-29
File Explorer 1-29
Search 1-30
View Palette 1-30
Appearances, Scenes and Decals 1-31
Custom Properties 1-31
SOLIDWORKS Forum 1-31
User Interface for Scaling High Resolution Screens 1-31
Motion Study tab 1-32
3D Views tab 1-33
Dynamic Reference Visualization 1-33
Mouse Movements 1-34
Single-Click 1-34
Double-Click 1-34
Right-Click 1-34
Scroll Wheel 1-34
Create the Axle Part 1-35
Tutorial: Axle 1-1 1-35
2D Sketching – Identify the Correct Sketch Plane 1-38
Sketch States 1-38
Create the Flatbar Part 1-41
Tutorial: Flatbar 1-2 1-41
Create an Assembly 1-47
Tutorial: AirCylinder Linkage Assembly 1-3 1-47
Create a New Assembly Drawing 1-53
Tutorial: AirCylinder Linkage Drawing 1-4 1-53
Summary 1-58
Key Terms 1-60

Chapter 2 - SOLIDWORKS System Options 2-1

Chapter Objective 2-1
System Options 2-1
Tutorial: Close All Models 2-1 2-1
General 2-2
Drawings 2-5
Drawings - Display Style 2-8
Drawings - Area Hatch/Fill 2-9
Drawings - Performance 2-10
Colors 2-10
Sketch 2-12
Sketch - Relations/Snaps 2-14
Display 2-15

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

Selection 2-18
Performance 2-19
Assemblies 2-22
External References 2-23
Default Templates 2-25
File Locations 2-26
Tutorial: Document Templates Location 2-2 2-26
Tutorial: Referenced Document Location 2-3 2-27
Tutorial: Design Library Location 2-4 2-28
FeatureManager 2-28
Spin Box Increments 2-29
View 2-30
Backup/Recover 2-30
Hole Wizard/Toolbox 2-32
File Explorer 2-33
Search 2-33
Collaboration 2-34
Messages/Errors/Warnings 2-34
Import 2-35
Export 2-36
Summary 2-38

Chapter 3 - SOLIDWORKS Document Properties 3-1

Chapter Objective 3-1
Document Properties/Templates 3-1
Tutorial: Close all models 3-1 3-2
Drafting Standard: 3-2
Annotations - General 3-3
Annotations - Balloons 3-5
Annotations - Datums 3-7
Annotations - Geometric Tolerance 3-9
Annotations - Notes 3-10
Annotations - Surfaces Finishes 3-11
Annotations - Weld Symbols 3-12
Dimensions 3-13
Dimensions - Angle 3-17
Dimensions - Arc Length 3-18
Dimensions - Chamfer 3-20
Dimensions - Diameter 3-21
Dimensions - Hole Callout 3-23
Dimensions - Linear 3-25
Dimensions - Ordinate 3-27
Dimensions - Radius 3-29
Virtual Sharps 3-31
Tables 3-31
Bill of Materials 3-31
General Table 3-33
Title Block Table 3-33
DimXpert 3-34
DimXpert - Size Dimensions 3-35
DimXpert - Location Dimension 3-36
DimXpert - Chain Dimension 3-36
DimXpert - Geometric Tolerance 3-37
DimXpert - Chamfer Controls 3-39
DimXpert - Display Options 3-39

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Detailing 3-41
Grid/Snap 3-42
Units 3-43
Model Display 3-45
Material Properties 3-45
Image Quality 3-46
Sheet Metal 3-47
Plane Display 3-49
Tutorial: Assembly Template 3-2 3-49
Tutorial: Part Template 3-3 3-50
Configurations 3-51
Drawing Document Properties Section 3-52
Annotations - Borders 3-52
Dimensions - Centerlines/Center Marks 3-54
Dimensions - DimXpert 3-55
Tables - General 3-56
Tables - Holes 3-57
Tables - Punch 3-59
Tables - Revision 3-60
Tables - Weld Table 3-61
Views 3-62
Detailing 3-63
Drawing Sheets 3-64
Line Font 3-65
Line Style 3-65
Line Thickness 3-66
Image Quality 3-66
Sheet Metal 3-66
Summary 3-67

Chapter 4 - Design Intent, Sketching and Sketch Entities 4-1

Chapter Objective 4-1
Design Intent 4-2
Design Intent in a Sketch 4-2
Design Intent in a Feature 4-3
Design Intent in a Part 4-3
Design Intent in an Assembly 4-4
Design Intent in a Drawing 4-4
SOLIDWORKS Design Intent tools 4-4
Comments 4-4
Design Binder 4-5
ConfigurationManager 4-5
Dimensions 4-5
Equations 4-5
Design Tables 4-6
Features 4-6
Identify the Correct Reference Planes 4-6
2D Sketching/Reference Planes 4-7
Tutorial: Default Reference Planes 4-1 4-8
3D Sketching/Reference Planes 4-9
Tutorial: 3D Sketching 4-1 4-10
Tutorial: 3D Sketching 4-2 4-10
Tutorial: 3D Sketching 4-3 4-12
Tutorial: 3D Sketching 4-3A 4-13
Tutorial: 3D Sketching 4-4 4-14

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2D Sketching/Inserting Reference Planes 4-16

Plane Tool 4-16
Tutorial: Reference Plane 4-1 4-18
Tutorial: Reference Plane 4-2 4-18
Tutorial: Reference Plane 4-3 4-19
Tutorial: Reference Plane 4-4 4-20
Parent/Child Relationship 4-20
Tutorial: Parent-Child 4-1 4-20
Sketch States 4-21
Sketch Entities 4-22
Line Sketch Entity 4-22
Rectangle and Parallelogram Sketch Entity 4-23
Slot Sketch Entity 4-24
Tutorial: Slot Sketch - Instant3D 4-1 4-25
Polygon Sketch Entity 4-27
Tutorial: Polygon 4-1 4-28
Circle Sketch and Perimeter Circle Sketch Entity 4-29
Tutorial: Perimeter Circle 4-1 4-30
Centerpoint Arc Sketch Entity 4-31
Tutorial: Centerpoint Arc 4-1 4-32
Tangent Arc Sketch Entity 4-32
Tutorial: Tangent Arc 4-1 4-33
3 Point Arc Sketch Entity 4-33
Tutorial: 3 Point Arc 4-1 4-33
Ellipse Sketch Entity 4-34
Tutorial: Ellipse 4-1 4-35
Partial Ellipse Sketch Entity 4-35
Parabola Sketch Entity 4-36
Tutorial: Parabola 4-1 4-36
Conic Sketch Entity 4-37
Tutorial: Conic 4-1 4-38
Spline Sketch Entity 4-40
Spline Toolbar 4-42
Tutorial: Spline 4-1 4-43
Tutorial: 2D Spline 4-2 4-44
Tutorial: 3D Spline 4-1 4-45
Tutorial: 3D Spline 4-2 4-45
Tutorial: 3D Spline 4-3 4-46
Style Spline 4-47
Spline on Surface Entity 4-47
Tutorial: Spline on Surface 4-1 4-48
Intelligent Modeling 4-49
Equation Driven Curve 4-49
Tutorial: Equation Driven Curve 4-1 4-49
Curve Through XYZ Points 4-50
Tutorial: Curve Through XYZ Points 4-1 4-51
Curve Through Reference Points 4-52
Point Sketch Entity 4-52
Centerline Sketch Entity 4-53
Text Sketch Entity 4-54
Tutorial: Text 4-1 4-55
Plane Sketch Entity 4-56
Tutorial: Sketch Plane 4-1 4-57
Route Line Sketch Entity 4-58
Tutorial: Route Line 4-1 4-59
Tutorial: Route Line 4-2 4-60

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Belt/Chain Sketch Entity 4-62

Blocks 4-63
Blocks Toolbar 4-63
Tutorial: Block 4-1 4-64
Tutorial: Belt-Chain 4-2 4-65
Reusing a Sketch 4-66
Tutorial: Shared Sketch 4-1 4-66
Summary 4-67

Chapter 5 - Sketch Tools, Geometric Relations and Dimensions/Relations Tools 5-1

Chapter Objective 5-1
Sketch Tools 5-2
Sketch Fillet Sketch tool 5-2
Tutorial: 2D Sketch Fillet 5-1 5-3
Tutorial: 3D Sketch Fillet 5-2 5-4
Sketch Chamfer Sketch tool 5-5
Tutorial: Sketch Chamfer 5-1 5-5
Tutorial: Sketch Chamfer 5-2 5-6
Tutorial: Sketch Chamfer 5-3 5-7
Offset Entities Sketch tool 5-7
Tutorial: Offset Entity 5-1 5-8
Tutorial: Offset Entity 5-2 5-9
Convert Entities Sketch tool 5-9
Tutorial: Convert Entity 5-1 5-10
Intersection Curve Sketch tool 5-10
Tutorial: Intersection Curve 5-1 5-11
Face Curves Sketch tool 5-12
Tutorial: Face Curve 5-1 5-13
Tutorial: Face Curve 5-2 5-14
Segment Sketch tool 5-16
Trim Entities Sketch tool 5-17
Tutorial: Trim Entity 5-1 5-18
Tutorial: Trim Entity 5-2 5-18
Extend Entities Sketch tool 5-19
Tutorial: Extend Entity 5-1 5-19
Split Entities Sketch tool 5-19
Tutorial: Split Entity 5-1 5-20
Construction Geometry Sketch tool 5-20
Tutorial: Construction Geometry 5-2 5-20
Jog Line Sketch tool 5-21
Tutorial: Jog line 5-1 5-21
Tutorial: Jog line 5-2 5-22
Make Path Sketch tool 5-22
Tutorial: Make Path 5-1 5-23
Mirror Sketch tool 5-24
Tutorial: Mirror Entity 5-1 5-25
Dynamic Mirror Sketch tool 5-25
Tutorial: Dynamic Mirror 5-1 5-26
Stretch Sketch tool 5-26
Tutorial: Stretch 5-1 5-27
Move Sketch tool 5-28
Tutorial: Move 5-1 5-29
Copy Sketch tool 5-30
Tutorial: Copy 5-1 5-30
Scale Sketch tool 5-31
Tutorial: Scale 5-1 5-31

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Rotate Sketch tool 5-32

Tutorial: Rotate 5-1 5-33
Linear Pattern Sketch tool 5-33
Tutorial: Linear Pattern 5-1 5-35
Circular Pattern Sketch tool 5-36
Tutorial: Circular Pattern 5-1 5-37
SketchXpert 5-38
Tutorial: SketchXpert 5-1 5-39
Align Sketch tool 5-41
Align Grid/Origin Sketch tool 5-41
Custom Menu tool 5-41
Tutorial: Align 5-1 5-42
Modify Sketch tool 5-43
Tutorial: Modify 5-1 5-44
2D to 3D Sketch Tool 5-44
Tutorial: 2D to 3D Sketch tool 5-1 5-46
Creates Sketch from Selections 5-48
Tutorial: Create Sketch from Selections 5-1 5-48
Repair Sketch tool 5-48
Tutorial: Repair Sketch 5-1 5-49
Sketch Picture Sketch tool 5-49
Tutorial: Sketch Picture 5-1 5-50
Geometric Relations 2D Sketches 5-51
Automatic Relations 5-51
Manual Relations 5-52
Geometric Relations in 3D Sketches 5-55
3D Sketch Relations 5-55
Dimension/Relations Toolbar 5-56
Smart Dimension tool 5-57
Smart Dimension tool - Value tab 5-57
Smart Dimension tool - Leaders tab 5-60
Smart Dimension tool - Other tab 5-62
Horizontal Dimension tool 5-62
Vertical Dimension tool 5-62
Baseline Dimension tool 5-63
Tutorial: Baseline Dimension Drawing 5-1 5-63
Ordinate Dimension tool 5-64
Tutorial: Ordinate Dimension Drawing 5-1 5-64
Horizontal Ordinate Dimension 5-65
Vertical Ordinate Dimension 5-65
Chamfer Dimension 5-65
Tutorial: Chamfer Dimension Drawing 5-1 5-65
Add Relation tool 5-66
Tutorial: Add Relation 5-1 5-67
Tutorial: Add Relation 5-2 5-67
Tutorial: Add Relation 5-3 5-68
Display/Delete Relations Dimension tool 5-68
Tutorial: Display/Delete 5-1 5-69
Fully Defined Sketch tool 5-70
Tutorial: Fully Defined 5-1 5-71
DimXpertManager 5-72
DimXpert toolbar 5-73
Auto Dimension Scheme tool 5-74
Tutorial: DimXpert 5-1 5-76
Tutorial: DimXpert 5-2 5-77
Tutorial: DimXpert 5-3 5-82

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Show Tolerance Status 5-83

Copy Scheme 5-84
TolAnalyst Study 5-84
Summary 5-86

Chapter 6 - Extruded Boss/Base, Extruded Cut, Fillet and Cosmetic Feature 6-1
Chapter Objective 6-1
Extruded Features 6-1
Extruded Boss/Base Feature 6-2
Tutorial: Boss/Base Extrude 6-1 6-9
Tutorial: Boss/Base Extrude 6-1A 6-11
Detailed Preview PropertyManager 6-12
Tutorial: Boss/Base Extrude 6-2 6-12
Tutorial: Boss/Base Extrude 6-3 6-14
Extruded Cut Feature 6-15
Tutorial: Extruded Cut 6-1 6-21
Tutorial: Extruded Cut 6-2 6-23
Tutorial: Extruded Cut 6-3 6-24
Extruded Solid Thin Feature 6-25
Tutorial: Solid Thin 6-1 6-25
Extruded Surface Feature 6-26
Tutorial: Extruded Surface 6-1 6-29
Cut With Surface Feature 6-30
Tutorial: Cut With Surface 6-1 6-31
Tutorial: Cut With Surface 6-2 6-32
Fillets in General 6-33
Fillet Feature 6-34
Fillet PropertyManager: Manual Tab 6-34
Control Points 6-38
Conic Fillet 6-38
Tutorial: Fillet 6-1 6-39
Tutorial: Fillet 6-2 6-40
Tutorial: Fillet 6-3 6-41
Tutorial: Fillet 6-4 6-42
FilletXpert PropertyManager 6-43
FilletXpert PropertyManager: Add Tab 6-44
FilletXpert PropertyManager: Change Tab 6-44
FilletXpert PropertyManager: Corner Tab 6-45
Tutorial: Fillet 6-5 6-45
Tutorial: Fillet 6-6 6-46
Tutorial: Fillet 6-7 6-47
Fillet to Chamfer tool 6-47
Tutorial: Fillet 6-8 6-47
Cosmetic Thread Feature 6-48
Tutorial: Cosmetic Thread 6-1 6-51
Cosmetic Pattern 6-52
Tutorial: Cosmetic Pattern 6-1 6-53
Summary 6-54

Chapter 7 - Revolved, Hole Wizard, Advanced Hole, Dome, Curve and Thread Features 7-1
Chapter Objective 7-1
Revolved Boss/Base Feature 7-1
Tutorial: Revolve Boss/Base 7-1 7-5
Tutorial: Revolve Boss/Base 7-2 7-6
Tutorial: Revolve Boss/Base 7-3 7-6

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Revolved Cut Feature 7-7

Tutorial: Revolved Cut 7-1 7-10
Tutorial: Revolved Cut 7-2 7-11
Revolved Boss Thin Feature 7-12
Tutorial: Revolve Boss Thin 7-1 7-12
Revolved Surface Feature 7-13
Tutorial: Revolved Surface 7-1 7-14
Tutorial: Revolved Surface 7-2 7-14
Hole Wizard Feature 7-15
Tutorial: Hole Wizard 7-1 7-18
Tutorial: Hole Wizard 7-2 7-19
Tutorial: Hole Wizard 7-3 7-21
Tutorial: Hole Wizard 7-4 7-22
Advanced Hole Feature 7-24
Tutorial: Advanced Hole 7-1 7-25
Dome Feature 7-28
Tutorial: Dome 7-1 7-29
Tutorial: Dome 7-2 7-30
Curve Overview 7-30
Split Line Curve tool 7-31
Tutorials: Split Line 7-1 7-31
Projected Curve tool 7-34
Composite Curve tool 7-34
Equation Driven Curve tool 7-34
Curve Through XYZ Points 7-35
Curve Through Reference Points 7-36
Helix and Spiral 7-36
Tutorial: Helix and Spiral 7-1 7-36
Thread Feature 7-37
Tutorial: Thread 7-1 7-39
Summary 7-41

Chapter 8 - Shell, Draft, Rib, Scale and Intersection Feature 8-1

Chapter Objective 8-1
Shell Feature 8-1
Tutorial: Shell 8-1 8-3
Tutorial: Shell 8-2 8-4
Tutorial: Shell 8-3 8-4
Draft Feature 8-5
Draft PropertyManager 8-5
Draft PropertyManager: Manual Tab 8-6
Tutorial: Draft 8-1 8-8
Tutorial: Draft 8-2 8-8
DraftXpert PropertyManager: Add/Change Tab 8-9
Tutorial: DraftXpert 8-1 8-11
Tutorial: DraftXpert 8-2 8-12
Rib Feature 8-13
Tutorial: Rib 8-1 8-15
Tutorial: Rib 8-2 8-16
Tutorial: Rib 8-3 8-16
Tutorial: Rib 8-4 8-17
Scale Feature 8-18
Tutorial: Scale 8-1 8-19
Intersect Feature 8-20
Tutorial: Intersection 8-1 8-21
Summary 8-22

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Chapter 9 - Pattern Features, Mirror Features and Coordinate System 9-1

Chapter Objective 9-1
Linear Pattern Feature 9-1
Tutorial: Linear Pattern 9-1 9-5
Tutorial: Linear Pattern 9-2 9-6
Tutorial: Linear Pattern 9-3 9-7
Tutorial: Linear Pattern 9-4 9-8
Circular Pattern Feature 9-9
Tutorial: Circular Pattern 9-1 9-12
Curve Driven Pattern Feature 9-13
Tutorial: Curve Driven 9-1 9-16
Sketch Driven Pattern 9-16
Tutorial: Sketch Driven 9-1 9-17
Table Driven Pattern Feature 9-18
Coordinate System 9-19
Coordinate System PropertyManager 9-20
Tutorial: Table Driven 9-1 9-21
Tutorial: Table Driven 9-2 9-22
Fill Pattern Feature 9-23
Tutorial: Fill Pattern 9-1 9-27
Tutorial: Fill Pattern 9-2 9-28
Mirror Feature 9-28
Tutorial: Mirror 9-1 9-30
Tutorial: Mirror 9-2 9-30
Coordinate System 9-31
Global Coordinate System 9-31
Local (Reference) coordinate system 9-31
Tutorial: Coordinate System 9-1 9-31
Tutorial: Coordinate System 9-2 9-33
Summary 9-35

Chapter 10 - Swept, Lofted, Wrap, Flex and Freeform Feature 10-1

Chapter Objective 10-1
Swept Feature 10-1
Swept Boss/Base Feature 10-2
Tutorial: Swept Base 10-1 10-5
Tutorial: Swept Base 10-2 10-6
Tutorial: Swept Boss 10-1 10-7
Tutorial: 3D Swept Base 10-1 10-8
Swept Thin Feature 10-9
Tutorial: Swept Thin 10-1 10-9
Tutorial: Swept Guide Curves 10-1 10-10
Tutorial: Swept Guide Curves 10-2 10-11
Tutorial: Swept Twist 10-1 10-11
Tutorial: Swept Merge Tangent Faces 10-1 10-12
Swept Cut Feature 10-13
Tutorial: Swept Cut 10-1 10-13
Tutorial: Swept Cut 10-2 10-15
Lofted Feature 10-15
Tutorial: Loft 10-1 10-21
Tutorial: Loft Guide Curves 10-1 10-22
Tutorial: Loft Guide Curves 10-2 10-22
Tutorial: Loft to Point 10-1 10-23
Tutorial: Loft Multi-body 10-1 10-24
Tutorial: Loft Twist 10-1 10-25

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Lofted Cut Feature 10-26

Tutorial: Loft Cut 10-1 10-26
Tutorial: Loft Flex 10-1 10-26
Adding a Lofted Section 10-27
Tutorial: Add Loft section 10-1 10-28
Wrap Feature 10-28
Tutorial: Wrap 10-1 10-29
Tutorial: Wrap 10-2 10-30
Tutorial: Wrap 10-3 10-31
Tutorial: Wrap 10-4 10-32
Flex Feature 10-33
Tutorial: Flex 10-1 10-35
Tutorial: Flex 10-2 10-36
Freeform Feature 10-36
Summary 10-37

Chapter 11 - Bottom-Up Assembly Modeling and More 11-1

Chapter Objective 11-1
Bottom-Up Assembly Modeling 11-2
Terminology Review 11-2
Design Table 11-2
Hide Components 11-2
Lightweight Components 11-2
Suppress 11-3
Assembly Configuration Methods 11-3
Manual (Add Configuration) 11-3
Design Tables 11-6
Configure Component tool/Configure Dimension tool 11-8
Assembly Task List - Before you begin 11-9
Assembly Templates 11-9
Assembly FeatureManager and Component States 11-10
General Mates Principles 11-12
Mate PropertyManager 11-13
Mate PropertyManager - Mates tab 11-13
Tutorial: Coincident and Distance Mate 11-1 11-17
Tutorial: Angle Mate 11-1 11-18
Tutorial: Angle Mate 11-2 11-19
Tutorial: Tangent Mate 11-1 11-20
Tutorial: Gear Mate 11-1 11-21
Tutorial: Cam Mate 11-1 11-22
Tutorial: Rack Pinion Gear Mate 11-1 11-24
Tutorial: Hinge Mate 11-1 11-25
Tutorial: Slot Mate 11-11 11-27
Tutorial: Screw Mate 11-1 11-28
Tutorial: Universal Joint Mate 11-1 11-29
Tutorial: Path Mate 11-1 11-30
Tutorial: Limit Mate 11-1 11-31
Tutorial: Width Mate 11-1 11-32
Tutorial: Symmetric Mate 11-1 11-33
Mate PropertyManager - Analysis Tab 11-34
Tutorial: Assign Mate properties with the Analysis tab 11-1 11-35
SmartMates 11-36
Types of SmartMates 11-36
Tutorial: SmartMate 11-1 11-37
Tutorial: SmartMate 11-2 11-38

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InPlace Mates 11-39

Tutorial: InPlace Mate 11-1 11-40
Mate Reference 11-41
Tutorial: Mate Reference 11-1 11-42
Quick Mate 11-43
Tutorial: Quick Mate 11-1 11-43
Mate Diagnostics/MateXpert 11-44
Tutorial: MateXpert 11-1 11-46
Performance Evaluation 11-49
Tutorial: Performance Evaluation 11-1 11-49
Assembly Visualization 11-49
Tutorial: Assembly Visualization 11-1 11-50
Performance Evaluation Enhancements 11-51
Large Assembly Mode 11-52
Open an Assembly Document 11-57
Mode 11-58
Resolved 11-58
Configuration 11-58
Display State 11-59
SpeedPak 11-59
Center of Mass Point 11-59
Center of Mass icons 11-59
Create Center of Mass Symbol 11-60
Display Center of Mass Symbol 11-61
Center of Mass (COM) point in an assembly 11-62
Tutorial: Center of Mass Point in an assembly 11-1 11-62
Center of Mass - Configuration 11-62
Center of Mass Reference Point 11-63
Create Reference Point 11-63
Tree House in an Assembly 11-64
Summary 11-65

Chapter 12 - Top-Down Assembly Modeling, Configurations, Equations and More 12-1

Chapter Objective 12-1
Top-Down Assembly Modeling 12-1
Assembly Methods 12-2
In-Context 12-3
Out of Context 12-4
Assembly Toolbar 12-4
Insert Component tool 12-4
New Part tool 12-5
New Assembly tool 12-5
Tutorial: Insert a feature In-Context of an assembly 12-1 12-5
Tutorial: New Part In-Context of an assembly 12-1 12-6
Tutorial: Layout Sketch Assembly 12-1 12-7
Tutorial: Entire Assembly 12-2 12-8
Tutorial: Layout tool with Block Assembly 12-3 12-9
Tutorial: Layout tool with Block Assembly 12-4 12-11
Copy with Mates tool 12-14
Mate tool 12-14
Linear Component Pattern tool 12-14
Smart Fasteners tool 12-14
Tutorial: Insert a Smart Fastener 12-1 12-16
Tutorial: Insert a Smart Fastener 12-2 12-18
Move Component tool 12-19

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Rotate Component tool 12-21

Show Hidden Components 12-21
Consolidated Assembly Features 12-21
Consolidated Reference Geometry 12-21
Bill of Materials 12-21
Motion Study tool 12-22
Animation Wizard 12-23
Basic Motion 12-23
Linear/Rotary Motor 12-24
Spring 12-24
Contact 12-26
Gravity tool 12-26
Tutorial: Motion Study 12-1 12-26
Tutorial: Motion Study 12-2 12-28
Exploded View tool 12-30
Smart Explode Lines 12-31
Tutorial: Exploded View 12-1 12-32
Explode Line Sketch tool 12-33
Tutorial: Explode Line Sketch 12-1 12-33
Interference Detection tool 12-35
Tutorial: Interference Detection 12-1 12-36
Collision Detection 12-37
Tutorial: Collision Detection 12-1 12-37
Clearance Verification 12-38
Performance Evaluation 12-40
Hide/Show Components/Display Pane 12-40
Tutorial: Component States 12-1 12-40
Edit Component tool 12-41
Tutorial: Edit Component 12-1 12-42
Assembly ConfigurationManager 12-43
Manual Configurations 12-44
Manual Configuration/Add Configuration PropertyManager 12-44
Tutorial: Manual Configuration 12-1 12-46
Manual Configuration/Edit Configuration 12-47
Tutorial: Manual Configuration 12-2 12-48
Automatic Configuration: Design Tables 12-49
Tutorial: Design Table 12-1 12-50
Tutorial: Design Table 12-2 12-51
Configure Component tool/Configure Dimension tool 12-52
Tutorial: Configure component/Dimension tool 12-1 12-53
Equations 12-54
Equations tool 12-55
Tutorial: Equation 12-1 12-55
Tutorial: Equation 12-2 12-56
SpeedPak 12-58
When to use SpeedPak 12-58
Creating a SpeedPak for an Assembly 12-59
SpeedPak in a Drawing 12-59
Summary 12-60

Chapter 13 - Drawings and Drawing Tools 13-1

Chapter Objective 13-1
Drawings 13-1
Sheet Format, Size, and Properties 13-2
Tutorial: Sheet Properties 13-1 13-4
View Palette 13-6

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Tutorial: View Palette 13-1 13-7

View Layout Toolbar 13-8
Standard 3 Views tool 13-9
Tutorial: Standard 3 View 13-1 13-9
Model View tool 13-10
Tutorial: Model View 13-1 13-13
Projected View tool 13-14
Tutorial: Projected View 13-1 13-16
Auxiliary View tool 13-17
Tutorial: Auxiliary View 13-1 13-19
Tutorial: Auxiliary View 13-2 13-19
Section View tool 13-20
Tutorial: Section View 13-1 13-24
Aligned Section View tool 13-25
Tutorial: Aligned Section View 13-25
Tutorial: Copy/Paste 13-1 13-26
Detail View tool 13-27
Tutorial: Detail View 13-1 13-29
Broken-out Section tool 13-31
Tutorial: Broken-out Section 13-1 13-31
Break tool 13-32
Tutorial: Break View 13-1 13-33
Crop tool 13-33
Tutorial: Crop View 13-1 13-34
Alternate Position View tool 13-35
Tutorial: Alternate Position 13-1 13-35
Annotations Toolbar 13-36
Smart Dimension tool 13-37
Smart Dimension tool: DimXpert tab 13-37
Tutorial: Smart Dimension 13-1 13-38
Smart Dimension tool: AutoDimension tab 13-39
Tutorial: Autodimension 13-1 13-40
Model Items tool 13-41
Tutorial: Model Items view 13-1 13-43
Note tool 13-43
Tutorial: Note 13-1 13-46
Linear Note Pattern tool 13-47
Circular Note Pattern tool 13-48
Spell Checker tool 13-49
Format Painter tool 13-49
Tutorial: Format Painter 13-1 13-50
Balloon tool 13-50
Tutorial: Balloon 13-1 13-53
AutoBalloon tool 13-53
Tutorial: AutoBalloon 13-1 13-56
Magnetic Line tool 13-57
Surface Finish tool 13-58
Tutorial: Surface Finish 13-1 13-60
Weld Symbol tool 13-60
Tutorial: Weld Symbol 13-1 13-61
Geometric Tolerance tool 13-63
Tutorial: Geometric Tolerance 13-1 13-64
Datum Feature tool 13-66
Tutorial: Datum Feature 13-1 13-68
Datum Target tool 13-69
Hole Callout tool 13-70

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Tutorial: Hole Callout 13-1 13-70

Revision Symbol tool 13-71
Tutorial: Revision Symbol 13-1 13-71
Revision Cloud tool 13-72
Area Hatch/Fill tool 13-72
Tutorial: Area Hatch/Fill 13-1 13-74
Block tool 13-74
Center Mark tool 13-75
Tutorial: Center Mark 13-1 13-76
Centerline tool 13-77
Tutorial: Centerline 13-1 13-77
Consolidated Table toolbar 13-78
Table tool - General 13-78
Table tool - Hole 13-79
Table tool - Bill of Materials 13-80
Tutorial: Bill of Materials 13-1 13-82
Table tool- Revision Table 13-83
DimXpert Dimensions and Drawings 13-84
Tutorial: DimXpert 13-1 13-84
Tutorial: DimXpert 13-2 13-88
SOLIDWORKS eDrawings 13-90
SOLIDWORKS eDrawings Toolbar 13-90
Publish eDrawings tool 13-90
Tutorial: eDrawing 13-1 13-91
SOLIDWORKS Detached Drawings 13-92
Export Drawings to another Software Package 13-93
Open a Drawing Document 13-93
Center of Mass Point in a Drawing 13-95
Summary 13-96

Chapter 14 - Sheet Metal Features and Tools 14-1

Chapter Objective 14-1
Sheet Metal 14-1
Sheet Metal Toolbar 14-2
Base-Flange/Tab tool 14-2
Tutorial: Base Flange 14-1 14-4
Convert to Sheet Metal tool 14-5
Tutorial: Convert to Sheet Metal 14-1 14-7
Lofted Bend tool 14-8
Tutorial: Lofted Blend 14-1 14-9
Edge Flange tool 14-9
Tutorial: Edge Flange 14-1 14-12
Tutorial: Edge Flange 14-2 14-12
Miter Flange tool 14-13
Tutorial: Miter Flange 14-1 14-15
Hem tool 14-15
Tutorial: Hem 14-1 14-17
Sketch Bend tool 14-17
Tutorial: Sketch Bend 14-1 14-18
Jog tool 14-19
Tutorial: Jog 14-1 14-21
Cross-Break tool 14-21
Tutorial: Cross-Break 14-1 14-22
Consolidated Corner toolbar 14-23
Closed Corner tool 14-23
Tutorial: Closed Corner 14-1 14-24

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Welded Corner tool 14-25

Tutorial: Welded Corner 14-1 14-25
Break Corner tool 14-26
Tutorial: Break Corner/Corner Trim 14-1 14-26
Simple Hole tool 14-26
Vent tool 14-27
Tutorial: Vent 14-1 14-28
Unfolded tool 14-29
Tutorial: Unfolded 14-1 14-29
Fold tool 14-30
Tutorial: Fold 14-1 14-30
Flatten tool 14-30
Tutorial: Flatten 14-1 14-31
No Bends tool 14-32
Insert Bends tool 14-32
Tutorial: Insert Bends 14-1 14-34
Rip tool 14-34
Tutorial: Rip 14-1 14-35
Sheet Metal Library Feature 14-36
Tutorial: Sheet Metal Library Feature 14-1 14-36
Summary 14-37

Chapter 15 - SOLIDWORKS PhotoView 360, Measure and Mass Properties Tool 15-1
Chapter Objective 15-1
SOLIDWORKS PhotoView 360 15-1
Introduction 15-1
PhotoView 360 Toolbar 15-2
Edit Appearance 15-2
Copy Appearance 15-2
Paste Appearance 15-2
Edit Scene 15-3
Edit Decals 15-4
Decal Preview 15-4
Integrated Preview 15-4
Preview Window 15-4
Final Render 15-4
Render Region 15-4
Scene Illumination Proof Sheet 15-4
Options 15-6
Schedule Render 15-7
Recall Last Render Image 15-7
Tutorial: PhotoView 15-1 15-7
Tutorial: PhotoView 15-2 15-10
Measure Tool 15-12
Arc/Circle Measurements 15-13
Units/Precision 15-13
Show XYZ Measurements 15-13
XYZ Relative To 15-13
Projected On 15-12
Tutorial: Measure 15-1 15-14
Tutorial: Measure Center of Mass 15-2 15-15
Mass Properties 15-16
General Introduction 15-16
Apply Material 15-17
Calculate Mass Properties 15-17
Assign Override Values 15-18

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

Summary 15-19

Chapter 16 - Saving, Pack and Go, PDFs, Toolbox, Design Library and Explorer 16-1
Chapter Objective 16-1
Save a Part Document 16-2
Save 16-2
Save as 16-2
Save as and continue 16-2
Save as and open 16-2
Save an Assembly Document 16-2
Advanced Button 16-3
Pack and Go 16-4
Tutorial: Pack and Go 16-1 16-6
Tutorial: Pack and Go 16-2 16-7
PDFs of SOLIDWORKS Documents 16-8
3D PDF files 16-9
U3D files 16-9
3D Views tab 16-9
Publish to 3D PDF 16-9
SOLIDWORKS Toolbox 16-10
SOLIDWORKS Design Library 16-11
Using the Design Library 16-12
Tutorial: Assembly Design Library 16-1 16-12
Add a Design Library tab 16-13
Tutorial: Assembly Design Library 16-2 16-13
SOLIDWORKS Explorer 16-14
Tutorial: SOLIDWORKS Explorer 16-1 16-15
SOLIDWORKS Part Review 16-17
Summary 16-18

Chapter 17 - SOLIDWORKS Simulation 17-1

Chapter Objective 17-1
SOLIDWORKS Simulation 17-1
Basic FEA Concepts 17-1
Simulation Advisor 17-3
Simulation Help & Tutorials 17-5
Linear Static Analysis 17-6
Sequence of Calculations in General 17-10
Stress Calculations 17-10
Overview of Yield or Inflection Point in a Stress-Strain Curve 17-10
Material Properties in General 17-11
Connections in General 17-12
Restraint Types 17-12
Loads and Restraints 17-14
Meshing in General 17-15
Meshing Types 17-16
Meshing Tips 17-19
Running the Study 17-21
Displacement Plot - Output of Linear Static Analysis 17-21
Adaptive Methods for Static Studies 17-22
Sample Exam Questions 17-23
FEA Modeling Section 17-37
Tutorial: FEA Model 17-1 17-37
Tutorial: FEA Model 17-2 17-41
Tutorial: FEA Model 17-3 17-45
Tutorial: FEA Model 17-4 17-49

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Tutorial: FEA Model 17-5 17-52

Definitions 17-55

Chapter 18 - Intelligent Modeling Techniques 18-1

Chapter Objective 18-1
Design Intent 18-2
Sketch 18-2
Geometric Relations 18-2
Fully Defined Sketch 18-3
Tutorial: Fully Defined Sketch tool 18-1 18-4
SketchXpert 18-6
Tutorial: SketchXpert 18-1 18-7
Equations 18-9
Dimension Driven Equations 18-9
Tutorial: Equation 18-1 18-10
Tutorial: Equation 18-2 18-12
Equation Driven Curve 18-13
Explicit Equation 18-13
Tutorial: Explicit Equation Driven Curve 18-1 18-13
Parametric Equation Driven Curve 18-14
Tutorial: Parametric Equation Driven Curve 18-1 18-15
Curves 18-16
Tutorial: Curves Through XYZ Points 18-1 18-17
Tutorial: Projected Composite Curves 18-1 18-19
Feature - End Conditions 18-21
Blind 18-21
Through All 18-21
Up to Next 18-21
Up to Vertex 18-21
Up to Surface 18-21
Offset from Surface 18-21
Up to Body 18-22
Mid Plane 18-22
Tutorial: Feature - End Conditions 18-1 18-22
Along a Vector 18-24
Tutorial: Along a Vector 18-1 18-24
FeatureXpert (Constant Radius) 18-25
Symmetry 18-26
Bodies to mirror 18-26
Tutorial: Bodies to Mirror 18-1 18-26
Planes 18-28
Tutorial: Angle Plane 18-1 18-28
Conic Section and Planes 18-29
Tutorial: Conic Section 18-1 18-29
Assembly 18-30
Assembly Visualization 18-30
Tutorial: Assembly Visualization 18-1 18-31
SOLIDWORKS Sustainability 18-31
MateXpert 18-32
Drawings 18-33
DimXpert 18-33
Tutorial: DimXpert 18-1 18-34
Tutorial: DimXpert 18-2 18-35
Summary 18-37

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Chapter 19 - Additive Manufacturing - 3D Printing 19-1

Chapter Objective 19-3
Additive vs. Subtractive Manufacturing 19-4
Cartesian Printer vs. Delta Printer 19-6
Create an STL file in SOLIDWORKS 19-7
Print Directly from SOLIDWORKS 19-8
Print Material 19-9
ABS - Storage 19-9
ABS - Part Accuracy 19-9
PLA - Storage 19-9
PLA - Part Accuracy 19-10
Nylon - Storage 19-10
Nylon - Part Accuracy 19-10
Build Plate 19-11
Non-Heated 19-11
Heated 19-12
Clean 19-12
Level 19-13
Temperature 19-14
Filament Storage 19-15
Prepare the Model 19-16
Example 1: Part Orientation 19-17
Example 2: Part Orientation 19-18
3D Terminology 19-20
Stereolithography (SL or SLA) 19-20
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 19-20
Fused Deposition Fabrication (FDM) 19-20
Digital Light Process (DLP) 19-20
Raft, Skirt, Brim 19-21
Support, Touching Build Plate 19-22
Slicer Engine 19-23
G-code 19-23
Infill 19-23
Infill Pattern/Shape 19-23
Shells/Parameters 19-23
Lay Height 19-24
Influence of Percent Infill 19-24
Remove the Model from the Build Plate 19-25
Know the Printer’s Limitation 19-25
Tolerance for Interlocking Parts 19-25
General Printing Tips 19-26
Reduce Infill 19-26
Control Build Area Temperature 19-26
Add Pads 19-27
Unique Shape or a Large Part 19-27
Safe Zone Rule 19-27
Wall Thickness 19-27
Extruder Temperature 19-28
First Layer Not Sticking 19-28
Level Build Platform 19-29
Minimize Internal Support 19-29
Water-tight Mesh 19-29
Clearance 19-29
In General 19-30
Summary 19-31

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

Appendix
SOLIDWORKS Keyboard Shortcuts A-1
Modeling - Best Practices A-3
Helpful On-Line Information A-5
SOLIDWORKS Document Types A-6
Answers to Chapter 17 for the CSWA FEA Section A-7

Index I-1

Redeem the code on the inside cover of the book. View the
provided videos and models to enhance the user experience. The
book provides access to over 260 models, their solutions and
additional support materials.

Command Syntax
The following command syntax is used throughout the text. Commands that require you
to perform an action are displayed in Bold text.
Format: Convention: Example:
Bold  All commands actions.  Click Options from the Menu bar
 Selected icon button. toolbar.
 Selected geometry: line,  Click the Extruded Boss/Base
circle. feature.
 Value entries.
 Click Corner Rectangle from the
Consolidated Sketch toolbar.
 Click the centerpoint.
 Enter 3.0 for Radius.
Capitalized  Filenames.  Save the Flashlight assembly.
 First letter in a feature  Click the Fillet feature.
name.

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SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide Introduction

Windows Terminology in SOLIDWORKS

The mouse buttons provide an integral role in executing SOLIDWORKS commands. The
mouse buttons execute commands, select geometry, display Shortcut menus and provide
information feedback. A summary of mouse button terminology is displayed below:
Item: Description:
Click Press and release the left mouse button.
Double-click Double press and release the left mouse button.
Click inside Press the left mouse button. Wait a second, and then press the left mouse
button inside the text box.
Use this technique to modify Feature names in the FeatureManager design tree.

Drag/Drop Point to an object, press and hold the left mouse button down.
Move the mouse pointer to a new location.
Release the left mouse button.

Right-click Press and release the right mouse button.

A Shortcut menu is displayed. Use the left mouse button to select a menu
command.
Tool Tip Position the mouse pointer over an Icon (button). The tool name is displayed
below the mouse pointer.

A mouse with a center wheel provides additional functionality in SOLIDWORKS. Roll

the center wheel downward to enlarge the model in the Graphics window. Hold the center
wheel down. Drag the mouse in the Graphics window to rotate the model.

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Introduction SOLIDWORKS® 2018 Reference Guide

Visit SOLIDWORKS website:

http://www.SOLIDWORKS.co
m/sw/support/hardware.html to
view their supported operating
systems and hardware
requirements.
The book is designed to expose
the new user to numerous tools
and procedures. It may not
always use the simplest and
most direct process.

The book does not cover starting

a SOLIDWORKS session in
detail for the first time. A default SOLIDWORKS installation presents you with several
options. For additional information for an Education Edition, visit the following site:
http://www.SOLIDWORKS.com/sw/engineering-education-software.htm

The Instructor’s information contains over 45 classroom presentations, along with

helpful hints, What’s new, sample quizzes, avi files of assemblies, projects, and all initial
and final SOLIDWORKS model files.

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