Having Fun With Solidworks

[jmc]

I think 3D modelling is only usefull in the CNC manufacturing route. 3D models arent easier to read for the welder or fabricator.

Though, the X-steel program does have advantages in designing steel structures as it also generates good welding drawings, but personally i am not a fan of any 3D modelling program at all... With 2D like autocad, the drawer (me) can decide what to show and what not, how much detail should be shown on a single sheet etcetera. With 3d the drawing is too elaborated and it usually needs lots of paper because many details you dont even need, are on the drawing.

Renze,

It would be a shame that someone would pass up an opportunity to learn Solidworks based on your post.

First of all, a 3D model is a great visualization tool. Aside from an actual part, there is nothing like a shaded 3D model that can be zoomed and rotated in real time to confirm asthetics and proportion. A section can be pulled anywhere in a few seconds to reveal thin spots, etc, and that section can be dragged to anywhere on the model in real time.

Second, if you want to change that model, you type in a new dimension and the model updates itself in seconds, including any other dimensions that are affected by the one that was changed.

Lastly, you control the drawing as well and that drawing can have all the pertinent dimensions or none at all.

John

 

[Renze]

JMC i'll admit directly that i never put enough time in 3D to really learn to use them, but when working with hot and cold rolled profile beams, it doesnt get any clearer when all radii and flanges of a beam are drawn.
It does, when designing laser cut or machined parts. For the frames of 5th wheel trailers up to 12 ton GVW i draw at work, 3D has very little advantages. The welders/fabricators have to learn how to properly read a drawing, some slick 3D renderings will only aid the envisioning by technically illiterate people. Those are the folks that arent interested in it anyways, they just want to see the outer appearance, cloth sides or aluminium panels, etcetera and not the constructional details.
we sell trailers to the commercial market, not to a consumer market that cares about industrial design. In the end, we want to earn our bread from what we do, and only do what aids to the number under the line, on the financial results.

AutoCad also has a stretch function and dimensions follow the stretch... You only have to do this again on the other views, which is only a few seconds work.

 

[gizmo]

Renze, most solid modeling packages, Solidworks included, create construction drawings such as you are referring to from the models. The level of detail is easily customized for the particular application. Below are two construction drawing views of a woodworking project done in Solidworks. The original model has a form and appearance similar to those shown above.

 

[bedway]

Can anyone tell me which, if any of the programs is compatable with a 64 bit windows operating system? Im not looking for anything real elaborate. I do cabinet and furniture building. I use to have autocad, but the version i had wouldnt work on this o/s. thank you,,,,,,,,,,,,,bedway

 

[mathey]

SolidWorks 2007 has a 64bit version

 

[holstein05]

Wow, I found some tractor guys that are into mechaincal design with 3-D parametrics. Now that's cool. I especially am eyeing the quick attach forks that started this post.

I too have lots of exerience with many parametric packages. (Over 10 years) Each Package has it's pro's and cons, and most 3-D packages today are pretty good, and mostly depend on user preference as to which is better than another. I've known die-hards of most every discipline. Personally, I'm a Pro-E and SW type of guy.

If anyone would be interested in sharing some SW files of cool tractor implements, let me know. I'm particularly interested in Quick attach front end loader stuff right now.

Thanks

 

[Renze]

JMC i sorta changed my mind on the benefits of 3D rendering: I've found that SolidWorks has a strength calculation module as an option. For me this would be beneficial developing self-carrying trailer superstructures so ther is no need for a frame and we can save weight.
Anyways, i assume the price to be so high that we'd better outsource the calculation for those few cases that linear bend calculation is not sufficient.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I'm just a plain old redneck engineer that happens to have access to
both AutoDesk Inventor Pro 9 and AutoCad 2004. I prefer Inventor.
I like to see what the thing I am designing actually will look like.

For woodworking stuff check out eCabinet Systems.
Their software is free. They mail you a CD.
I haven't used it or even installed it. But I sent off for a free CD.
Mite check and see if they have a 64 bit version out now.

Pooh Bear