Exploring Assembly Options and Methods in SolidWorks
In this SolidWorks tutorial, we'll cover various assembly techniques, starting from the basics of assembly mates through more advanced assembly methods while at the same time building a wheel blade assembly. Software required: SolidWorks 2012 and higher.
What you'll learn
In this SolidWorks tutorial, we'll cover various assembly techniques, starting from the basics of assembly mates through more advanced assembly methods while at the same time building a wheel blade assembly. Along the way we'll look at the SolidWorks toolbox, explore various automation tools such as smart mates, insert mate references, use the copy with mates function and then use the smart fasteners tool. As will be demonstrated, these methods can be very productive, and big time savers, but they also can be a bit cumbersome to use in certain situations. You'll also learn some tips along the way and be warned of traps to avoid. Ultimately, you'll be leaving this SolidWorks training with a good understanding on how to use these various techniques and automation methods plus when and where to apply them in order to better define and speed up the SolidWorks assembly process. Software required: SolidWorks 2012 and higher.
Table of contents
- Discussing Our Project Background 10m
- Starting Our Blade Bracket Assembly 12m
- Inserting the Sheet Metal Rivet 12m
- Adding Mate References Onto Our Parts 10m
- Adding Sheet Metal Rivet Holes and Bolt Slots 12m
- Finalizing Our Sheet Metal Rivet Holes 11m
- Inserting Various Parts 12m
- Discussing the Smart Fasteners Tool 11m
- Continuing to Insert Our Bolts, Washers, and Nuts 12m
- Applying Assembly Mates 12m
- Adding Our Square Head Nuts 11m
- Using the Smart Fasteners Feature 11m
- Making Modifications to Our Smart Fastener Mates 10m
- Creating a SolidWorks Toolbox Component 12m
- Applying the Circular Component Pattern 12m
About the author
Chris Scarlett is a teacher and designer with 14 years of experience in Computer Aided Design program at various schools, a regional engineering firm, and for many of his own clients. He is extremely proficient in AutoCAD, Revit Architecture and SolidWorks. Many of his students describe their experiences in his project oriented classes as being efficient, effective and productive. A leader in his department at Central Washington University in "flipping" his teaching methods, he posts his classro... more