Having Fun With Solidworks

[gizmo]

I have been designing my quick attach forks in Solidworks. In addition to being able to create solid models and fabrication drawings, it also does pretty good renders. I have already purchased the forks, hooks and pins. Now I just need to get the rectangular tube and flat stock. This is really a cool piece of software.

 

[Rgillard]

I use Pro-Engineer to model up my projects. The beauty of it is that you can model mechanisms. In this project I was trying to find the optimum position for the hydraulic cylinder so I could get the most from the cylinder. It is a very useful package. Have never used solid works but hear its a great programme too. All we need is CNC machines attached to the computers and there is nothing that we couldnt make. If only!!!!

I was trying to attach an MPEG file to show the trailer tipping but I cant at this minute. My webpage is down too. is there any other way of doing it??

 

[PineRidge]

How long did it take you getting comfortable with the software? Were you able to draw what you needed right off the bat?

 

[Rgillard]

I used Pro/E while I was at college and use it now for working so I would be very proficient. I have attached screenshots of the trailer. Think that took me about 35-40 mins to model and mechanism. It spits out an MPEG file into Windows media player. It is definitely a handy method of working because you can see your mistakes and make improvements before you actually walk out into the workshop.

 

[mathey]

once you've used SolidWorks, you'll never go back to Pro again!

*ducking for cover*

 

[gizmo]

Rgillard:
In a previous life I ran an engineering department where we used Solidworks in conjunction with our CNC machines. Our group developed systems for scientific research, so we were able to dream up some really neat stuff. Lots of fun. Solidworks will also do mechanisms with animation.

PineRidge:
Obviously how long it takes to get comfortable with something is dependent as much on the person as what the something is. However, having dealt with a lot of software of an engineering nature I would say that Solidworks and other similar parametric modeling systems are really easy to get value out of quickly. I was able to make basic objects and assemblies literally within minutes of my first encounter with the package. My experience with Autocad, for example, was not the same.

 

[MadReferee]

Cheapest license I could find for SolidWorks was $3995. A full function license with the useful options will run about $8000. It ain't cheap.

 

[3RRL]

In a previous life I ran an engineering department where we used Solidworks in conjunction with our CNC machines. Our group developed systems for scientific research, so we were able to dream up some really neat stuff. Lots of fun. Solidworks will also do mechanisms with animation.

Me too.
We had both (several seats of each) along with MasterCam, CadKey and AutoCad. Back then each seat was extremely expensive, Pro-E being the most expensive. I was gonna say you guys must have some big bucks to blow on you home systems...or some generous employers? I still have those programs but they are licensed to my corporation along with myself as the named individual.

 

[gizmo]

The Solidworks license allows an additional personal use install on a portable or home system for each seat purchased. If I were engaged in commercial use I would have to purchase another license.

 

[have_blue]

If anyone wants to try CAD and 3D modeling for free, try "Blender". It isn't as good as the big 3, but it's free. Check out the "art gallery" for some amazingly realistic renderings.

http://www.blender.org/cms/Home.2.0.html

For laying out your simple mechanicals, any free CAD program will usually suffice.