SolidWorks 2022: Geometry

Name: SolidWorks 2022: Geometry
Author: Will Tenney

Learn the most important reference geometry tools as well as several methods for creating sketch geometry in 3D

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Course: On-Demand

Hi, my name is Will Tenney. And in this lesson we learn about what reference geometry is. We show reference geometry in a model, and we show how to toggle reference geometry on and off. So essentially, reference geometry in SolidWorks refers to a toolset that allows us to establish points or axes in 3D space, to help us analyze our model relative to those points, or relative to those referenced geometric aspects that we've added. If we wanna look for reference geometry, we can go to features. Go here to the reference geometry dropdown toolbar. And we have everything available to us. We have planes, which we understand. Axes, co-ordinate systems, points, what have you. Now, for this particular model, I've actually established a few of those things. Starting off, I've got a point that I've placed right here in the center of the space. I can now use this point to click to in future sketches or features, if this point in XYZ space is important in the way that it's set up. I also establish a new co-ordinate system, different than the co-ordinate system that the origin is tied to. You can see how these are in different locations. This also helps me if I want to analyze, say, the center of mass and the values that come up for center of mass relative to this coordinate system as opposed to the origin. For instance, let's do that. Let's go to evaluate, and we'll go to mass properties. And we can see that our mass is 21.43 grams. We have our volume, we have our surface area, and that we have the X, Y, and Z values for this center of mass. It's also showing us the center of mass here. Now, we know that if we were, say, to decrease the size of this cylinder, to say maybe 10. That center of mass location would shift as well. You can see how it's drifted further inside of the rectangle. Let's go back to mass properties. Those values, as well, have updated because it has a new location in XYZ space. But this is so relative to the origin. We've established a new co-ordinate system, and we want the XYZ values to reflect this new co-ordinate system. So let's change that with this dropdown menu here, and we can watch those new XYZ values update. Now, we can toggle any reference geometry on and off, either by hiding it or suppressing it. If we wanna hide reference geometry, we can go to this eyeball here with the dropdown menu, and select the reference geometry items we wish to hide. If we mouse our cursor over, we can see which type of feature or command, or reference geometry aspect it's highlighting. We can also go to view, hide, show, and be able to do the same. For instance, let's hide the co-ordinate system for right now. Let's see. There it is. We've hidden it. And now we're exposing it again. We can also right click on the very thing itself in the feature tree, and hide it that way. If we don't want this to have any influence on the model but we don't want it to delete our work, we can suppress it instead of hiding it. We can do that by right clicking. Clicking the suppress button, and you'll see how it goes away. That also means, if we were to go back to evaluate mass properties, we wouldn't have that available to us to measure against. We'd have to first un-suppress the feature to be able to access it. Thanks for tuning in. In the next lesson, we discuss the following reference geometry tools, planes, and axes.

Beginner Provider : Will Tenney 6 Lessons · 36m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

Reference geometry deals specifically with entities or tools that utilize all axes of 3D space: X, Y, and Z. Some reference geometry is necessary for 2D sketching or 3D modeling. Other reference geometry simply offers a more controlled yet complex methodology for creating parts. You may use reference geometry far less in modeling than standard 2D sketching. However, an inept understanding of these types of tools not only opens the door for more nuanced modeling but also strengthens the designers understanding of how their decisions affect entities in 3 dimensions in a general sense. This is a necessary skill for any design field.

The second half of the module deals specifically with curves in 3D space. Unlike a curve in a 2D sketch, covered in previous modules, these curves exist in and of themselves without the need of pre-existing sketch planes. That makes them powerful curve sketch tools for those who can use them aptly. Some of these curve types include: projected curves, curves through XYZ coordinates, helixes, spirals, and composite curves.

What You'll Learn

Define what reference geometry is and understand its purpose in 3D space
Identify the different types of reference geometry and create them, including planes and axes
Build projected curves and composite curves that exist independently of pre-existing sketch planes
Establish and utilize reference points and coordinate systems in XYZ space
Create and edit helixes and spiral curves
Work with curves through XYZ coordinates and mate references

Key Takeaways

Reference geometry deals with entities or tools that utilize all axes of 3D space: X, Y, and Z.
Some reference geometry is necessary for 2D sketching or 3D modeling, while other types offer a more controlled yet complex methodology for creating parts.
Understanding reference geometry tools opens the door for more nuanced modeling and strengthens a designer's understanding of how their decisions affect entities in three dimensions.
Unlike curves in a 2D sketch, the curves covered in the second half of the module exist on their own without the need of pre-existing sketch planes, making them powerful curve sketch tools.
Curve types covered include projected curves, curves through XYZ coordinates, helixes, spirals, and composite curves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this SolidWorks 2022: Geometry course cover?

The course covers reference geometry, including planes, axes, coordinate systems, points, and mate references, as well as curves in 3D space such as projected curves, curves through XYZ coordinates, helixes, spirals, and composite curves.

What will I be able to do after taking this course?

You will learn what reference geometry is and its purpose, how to create different types of reference geometry, how to build projected curves and composite curves, how to establish and utilize reference points in XYZ space, and how to create and edit helixes and spirals.

Why is understanding reference geometry important for designers?

Understanding these tools opens the door for more nuanced modeling and strengthens a designer's understanding of how their decisions affect entities in three dimensions in a general sense, which the course describes as a necessary skill for any design field.

What skills does this course help build?

The course helps build skills in 3D Modeling, Geometric Modeling, Solid Drawing, Solid Modeling, SolidWorks (CAD), and SolidWorks Certification.

How are the 3D curves in this course different from 2D sketch curves?

Unlike a curve in a 2D sketch covered in previous modules, these curves exist in and of themselves without the need of pre-existing sketch planes, which makes them powerful curve sketch tools for those who can use them aptly.