SolidWorks Tutorial for Beginners #1

Summary

This tutorial introduces SolidWorks 2020, guiding users through the software's interface and essential sketch commands. It covers creating 2D sketches, using the line and circle tools, applying dimensions and relations, and understanding the difference between driven and driving dimensions. The video also explores advanced sketching techniques like mirroring entities and using trim entities for refining sketches. Each step is detailed to help new users grasp the basics of SolidWorks effectively.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Start SolidWorks 2020 by opening the part environment from the welcome window or via the 'New' button.
• 📏 Learn basic sketch commands by switching to the sketch environment and selecting the appropriate plane for your 2D sketch.
• 📐 Use the line command to create horizontal and vertical lines, ensuring they are fully defined and constrained by using the origin as the starting point.
• 📏 Apply dimensions to lines using the Smart Dimension tool, specifying lengths to define the sketch accurately.
• 🖍️ Understand the difference between driving and driven dimensions, and how they affect the sketch when one dimension changes.
• 🔄 Utilize relations like 'make collinear' to ensure that lines are aligned as per the design requirements.
• 🌐 Create reference center lines and circles with specific dimensions and use object snaps for accurate placement.
• 🔄 Use the trim entities tool to remove unnecessary parts of the sketch, keeping the design clean and precise.
• 🔄 Apply the mirror entities command to create symmetrical parts by reflecting sketches across a center line.
• 🔄 Manage over-defined sketches by either deleting unnecessary dimensions or converting some to driven dimensions.
• 🖥️ Navigate and manipulate the sketch view using zoom, pan, and rotate commands for better visualization and precision.

Q & A

How do you start a part environment in SolidWorks 2020?

You can start a part environment in SolidWorks 2020 by clicking on the 'Part' button on the welcome window or by clicking 'New' and selecting 'Part' from the advanced window.

What is the first step to create a 2D sketch in SolidWorks?

The first step to create a 2D sketch in SolidWorks is to switch to the sketch environment by clicking on 'Sketch' and then selecting a plane, such as the top plane.

What unit system does SolidWorks provide for sketches?

SolidWorks provides several unit systems for sketches, including MKS (millimeter, kilogram, second), CGS, IPS, and MMGS.

How do you create a horizontal line in a sketch?

To create a horizontal line in a sketch, click on the 'Line' command, specify the first point at the origin, and then move the cursor away to define the line direction. The horizontal relation is automatically applied when starting from the origin.

What is the keyboard shortcut for the line command in SolidWorks?

The keyboard shortcut for the line command in SolidWorks is 'L'.

How do you add dimensions to a line in a sketch?

To add dimensions to a line in a sketch, use the 'Smart Dimension' tool by clicking on the line and specifying the desired length.

What does it mean when a sketch is fully defined in SolidWorks?

A fully defined sketch in SolidWorks means that all the necessary parameters and dimensions have been provided, and the sketch is suitable for 3D creation.

How do you create a reference center line in a sketch?

To create a reference center line, click on the 'Line' tool, then click on the arrow next to it and select 'Centerline'. Click on the points to define the start and end of the centerline.

What is the difference between a driving and a driven dimension in SolidWorks?

A driving dimension is a primary dimension that controls the size of the sketch, while a driven dimension is a secondary dimension that changes automatically based on the driving dimensions.

How do you create a circle at the intersection of two centerlines?

To create a circle at the intersection of two centerlines, use the 'Circle' command, click on the origin for the center point, move the cursor to the intersection point where the centerlines meet, and click to define the circle.

What is the 'Power Trim' tool used for in SolidWorks sketches?

The 'Power Trim' tool is used to remove or trim excess parts of sketch entities. It trims objects crossed by a gray line when the mouse is dragged across the sketch.

How do you mirror an entity in a sketch?

To mirror an entity, first create a centerline to act as the mirror line, then select the entity and use the 'Mirror Entities' command, choosing the centerline as the mirror reference.