SolidWorks For Dummies

Description

Whether it's your first venture into 3D technical drawing software or you're switching to SolidWorks from something else, you're probably excited about what this CAD program has to offer. Chances are, you figure it's going to take awhile to get the hang of it before you can begin cranking out those perfectly precise 3D designs. SolidWorks For Dummies, 2nd Edition, can help you dramatically shorten that get-acquainted period!SolidWorks For Dummies, 2nd Edition will help you get up and running quickly on the leading 3D technical drawing software. You'll see how to set up SolidWorks to create the type of drawings your industry requires and how to take full advantage of its legendary 3D features. You'll discover how to:Work with virtual prototypesUnderstand the user interfaceUse templates and sketch, assemble, and create drawingsAutomate the drawing processReview drawings and collaborate with other team membersDefine and edit sketchesCreate dimensions and annotationsPrint or plot your drawingsLeverage existing designsSample files on the bonus CD-ROM show you how to apply the latest version of SolidWorks and accomplish specific tasks. Even if you're brand-new to CAD software, SolidWorks For Dummies, 2nd Edition will have you feeling like a pro in no time. You'll find you've entered a whole new dimension. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.;SolidWorks For Dummies, 2nd Edition; About the Authors; Dedications; Authors' Acknowledgments; Contents at a Glance; Table of Contents; Introduction; About This Book; Conventions Used in This Book; What You're Not to Read; Foolish Assumptions; How This Book Is Organized; Icons Used in This Book; Where to Go from Here; Part I: Beginning the SolidWorks Journey; Chapter 1:Getting to Know (And Love) SolidWorks; Exploring the SolidWorks Advantage; Getting Your System Ready for SolidWorks; Keeping Your Computer Happy; Starting Up SolidWorks the First Time; Checking Out the Features. SolidWorks For Dummies, 2nd Edition About the Authors Dedications Authors' Acknowledgments Contents at a Glance Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Conventions Used in This Book What You're Not to Read Foolish Assumptions How This Book Is Organized Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Part I: Beginning the SolidWorks Journey Chapter 1:Getting to Know (And Love) SolidWorks Exploring the SolidWorks Advantage Getting Your System Ready for SolidWorks Keeping Your Computer Happy Starting Up SolidWorks the First Time Checking Out the Features. Chapter 2: Taking Control of SolidWorksWorking with SolidWorks Documents Creating and Opening a Document Working with Templates Understanding the User Interface Getting a Better View of Things Exploring the SolidWorks Help Menu Customizing the User Interface Defining SolidWorks System Options Chapter 3: Building Blocks for the Virtual Prototype Planning and Capturing Design Intent (Or, Think First and Then Do) Applying Layouts and Design Skeletons Part II: Design Intent and the Virtual Prototype Chapter 4: Do What I Mean, Not What I Sketch Making and Editing a Sketch. Defining the SketchChapter 5: Making Better Parts Introducing Part Features Working with the Features Toolbar Creating Sketched Features Making Applied Features Designing Pattern and Mirror Features Building a Part Building a Better Part Knowing How Much to Model Chapter 6: Putting It All Together Creating and Modifying the Assembly Understanding Your Mates Working with Your Virtual Prototype Part III: The Devil's in the "Drawing" Details Chapter 7: Creating Drawings Becoming Familiar with Drawing Elements Opening a New Drawing Document Editing the Drawing Sheet Format. Placing the Drawing ViewsChanging View Properties Creating Drawing Dimensions Adding Reference Annotations Checking Spelling Defining Drawing Tables Chapter 8: Speeding It Up: Automating the Drawing Planning for the Drawing Inserting Model Items Managing Drawing Clutter with Layers Automating Drawing Creation Working with Dimension Favorites Creating the Drawing Template Chapter 9: Changes, Changes, Changes Changing the Design Getting Information from Your Design Chapter 10: Leveraging Your Existing Designs Maintaining Old Drawing Files Managing Configurations. Chapter 11: Printing and PlottingDelving into Printing and Plotting Installing a Printer in Windows Setting Printer and Document Preferences in Windows Choosing Print Options in SolidWorks Printing a Document Part IV: Playing Nicely with Others (And Picking Up Your Toys) Chapter 12: Managing the Clutter Managing Data with or without a Net Managing Your Data Manually Copying Files with SolidWorks Explorer Chapter 13: Collaborating with Team Members Keeping Everyone on the Same Page When Collaborating Exploring Standard Design Elements Working with Different File Formats.