Solidworks¶

Introduction¶

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs on Windows. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes. The first version was released in 1995 and was SolidWorks 95. Now, with SolidWorks 2019, we are at the 27th version.

SolidWorks is a solid modeler, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach which was initially developed by PTC (Creo/Pro-Engineer) to create models and assemblies. The software is written on Parasolid-kernel.

I used Solidworks during school studies ( from 8th Grade to 12th Grade ), and after that, I learn to use Catia, Cubify and Fusion360. So I didn’t use Solidworks since more than 10 years now … So, let’s see what I can do and if it has change a lot … ( spoiler alert : it has hardly change …)

Presentation of the parts¶

For the Eurobot competition of 2019, we have decided to test vacuum cup to manipulate the elements on the table. We made some tests and now, it’s time to integrate the vacuum cup system into our robot.

But to do that, we will have to first model the vacuum cup and the screw, and after that, design a support for the cup and a arm to attach it. The arm will be laser cutted and the support 3d printed.

Create parts¶

So first, you will have to choose between making a part or an assembly. For the first step, I will make all the parts separated, and I will assemble them at the end.

As a lot of parts can be created with revolution tool, I also decided to make some revolution parts without the revolution tool in order to test more option of the software.

I will not review all the tools or the creation step but will focus on some tips and tricks that can help other people. And I found mainly 3 tips which help me during my work on Solidworks

Tips 1 : change some parameters¶

First of all, I activate 2 options which can be very useful I think for the sketch of your parts. Option 1 : Auto-rotate view normal to sketch plane This will automatically rotate you view when you will create a sketch, and will oriented it normal to the sketch plane. So you will have a better vision of your sketch. Option 2: Use fully defined sketches I always learn that a good sketch is a sketch that are fully defined. So with this option, you cannot forget to define correctly your sketch, ant I think it’s a good option if you are a beginner and also if you are a lot on CAD software.

Tips 2 : use a sectional view¶

Mostly when you are working on revolution parts, you will need to see the inside of your design. The section view can help you. You can select a plane to virtually “cut” your part to see the inside of it. Very useful !

Tips 3 : use the hole generator¶

When you want to design holes for screw, do not design the hole by hand : use the hole generator. It can generate mostly every type of holes you need quickly and simply, and you can also determine which kind of screw you want to insert to auto-determinate the holes dimensions. A “must have” for modern CAD software.

Results¶

I succeeded in designing all my parts and now, I have to assemble them. It wasn’t hard for me because I’m very used to CAD software and, like I said, I learn to use Solidworks ten years ago … And it didn’t really change !

Assembly¶

Now it’s time to join all of these parts. For the need of the assembly, I will need a servomotor, but I didn’t want to spend time on designing this files because I know that we can find some interesting design on GrabCAD

I’ve not a lot of tips on the assembly step, but I can advise you to put some color on your parts so you can quickly and easily see all the different parts.

And that’s it ! Juste need to insert and assembly the arm I’ve designed and the servomotor I’ve find on GrabCAD and that’s all ! simple design to test Solidworks. You can find all my files on GrabCAD, and see what it looks like in 3D below :

Vacuum arm by nadar-breicq on Sketchfab

For people who have already some basics with CAD software, it will not be hard to use solidworks but be careful, because the logic of this software is a bit different than other one, mainly on the assembly tools.

Also, don’t forget that solidworks is a pro software with a high licence price.