SolidWorks 2014 Short and Simple

Chapter 1: Getting Started

In this chapter, you will learn some of the most commonly used features of SolidWorks. In addition, you will learn about the user interface.

SolidWorks is a parametric and feature-based system that allows you to create 3D parts, assemblies, and 2D drawings. The following figure shows the design process in SolidWorks.

In SolidWorks, you create parts by combining features.

In SolidWorks, features are of two types: sketch-based and placed. You create a sketch based feature by drawing a sketch and extruding, revolving, sweeping along a path, or lofting it.

You create placed features by simply placing them onto an existing feature. Examples of placed features are fillets, chamfers, drafts, shells, holes and so on.

In SolidWorks, parameters, dimensions, or relations control everything. For example, if you want to change the position of the hole shown in figure, you need to change the dimension or relation that controls its position.

Starting SolidWorks

Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

Click All Programs.

Click SolidWorks 2014 > SolidWorks 2014.

Click the New button.

On the New SolidWorks Document dialog, click Part.

Click OK button

Notice these important features of the SolidWorks window.

User Interface

The following sections explain various components of the user interface.

Menu

Menu is located at top of the window. It has various options (menu titles). When you click on a menu title, a drop-down appears. Select any option from this drop-down.

CommandManager

CommandManager is located at the top of the window. It consists of various tabs. When you click on a tab, a set of tools appear. You can select the required tool from the tab. The following sections explain the CommandManager tabs available in SolidWorks.

Features tab

This CommandManager tab contains the tools to create 3D features.

Evaluate tab

This CommandManager tab has the tools to measure the objects. It also has analysis tools to analyze the draft, curvature, surface and so on.

Sketch tab

This tab contains all the sketch tools.

Assemble tab

This CommandManager tab contains the tools to create an assembly. This tab is available in an assembly document.

Drawing Environment tabs

In the Drawing Environment, you can create orthographic views of the 3D model. The CommandManager tabs in this environment contain tools to create 2D drawings.

Sheet Metal tab

Use the tools in this tab to create sheet metal components.

Quick Access Toolbar

This is available at the top of the window. It contains the tools such as New, Save, Open and so on.

FeatureManager Design Tree

This is located at the left side of the window. It contains the list of operations carried in a SolidWorks document.