SolidWorks 2022: Getting Started

Name: SolidWorks 2022: Getting Started
Author: Will Tenney

Learn what to expect when first using the program as well as how Solidworks works

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Course: On-Demand

Hello, my name is Will Tenney, and in this lesson, you'll learn a bit more about what SolidWorks is and how it is used. We'll also talk briefly about how to get the most out of the program as you use it. Amongst CAD programs, SolidWorks is considered an industry standard in design and engineering. CAD, as you might know, is an acronym for computer aided design or computer aided drafting. SolidWorks is a CAD program that uses something called parametric modeling. Parametric modeling refers to the ability to change the shape or features of a 3D computer model by altering a previously assigned dimension or relationship. Let me explain a bit more. So here to the left is an interface zone known as the Feature Manager. It is a chronological list of the commands that you make in the order that you make them. Some or all of the later features may be completely dependent on the features that came before them. This means that altering the features early in the Feature Manager or higher on the list will have effects on those more recent features that are lower on the list. This is where parametric modeling really comes in handy. Ideally, if the design of the model is built in a logical way, you can make significant design changes that affect a lot more features fairly quickly and at the same time. Anyone who has had to make last minute adjustments to a design or has had to deal with a lot of design under a tight deadline can find a lot of value in this aspect. I have a feature here named Diameter of Hex Nut. This is the first feature that I created. The subsequent features are affected by any changes that I make to it, specifically the diameter of the center cylindrical cut where I'll be adding the thread of the nut. I can alter this single feature and watch the entire model update without crashing. To show that, I will go into that feature, change the diameter of the hex nut, finish the sketch, and we will watch as the entire model updates to work with that new change. Right now, it is set to one inch. I will change that to two. And close the sketch. Okay, now that that's done, you can see that other features have updated along with it. For instance, my cylindrical cut in the center grew in diameter as well. Finishing off, I'll tell you about how to get the most out of the program as you use it. First things first, make sure that your machine is well compatible for hosting the program. This means having a decent processor, enough RAM to run the program, and most importantly, a good graphics card. A brief internet search for system requirements for SolidWorks should lead you to SolidWorks Online, where those needs are discussed in more detail. Viewing this tutorial and following along, you are probably already set to go. This is just something to keep in mind as your parts start to get really complex and require more and more processing power. Another thing to consider about SolidWorks to be really successful early on is getting used to setting personal interface preferences so that you can use it in the way that you prefer. Each command in the program can likely be done by a hot key on the keyboard, a mouse gesture, or can be found in one of several different locations in different toolbars. Get used to using the program in a manner that is comfortable for you. Pro tip, try to set command preferences that match other programs you're used to so you don't have to learn a whole new set of keystrokes. I use a lot of illustration programs and have set my SolidWorks preferences to match the command strokes from those other programs so that everything's the same. Lastly, if you haven't already, it's recommended that you purchase a mouse with a scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is used to move your 3D model around in space. With it, you can move very quickly when working. Without it, you can still move your model around by tapping arrow keys and holding down Shift + Ctrl or Command to move it in different ways. Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for the next lesson, where I will show you what you will encounter when you open the program, as well as offer a quick summary of each of the interface zones that this program hosts.

Beginner Provider : Will Tenney 4 Lessons · 19m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

From first opening the program, you will become familiar with the general method of how Solidworks operates. In order to understand how and why certain modeling commands are used, you will first need to learn why the program builds parts in the way that it does. Solidworks uses parametric modeling to establish dimensions and relationships within design drawings in order to drive more complex changes that are likely to occur as you continue to build your product.

You will also learn the basic interface: each of the different zones where commands are organized, how to interact with each of these zones, and where to find quick solutions to issues if you get stuck. Once a general understanding of the interface is established, you will then learn how you can customize the layout as well as how you activate the tools. You can then begin to create a UX relationship with the program that fits your modeling style.

What You'll Learn

Understand what SolidWorks is, how it works, and its basic system requirements
Open a Part File and begin working in the program
Locate the general areas where all commands and tools can be found
Customize how you interact with SolidWorks using keyboard hotkeys, mouse gestures, and shortcuts
Display a 3D model in different ways, including isometric view, perspective view, hidden line view, and realistic view with shading and shadow

Key Takeaways

SolidWorks uses parametric modeling to establish dimensions and relationships within design drawings, which drive more complex changes as you continue to build a product.
Understanding why the program builds parts the way it does helps explain how and why certain modeling commands are used.
The SolidWorks interface is organized into different zones, each with its own commands and ways to interact, plus places to find quick solutions when you get stuck.
You can customize the layout and activate tools to create a UX relationship with the program that fits your modeling style.
A 3D model can be displayed in multiple ways, including isometric, perspective, hidden line, and realistic views with shading and shadow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is for those getting started with SolidWorks 2022, covering everything from first opening the program to becoming familiar with the general method of how SolidWorks operates.

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn what SolidWorks is and how it is used, how to open the program and a Part File, how to personalize command preferences using keyboard hotkeys, mouse gestures, and shortcuts, and how to view a 3D model in different ways such as isometric, perspective, hidden line, and realistic views.

Why does the course explain parametric modeling?

SolidWorks uses parametric modeling to establish dimensions and relationships within design drawings in order to drive more complex changes that are likely to occur as you continue to build your product, so the course covers why the program builds parts the way it does.

What skills does this course help build?

The course relates to skills including CAD programs, solid drawing, solid modeling, SolidWorks (CAD), and working toward SolidWorks certification.

What lessons are included?

The course includes the lessons: What is SolidWorks and How is it Used?, Opening the Program, Personalizing Command Preferences, and Viewing the Model.